Check it out: Kokomo Island, Fiji

A new upscale private island resort in Fiji is set to open on the doorstep of the fourth largest reef in the world.

The upscale Kokomo Island resort is suited to couples and families.

Australian property developer Lang Walker opens an upscale private island resort in Fiji early next year in a stellar location with the Great Astrolabe Reef on its doorstep.

With laidback, “barefoot-luxury” interiors and a range of dining options, Kokomo Island features 21 beachfront villas, each with a pool and private garden, five hilltop residences tucked away in the rainforest with lagoon views and the premium Owners’ Residence.

Located on the cusp of the Kadavu Group and encircled by the Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth largest in the world and a prime diving site, Kokomo is a project very close to Walker’s heart. He purchased the 57ha private island three years ago and with his family has developed a resort described as “intergenerational” and suited to couples and families alike.

The island’s landscape includes rainforest, carefully designed gardens embracing indigenous species, white sand beaches and ready access to the reef’s coral gardens.

One, two and three-bedroom villas are spread along the island’s two longest beaches; each villa has a large lounge and bar, private deck, garden and infinity pool, together with free Wi-Fi access and satellite TV.

The resort features a kids club, luxury day spa and dive centre, the latter supporting a huge array of water-based activities, including diving, snorkelling, fishing, sailing and paddle boarding. The resort officially launches on March 31 but villas will be available on a limited basis from January. From Nadi, guests will be transferred to the island by the resort’s private seaplane.

DON’T MISS: A romantic beach picnic; the kitchen will offer a range of bespoke dining options.

DINING IN AND OUT: Executive chef Daniel Johnson comes to Kokomo from the Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman and has had extensive island resort experience at Huvafen Fushi in The Maldives and Queensland’s Bedarra. He’s overseeing the extensive kitchen garden and planning menus for a range of dining outlets. Expect the likes of roast coral trout with burned cauliflower, pickles, granola and vadouvan spice; wild rice salad with fresh coconut; and roasted tiger prawns with baby carrots and spiced peppers. Desserts include lime tart with macadamia caramel ice cream.

ASK THE CONCIERGE: If you’re after total privacy, book one of the residences with in-house chef, butler and nanny.

CHECKING IN: Villas from $2600 a night

(one-bedroom, beachfront). Rates include meals, beverages, one spa treatment and activities. More: kokomoislandfiji.com.

ALSO TRY: The Brando, French Polynesia; Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles; Laucala Island, Fiji; Amilla Fushi, The Maldives.

ACCOMMODATION BUZZ:

• On December 16, Aman Le Melezin reopens in the swanky French ski resort of Courchevel following an eight-month makeover of 19 rooms and suites (three with private terraces and hot tubs) and the launch of a new piste-facing bar and restaurant.

• Also opening in December is Crown Towers Perth; tailor-made packages include the $488-a-night Crystal Made, offering access to the luxury Crystal Club; with 500 guestrooms, suites and villas, this is the city’s largest hotel.

• Raffles Singapore will commence a three-phase restoration in January with the overhaul of the Hotel Arcade, including the famous Long Bar; the hotel will close in late 2017 to complete the project, reopening in the second quarter of 2018.

• The Langham Melbourne is gearing for Opera Australia’s staging of Wagner’s Ring Cycle at the Arts Centre Melbourne from November 21 to December 16, with packages from $265 a night, including a daily credit of up to $40, gratis Wi-Fi and welcome gift.

• The 10-room, five-star Robertson Small Hotel in South Africa’s Cape Winelands has completed a modish makeover of its Victorian-era rooms by London-based design company Studio Ashby; additions include a deli selling local produce and pop-up art gallery.