Laucala Resort, Fiji · Laucala Resort is a 3,500-acre private island located on Laucala Island in Fiji with just 25 uber luxury villas, accessible by its own airport. Each villa

Source: DG Amazing Experiences

Doug Gollan, Founder/Editor DG Amazing Experiences interviewed Co-Founder of Executive Edge Travel

Yvonne Verstandig about her time on Laucala Island. DG Amazing Experiences is the first and only travel e-

newsletter written for private jet owners in the "CEO-style" of reporting they are accustomed to. Readership

covers all 50 states and over 40 countries, and readers average over 100 flights per year. Readers include

owners of large private businesses across a wide spectrum of industries from ship building and auto

dealerships to farming and pharmaceuticals, plus Chairmen, Presidents and CEOs of Fortune 500

companies. It is a highly targeted readership, including some of the world's wealthiest and most influential

citizens. Doug is also author of #1 Amazon new launch book called Secrets of Selling to the Super

Rich, contributor to Forbes.com and Luxury Editor of Navigator.

Laucala Resort, Fiji

1. OVERVIEW:

Laucala Resort is a 3,500-acre private island located on Laucala Island in Fiji with just 25 uber

luxury villas, accessible by its own airport. Each villa is different, designed with an eye to

traditional Fijian style and all come with private pools set amidst the palms of coconut

plantations, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush green mountains. Those who have

been are unanimous this is a “must visit” if you like islands, beaches and unique getaways with

lots of activities and soft adventure.

Eighty percent of consumables are self-sustainable, and ownership prides itself on a philosophy

which brings elements of the island into each guest experience. For example, produce is raised

and grown organically on the island. The farm-to-table concept in its five restaurants and bars

offer a wide choice of international and local cuisines, complemented by an extensive wine

cellar. There is a 240-acre farm on the island.

"What I loved most was the fact that it felt like a completely bespoke island experience. Every

day was tailored to our personal taste and nothing was ever too much trouble. Staff were ready

and waiting to assist. The yoga schedule was when and where I wanted it. No request was too

big,” says Yvonne Verstandig, co-founder of Australia’s Executive Edge Travel.

Laucala is best known among its VVIP clientele for a

multitude of sporting and cultural activities for guests of all

ages. From an 18-hole championship course, organic spa,

tennis, horseback riding, yoga, pilates, diving, sailing, hiking,

biking, trekking to meet indigenous artists, there is lots do,

or of course, nothing if that’s your preference. If you stay

longer (recommendations are at least seven days) you can

make off-island forays.

http://forbes.com/

http://www.laucala.com/

http://www.laucala.com/philosophy

http://www.laucala.com/philosophy

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.executiveedge.com.au/


The island has one of three DeepFlight Super Falcon submarines in the world. Laucala Water

Sports Center has diving (with multiple dive options),

snorkeling, jet skiing, kite-surfing, kayaking (in glass

bottom boats), fishing, sailing equipment and more.

The center additionally has its own fleet of 14 boats

for guests. Andrew Harper voted Laucala “Best

Hideaway in the World.” There is not a single

complaint on Trip Advisor, where it gets 100% 5-star

ratings, something I’ve never seen for any other hotel

on the review site.

Omar Cherif, CEO and Founder of O.C. Special + Travel in Paris and Los Angeles, says Laucala is

perfect for takeovers with groups of up to 60. If you are coming from North America or Europe,

he says Laucala is a good combination with Australia and New Zealand, particularly since it has

its own private airport.

Cigar Aficionado quotes luxury travel advisor Chad Clark as calling Laucala, “Pure Paradise.” He

continued, ”This island is Fantasy Island. The most exclusive and luxurious island resort in

the world, period. It has five restaurants, a championship golf course, a fleet of boats/yachts,

and its own submarine—for 25 villas.”

Vogue Australia writes, “Most of the resort’s 25 villas (map above) hug the coast on cliffs,

plateaus, beaches of an old coconut plantation, while the sprawling principal residence surveys

the island from a more remote hilltop. The setting is truly spectacular; all of them provide total

seclusion.”

