Laucala Island

Laucala Island, located in Taveuni, Fiji, is an exclusive private island that offers unparalleled luxury, privacy, and an authentic Fijian experience. Spread across 1,600 hectares, the island features 25 private residences known as “bures” that blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. WATG was engaged to create a resort destination that would stand the test of time and offer a unique, culturally rich, and sustainable experience. 

WATG’s approach was to reinvent the traditional Fijian vernacular of thatched huts, incorporating elements that allowed trees to grow through roofs and pavilions to integrate harmoniously with the lush landscape. This innovative design concept preserved the natural beauty of the island while offering guests a luxurious and immersive experience. The project emphasized collaboration and respect for the local community, integrating local construction design ethics such as thatch roofs of sago palms, doga timber, and coconut husk weave. 

The Laucala Island resort aimed to redefine luxury by focusing on minute details and creating a truly authentic Fijian ambience. The villas, strategically placed amidst coconut palms, along the beach, and atop lookout points, provided guests with commanding views of the Fijian archipelago. The design embraced the Fijian culture, incorporating natural materials and traditional craftsmanship. The use of shell-like thatched roofs, timber, and stone reflected an ecologically minded construction approach, ensuring longevity and sustainability. 

As you would hope to find on an island, the design creates a sense of definition not separation from the natural features of the landscape. Even concealed lighting emulates moonlight alongside flame torches that all heighten the romantic ambience of the resort. Barefoot luxury is more than an idea here with natural stone steps smooth on the soles leading to your sleeping platform, and bathtubs carved from single slabs of granite. There’s drama in the design that invites inspection and admiration but doesn’t in any way compete with or override the beauty of the island. 

Laucala Island catered to the desires of the modern traveler, who seek a unique experience without compromising connectivity. The resort offered a remote getaway where guests could disconnect from the outside world while remaining connected to modern amenities. The design aimed to engage the senses and transport guests on a journey, immersing them in the desert island fantasy. The resort’s architecture and thoughtful design elements created a sense of serenity, allowing guests to fully appreciate the beauty of the island. 

Laucala Island quickly gained recognition and accolades in the hospitality industry. It won the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Travel Awards in 2016, ranking among the 50 best hotels in the world. Additionally, it was named one of the 20 Best Hotels in Australasia and the South Pacific by the same publication in 2017.  

Clients entrust the masters of imagination at WATG with creating a guest experience and a design narrative that resonates, bringing a resort destination to life with spectacular results that embrace the essence of the country, the site, and the dream of the client. Laucala is one such vision that is unmatched and rare in the world of luxury resorts.