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Kokomo Private Island

Yaukuve Levu Island

A far-flung retreat for modern castaways

What makes it special? Think ‘private island hotel’ and it’s usually big-name brands that spring to mind. But here’s were Kokomo stands out. This is a family-run resort – a love letter to the South Pacific that sits on an undulating plot pitched over the Great Astrolabe Reef in an under-the-radar section of the Celestial Kaduva Island Group. Remote and refined, arrival via boat, helicopter or seaplane (45 minutes from Fiji’s Nadi International) reveals a reef-ringed, sand-fringed resort that sprawls across 140 lush acres.

Tell me more: Secluded amid lush island flora – all fragrant hibiscus, palms, oversized banana plants – and steps from the beach, the 21 open-plan villas envelop guests in island life. Set to salute sunrise or sunset, each comes with its own pool – some of the region’s largest. For groups, there are five oversized three- to five-bedroom private residences poised on the hilltop delivering epic panoramic vistas and a home-from-home feel. The aesthetic? Think modern castaway meets pared-back luxury with Fijian inflections including works from an artist in residence.

Sun, sea, sand and more: Kokomo sits amid one of the world’s most exquisite reefs with some of Fiji’s best diving and snorkelling sites on the doorstep – rare fish, dolphins, pilot whales, turtles and manta rays are regular sights. There’s a host of other aquatic adventures to enjoy and, if wellbeing’s the order of the day, private yoga, tennis and basketball courts and an expansive spa are also on offer. Sun-worshippers can rest easy – there are floating pontoons to bask upon and a large pool set back from the beach.

Any eco credentials? Kokomo’s eco-friendly efforts start from the ground up, literally. Every element of the build was looked at through a sustainable lens and natural, local materials abound. Cinnamon-tree hardwood from a neighbouring island was transformed into furniture, local mahogany forms the doors and decks, matting was woven from Fijian magi magi and plantation pines were repurposed into thatch roofs. An in-house marine biologist heads up a coral nursery and manta conservation and turtle projects that guests can get involved in and there’s an ongoing waste reduction programme. Elsewhere, the tropical farm-to-table ethos includes sea foraging.

A little more on the food and drink: A trio of restaurants are fuelled by the five-acre kitchen garden and bolstered by fishermen who bring their catch to the door. While the moniker of flagship eatery Walker d’Plank may be playful, make no mistake, the chefs are serious about the Asian-Fijian fusion dishes that emerge from the kitchen. Island herbs and plants inform the drinks list too, with homemade tinctures, syrups and elixirs lacing libations.

Key Information

• Rooms: 26
• Starting Rate: $3500
• Dining: Beach Shack
• Drinking: Kokocabana Pool Club
• At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), Spa/wellness centre, Fitness centre, Family friendly, Beach, PADI Certified Marine Centre with 30 unique Diving spots, Fleet of 15 Boats
• Yaukuve Levu Island, Fiji
• +679 776 4441
• Visit Kokomo Private Island's Website
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