Located south of the Fijian mainland, Kokomo Private Island is a unique destination for eco-friendly practices, authentic experiences and modern design
A prime destination for travellers seeking an intimate and authentic escape, Fijian nuances meet modern design at Gold List Award-winner Kokomo Private Island. Located south of the Fijian mainland, the unique destination is a hub for eco-friendly practices amid sandy white beaches and rolling hills covered in lush vegetation. Developed by Australian property developer Lang Walker, Kokomo Private Island fosters a genuine and essential connection to nature by blending the built and natural environment, allowing travellers to partake in the island’s ecological, conservation and sustainability programs.
Kokomo is a boutique island of 57 hectares, where guests arrive via helicopter or seaplane, to a symphony of gathered staff members singing the Fijian welcoming song outside the open-air lobby. Guests of the resort will spend their time pampered in one of the 21 seaside villas, sprawled across two beaches. Or, on the hilltop at one of the residences that come with a private chef, butler and nanny. Whichever guests choose, they will be guided to their bure – a traditional thatched roof – and welcome with whichever assortments they select from the extensive pre-arrival questionnaire sent weeks in advance.
The design at Kokomo Private Island harmonises eco-friendly practices, contemporary design aesthetics and traditional Fijian nuances. Epitomising the ‘private’ in its name, Kokomo boasts 21 expansive villas and five residences, each inclusive of its own private pool, ocean views and direct beach access. Each space delineated on the floor plan establishes a connection and orientation toward both interior and exterior living spaces. The configuration of the floorplans adopts an open and semi-private design, featuring expansive living areas and kitchenettes, coupled with a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and ensuite, featuring a rain shower, a deep soaking bathtub and an outdoor shower.
The residencies are adorned with hardwood furniture sourced from Mel Gibson’s Mago Island cinnamon trees and, contemporary mural and abstract artworks by Australian artist-in-residence, Chris Kenyon, line the walls of the resort. Kokomo Private Island fosters a genuine and essential connection to nature by blending the built and natural environment, creating an intimate atmosphere for guests that reflects the authentic essence of the islands.
Artists Chris Kenyon also contributed to the architecture at Kokomo, leveraging on his expertise as a set designer for the initial two Mad Max movies, designing the Walker ‘da Plank at the end of the wooden walkway. The designs showcase upcycled fish netting and maritime relics collected from ship-stripping yards, to create an eclectic dining venue, where chefs serve unique interpretations of Asian street food and Fijian cuisine.
Island-grown and locally sourced produce are celebrated in Fijian cuisine, across the Kokomo’s three restaurants: Beach Shack, Walker d’Plank and Kokocabana. The chefs thoughtfully transform local produce into delicious meals, from the 5.5-acre farm, sustainably harvested seaweed and fresh seasonal seafood, showcasing the best produce for each season.
Surrounded by an unspoiled natural environment, Kokomo is committed to the regeneration and sustainable preservation of the island’s innate beauty, boasting a compelling blend of environmental conscientiousness and innovative practices. The island offers premier diving sites on the fourth-largest barrier reef and eco-friendly practices at Kokomo include an extensive marine program comprising a coral restoration project, a clam nursery and an adoption program for manta rays.
In addition to responding to global demands for sustainable practices, Kokomo provides guests with a fully equipped fitness centre, located on top of the hill with panoramic views of the island. As well as a dedicated yoga shala for both yoga and Pilates classes, to present guests’ facilities and amenities on their journey to wellness.