Last year, Conde Nast Traveler named Laucala as the resort it most recommended readers to

visit. "Less than an hour by private plane from Fiji"s main airport-and a world away from

everything else-lies Laucala Island, a seven-mile-long atoll with an almost unbelievable 16 staff

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ocspecial.com/en/home/

http://www.chadclarktravel.com/


for each of the resort’s 25 villas. Even when Laucala is ‘full,’ there's a good chance you won't see

another guest, whether you're snoozing on a secluded beach, horseback riding through coconut

groves, or exploring reefs in the resort's two-passenger submarine. Yep, you read that right:

submarine.”

Included in the rate is breakfast, lunch, dinner, bar, drinks and

house wine list, health bar, welcome spa package; sports and

activities: golf, tennis, horseback riding, sailing with catamarans

and sailboats, inner reef sunset cruise on the resort’s sailing

boats, inner reef boat activities, water-skiing, inflatable’s, wake

boarding, trawling, jet skis and underwater scooter, Submarine

DeepFlight excursion, windsurfing and paddle boards, sea

kayaks, mountain bikes, fitness center, yoga, cooking classes,

and kids club. Villa

Amenities include WiFi in the villas and restaurants, designated buggy per villa, daily laundry and

dry cleaning services, air conditioning, fully stocked mini bar and health bar per bedroom and

lounge, iPod and iPhone docking stations, Bose home entertainment system, (audio and video),

Satellite TV in each bedroom and lounge with four in-house movie channels, swimming pool and

yoga deck.

Services include private cook, chauffeur, nanny, housekeeping, and Tau service. Each guest (16

years old and above) receives a 60 minute spa massage as a welcome gift.

What’s excluded?

Plantation Restaurant’s Specialty Premium Wine List, imported delicatessen items such as caviar,

foie gras, cigars, premium spirits; private sports lessons with instructor/dive courses, arrival and

departure flight, scenic flights, half and full day yachting, and telephone calls.

Cherif says, even his most jaded clients are wowed by Laucala. “Clients who have everything life

can offer are still amazed by the beauty of nature, by the smile of happy Fijian islanders,” he

says.


2. ACCOMMODATIONS:

As the locations and style of the various accommodations varies, I recommend you spend a bit

of time deciding on which villa is right for you. The three travel advisors I’ve quote all know the

different villas intimately and at the end I’ve provided you the direct contact information of the

MD as well.

Hilltop Estate

The Hilltop Estate is likened to a “resort within a resort,” situated atop the high green hills of the

island. The views, unique atmosphere, and unusually designed main villa with its own

panoramic view, landscaped garden and two spacious guest villas all work together to form one

oversized private “estate” on the hilltop.


Click to watch a video of the Hilltop Estate

The main villa features a master bedroom, lounge, dining room, library, outdoor pavilions and

lap pool, and two one-bedroom guest villas feature one separate pool and private kitchen area.

There is nearly 13,000 sq. ft. of living space and the entire complex covers nearly 120,000 sq. ft.

Verstandig says, The Hilltop Estate is perfect for those of you who want to be away from

everyone else or travel with bodyguards and security.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF6B095OdGo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF6B095OdGo


Overwater Villa

The Overwater Villa provides the unique views of those traditional overwater bungalows you’ve

seen in places like Tahiti and perhaps stayed in, but without long walks over a hot jetty and with

more privacy. Cherif says this and the Peninsula Villa (below) are the best for seclusion if you are

seeking a romantic hideaway.

The two-bedroom villa appears to float above the

emerald-green lagoon, allowing you to reside in luxury

whether relaxing on the spacious terrace, bathing in the

hot tub, or swimming in the large private pool which is

carved directly into the rocks of the shore. Verstandig

says, she would not recommend this villa if you have very

young children and are concerned about the direct drops

from the deck into the water below.


Peninsula Villa

The Peninsula Villa is a luxurious mansion that resembles an “island on an island” surrounded

by green hills, a white sand beach, the waters of the South Pacific and plenty of space for

privacy.

