Trip Review by Travelwizard.com
The South Pacific Specialists with Travelwizard.com
Date of Visit- Nov 2010
I have traveled to Fiji several times in the last few years and I consider Fiji to be one of my favorite Island destinations that I have ever traveled to. Fiji’s location in the tropical South Pacific is compromised of 333 islands, some inhabited, most however are not. Most islands only have one resort, for a private island experience. Fiji is most definitely paradise found with white sandy beaches , swaying palm trees, magnificent pristine ocean waters and coral reefs to explore either snorkeling or diving in the “soft coral capital of the world”. The most amazing asset of Fiji are the beautiful people always friendly and hospitable with warm welcoming smiles and a cheerful “Bula” greeting and song when you arrive.
On my most recent trip I was fortunate enough to stay at Laucala Island. Upon arrival at Nadi airport I was greeted and escorted to my private chartered plane to Laucala Island which was a 45 minute flight. It was raining hard when I left Nadi but the flight was smooth. I was 5 minutes away from Laucala when the sun started shining brightly and I could see the islands below me. Passing over the most beautiful area of the Northern Fijian Islands I could see Taveuni, Qamea and Matangi Island, all of which I have visited before.
Our plane was descending upon the neighboring island, Laucala. A beautiful lush tropical paradise, the reefs surrounding were pristine with turquoise lagoon waters and corals below. I knew from previous experience that I was about to land in paradise, however I had no idea that my next 3 nights in this tropical paradise would surpass anything I had ever experienced before in all of my travels!
As before when arriving in Fiji, I was greeted by the beautiful voices of Fijian singers as I walked off my plane and they welcomed me with big smiles, a friendly greeting and a beautiful flower lei. I felt like I was arriving home again with warm greetings and welcome hearts.
Shortly thereafter I was taken to my plantation villa on the other side of the island from the airport. Laucala offers 25 luxury residences each uniquely and artistically designed from the Plantation villas and Seagrass villas located on private beaches to the 2 bedroom Overwater residence with luxurious decks floating over the lagoon and a swimming pool carved into the rocks. There is also the Peninsula Residence which sits privately atop a hill jetting out in to the south pacific and last but certainly not least the secluded Plateau and Hilltop residences offering complete privacy with magnificent panoramic views high up on the hills with tropical vegetation surrounding and special services.
As I walked into my villa I was in awe, all I could say was WOW! My villa was located at the very end of the beach, a beautiful gated garden area as I walked up the little path to the entry, ahead of me was my own private pool situated on the beach with the ocean just steps away. The villa itself was beautifully designed in luxury and art, the outdoors flowed in to the indoor living areas. The large bedroom had open doors facing the ocean, the bathroom was incredibly large with rock shower, rock bath tub and sinks and also opened to the outdoors. A separate living and dining room area with a Bose stereo system and IPod dock which also had cold beverages of every kind fully stocked in the 3 refrigerators. Not only did I have my own private pool but also outdoor dining and bath. The ocean breeze and ocean sounds were flowing throughout …simply amazing , more beautiful than I had anticipated.
After settling in, I hopped into my private golf cart to have some breakfast and to check out this island paradise. First stop was the Plantation restaurant for breakfast. Here they serve breakfast, if you choose not to dine in your villa and magnificent gourmet dinners in the evening. Breakfast was delicious and such a beautiful setting in a replicated Plantation house overlooking swaying coconut grove palms with the ocean in the not too far distance.
I proceeded to tour the island to get my bearings after breakfast and to see what Laucala had to offer. Of course the beautiful beaches and pristine waters are abounding to play in and explore. Laucala is very lush with vegetation, floral gardens and coconut groves. Laucala also has their own farm with crops of vegetables, herbs, coffee, vanilla, teas and of course tropical fruits. They also have animals such as goats, pigs, cows, and chickens. The farm provides the majority of the products needed to be nearly 85% self sustained. They even make their own soaps, shampoos and bathroom amenities.
After my tour of the island it was relaxation time. A swim in the 5,000 square meter pool which is located in the middle of the resort was calling my name. I’ve never seen a swimming pool like this! The pool stretches inland from the pool bar area and flows and empties on to the beach. In the middle of the pool area is this glass cube filled with water for lap swimming. There are waterfalls and little inlets to explore as well, you can easily spend hours in this pool which I did! Both the pool and beach bar offer tropical drinks, lunch at the beach and snacks.
