WAKAYA CLUB AND SPA FIJI
Although not overly well known to New Zealand travellers, The Wakaya Club & Spa has long been recognised as one of the world’s finest tropical resorts. It’s also been the secret getaway for many a celebrity, including an injury prone Keith Richards who a few years back fell out of a tree while enjoying a private picnic on one of Wakaya’s deserted beaches. Yes, it’s very exclusive and so very private – two key attributes that attract some of the paparazzi shy guests, but it also retains that special Fijian warmth of hospitality that is given to all and I was taken in by its charm from the moment I arrived.
Wakaya is a private island of 2,200 acres, a mere forty minute flight from Nadi airport and situated in the Koro Sea due east of Vitu Levu, the main island of Fiji. In 1789 Captain William Bligh sailed right by Wakaya Island after the mutiny on his famed ship, The Bounty. Over 200 years later, Canadian entrepreneur David Gilmour and his New Zealand born wife Jill fell in love with the island’s unspoiled natural beauty and they dreamed of creating the ultimate tropical haven on this tiny sliver of paradise. Their vision was to create a small, private luxury resort that offered an extraordinary vacation experience to just a handful of guests that also contributed to the quality of life for the people of Fiji. The rest as they say, is history.
The experience starts with the short air transfer in the resorts stylish Grand Cessna aircraft. The advantage of having their own plane means that in most cases (weather permitting) they are able to schedule the flight time to coincide perfectly with your arrival. No wasting precious time at the airport and especially convenient for many of Wakaya’s jet lagged, long haul travellers. Another unique feature is that you are able to check-in well before noon and depart late afternoon, so in effect you receive an additional day at no extra cost. Upon arrival, it’s easy to see why the Gilmour’s were so taken by this island. Blessed with unmistakable beauty, Wakaya boasts majestic cliffs, countless pristine beaches and is surrounded by a protected coral reef offering some of the world’s best diving – and all just minutes from shore. In fact, during my visit I met a well travelled guest and keen diving enthusiast who was so taken by the underwater experience, he dived twice a day for the entire duration of his stay.
With only ten bures, Wakaya is very much a boutique property, each of which line the immaculate beachfront (no bures without a view here) and all are very generously spaced apart, providing the utmost privacy. Our home was the very large Governors Bure, exquisitely furnished by Jill Gilmour, the bure is filled with precious artefacts from their many travels which compliment the elegant, colonial inspired furnishings – such attention to detail; it feels like someone’s home and creates such a warm, inviting space. The simple, rectangular shaped floor plan consists of a spacious lounge, separate master bedroom and a bathroom the size of most standard hotel suites. Laid in stone, it comes complete with a rock walled open air double shower and a recessed oval spa bath for two, enclosed by floor to ceiling glass with a view out to your very own private garden. Modern touches include DVD, flat screen TV, surround sound stereo but special mention must go to the master suite, which contained the most comfortable bed of any luxury resort I have stayed at, bar none.
“Whatever, whenever, wherever” is the mantra of Wakaya and its fair to say that they absolutely deliver on this promise. The cuisine is of the highest international standard, partly due to the in-house mentoring from some of the world’s most talented chefs, including renowned celebrity chef Nobu. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and the finest imported meats, the daily changing à la carte menus were inspiring and beautifully balanced. Another popular dining option is a romantic picnic for two with your own private beach as a back-drop, a lobster and Champagne hamper and a two-way radio for when you decide to be collected – or to order more Champagne!
For the energetic, there is a better than expected nine hole golf course, flood lit tennis court and a small but wellequipped gym. A trip to Wakaya would not be complete without experiencing the underwater wonders around the island. Diving and snorkelling are available whenever you wish – no timetable, you choose. Or for a romantic indulgence, try the three-hour couples retreat. A series of pampering treatments and a private beachside candle lit dinner in the seclusion of the spa sanctuary.
Yes, there are some newer luxury resorts on offer in Fiji, but Wakaya is something truly special and if anything, has improved with age. The world needs these types of properties, gems that have that certain X-factor. Part of what makes it a favourite and perhaps the secret of the island’s success, lies in the incredible staff, many of whom have been with the resort since its opening in 1992. It’s fantastic to see the pride they have in both themselves and in what they have helped create. A mention must also be given to General Manager, Willow Fish. Polished and gregarious, she leads the team with infectious enthusiasm and having moved to Fiji as a child, possesses an intimate knowledge and respect for the local culture – a perfect combination for such a role. Wakaya, born from a couple’s dream and now one of the world’s most awarded luxury island resorts. No mean feat and a testament to the passion of the Gilmours and the love that the people of Wakaya have for them.
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