COMO Laucala Island

COMO Laucala Island is private-island luxury at its rarest — 25 individually designed villas and residences spread across a 3,200-acre private island off the north-east coast of Taveuni, twelve square kilometres of beach, hilltop, rainforest and overwater settings, each villa with its own pool, sundeck and outdoor stone bath in glamorous interpretations of traditional Fijian bure design. Reached by a roughly one-hour resort-operated flight from Nadi International to the island's own airstrip, with private-jet arrivals possible, and now managed by COMO, it ranks among the world's most exclusive escapes and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. The stay is all-inclusive down to premium wines — gourmet dining, premium beverages, in-villa refreshments, a personal butler (the 'Tau') and most activities, with no booking or service fees — and an organic farm on the island grows the produce and raises the Wagyu. Five restaurants and bars range from colonial-mansion fine dining with a premium cellar at Plantation House to alfresco Asian and Fijian at Seagrass, casual BBQ at the Beach Bar, Mediterranean sharing at the Pool Bar and sundowners at the open-air Rock Lounge, with dining by design set anywhere on the island. Wellness comes from the COMO Shambhala Retreat — Fijian healing, island botanicals, yoga and a complimentary signature massage — beside a striking glass-edge infinity pool. The experiences are extraordinary: a private 18-hole championship golf course by David McLay-Kidd, a guest submarine, diving on the Great Astrolabe Reef, private boats for sailing and game fishing, horse-riding stables, and miles of trails for walking and mountain biking. Children are warmly welcomed, with a nanny and tailored activities, up to the Hilltop Estate with its 360-degree island views.