The villa’s spacious living areas are

connected by wooden bridges that offer

spectacular views from every angle. The

private pool, concealed beach and jetty

guarantee privacy. Cherif likes the villa’s 180

degree views and also if you want

uber seclusion, its private beach. He notes, if

you or anyone in your party have mobility

issues, you might not want to choose The

Peninsula Villa as it is spread across three

levels connected by steps. Verstandig agrees

that if you are looking for a secluded love

nest, The Peninsula Villa is the top choice.


Plantation Villas (11 villas)

Plantation Villas are incorporated into the old coconut plantation positioned on a private beach

area, ranging from 3,330 to 6,500 sq. ft. Each of the (6) one-bedroom villas, (4) two-bedroom

villas and (1) three-bedroom villa offer their own pool, hot tub, sun deck and indoor/open-air

lounge. They are closest to the main pool area and central resort. Cherif says, if you are traveling

with young children, Ua, Vivili, Meitei and Seoul are closest to the main pool area and activities,

so might be preferred.


Plateau Villas (4 villas)

Plateau Villas are situated on Nawi Mountain, offering views out to sea and across the

neighboring islands. The open-air design plans for (3) one-bedroom villas and (1) two-bedroom

villa unify the boundaries between the interior and exterior areas, providing an a secluded

locale along the ridge. Verstandig says these villas are good if you don’t want to be right on the

beach, and notes they are close to the spa.


Seagrass Villas (7 villas)

Seagrass Villas are nestled under the green foliage of Seagrass Bay’s coastline. The villas

combine natural materials and comfort, creating an ambiance for nature lovers in each of the

(4) one-bedroom villas, (2) two-bedroom villas and (1) three-bedroom villa. Verstandig says, the

Seagrass Villas are good for families with older children who don’t mind being further from the

main area of the resort. They are more secluded than the Plantation Villas and the main beach

where other guests might be out kayaking. While you have a buggy to get from your villa around

the island, she says there is a steep hill you go up and down to get from the Seagrass Villas to

the main areas of the resort, so something to consider if you have people with mobility issues in

your traveling party.


3. RESTAURANTS AND BARS:

There are five restaurants and bars, however you can dine anytime and

anywhere. Laucala Island produces much of what you will consume at its own 240-acre farm.

Crops and livestock are cultivated by traditional methods. Cattle, sheep and pigs graze naturally

and poultry from chicken, ducks and quails are reared in free range pastures and barns.

Candlelight dinners on a private beach, fine dining in the Plantation House Restaurant, authentic

Asian delicacies in Seagrass Restaurant, sundown cocktails in the Rock Lounge, avant-garde

finger food at the Pool Bar and barbecues at the Beach Bar are all part of your wide variety of

choices.

Verstandig says while it’s a private island, there is exceptional diversity and options for both

dining and drinks. She says it’s nice to be able to rotate and while it’s a small place, depending

on who else is visiting, it can be a bit of a party scene.

Plantation House Restaurant

Plantation House Restaurant, located in a mansion replicated in the original colonial style,

provides a fine dining experience that incorporates the experience of a professional,

international team with gourmet dishes and a large wine list featuring older vintages and “New

World” options. Cooking classes and show kitchen are also available.

http://www.laucala.com/dining


Seagrass Lounge & Restaurant

Seagrass Lounge & Restaurant, available by land and boat, offers a combination of top-quality

cuisine with a distinct Thai touch. Set against panoramic views, with a sensuous atmosphere,

specialties include Teppanyaki barbecue and authentic Asian dishes.


Beach Bar

The Beach Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy your favorite drink with white

sand and crystal clear water at your toes. Eat freshly caught and barbecued fish in a beach

setting.


Pool Bar

The Pool Bar provides a Fijian avant-garde experience where imaginative design in the form of

off-the-wall architecture combines with tropical drinks and light, modern Mediterranean

cuisine.


Rock Lounge

Rock Lounge is comprised of scenic views overlooking Seagrass Bay, spectacular sunsets, a

“chill-out” atmosphere for drinks and cocktails

4. FITNESS:

There is an extensive fitness center with state of the art equipment. Free weights include plates

up to 45 lb. each and dumbbells up to 110 lb., meaning even weight lifting enthusiasts will feel at

home. There are stationary and recumbent bikes, row machines, treadmills, and multiple weight

machines, including chest press, incline press, leg press, leg curl, shoulder press, lat pulldown

and so forth. You’ll also find a full assortment of medicine balls, yoga and stretching mats.


