Laucala Island
Laucala Island, Fiji
Vibe
Electric buggies navigate rainforest tracks connecting twenty-five thatched residences scattered across volcanic hills, private beaches, and coconut groves.
“Private island outpost”
An eighteen-hole championship golf course, equestrian stables, a fourteen-boat marina fleet, and an iconic glass-cube lagoon pool.
Sculptural thatched villas feature organic timber curves, woven coconut magimagi cordage, and bathtubs carved from single granite slabs.
Dedicated Tau butlers attend each villa, arranging customized island itineraries, private plane transfers, and round-the-clock bespoke dining.
On a private island in northern Fiji, surrounded by turquoise lagoons, rainforest ridges, and coconut plantations.
“Twenty-five villas are carved from thatch, timber, and stone, each one secluded and sculptural, with private pools, sun decks, and open-air baths…”
Rooms
Standalone villas feature curved timber framing, sago-palm thatch, muslin-draped outdoor daybed cabanas, and private infinity plunge pools.
“It’s hard to leave—amuse-bouches materialize throughout the day, and any conceivable meal will be arranged instantly—but Laucala also has five bars and restaurants…”
Wellness
Hilltop treatment villas offer botanical therapies from an on-island garden, alongside a freeform lagoon pool anchored by a glass-walled lap cube.
Backstory
Once a historic copra plantation and Malcolm Forbes retreat, the private island was developed into a self-sustaining refuge by Dietrich Mateschitz.
Eat & drink
Five dining venues draw from the island's hydroponic gardens and livestock farms, spanning clifftop Asian tasting menus to barefoot beach barbecues.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.