Kim from Ross & Turner Travel Associates was lucky enough to experience the ultimate luxury in Fiji when she visited privately owned island, Laucala.
Fiji has long been known for its all inclusive exclusive resorts, but Laucala, the largest private island getaway in the world, raises the bar. I recently spent two unforgettable days there.
Arriving at Laucala is almost like entering Paul Gauguins painting 'Garden of Eden'. Laucala is a little different from what you might expect of a resort. Clients are treated exactly as they are - guests on an incredible private island. It is seriously the most amazing place I have been to. Nothing comes even close to it in Fiji, perhaps the world as far as private islands go.
Laucala Island was purchased in 2003 by Dietrich Matesich, the owner of the Red Bull empire. The island had been owned for decades by Malcolm Forbes, who kept it in its original state. The island is over 1200 hectares in size, and hundreds of millions of dollars has been invested to turn it into the worlds largest and most exclusive private island. He has been specific in his focus on developing a private island rather than a resort - something unique in travel.
The private residences are enormous. My one bedroom residence sat on one acre of beachfront land with a full size swimming pool. There are 25 distinctive villa's (called residences) which are tucked across the 12-square-kilometre isle, each equipped with 2 bathrooms (indoor and outdoor), a stunning infinity pool, ample places to relax, a fully stocked bar and a couple of lounge areas. The residences have been specifically designed with privacy in mind, each one exclusive and individual to suit its location.
The island is fully inclusive of all meals, alcohol, a massage treatment, golf, tennis, scuba diving, boating ...the works. The island has all you would expect plus a thousand times more. Laucala has a broad range of activities with a beautiful day spa, four dining venues, bars at every location, 18 holes of golf, mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis, yoga, fishing, diving, water-skiing, snorkelling - any manner of water sports.
The only way to reach Laucala is by the private plane (or your own) which takes 45 minutes from Nadi airport. This is a truly special place. A perfect island that feels like your own and a completely indulgent place to relax for a few days.
