For over a decade, one destination sat at the very top of my bucket list—an island so mystical in its beauty it almost felt too paradisiacal to exist. That place was COMO Laucala Island in Fiji. My husband, Anush, and I finally had the chance to experience it, and even now we catch ourselves wondering if it was all just a dream.
Touchdown in Paradise
Our journey began at Nadi Airport, where COMO Laucala welcomed us into its new private hangar with light refreshments before ushering us onto a private jet for the short, scenic 50-minute flight. From above, the island resort looked like a floating Eden—lush rainforests, sugar-white beaches and a reef encircled by endless shades of blue.
On arrival, we were greeted by warm smiles from the staff, and Jordan, our Tau (Fijian for “friend”), drove us to our island home for the next few days. We arrived at our one-bedroom Plantation Villa, a Fijian Bure seamlessly blending rustic design with modern comforts. The space was immaculate: soaring thatched ceilings, carved wood details and wide indoor–outdoor living areas that opened onto a private garden. Our private paradise even included an infinity plunge pool, outdoor bath and daybeds.
That first evening set the tone. Sundowners at the cliffside Rock Lounge gave way to Cultural Night, where we joined locals for a traditional kava ceremony, watched meke dances and savored a lovo feast—meats and root vegetables slow-cooked underground until tender and smoky. It was heartfelt, raw and utterly unforgettable.
Days of Flavor and Flow
Thanks to jet lag, we rose with the sun the next morning. At our villa, Soko guided us through an energizing stretch before we made our way to Plantation House for breakfast. The chef’s “Tau tray” offered a tasting of the kitchen’s favorite specialties in small portions. The coconut chia pudding and fresh fruit were my favorites, but what I looked forward to most each morning was the ever-changing spread of housemade jams, nut butters, curds and the pastry of the day.
Later, we lounged by the spectacular pool, the largest in the South Pacific. With its layers of lap pools, lagoons and glass walls, every angle felt like a postcard. After lunch, Executive Chef Dan took us on a farm tour, showing how the island grows nearly all of its own produce. From hydroponic herbs to their own poultry farm, the level of self-sufficiency was inspiring, and every meal tasted even fresher for it. That evening, we lingered at Seagrass Bar before a delicious Thai dinner. I still dream about the pad thai and pandan mango sticky rice pudding from that night.
Adventure All Around
COMO Laucala Island is the first resort I’ve visited where “all-inclusive” lives up to its name—from private dining to daily activities. After a blissful COMO Shambhala massage at the spa, we headed to the lagoon. There, we joined a guided jet-ski tour to explore the island’s rugged coastline and the ombré blues of its lagoon.
Later, I fulfilled a long-time dream with a guided horseback ride. We trotted through coconut plantations, cantered along beaches and finally rode bareback into the sea. The moment my horse began swimming beneath me will stay etched in my memory forever. That night, the resort’s weekly curry night offered another feast, with fresh Fijian rotis and spiced chicken curry stealing the show.
Into the Island’s Heart
Eager to balance indulgence with movement, Anush and I joined Gary, the general manager, on one of his favorite hikes on the island. The trail wound through rainforest alive with birdsong, leading to lookouts with sweeping views of Laucala and neighboring Qamea.
Back at the villa, we opted for a simple private beach picnic. With a chilled fresh mango juice in hand, a bowl of kokoda (Fijian fish ceviche) and the sea at our feet, we had everything we needed. It was the kind of effortless meal that matched the setting: fresh, unfussy and incredibly special.
That evening unfolded like a love letter to Fiji: a champagne-fueled sunset cruise aboard Rere Ahi, a classic 1970s sailboat, followed by a private toes-in-the-sand barbecue arranged by Jordan and the Tau team. A flower crown for me, a lei for Anush, live island music and dinner grilled before us under the stars—it was pure magic.
Sota Tale, until next time
Our last morning came without alarms. COMO Laucala doesn’t enforce rigid check-in or check-out schedules, so we lounged in the pool, lingered on the beach and savored our last moments in paradise.
What really stood out about the resort is how it feels as though the entire island exists just for you. This is by far the most private resort we’ve ever stayed at—you rarely cross paths with other guests, even at restaurants or during activities. But it’s more than just privacy; it feels deeply personal, as if every member of staff is there solely to make your stay extraordinary. They accommodated every request with ease, remembered our preferences, addressed us by name and always greeted us with warm smiles. Conversations about our day felt genuine, never scripted and their attentiveness gave every moment a sense of care.
COMO Laucala Island transcends being a place; it’s a world unto itself, complete in its seclusion, bespoke in its adventures and unforgettable because of its people. It will remain one of our greatest travel experiences, and one I already can’t wait to repeat. Though leaving was bittersweet, I know it’s not goodbye, only Sota Tale, until we meet again.
About the Author: Jyotsna Shankar is a San Francisco-based content creator, always in search of her next tropical island adventure. Follow @jyo_shankar for bucket list destinations, luxury hotels and travel tips. To see Jyo’s perfect beach vacation packing list, read her tropical essentials guide.
