Laucala, a private island refuge in the South Pacific, is home to 25 Fijian-styled luxury villas among dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches. Sitting on over 3,400 acres, the tropical hideaway is situated amid coconut plantations atop the island’s volcanic mountains.
The resort is located in the eastern portion of Fiji, on Laucala island, off the north eastern coast of Taveuni. Here, a majority of the land is unspoiled and busy with some of the archipelago’s rarest birds and animals. Coral reefs, jungle terrain, wild orchids, mangroves and marine life are all a part of the island’s lush natural bounty.
Because the surrounding area is such an important part of the villas, the property has put into place a sustainable approach to its resort living. They have established a partnership with many of the isle’s organic farms and gardens to produce fruit, vegetables, herbs and meat for its restaurants. The spa also utilizes flowers and spices from the surrounding areas to ensure that guests not only feel good but also know they are doing good while there.
The 25 dwellings are designed as glamorous versions of traditional Fijian homes and are sprinkled around the northern coastline. All villas are created with free-flowing shapes and forms, and were built using natural materials such as sago palms, doga timer, bala bala fern stems and coconut husks. Regardless of location, all rooms open to an infinity edge pool and come with a buggy for getting around the resort.
A stunning two-bedroom accommodation, the Overwater Residence is stretched out across several levels of lagoons. Inside, rich hardwood floors are matched with beige, pale pinks and oranges, and light blue colors for a distinctly elegant island atmosphere. Stone flooring dresses the bathroom which boasts large open windows and a deep circular wooden tub. Just in case you want to take a break from sea water, there is also a private pool available right outside the residence.
Blurring the lines between the exterior and interior areas, the open-plan Plateau Villas sit on Nawi Mountain and view out onto the ocean and neighboring islands. In the bathroom, the tub is carved right out of a large rock to really make you feel one with nature. The villa is a great choice for private gatherings with friends or family due to its spacious size and seclusion on the mountain ridge.
When you’re ready to venture around the property, you’ll find a variety of activities available ranging from relaxing to adventurous. Golf, horseback riding, rainforest hikes, spa treatments and cultural tours are all available, as well as a Water Sports Center with a fleet of 14 boats. Through the center, guests can book windsurfing excursions, sunset cruises and kitesurfing among other things. For the smallest travelers, the Kids Club caters to them with a selection of fun, educational and informative adventures.
While each villa has its own pool, sometimes traveling can be enhanced when you’re able to mingle with other guests and share the experience. Therefore, the resort also has a 2,152-square-foot lagoon-style pool that is perfect for getting to know your neighbors. Enveloped by tall palms, the pool is divided into three areas and houses the swim-up Pool Bar. Swimmers can also catch a bite at the Beach Bar which serves casual island fare.
To sleep in paradise, Laucala's accommodations start at USD $5,040 per night. After landing in Fiji, guests check in at the Laucala Nadi Lounge before transferring to a King Air B200 plane for a 50-minute flight.
