Kokomo Private Island: What to expect from this preeminent Fiji resort

On the secluded shores of one of Fiji’s most beautiful isles, Kokomo Private Island Resort embodies eco-luxury at its finest

The experience of being a guest at the paradise that is Kokomo Private Island in Fiji begins in an airplane hangar. Arriving there, and at the resort’s private lounge at Nadi Airport, is how my daughter and I know we are likely embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. A passion project of the late Lang Walker AO, who at first encounter fell in love with the island, Kokomo Private Island rose spectacularly from the bare bones abandoned by a previous developer. The 45-minute air transfer that follows on Kokomo’s private seaplane offers breathtaking aerial vistas of the cerulean sea and a patchwork of coral reefs, before we land on what will be our home for the next few days.

Welcome to island life

Upon landing at the jetty, the Kokomo Welcome Ceremony we are presented with is more than just a greeting; but an introduction to a culture that reveres both its guests and its traditions. Sipping on the water of fresh coconuts, we are like deer in the headlights as we enter our One Bedroom Sunrise Villa for the first time. A welcome bottle of champagne, with fruits and personalised water bottles, sits on the table before us, while beyond lies a private pool with direct access to the beach.

Each of the 21 villas boasts a unique marriage of contemporary design practices and traditional Fijian nuances alongside elegant stonework and artwork by renowned artist, Chris Kenyon. In addition to the villas, Kokomo offers five expansive residences comprising three to six bedrooms each, ideal for multi-generational groups or wedding parties.

A taste of the islands

The island orientation lunch at the Beach Shack provides the first taste of the culinary excellence that becomes a recurring theme at Kokomo. I can taste the freshness of the produce in every bite, a testament to the island’s 2.2-hectare organic farm, which I explore with Kokomo’s chef, Andy. Andy shares with me insights into the sustainable practices that make each dish at Kokomo not just a meal, but a journey: from the tanks housing lobsters and the garden’s exotic herbs and fresh salt beds to the beehives and hen house that produce rich, drizzly honey and free-range eggs.

It’s a challenge trying to decide where to eat dinner each night, purely because each option is so enticing. Beyond the laidback vibes of the Beach Shack there’s the sophisticated ambience of Walker D’Plank, the vibrant poolside affair of Kokocabana Pool Club, and the exclusive and private experience of in-villa dining.

Walker D’Plank becomes a firm favourite during our stay, delighting our senses with Indian-themed Asian fusion cuisine, complemented by the refreshing tang of G&Ts and a mango-coconut sago dessert. An after-dinner stroll on our first evening brings us face-to-face with a school of tranquil reef sharks, bringing a touch of enchantment to the night.

A passion project of the late Lang Walker AO, who at first encounter fell in love with the island, Kokomo Private Island rose spectacularly from the bare bones abandoned by a previous developer.

Commitment to biodiversity

After a delicious breakfast at the Beach Shack on our second day, where the early sunlight dappled through the palms, we joined the marine biology team on a mission to spot and swim with the manta rays. Jumping into the deep blue waters and not knowing where these gentle giants might be is daunting but, before I know it, the guide is pointing 200 metres to our right, and I dip my head under the water to witness a group of these majestic creatures swimming right past us. I am in shock as much as I am in awe as these giants of the sea move with a grace that belies their size, humbling everyone in their wake. In addition to Kokomo’s Manta Conservation Project, the resort has a number of other inspiring sustainability initiatives in place, including the Kokomo Coral Restoration Project.

We are lucky enough to have dinner one night hosted by resort manager, Jacques Louw, who has a special knack for making every guest feel like the most important person on the island. The amazing stories from his years at Kokomo, along with his clear veneration for the late Lang Walker, are truly compelling.

Peace on-island

At the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary I experience the Pacific Mastery Massage and am almost transcended during what is a beautifully peaceful treatment. Restorative flow yoga is another popular wellness experience, held at the highest point of the island and granting yogis breathtaking views during each asana. We also spend plenty of time relaxing by the pool, sipping on cocktails and enjoying woodfire pizza from Kokocabana Pool Club, where the chefs are especially attentive to my daughter’s serious food allergies.

Departing the island by helicopter, another incredible Kokomo experience, I consider what makes Kokomo so very special – beyond its obvious good looks. The resort’s intimate scale fosters a sense of exclusivity, yet the warmth of the staff makes it feel like home, and this is a balance that few resorts can strike successfully. From the culinary delights to the deep connection with the ocean, each day offers guests another taste of exactly what paradise looks like, both above and beneath the waves.

Rates at Kokomo Private Island start from USD$2,200 (about AUD$3,275) per room per night in a One Bedroom Sunrise Villa, inclusive of daily gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, laundry and pressing, nanny services, kids and teens club, non-motorised watersports, resort facilities and land-based activities.

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