There’s nothing quite like being invited by a gorgeous choir of smiling faces, clapping and singing for your arrival, enveloping you in a conventional song that overruns with heat and hospitality. This is no token gesture; it’s the minute you “become a life member of the Wakaya Club,” Tiko, chief and coach to Wakaya Club & Health club personnel and the entire island neighborhood, informed us.
As an extension of Wakaya Club’s hospitality, we were invited to the private island’s small village, which is specifically constructed for Wakaya staff members and their families. At the community school, the kids, like their parents, showered us in song and dance. Their energy was so transmittable that it didn’t take long before we were following their lead, twirling and side-stepping too.
Wakaya Club & Spa has actually been a popular high-end resort destination for several years, with a string of prominent visitors (The Rolling Stones, Tom Cruise, Steph Curry) rocking up for exclusive access to infinity pool villas, “internal” health spas, and rich acres of personal land. In contrast, the most alluring element for me was basic: Being accepted by happy, friendly, and passionate individuals. The island sustains flourishing households, the school educates its children, and the church choir joins the entire community in an unique bond that can be felt throughout the Wakaya company.
The Rooms
Our bure (Fijian for vacation home) was one of 10 high-end vacation homes lining the waterside. Here and throughout the residential or commercial properties, tropical sophistication is attained with cathedral ceilings, indigenous Yaka timber floor covering, and sweeping verandas. Custom satisfies contemporary luxury as floor-to-ceiling glass doors cover the whole length of the villa, opening to a breathtaking view of the palm tree– lined, pristine sandy beach and the expansive green yard. Each bure uses 1,650 square feet of personal privacy, covered by lovely landscaping which runs along each lawn all the way to the beach.
Inside is a roomy living location with warm, natural tones running throughout. In every space the furnishings is placed to draw your attention out towards the view. In the master suite, a king-size canopy bed takes spotlight and the gauzy drapes are carefully held up, framing the view of your own tropical paradise. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls are a repeating theme throughout and continue into a bathroom that permits nature to entirely stream through it. This sanctuary brings outdoor bathing to you. An al fresco lava rock shower bathed in natural light and a garden-facing tub invites a sanctum for relaxation.
The resort’s top suites can be found in the kind of sprawling hill estates, varying from $8,000 to 11,000 USD per night. Vale’O, implying “House in the Clouds,” and Sega Na Leqa, meaning “No Worries,” both use sensational breathtaking ocean views, a wealth of home entertainment possibilities, and a devoted family personnel. A first-rate retreat and the resort’s most recent addition, Sega Na Leqa features a 125-foot infinity swimming pool, personal guest house, and advanced high-end living areas.
Food and Drink
The island cooks what the island grows. Wakaya’s Authentic Fijian Culinary Program is married wonderfully with the resort’s promise to sustainability. With environmental farming principles used, over 60% of the produce landing on your plate is locally sourced from the on-site organic farm.
Eating at the flagship dining establishment, The Palm Grove, guests can expect a curated menu of Indian, Mediterranean, and Fijian tastes. You can also delight in meals at the beach house, Baravi Lai Lai, dine poolside, or take benefit of a beach cookout.
Experiences and Amenities
Taking care of your every need comes naturally in Fijian hospitality. From dietary requirements to drink choices to activities, whatever you desire is just one request away. Naturally, making use of the health club, tennis courts, recreation room, and golf course are endless. Guests might likewise choose to prepare cultural activities consisting of assisted historical walkings, traditional weaving, or a Fijian lovo special occasion feast ahead of time.
An emphasize during our stay was being chauffeured to the southeastern side of the island for a remote picnic. If you’ve ever envisioned what the ultimate personal beach dining experience would appear like, this is it. Emerging through thick tropical forest, we came to Tuburua Beach. Distressed driftwood and seashells fringed the jungle, with fallen coconuts at our feet and frangipani flowers in my hair– truly romantic. Joey, our chauffeur, set out a woven beach rug, hammock, and plush cushions before leaving us on our own to shower in the afternoon calmness. Our luxury lunch hinder of goodies consisted of lobster pasta and gooey chocolate brownies.
At the start of our stay, we were invited to get involved in a regional custom-made understood as the kava inviting event. A ritual to celebrate connection, we were used a plant-based drink (kava) served in a communal bowl. As we took our seats, the chief, Tiko, began by relaying the rules for the sacred ritual.
The next day we would continue to learn more about the island’s heritage while hiking the historic Chieftain’s Leap. Our guide was Sonny, my tribal trainer from the previous night, and we quickly found ourselves talking like old friends before he delved into the history and camaraderie that has actually formed the island’s principles. According to Sonny, the Island was taken at the hands of the Ovalau warriors in about 300 B.C. To avoid particular death, the Wakayan town chief leapt off a cliff at Double Bay. Out of loyalty, the villagers followed him. This is the Island’s tradition, he told us. To this day, support, trust, and mentorship keep the community bonds tight.
The Spa
My masseuse invited me into Breeze, the onsite medical spa, and instantly guided me to a bowl of warm water infused with necessary oils and flower extracts. Here, relaxation started with a nourishing foot scrub. There’s a myriad of treatments to pick from, I decided for the hot stone massage to ease tight muscles. Visitors can even more indulge with a dip in the body-temperature calmness swimming pool followed by relaxing on the lanai, an outdoor veranda. The medspa is located on the oceanfront, so expect to hear the soothing sounds of waves in your minutes of stillness.
Availability and Sustainability
The Wakaya Marine Reserve is home to 16,000 square kilometers of sea life. From snorkeling alone, guests can anticipate front-row seats to a menagerie of coral fish, Hawksbill turtles, green back turtles, and hammerhead sharks. It’s one of the very best areas for frequently finding manta rays, too.
Wakaya is a resort that prides itself on conservation excellence, and Luke Gordon of The Manta Trust is part of a cumulative effort to help sustain and nurture the local environment. Schools of strongly colored fish were bountiful around us; we even saw reef sharks and an octopus swim through open water before camouflaging into the rock.
To keep these experiences lively and the animals healthy, Wakaya’s ecologists apply the latest technology and scientific research study to rescue, restore, and rehome numerous species. With Gordon, who is also the resort’s marine biologist, visitors can get involved in some of these efforts. We participated in coral farming, and Gordon showed how some of the most endangered reef plants are being restored.
The Location
The Wakaya Club & Spa is a high-end retreat situated north east of Viti Levu in the Ovalu group of islands. Approximately 5 miles in length, this 2,200-acre island is a tranquil hideaway with ancient banyan trees, milky white beaches, and wild deer.
Finding the very best Value
When you remain at Wakaya, you buy into exclusivity. You’ll witness Fijian elders forming neighborhoods, researchers supporting both land and sea, and wildlife encounters that you just can’t get in a lot of parts of the world. This kind of intimacy and connection begins with nightly rates of $2,500 USD for a garden-view bure. Rates include domestic air transfer; morning (7 a.m.) check-in and late (4 p.m.) take a look at; all meals and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic); everyday laundry; a massage; personal beach picnic; one scuba dive per individual; and far more. For guests trying to find extra booking rewards, Indulge at Wakaya (stay for 5 nights and spend for four, plus a $200 medical spa credit) and Wakaya Escape (stay or for 7 nights and spend for 5) are readily available.