Private oasis

I’ll be honest, some assignments are harder than others. And in the spirit of full disclosure (and advance apologies), Kokomo Private Island is what stranded-on-a-desert-island-dreams are made of. In the vast constellation of South Pacific retreats, this pristine sanctuary tucked within Fijis Great Astrolabe Reef is both a singular beacon of luxury and testament to one of the few places untouched by time. Here, luxury and sustainability are seamless. White sand beaches stretch toward the horizon and turquoise waters seem to shimmer with a touch of magic. Whether you’re seeking escape or connection, the journey to Kokomo is quite literally as enriching as the destination itself. 

Catering to those guests who travel both long and short haul flights to Nadi, Kokomo has its own private hangar where the champagne flows (as do the non-alcoholic drinks if that’s your jam) prior to hopping onboard a private seaplane or helicopter for the 45minute flight to the island.

With phone camera’s poised, there’re a multitude of instagram worthy out-the-window-propeller-shots to be had, and as the island’s lush greenery comes into view you know you’re about to land somewhere special. Just when your ‘cat that ate the canary grin’ couldn’t get any wider, the moment is punctuated by the heavenly Fijian vocals of Kokomo’s staff members greeting you with arrival songs to reiterate that yes, you’ve absolutely arrived in paradise. Stick a fork in me I’m done!

When it comes to accommodation, there are a number of options but in the interests of keeping it simple, there’s a “Sunset” side of the island, and a “Sunrise” side. Both sides have exclusive beach front villas, each boasting its own private swimming pool.

Here’s the thing, the sunset side is essentially the side of the island where your seaplane arrives and it’s here where you’ll find a jetty bar, an incredible Beach Shack Restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and another dining option called Walker d’Plank (cute, and delicious Asian style street food where there’s literally no menu, the chefs will just bring you whatever is caught fresh that day – go with it, it’s unbelievably good fare). It’s also the main beach of Kokomo and arguably the most sought-after side of the island to stay, albeit not as private as the sunrise side. 

The sunrise side of the island is dotted with one, two and three-bedroom villas, and is home to the house reef. As it’s moniker would suggest, it’s the place you want to be to watch… the sun rise.

It’s quiet over this side and for those that really enjoy their privacy, you’ll be hard pressed to bump into anyone beachside over this neck of the woods. What I will say is that irrespective of what villa you stay in, they’re enormous and oh so beautifully appointed.

For those travellers accompanied by a large group, or for others that just want extra space on top of the extra spacious villa options, there are five Grand Residences (Namara, Ocean, Dravuni Astrolabe and Sunset), set within the hill tops of the island. In a nutshell, they’re incredible, all with superb views, so much space, a dedicated butler and nanny service, oh and your own buggy for getting around the island.

Kokomo is not just your average getaway. As the brainchild of the late Lang Walker AO, it’s a full immersion into a world where luxury, adventure and ecological responsibility intersect.

With so much to explore, you might find your days filled with activities that bring you closer to the island's vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty and dedication to sustainable luxury. Equally, you may find yourself poolside with a glass of wine and a good book in hand (also an excellent option).

For those with an adventurous spirit, the island sits within one of the largest barrier reefs in the world – the Great Astrolabe Reef – making it a prime destination for marine exploration. Dive (or casually snorkel) into vibrant coral gardens teeming with diverse marine life, including manta rays, reef sharks and exotic fish species. And for those interested, Kokomo offers guided scuba diving tours, snorkelling excursions and even the chance to learn how to free-dive under the expert guidance of seasoned professionals.

Naturally, Kokomo has all your other water sports covered too. You can paddleboard, kayak, or jet-ski around the island’s crystal-clear lagoons, or try your hand at wakeboarding and water-skiing. Kokomo’s marine team also arranges deep-sea fishing trips for those interested in testing their angling skills in one of the world’s most bountiful marine ecosystems.

And when you’re ready to unwind, Kokomo's spa is a destination in itself. The Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary blends traditional Fijian wellness rituals with modern therapies, offering massages, facials and body treatments in an idyllic setting surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of island adventures, leaving you refreshed and ready to enjoy more of Kokomo’s offerings.

Beyond its beauty and luxurious experiences, Kokomo is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism. 

The island has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at preserving the natural environment and supporting local communities. Kokomo’s Coral Restoration Project for instance, is one of its most impressive sustainability efforts. Through this project, the island’s marine biologists are working to restore and protect coral reefs that have suffered due to climate change and other environmental stressors. Guests can participate in coral planting activities, learning about the island’s ecology while contributing to its preservation.

Kokomo also takes pride in its approach to farm-to-table dining. With an on-island farm producing fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs, the island's restaurants are able to serve dishes that are not only delicious but also sourced sustainably. True to form, the farm minimises the need for imported ingredients, reducing the island’s carbon footprint while providing guests with the freshest possible ingredients. 

From garden-fresh salads to tropical fruit platters, Kokomo’s culinary offerings celebrate local produce and Fijian flavours. The chefs work closely with the island’s farm team and guests can even tour the farm to see where their meals begin, bringing a new level of appreciation to each dish.

In addition to reducing food miles, Kokomo’s dedication to sustainability is also seen in its waste management practices. The island operates on a ‘zero-waste’ policy, aiming to reduce landfill contributions by recycling, composting and reusing wherever possible. It’s also invested in a state-of-the-art desalination plant, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh water without impacting local resources.

At Kokomo, the spirit of Fiji isn’t just honoured, it’s celebrated, curated and stitched into the very fabric of the guest experience. 

From the moment you set foot on this island, you’re met with a warmth and authenticity that could only come from a team of local Fijians who carry a profound sense of pride in their heritage. Their hospitality isn’t merely service – it’s an invitation to join in a lineage of storytelling, song and shared rituals.

For families with children, Kokomo ensures that the allure of Fiji reaches every age. The Kokomo Kids’ Club, far from being an afterthought, is a masterclass in igniting young imaginations. Picture treasure hunts that lead to secret beaches, hands-on crafts inspired by Fijian artisans and explorations that nurture an early respect for sustainability. Its cultural immersion entices, sparks curiosity and a love of discovery.

Whether you’re yearning for a secluded escape that’s all your own or a dynamic retreat to share with family and friends, Kokomo delivers a rare sort of paradise that’s as timeless as it is unforgettable.