LVH Super Homes - Flipbook - Page 197
COMO LAUCALA ISLAND:
A STANDOUT IN
SECLUSION
AND SUSTAINABILITY
INTERVIEW WITH GARY HENDEN, GENERAL MANAGER
modern luxury. Lynne Hunt, a London designer, and architect Steven Albert have masterfully
used local materials like thatch, volcanic stones, and Fijian handicrafts to create villas that
offer seclusion and natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning. This approach
ensures our guests experience luxury seamlessly integrated into the landscape.
Sustainability is such an important part of luxury travel. How does Laucala Island
embody this principle?
Gary: Sustainability is simply a way of life on the island. We employ almost exclusively local
staff and call upon the community to help preserve our surrounding waters and land. Our
resort's design features sustainable materials like Fijian magi magi and walai, and we grow
most of our produce needs on our 100-hectare farm using hydroponics and traditional
farming methods, both on and off the island. This commitment to sustainability influences
every aspect of our operations, ensuring we maintain a minimal environmental footprint to
ensure a pristine future.
Can you speak about the challenges of maintaining luxury alongside sustainability?
Gary: Balancing luxury with sustainability presents unique challenges, but we've embraced
innovative solutions. For example, we used locally sourced lava stone in construction and
natural cooling techniques to minimize air conditioning use. Even our road system is designed
with sustainability in mind, using red granite cobblestones for their longevity, complementing
our island's natural beauty.
COMO Laucala Island offers more exclusive amenities than even most super homes.
Can you highlight some outstanding examples?
Gary: Absolutely. Guests can enjoy complimentary watersports, including the use of nine
marine vessels, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by David McLay Kidd, bespoke
spa treatments, and fine dining experiences led by our executive chef, Daniel Boller. Our allinclusive approach ensures a truly bespoke and private experience for every guest.
COMO Laucala Island is one of the world's largest private resort islands where the idea of
luxury is centered on opening up space and time on your terms. Twenty-four private villas
strewn throughout the island ensure a unique stay for every guest. The unparalleled luxury of
Laucala in Fiji is redefining sustainable luxury.
How do you ensure the guest experience remains at the forefront of luxury travel?
Gary: Our holistic experience is designed to offer personalized luxury. With 24 villas featuring
private pools and direct beach access, guests can expect a high level of privacy and
customization. From our diverse dining scene to spa treatments inspired by Fijian healing
rituals, every aspect of a stay here is designed to provide an unmatched luxury retreat.
Gary, can you share what makes COMO Laucala Island so unique in the luxury travel world?
Gary: Absolutely. Laucala Island, created by Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz,
represents the pinnacle of luxury, yet it's deeply rooted in sustainability and privacy. This
island, once owned by Malcolm Forbes, has been transformed into a haven that perfectly
balances luxury with the natural beauty and culture of Fiji.
Finally, Gary, what does the future hold for COMO Laucala Island?
Gary: Our future is focused on evolving our luxury offerings while remaining true to our core
principles of privacy, sustainability, and impeccable service. We're committed to ensuring
Laucala Island continues to set the benchmark for sustainable luxury travel, offering an
unparalleled experience for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and seclusion.
The architecture and design of Laucala Island are often highlighted. Can you tell us
more about that?
Gary: Of course. The design ethos is a harmonious blend of traditional Fijian architecture with
It's clear why it stands as a beacon of ultra-luxury and sustainability in the travel world.
Gary: Laucala Island is more than just a destination; it's an experience, and we look forward
to welcoming guests to discover this unique blend of luxury, culture, and sustainability.
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