5. POOLS:

Laucala Island has the largest lagoon pool in the South Pacific and every villa has its own private

pool. Villa pool sizes varies from villa to villa between 1,100-1,300 sq. ft.


6. SPA:

There are nine Spa Suites. Laucala’s four signature scents, Molikaro, Wainimate, Senikau and

Qele are integrated into all “spa journeys.” Wainimate, meaning herbs or herbal medicine, uses

local curing botany. Molikaro, the wide variety of native citrus trees, Senikau, countless tropical

blooms, and Qele, indigenous roots, woods and spices are all used. There are four treatment

villas with two wet treatment rooms, Vichy shower and steam rooms. Each villa has a treatment

room, hot stone, relaxation room, outdoor bathtub, private changing room with shower. There

are two wet treatment villas at 1,400 sq. ft., two treatment villas of 1,500 sq. ft., experience

showers, beauty salon, pedicure and manicure rooms, hair salon, spa garden with perfume

pavilion, flower pavilion


7. GOLF:

While this resort was being built, the main aim was to preserve the original character of the

island. The architect of the 18-hole championship golf course found this task a particular

challenge. The result was the David McLay Kidd golf course is set against the mountain

meandering through natural vegetation which has been carefully integrated into the old

plantation area. Undulating fairways, challenging greens with strategic bunkers ensuring a

balance for the experienced player and less accomplished player alike. Either way, you won’t

find it crowded. It only sees about 150 rounds a year. USA Today ranked it as one of its “Top 10

Golf Course With Epic Views.”

http://www.dmkgolfdesign.com/


8. SUBMARINE:

Laucala is the first resort in the world to operate the state of the art, two person winged

submersible craft: The DeepFlight Super Falcon. A “must-do” during your holiday, it can take you

to a depth of 40 to 60 feet underwater. You’ll see the abundant coral reefs and marine life in a

unique way.

9. FOR CHILDREN:

Laucala caters for families and has a kids club and nanny service. From toddlers to 14 year old

kids, the resort offers educational, fun and unforgettable holiday experiences. Visiting the kids

club the children receive a “welcome package” with the most important things for a holiday - a

map with Laucala’s treasures, a compass and a disposable camera.

Children can paint, learn how to carve wood, dress up like a princess or a super hero or they can

play in the biggest sandpit ever at the beach. There is a bubble maker course at the dive shop

and fishing, or they can just splash in the pool. There are also cooking classes, mountain bikes,

tennis racquets, pony rides, various water activities such as tubing, knee boarding, and

children’s hobby cat. There are also junior golf sets are available from the age of five years.


10. RECENT AWARDS:

GOLD LIST 2017 by Condé Nast Traveler

Most Luxurious Hideaway in the World by Hideaways Magazine

GOLD LIST 2016 by Condé Nast Traveler

Reader’s Choice Award 2016 by Condé Nast Traveler

Most Luxurious Villa in Australasia - World Luxury Hotel Awards

Most Luxurious Private Island Resort in Fiji - World Luxury Hotel Awards

Australasia’s Leading Private Island Resort - World Travel Awards

Best for Outdoor Adventure & Activities 2016

Spa Finder Wellness Travel Awards

Best for the WOW Factor - Spa Finder Wellness Travel Awards

Best Private Island Resort in the World - Cigar Aficionado

11. GETTING THERE:

Laucala Island‘s private airport operates by day and night. The grooved concrete airstrip is 3,769

ft. long and 75 ft. wide, suitable for all aircraft with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of

88,000 lbs. Three aviation hangars are available for maintenance on island and one hangar at

Nadi International Airport. International port of entry is possible upon approval by Air Laucala.

Customs, Immigration and agricultural clearing can then be arranged upon request directly on

Laucala.

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Laucala Resort, Fiji · Laucala Resort is a 3,500-acre private island located on Laucala Island in Fiji with just 25 uber luxury villas, accessible by its own airport. Each villa