We stayed at... Kokomo Private Island, Fiji

This is how the rich and famous take a trip to Fiji.

For a few seconds I’m sure the whole scene before me will end in disaster. The family of five awaiting a couple of glasses of rosé, three fresh coconut mocktails served in their shell, and two plates of fries and sides are about 150m offshore, bobbing around on a timber pontoon on Fiji’s Great Astrolabe Reef.

I’m not sure how the order was placed – a message in a bottle, perhaps – but the Kokomo Private Island staff are not going to let the guests’ unconventional location hinder the delivery. A paddleboard is procured, drinks and snacks carefully balanced, and the waiter heads across the ocean, demonstrating the level of service that speaks volumes of the resort’s ultra-premium rate.

From the vantage point of a giant inflatable trampoline also floating on the waters of the Kadavu islands, I have a panoramic view of an aquatic playground so secluded and seductive it’s easy to see why it’s favoured by the (discreetly) rich and famous.

Once a day, the private seaplane docks at the jetty and, in shades of The White Lotus, guests are greeted and farewelled by staff with Fijian songs. Also coming and going are private charters of big-game fishers on the hunt for wahoo, dogtooth tuna, and marlin; surfers returning from nailing the perfect wave; divers and snorkellers taking in the technicolour world of exotic fish, green and hawksbill turtles and Fiji’s biggest population of manta rays; and marine biologists pursuing conservation efforts for the area surrounding the island.

While the main beach is the hub for marine adventurers, the accommodation reveals why Kokomo has topped luxury lists since it opened in 2017. Over 56ha there are 21 one- to three- bedroom villas and five three- to six-bedroom residences ranging in size from a generous 288 sqm to a whopping 1523 sqm, all with private pools and verdant gardens.

Once a day, the private seaplane docks at the jetty, where guests are greeted and farewelled by staff with Fijian songs. Picture: Supplied.

The villas are a modern take on a traditional South Pacific bure, with an architectural interpretation of a high thatched roof and timber beams wrapped with rope complementing the cool coastal interior. The extravagantly sized bathroom takes almost half the space with its freestanding tub, airy indoor and outdoor showers, and luscious Pure Fiji body products.

If self-care is a priority, guests can start the day with yoga or a personal training session in the gym, or visit the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary, but for me it’s the grounds at Kokomo that provide the most blissful experience. The impeccable tropical garden features nearly 70 species of plant and provides a spectacular outlook. Fifty shades of green foliage are layered with bright flowers; mangroves are cultivated to protect the island from cyclones and erosion, and medicinal plants are grown for use by the Indigenous members of staff. Kali tells me the coconut palm is the tree of life, pandanus is used for weaving and essential to every household, and the dilo is so useful it’s nicknamed the tree of a thousand virtues.

A vast kitchen garden is another feature that elevates Kokomo’s sustainability and culinary credentials. Herbs, salad leaves, tomatoes, eggplant and vanilla are among the produce, a hen house supplies eggs, and salt from the desalination plant that generates fresh water for the island are notable features.

There are five three- to six-bedroom residences, all with private pools and verdant gardens. Picture: Supplied.

The farm-to-table, dock-to-dinner approach makes easy breakfast, lunch and dinner decisions in each of Kokomo’s three restaurants, all included in the price. The waterside Walker d’Plank, named with a winking nod to Kokomo’s billionaire owner Lang Walker, is overseen by Caroline Oakley, a beloved chef who knows return guests by name and serves up a mini banquet of Asian fusion with a hint of local flavour, while chef Enzo’s Kokokabana Pool Club’s menu is pizza and pasta, plus classic resort fare like burgers, fish and chips, fries.

The vast sun-bleached timber Beach Shack pavilion, bar and lounge areas is a chic pavilion featuring dramatic clusters of rattan and cane ceiling lamps, a signature interior design style on the island, and inviting linen couches and armchairs.

During my three-day stay I use it as my base to discreetly suss out who has the funds to book a holiday with such an elevated room rate but all I see is blissfully happy people enjoying the splendid tropical isolation. I look at my bank balance and it dawns on me that if I have to question the price, I probably can’t afford it.

If it’s sunshine, and water- and beach-based action you’re looking for, Kokomo has all the toys. Picture: Supplied.

PIC - If it’s sunshine, and water- and beach-based action you’re looking for, Kokomo has all the toys.

LOCATION 10/10

Kokomo is a one-hour helicopter flight from Nadi Airport. No other islands are within bula of it so once you arrive you’re living the very definition of getting away from it all.

ACTIVITIES 8/10

If it’s sunshine, and water- and beach-based action you’re looking for, Kokomo has all the toys and marine experts you need. If it rains, the options are not as enticing.

Fijians are famously friendly and the staff at Kokomo are no exception. Picture: Supplied.

STAFF 10/10

Fijians are famously friendly and the staff at Kokomo are no exception. I sneak a peek at the comments about the child carers and it’s clear why the place is so popular with families.

VERDICT 9/10

Fiji’s renowned beauty and the ease of getting there from Australia’s east coast make it a number-one choice for many travellers. If your budget allows, this is paradise found.

The writer was a guest of Kokomo Private Island. The all-inclusive rates start at $US2200 (about $3276) per night.

Originally published as We stayed at... Kokomo Private Island, Fiji