COMO Hotels and Resort, whose portfolio includes show-stopping properties like the COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives and the iconic COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, has added another dazzler to its burgeoning stable of one-of-a-kind getaways.
COMO Laucala Island, a 5.4-square-mile private island escape in the South Pacific, was unveiled on December 15. The resort is set among private white-sand beaches, blue lagoons, and verdant hills on the island’s north shore, surrounded by the crystalline waters of Melanesia in Fiji’s Cakaudrove province.
The idyllic refuge—once owned by Malcolm Forbes and later purchased by Red Bull billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz—is a 45-minute private air charter flight from the country’s Nadi International Airport and offers guests exclusive access to Laucala’s unique ecosystem, which includes lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, and coconut groves.
COMO’s signature holistic wellness philosophy can be found throughout the hotel. COMO Shambhala Retreat’s Asian-inspired massages and body treatments incorporate the island’s flowers, fruits, and rich volcanic soil, while guests can peruse tropical flora in the resort distillery to make their own soaps and lotions. The island’s five dining options source produce from the resort’s 240-acre farm, which cultivates a wide range of organic crops and livestock, including chickens, quail, and wagyu cattle, while local fishermen provide a slew of just-caught seafood, in keeping with the brand’s farm-to-table ethos and commitment to sustainability. COMO Shambhala options are available on the menus, which are flavorful, nutritious, and low in fat and refined sugars.
A diverse range of activities is also available. The 18-hole championship golf course designed by David McLay-Kidd beckons golfers, while anglers can try their luck at game fishing from the resort’s yacht. The Rere Ahi, an elegant teak-finished boat built in 1970 whose name means “flying fire” in Maori, and a Riviera 41 Flybridge yacht with two cabins, both designed by renowned naval architect Frank Mulder, are among the sailing fleet available for charter. There are numerous world-class snorkeling spots, while horseback riding, mountain biking, and nature hikes provide immersive ways to explore the island’s enchanting natural bounty.
The opening of COMO Laucala Island marks the end of a successful year for the award-winning lifestyle brand. COMO The Halkin, which opened in London’s swanky Belgravia district in 1991, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021, and now has 15 international properties around the world.
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