One of Australia’s best chefs is hosting a gastronomic escape on a Fijian private island

A three-night culinary journey is set to unfold in one of the world’s most beautiful locations

In amongst Fiji’s Great Astrolabe Reef sits Kokomo Private Island, a haven of natural beauty that is widely recognised as one of the archipelago’s most exclusive private resorts. With its unspoilt landscapes and carefully positioned residences, Kokomo feels like a world of its own, with every guest able to find their own version of bliss.

In 2025, the island welcomes one of Australia’s leading chefs to its shores for a bucket-list culinary experience. Chef Lennox Hastie of Firedoor and Gildas, Australia’s only fully wood-fired restaurant, brings his trademark cooking to Kokomo, collaborating with the Island’s own chefs to capture the beauty, serenity, and produce of the location in an extraordinary three-part gastronomic journey, a special added bonus for guests visiting in the first week of August.

About Kokomo

Kokomo Private Island is just a 45 minute flight from Nadi International Airport or 25 minutes south of Suva, with guests able to access Kokomo via a private Twin Otter seaplane or helicopter. This journey sets the tone for the island experience, with sweeping views of crystal water dotted with vibrant reefs stretching out below the aircraft.

After touching down, guests will check into one of the private residences or beachfront villas, each appointed with luxury fittings and a sumptuous take on modern Fijian design. With only 26 villas and residences available, guests can be assured of privacy and serenity, with an open invitation to spend their time on Kokomo doing as much or as little as they like.

For those who do decide to venture beyond their own private slice of the island, an entirely new world awaits, with the Great Astrolabe Reef offering world class diving and snorkelling to witness an underwater ecosystem of marine life. On land, adventure and indulgence are both in store, with yoga, waterfall tours, village tours, and private culinary experiences all on the Kokomo activity menu. Restoration and romance can also be found at the on-site spa, where an array of treatments and holistic practices will help centre the mind and feed the soul.

A culinary itinerary

While Kokomo is perfect to visit any time of the year, the promise of a once-in-a-lifetime culinary collaboration has put August front and centre of the island’s calendar. Following on from the success of the first Lennox Hastie experience, the island is once again welcoming foodies to their shores, with a three day adventure that is indulgent, experiential, and educational.

The journey starts with a welcome dinner for guests, with a menu designed by Hastie and Kokomo Private Island’s Executive Chefs Andy Bryant and Caroline Oakley. Set against the magical backdrop of the beach at sunset, this is a feast that pays homage to beautiful local ingredients, telling a subtle story of flavours, textures, and aromas of produce cooked over coals.

The next day, guests will experience a priceless masterclass, with Hastie hosting a hands-on lesson to open up the world of gastronomic artistry. Held in one of the island’s sumptuous Grand Residences, Hastie will share insider tips and kitchen wisdom, preparing an array of his signature snacks from the verdant hills of Kokomo.

As the three-night retreat draws to a close, Hastie’s final culinary show will be a beach barbecue on the secluded island of Namara. Guests will travel by boat to the nearby location, where a desert island luncheon will be prepared over open fire by Hastie and Kokomo’s Executive Chef Andy.

Book your gastronomic private escape

Kokomo Private Island promises a sensation of escape, where incredible memories are made in an idyllic, secluded location. Luxury of all kinds can be found on Kokomo: in the seas, the beaches, the hills, the adventures, and the accommodation. From 1st to the 3rd of August 2025, luxury can also be found on the plate, with a collaborative culinary journey that combines the best of Australia’s gastronomy scene with one of the world’s most beautiful escapes for a rarified experience designed to savor.

The three-night Lennox Hastie experience will be held from 1st – 3rd August 2025, with the experience open to all guest staying on the island over this time. For further information, please contact your travel advisor or Kokomo’s Reservations Team: [email protected]