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Overview
Nature pulled out all the stops when she created Wakaya, your ultimate tropical hideaway. This breathtakingly beautiful five-square-mile Fijian island seems to have fallen to earth directly from heaven itself. Lush, tropical forests, soaring cliffs with glistening waterfalls, and bleached, powder-soft beaches - warmed on all sides by azure Pacific waters.
The Wakaya Club fulfills the great South Pacific romantic legend. The stress and urgency of modern life fades away as you lounge in one of only nine beach-front Bures - authentic Fijian thatched roof cottages. Stroll in the surf at sunset, take a tranquil walk through the forest, alive with deer, wild horses and all manner of colorful, exotic flora and fauna. Or take in a challenging round of golf, tennis or scuba diving before an elegant gourmet dinner prepared by one of our four chefs.
But it is the gentle, fun-loving Fijian natives themselves who supply the greatest enchantment. “Sega na lega,” a popular catchprase meaning “No worries!,” embodies their easy-going dispositions and hospitable nature. You will become infected instantly.
Lodging
Guest lodging at Wakaya is limited to just nine traditional Fijian cottages called “Bures.” Under the thatched roof you’ll find airy, high-pitched ceilings, fanciful handwoven bamboo wallcovering and gleaming yaka plank floors. Stretch out on a four-poster king-size bamboo bed in an elegantly appointed bedroom.
The Bures interconnecting living room features inviting island-style furnishings, including a full wet-bar stocked daily with spirits, soft drinks, delicious world-famous FIJI water and fresh local fruits and juices. Relax under gently spinning paddle fans to eclectic music on the CD stereo, or browse through a library of distinctive hardcover books.
Soak luxuriantly in an oversized tub in the modern bathroom, which also features a separate shower and bidet. Fluffy cotton robes and towels and distinctive Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries complete the extravagance.
The Bures are embraced by wide verandas and lush gardens, where you may wish to take in an intimate meal or stretch out in a hammock for a short siesta. And don’t forget-you are never more than a few steps from your own secluded beach!
"Vale O" is a three-bedroom island estate divided into three pavilions. It houses from one to three couples and includes a personal kitchen and laundry staff, your own personal chef and an on-call driver.
“Vale O” literally means “House in the Clouds.” Set on a promontory above Homestead Bay, Vale O offers the ultimate Wakaya experience. Originally designed as a 12,000-square-foot private vacation home for island owners David and Jill Gilmour, Vale O offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific coast - and a coveted front-row seat for Wakaya’s notorious fiery sunsets.
The three-bedroom island estate is divided into three pavilions, houses from one to three couples and includes personal kitchen and laundry staff, your own personal chef and an on-call driver.
The living pavilion has its own sunken bar and dining area, a cushy lounge area and an expansive wrap-around veranda, stepping down to a sunning terrace and rock-trimmed swimming pool with spa and remote-controlled waterfall. The pavilion is tastefully decorated with Far Eastern objets d’art, old books and custom bamboo and rattan furnishings.
A covered walkway leads to the guest pavilion, with two spacious bedrooms and ensuite baths, also tastefully decorated. Beyond is the master pavilion, with king-size bed, enormous his and hers baths, walk-in closets, writing desk and other elegant appointments.
Reserving Vale O entitles you to exclusive use of its lighted tennis court and boules court, as well as all of Wakaya’s sporting and other amenities, and all meals and beverages, whether in Vale O or at the clubs Palm Grove Restaurant.
Cuisine
Wakaya Club’s four chefs and two pastry chefs flex their creative muscles for you, with delectable gourmet Fijian, Indian, Chinese and Continental delicacies, featuring local game, seafood and native fruits and vegetables from Wakaya’s own organic gardens. Wonderfully unique salads and soups, fresh, crusty breads and sumptuous main dishes and desserts are graciously presented with an artist’s flair.
Dine alfresco in the exquisite Palm Grove pavilion, with its soaring 60-foot timbered pitched ceiling, and decorated with ancestral war clubs and other island artifacts, flagstone floors, carved wood and bamboo, and nautical objets d’art. Descend to the sunken bar to sip a tropical beverage or nibble on sushi and hors d’oeuvres before dinner.
Adventure
Wakaya’s beauty extends far beyond its surface from soaring rocky cliffs to the depths of the azure Pacific, bursting with colorful living coral reefs and exotic aquatic creatures. Venture out in Wakaya’s glass-bottomed boat, or strap on a snorkel and fins to connect directly with this underwater beauty.
You may choose to embark on an archaeological nature walk through Wakaya’s lush forest, where you’ll soak in the breathtaking flora and experience Wakaya’s wildlife -wild horses, deer, feral pigs and exotic birds. You’ll visit “Chieftain’s Leap” - where native Wakayans leapt to their deaths rather than face capture by invading warriors.
GOLF: Back at the Club, you can try your hand on our challenging nine-hole golf course that snakes its way through a 19th Century coconut grove.
Relax afterward in Wakaya’s tropical pool, as water gently trickles from a waterfall, or with a restorative "East meets West" massage in our spa.
CROQUET: Try a match on our championship “David Niven” croquet court - named in honor of Wakaya owner David Gilmour’s friend and playing partner. There is even a boules court for those familiar with this sociable European sport.
TENNIS: Swing a racket on the lighted, Wimbledon-Tex championship tennis court.
SCUBA DIVING: Beyond the reef are even greater wonders to explore with scuba gear - provided by Wakaya Club. These protected waters are some of the clearest, most abundant on earth. Or hop on board our sport fishing boat as our expert guides lead you in search of the “big one.”
Romance
We can’t think of a more romantic getaway than Wakaya - truly a tropical paradise. The distant rhythm of “Lali” drums, ancient banyan trees, swaying palms and ravishing sunsets invite you to set your imagination free.
Wakaya was designed for privacy. We accept a maximum of only 18 guests at a time. Your bure is nestled among the native vegetation, with access to your own stretch of beachfront.
Our friendly staff are eager to help you arrange a romantic picnic for two or snorkeling excursion to a secluded beach. Then, satiated by great food, fine wine and warm, gentle breezes, a quick call on a cellular phone brings transport to return you back to your bure.
You may even wish to be married here at Wakaya - what a wonderful way to start your life together! Ceremonies are conducted by our local Fijian Methodist minister, with our local Wakaya village choir supplying a magical musical backdrop. Recite your vows in our church, on the beach or at one of dozens of magical spots, followed by dinner and a champagne reception at the Palm Grove pavilion - complete with music to dance to by our own Island band. And you can choose a Western-style wedding, or a Fijian-style marriage in traditional costumes.
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