Originally Malcolm Forbes’ family hideaway in the Fiji islands, Laucala opened its doors to visitors in 2008 after being purchased by Dr. Dietrich Mateschitz, co-founder of Red Bull Energy drink. He spared no expense adding 25 lavish villas, five restaurants, a spa, 18-hole golf course, and village for its 358 employees.
Described by Travel & Leisure magazine as “the world’s most extravagant resort,” Laucala (pronounced “low-THA-la”) is a magical private island paradise spanning 3,500 acres. Here you are immersed in lifestyle luxury with expert management and highly-trained staff. Rates include everything from the services of a chauffeur or nanny to use of sailboats, a fishing boat — even a personal submarine.
The 25 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas are discreetly placed around the island so that you may not even see a neighbor during your stay. The island, itself, is pure natural splendor with its sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, jagged mountains, coconut plantations, and self sustainability projects ranging from organic fruits and vegetables to Wagyu beef. Everything is yours for the asking from a full spa, several bars, pools, and restaurants to visits to the village, a day of golf, horseback riding and long list of water activities.
Each villa has free Wi-Fi, a yoga deck, its own swimming pool and designated golf carts for transportation around the island. Other amenities include a fully-stocked health bars and mini-bars in each bedroom, iPod and iPhone docking stations, Bose home entertainment system with satellite TV in each bedroom, and lounge area with four in-house movie channels.
The variety of accommodations includes the Plantation Villas which on a private beach of the old coconut plantation. Seagrass Villas are in a tropical jungle setting with lush vegetation and coconut trees set against the white sand coastline while the Plateau Villas on Nawi Mountain provide unlimited panoramas of the sea and neighboring islands. There are also two over-water villas and an extravagant hilltop estate complex with 360 degree views.
Culinary delights include all meals, snacks, fine spirits, and an extensive wine cellar. Most of the fresh foods served in the five restaurants come from Laucala’s own 240-acre farm which provides organic crops including everything from fresh vanilla and teas to tropical fruits as well as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and wide variety of vegetables. You’ll also enjoy the finest Wagyu beef, poultry, pigs, quail and Peking duck, goats and coconut crabs. With more than 25 percent of the island covered with coconut groves, this versatile resource is found not only in a variety of culinary choices and cocktails but homemade wellness products.
Dining options include Plantation House, a colonial-style structure offering gourmet dishes, an excellent wine list with older vintages, as well as demonstrations and cooking classes. Seagrass Lounge & Restaurant, which can be reached by land or boat, features authentic Asian delicacies with Laucala influences along with panoramic views. There’s also the Beach Bar where you can order tropical toddies and nibble on treats including freshly-caught barbecued fish. Pool Bar offers a more “Fijian avant-garde” experience for the enjoyment of island cocktails and menu of light, Mediterranean cuisine. Rock Lounge boasts some of the most splendid sunsets and offers the ultimate in relaxation complemented with delectable drinks and tempting finger foods.
In addition to the spa, resort activities include everything in water sports from scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, jet skiing, paddle boards and wind surfing to catamarans, sailboats, sunset cruises,kayaks and more. There’s also horseback riding, tennis, mountain bikes and golf on the 18-hole championship course which comes with cart, club rental and golf lessons from a NZPGA pro.
For details, visit www.laucala.com
