Bula! If you’re looking for a little slice of paradise for your next vacation, look no further than Kokomo Private Island Fiji. When Australian billionaire, Lang Walker came across an abandoned resort in the Kadavu Islands on a trip to Fiji, he had a vision of creating a unique and exclusive island paradise unlike any other that existed. Fast forward through several years of sustainable development, he has succeeded in achieving just that – all while maintaining the natural beauty and landscape of the rugged Fijian islands. Guests here will feel truly transported; and after a few hours on this remote piece of the earth, the stress of every day life will melt away into the soft, white sand, the lapping ocean, and the stunning sunsets.

GETTING HERE

Fiji Airways offers direct flights daily from LAX to Nadi, the primary international airport in Fiji. From Nadi, it’s just a quick 45-minute transfer to Kokomo via helicopter or sea plane.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There is no such thing as a bad room on Kokomo. The parallel beaches on either side of the island are dotted with beachfront villas, ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms. Each villa is completely private, with the exterior door entering first into a private garden and pathway to the main villa door. The one-bedroom villa (which I stayed in) opens into a comfortable living space and kitchenette (complete with complimentary homemade cookies and dark chocolate covered honeycomb – replenished daily!), a spacious bedroom with a King sized bed and walk-in wardrobe, and an enormous bathroom with an indoor shower, an outdoor shower, a large soaking tub, and his and hers vanities. The entire floor-plan is optimized for the view, as guests can easily step outside onto their private verandah to lounge on the day beds, hammock, or chaise lounges, take a dip in their private plunge pool or walk just steps to the beach and swim in the ocean. This space is the ultimate retreat for privacy and indoor/outdoor living.

But the property doesn’t just cater to couples. The 2 to 3 bedroom beachfront villas are perfect for families. And for multigenerational groups, Kokomo also offers an array of luxury residences ranging from 3-6 bedrooms. Slightly more modern in their design, and perched on a hill in the central part of the island, the residences are still incredibly luxurious and all offer private pools along with full kitchens, nanny and butler service.

DINING

All meals are included in your rate at Kokomo so you can eat until your heart’s content! There are three dining venues on the island:

• Beach Shack – This is the primary dining room, located in the main lodge building.
  • For breakfast, a beautiful continental spread is set-up with fresh baked breads and pastries, local fruit and fresh juices. You can also order off the menu for specialty hot, made-to-order items such as eggs and waffles.
  • Lunch is fresh-caught local fish or meat and salads with vegetables from the on-island farm.
  • If you’re hungry for a snack or a drink in the afternoon, pop-in for an array of sweets and savory bites at the bar.
  • And for dinner, indulge in a five-course tasting menu.
• Walker d’Plank – Set-off in a cove past the main jetty on the island, you’ll find a true treasure – Walker d’Plank, open for lunch and dinner. Here, Chef Caroline serves up Asian-inspired street food, like crispy tempura prawns, chicken and scallion dumplings, and even sushi. But there is no menu here. Chef Caroline will come to each table to talk to you about your cravings for the day, then she’ll make a few suggestions and cook up something special just for you.
• Kokocabana – Located adjacent to the resort pool and kids clubs, this pizza parlor and ice cream stand, is clearly intended for the younger visitors to Kokomo. But that didn’t really stop us from enjoying their wood-fired pizzas, burgers and milkshakes for a more casual lunch.

Want food delivered to your room? No problem. Looking for a private cook-out and dining experience? That can be arranged! I also strongly recommend you take advantage of the farm tour to see how they provide the majority of the food for guests on the island in an organic and sustainable way.

ACTIVITIES

Despite being on a remote island, you will not get bored at Kokomo. Included in your rate are all on-island activities and non-motorized water sports: a fitness center, tennis, basketball, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, a sea trampoline, yoga, and cultural activities. Guests can also arrange excursions each day for an additional fee. We enjoyed scuba diving, a waterfall hike on a nearby island, and snorkeling at the Astrolabe reef. For those interested in fishing, I think the ability to catch your dinner would be quite a treat!

I also definitely recommend a visit (or two) to the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a massage, facial or body treatment.

WHY VISIT

First off, this is paradise – it’s luxury perfectly blended with nature. You will feel completely relaxed from the minute you step off the sea plane or helicopter. But what really sets this place apart is the staff. Guests are welcomed with traditional Fijian songs and fresh cut coconuts. Staff are all over the resort, smiling, shouting Bula! and ensuring that you don’t have to worry about a stray palm leaf or where to find your next drink. This is not another chain resort – but a truly Fijian experience, where you’ll feel immersed in the culture and friendliness of the country.

ATLAS + VALISE Perks: By booking this property with ATLAS + VALISE, an affiliate of Travel Edge and member of Virtuoso, guests will be treated to an exclusive welcome amenity, early check-in/late check-out and a $100 resort credit to be utilized during your stay.

Looking for an escape to paradise? Contact us today to book your escape to Kokomo!