After freshening up at my villa, I was off in the golf cart again to dinner at the Seagrass Restaurant. A stop at the Rock Lounge that sits and overlooks Sea Grass Bay was in order and a must for the sunset. Here we relaxed with champagne and appetizers and experienced a spectacular sunset over the South Pacific Ocean, simply amazing!
Next, off to Seagrass where Tempanyaki dinner was awaiting and being prepared at our table. Whether dining with 2 or 4 people or a group of 6-8, you can sit around the Tempanyaki grill watching your dinner being prepared by a fabulous chef with delicious food! You name it.. seafood, beef, pork , chicken, veggies and even dessert. I was even able to help prepare our dessert , with a little help of course! Not only do they prepare Tempanyaki but you can also enjoy a wide range of other culinary dishes mostly with an Asian flair. The restaurant itself also offers spectacular panoramic views overlooking the bay and ocean . Everything was fresh and delicious!
During the next couple of days, I was able to enjoy the beautiful spa which sits high atop a hill overlooking the ocean and set in tranquil gardens. With the many specially designed treatments to choose from you will certainly be relaxed and pampered . This was the most beautiful spa I have ever experienced.
Even though I am not a golfer, I toured the beautiful 18 hole championship golf course by golf cart of course. I am told the course is quite challenging and if you need some lessons, the resort has a pro to assist. The course is beautiful and has been set carefully within an old plantation area with the green mountains surrounding and swaying palms abundant.
Horseback riding is also offered along the beach and throughout the island on the plantations and coconut groves.
And then of course the water sports which is what most people come to the Fijian Islands to experience. Laucala is located in the soft coral capital of the world. The coral reefs with their spectacular colors and large and small tropical fish make this a divers dream and if you are not a scuba diver, the snorkeling is just as beautiful with much to see and explore. Game fishing is also offered from the resorts beautiful fishing boat , you don’t have to go far to have a good experience and bring back some fresh fish for the dinner which we all experienced from the local catch of the day! Laucala also offers kite surfing, sailing and jet-skiing. I did the jet-skiing on my last day, it was such a blast and so much fun ! I was guided around the island for a one hour tour of the beautiful clear turquoise blue lagoons , very exhilarating and lots of fun racing around !
Sadly it was time to leave. I could have stayed at Laucala for weeks on end. The Fijian staff was amazing and attentive, friendly and warm, always happy to see you with big smiles and I truly made some new friends. The food was gourmet from breakfast, lunch, dinner not one detail was overlooked in preparation from the kitchen to the table. There were tasty appetizers and snacks every time you turn around which was irresistible to say the least! Delicious coffee, fresh fruity drinks and creative cocktails along with fine wines and champagne! As I packed my bags reluctantly I took one last glance at my villa , such beauty and creative elegance with comfort throughout. , I will miss gazing out to the ocean from the villa and private pool area but I still had yet one more Fijian experience, a Kava Ceremony at the Cultural Village which we were invited to before our departure. Laucala has created and replicated a traditional Fijian village with a temple and village hall for the traditional dance and ceremonies such as the Kava ceremony. As we entered the village hall several of our Fijian friends were seated with the Chief. We were escorted to sit on mats cross legged and were draped with beautiful floral leis that several of the women had made earlier in the day. The drinking of Kava is quite common for ceremonial and social occasions and is regarded in Fiji as the “national drink” . Kava is made from the bare root of a pepper tree, pounded into a fine powder and then mixed with fresh water in a large hardwood bowl, the root is strained through a cloth and when ready the chief or head of ceremony will clap cupped hands. We were offered a small bowl made from half a coconut , containing the kava mixture . When received you must clap before and after drinking the entire cup. Kava tastes and looks a bit like muddy water and isn’t for everyone! It has a calming effect on the body but leaves the mind clear. Most Fijians will drink this nightly from what I am told. So after several bowls of Kava, some Fijian songs and dancing we were off to leave this beautiful paradise….and as we were leaving and saying our good-byes to our new friends we were serenaded by the most beautiful lyrics and song… “Isa Lei , which brings a tear to my eye if not outright crying each and every time I leave Fiji.
Until the next time…. Vinaka Vakalevu Laucala Island Fiji
To book Laucala Island Resort call 1.800.330.8820.
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