An escape to a private paradise is just what the doctor ordered right now. All you need is a private jet and a healthy bank balance. Fiji may be largely closed to the outside world at present, but there is a way you can still experience its tropical pleasures…at a price.

Enter -  the private island buyout. 

Fiji is permitting high net worth individuals to come to the country so long as they arrive by private charter aircraft and buyout a resort or charter a private yacht, for a minimum of 14 days. With 333 islands that create the South Pacific paradise, there are plenty of private island resorts to choose from, ranging from intimate islands with just a handful of ‘bures’, to larger resorts accommodating 100 of your closes friends.  This is a unique opportunity to have a Fiji island completely to yourself.

Through the country’s new initiatives called VIP Lanes for air travel and Blue Lanes for sea travel, Fiji is encouraging travellers to escape to Fiji via private transportation. The country’s quick and effective response to COVID-19 has allowed Fiji to avoid any outbreak of the virus, (recording under 30 cases total) so there is peace of mind as well as privacy on offer. Here’s our choice of Fiji’s best-in-class luxury, private island resorts available for buyouts. 

VOMO Island Fiji 

Chic, family-friendly escape for small to large groups (max occupancy: 100)
One of TLTB’s favourite island resorts, 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, an amazing Kids Village with Baby Butlers, scuba diving, a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course, tennis and state-of-the-art gym. There are stylish resort villas and multi-bedroom beachfront private residences, all with top-of-the-line amenities. 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. www.vomofiji.com/private-island-rental/ 

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 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. Each villa has its own private beach, infinity edge pool, private outdoor massage bure and expansive views that overlook the stunning lagoon formed by the additional three Vatuvara islands. The flagship villa – Delana Villa – perched cliff-side above the turquoise waters, the 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 organic cuisine grown right on the island, Vatuvara combines the ultimate in luxury with the opportunity to immerse oneself in authentic Fijian culture. www.omofiji.com/private-island-rental/

Laucala Private Island 
The “Grand Dame” of luxury Fijian hospitality (max occupancy: 40)
Our editor recalls that this is the island that turned her young son’s head. “After a stay here nothing could quite measure up” she laughs. One of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts, no expense has been spared at the Laucala. Set over nearly 3,500 acres, Laucala epitomizes seclusion and impeccable hospitality with just 25 villas dotted 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. www.laucala.com 
See our review HERE

Tavarua Island Resort
For off the grid surf dudes  (max occupancy: 36)
The Mother of all world-class surf resorts, Tavarua Island Resort is a bucket-list experience no matter what level surfer you are. The heart-shaped island 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.
www.waterwaystravel.com/destination/surf-fiji-tavarua/

Kokomo Private Island 
For large groups seeking contemporary luxury (max occupancy: 120)
Kokomo Private Island is located in the Kadavu region of Fiji and surrounded by the world’s fourth largest reef, the Great Astrolabe. The ultra-luxury accommodation have abundant space, sustainable design 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 views of the ocean. 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 a transformational experience in Fiji. www.kokomoislandfiji.com/celebrate/exclusive-buyout/

Wakaya Club & Spa
Established Fijian luxury (max occupancy: 34)
Wakaya was one of the first ultra-luxurious Fijian resorts. It has hosted Hollywood celebrities and musicians for decades. Wakaya has a luxurious but 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 12,000 square foot 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 with serene lagoons, majestic cliffs and pristine white sand beaches. Guests can spend the day golfing on the island’s 9-hole course, exploring out on the water, hiking the lush terrain, or simply relaxing at the spa, on the beach or by the pool. www.wakayaresort.com/accommodation/ 

Posted 03/02/2021