While Fiji remains predominantly closed to the outside world amidst the COVID-19 crisis, there is a way foreigners can still experience the tropical island nation… And it comes with a lofty price tag. Enter: the private island buyout.
The island nation has permitted high net worth individuals (HNW) to visit Fiji so long as they arrive by private charter aircraft and buyout a resort or charter a private yacht, both for a minimum of 14 days.
Fiji’s private island resorts range from intimate islands with just a handful of ‘bures’, to larger resorts accommodating 100 or more guests. Those HNW individuals seeking an ultra-luxury escape are presented with a unique opportunity to have a Fiji island completely to themselves.
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Through the country’s “VIP Lanes” for air travel and “Blue Lanes” for sea travel, Fiji is encouraging discerning travellers to escape to the island nation via private transportation.
The country’s quick and effective response to COVID-19 has allowed Fiji to avoid any outbreak of the virus, recording just 56 cases total. With enhanced safety measures and guidelines in place, visitors can truly have peace of mind as they get off the grid with a two-week escape to paradise and enjoy their own private island in utter isolation.
Whether it be a reunion with friends and family after months of separation or a long-needed romantic escape to reconnect with a significant other, here are Fiji’s best-in-class luxury, private island resorts available for buyouts:
Vatuvara Private Islands Resort
Intimate luxury for a couple or small family (max occupancy: 6)
Famously known for hosting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their honeymoon trip to Fiji, Vatuvara Private Islands Resort is an utterly enchanting escape located in the lesser travelled Lau Group of islands in Fiji’s east.
With just three one-bedroom villas situated across 800 acres, Vatuvara is the epitome of luxury and seclusion best fit for a couple, intimate group or small family. Each villa has its own private beach, infinity edge pool, private outdoor massage bure and expansive views that overlook the stunning lagoon.
Perched cliff-side above the turquoise waters, the flagship Delana Villa offers dramatic vistas, an expansive outdoor lounging area and private dining gazebo.
With its own private jet air strip, top of the line amenities and exceptional organic cuisine grown right on the island, a stay at Vatuvara combines the ultimate in luxury comforts with the opportunity to immerse in authentic Fijian culture. See www.vatuvara.com/
VOMO Island Fiji
Chic, family-friendly escape for small to large groups (max occupancy: 100)
Located just off the coast of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu between the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains, VOMO Island Fiji is a chic and contemporary, yet relaxed private island resort. The island offers three miles of beaches, two infinity pools, a fully equipped Kids Village with Baby Butlers, scuba diving, a nine-hole pitch and putt golf course, tennis, state-of-the-art gym and more.
The private island is home to a selection of stylish resort villas and multi-bedroom beachfront private residences, all complete with top-of-the-line amenities and tasteful décor. Guests can choose to buyout all 32 villas and residences for a maximum capacity of 100, or just the minimum of one residence offered at a buyout minimum price.
Guests staying on the island will have all of VOMO’s facilities and amenities at their fingertips to enjoy – plus dedicated butlers —the epitome of the perfect private island vacation. See vomofiji.com/
Wakaya Club & Spa
Authentic Fijian luxury for mid-size groups (max occupancy: 34)
Wakaya Club & Spa is one of Fiji’s oldest legacy resorts that has hosted Hollywood celebrities and musicians for decades. While the private island resort has gone through extensive renovations over the years to maintain its ultra-luxury status, Wakaya has been able to maintain its truly authentic Fijian feel. The 2,200-acre island features just eight oceanfront bures, a two-bedroom Ambassador’s Bure with a private pool, a three-bedroom Valeo Bure (meaning “home in the clouds”), and the Sega Na Leqa bure (meaning “no worries”), a one-bedroom mansion including a guest villa, expansive pool, gym, spa and full chef’s kitchen.
Wakaya Island is part of the Lomaiviti Group due east of Fiji’s main island and is surrounded by a protected coral reef boasting serene lagoons, majestic cliffs and pristine white sand beaches. Guests can spend the day golfing on the island’s nine-hole course, exploring out on the water, hiking the lush terrain or simply relaxing at the spa, on the beach or by the pool. See wakayaresort.com/
Kokomo Private Island
For large groups seeking the utmost in contemporary luxury (max occupancy: 120)
Kokomo Private Island is a luxury private island resort located in the Kadavu region of Fiji and cradled by the world’s fourth largest reef, the Great Astrolabe. The ultra-luxury accommodations appreciate the importance of abundant space, sustainable design, modern amenities and traditional Fijian nuances.
The resort has 21 exclusive villas, each with its own private pool, tropical walled garden, expansive ocean view and direct beach access. Additionally, Kokomo has five residences ranging from four to six bedrooms each, providing complete seclusion on the hilltops with captivating views of the ocean from above.
Embracing the ‘farm to table’ concept, Kokomo boasts a 5.5-acre farm that produces a wide variety of local vegetables, herbs and fruits year-round. Fusing wellness and sustainability into every aspect of the resort, Kokomo provides an unforgettable, transformational experience in Fiji. See kokomoislandfiji.com/
Laucala Private Island
The “Grand Dame” of luxury Fijian hospitality (max occupancy: 40)
One of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts, no expense has been spared at the luxurious tropical hideaway, Laucala. Set over nearly 3,500 acres, Laucala epitomises seclusion and impeccable hospitality with just 25 glamorous villas situated amongst deserted beaches, stunning clifftops and lush rainforest.
Each villa is unique, yet immaculately furnished with stylish bedroom and living room décor that opens to a private garden and infinity-edge pool. Each villa comes with their own buggy, so guests are free to explore the resort at their leisure.
The seven mile-long island is complete with an 18-hole golf course, organic farm and private hangar with mechanics to service private jets. Laucala has recently completed an extensive renovation. See laucala.com/
Tavarua Island Resort
For the active group looking to get off the grid (max occupancy: 36)
The Mother of all world-class surf resorts, Tavarua Island Resort is a bucket-list experience for surfers, no matter the skill level. The heart-shaped islan, with just 16 bures, is located just off the coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu and is a favourite amongst surf legends including frequent guest Kelly Slater.
Tavaura is not only perfectly positioned next to the world famous Cloudbreak, but also has access to beginner and intermediate surf breaks as well as spots for kite-surfing, stand up paddle boarding, diving, fishing or simply just relaxing on the beach. See waterwaystravel.com/
Lead image: Laucala Private Island, Fiji