Ever wondered where celebrities stay when they go on holiday, aaaaand if any of those getaways could actually be within financial reach? Fiji is home to a plethora of incredible places to stay – and all within such a huge price range (sometimes even within the individual resorts). So, if you’d like to bag a bargain – or if you’re keen to lay down some coin, here are some of the most extraordinary, celeb-approved places you can stay.
Capsule x You Travel
WHERE: COMO Laucala
WHO: Oprah Winfrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger
COMO Laucala is one of the world’s largest private island resorts, yet it features just 25 super exclusive villas. In their words, COMO Laucala “recalibrates the idea of luxury” and we want in.
It features its own airstrip to ensure guests can slip in on their private plane, or you can have the resort send their own planes to pick you up from the main airport.
There, you’ll find yourself in paradise, able to pick between private, decadent homes suspended over the water, on hilltops or amidst the rainforest.
There’s a bunch of activities available and world-class cuisine, which, apparently isn’t just delicious but centres around health, wellbeing and sustainability, using homegrown produce from the island.
WHERE: Wakaya
WHO: Steph and Ayesha Curry, Karen Walker
In 2022, NBA superstar brothers Steph and Seth Curry boarded a Fiji Airways flight – alongside their sister, Sydel, and Steph’s wife, Ayesha – and headed straight for Wakaya island, the home of one of the most luxurious resorts Fiji has on offer.
there’s several more tiers of accommodation, including the top-tier: Sega Na Leqa. It’s a Fijian phrase for “no worries” and features a master wing, with an infinity pool, two separate bathrooms, exercise rooms and an exercise pool – as well as a full kitchen, library and private guest house.
WHERE: Vatuvara Private Islands
WHO: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
If you’re looking for exclusive, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than Vatuvara. The stunning private islands – described by Forbes Magazine as “one of the world’s most beautiful places” – is home to just three private villas.
The flagship of the villas is Delana Villa: the ultimate in expansive elegance, complete with an indoor massage area, a jacuzzi, large infinity pool, dining gazebo, oh – and its OWN PRIVATE BEACH.
The entire resort is run with sustainability in mind – all four islands follow organic standards and is home to some of the most well-preserved reef systems in the world. All islands are powered by solar energy and guests can drive electric powered buggies across their island.
This stance – and the fact there are yoga mats in every villa! – is likely what has made it a favourite of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who have holidayed here during their 16-day tour of Australia, Tonga, NZ and Fiji after announcing their pregnancy.
WHERE: Tavarua Island Resort
WHO: Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, Kelly Slater
If you’re looking for incredible surf, outstanding scenery, unreal sunsets, plus luxury accommodation and services that’s very family-friendly, Tavarua is the place to go.
Last Christmas Chris Hemsworth took his wife, actress Elsa Pataky and the kids to Tavarua, staying on the super-exclusive heart-shaped private island. The pair are no strangers to Fiji, but in an Instagram post, Elsa described Tavarua as their favourite.
There are three types of accommodation to choose from – all with ocean views, but the Tavarua Villa is the pick of the bunch (and likely where Chris stayed) with a king master bedroom, sitting room and extra bedroom with three single beds.
There’s plenty for kids to do on the island, including basketball, tennis, a game room and a skate ramp that was built by Tony Hawk himself. It’s also a mecca for surfers, with Kelly Slater claiming that CloudBreak at Tavarua is one of his favourite waves in the world and Tavarua is his pick to stay at, particularly with his family in tow. In fact, a few years ago he said, “I’ve been coming to Tavarua Island since 1990. I just fell in love with the place. I thought it was the most beautiful incredible place that I’ve ever been.”
WHERE: Tokoriki Island Resort
WHO: Our own Beauden and Hannah Barrett, Manifest stars Melissa Roxburgh and J.R. Ramirez
If you’d rather leave the kids at home, then Tokoriki, an adult-only boutique luxury island resort, is the way to go. The resort comes highly recommended and awarded – claiming a long list of awards including TripAdvisor #1 Hotel in the South Pacific 2021 and 2022 Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 15 Resorts.
It hosts 36 Freestanding Beachfront villas – catering to a max of 72 guests at any time, with tropical outdoor showers, ocean views, a chef who meets with you on arrival to discuss your meals, and, for us, the clincher: UNLIMITED 60 min massage retreats.
It’s a fave of All Black Beauden Barrett and his wife Hannah!
WHERE: Kokomo Private Island
WHO: Snoop Dogg
Want to see turtles, stingrays and whales from an infinity pool? Want 24/7 room service included? Perhaps snorkelling with sharks is your vibe? Or you just want to relax on one of Fiji’s most beautiful islands in peace? Kokomo is the pick for you (Do you have the song stuck in your head yet?!)
This chic resort on Yaukuve Island is an Instagrammer’s dream – think coastal grandmother but make it Fiji – and it’s also very conveniently located to the Great Astrolabe Reef, so snorkelling and diving is a must. You also have 21 elegant beachfront villas, as well as five sumptuous residences (and complementary nanny service for the kid – another pina colada, anyone?!)
