Laucala Island Offers The Million Dollar Getaway

For those looking to throw the ultimate private party, Laucala Island, Fiji, one of the world's most luxurious private resorts developed by Red Bull magnate Dietrich Mateschitz, can now be booked in its entirety for private groups and events.

But only those with a tycoon's budget need apply. The price for the ‘buyout' of Laucala Island in Fiji, which can accommodate up to 72 in all 24 tropical pool villas is a breathtaking US$150,000* a night.

Available only for a minimum of five nights, the total bill comes to US$750,000 plus 20% tax for a group getaway to the hideaway Mateschitz calls ‘Paradise on Earth'.

All meals and drinks including Champagne, house wines, spirits and soft drinks are included at the island's five restaurants and bars, where top international chefs can tailor themed menus to request.

Fun dining options extend to a traditional Fijian feast complete with native dancing and singing, picnics or beach barbecues, complete with games and entertainment.

As a welcome treat, guests are treated to 90 minutes of complimentary spa pampering each.

True luxury on Laucala comes in the freedom to enjoy an outstanding range of complementary sports and leisure activities at will – from golf on an 18-hole championship course designed by Scotsman, David McLay Kidd, renowned for his award-winning Bandon Dunes in Oregon, to water sports, tennis and horse riding.

Free activities over the five days range from cycling around the island and classes in traditional crafts from cooking and baking to soap making, basket weaving and wood carving.

Tours of the island's extensive organic farm with hydroponic vegetable and herb gardens, fruit orchards and livestock additionally provide a “behind the scenes” insight into how the Red Bull billionaire envisages self-sufficiency for most food produce.

For a native flavor of this Bali Hai-style paradise, modeled after the mythical island in the 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific, guests can plunge into a crystal-clear waterfall and visit local Fijian villages on a nearby island.

Accommodation in tropical-style one, two and three-bedroom pool villas varies from Plantation Villas on the beach close to restaurants and activities to Seagrass Villas tucked away in the jungle along the coastline and elevated Plateau Villas with spectacular clifftop views over the South Pacific and neighbouring islands. All laundry and dry cleaning is inclusive.

Among two ‘one-of-a-kind' villas, a two-bedroom overwater “Wai” floats over the lagoon, on its own private pontoon, and a one-bedroom “Udu” Peninsula Villa is a secluded mansion surrounded by lush green hills, leading down 84 steps to its own private beach.

Laucala's most exclusive residence, the Hilltop Villa, is not included in the price – but may be requested for an additional fee.

Also subject to extra charge are the island's premium wine collection and cigar menu, as well as diving classes & courses plus outer-reef activities such as sailing, sunset cruising and game fishing.

Transportation is another added cost, with transfers from Nadi International Airport to Laucala's private air strip aboard the resort's two six-seater planes priced US$600 per person each way (children aged 3-11, US$300) plus 20% tax, or chartered flight for up to 40 aboard Fiji Airways' sister company Pacific Sun priced US$8,000 each way, plus 20% tax.

So it all adds up….but no expense has been spared to create this breathtakingly beautiful 12 sq. km paradise of swaying coconut plantations, powdery white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush green hills.

No other private island offers such a range of leisure facilities, with more than 350 staff providing the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the world, including professionals such as a PGA Golf Professional from New Zealand, a spa manager from Thailand, and accomplished golf, diving and fishing experts.

Laucala was previously owned by publishing magnate Malcolm Forbes. Dietrich Mateschitz bought it in 2003 with a vision to create one of the world's most exclusive and sustainable resorts.

“Finding new and exotic destinations for weddings, special birthdays and anniversaries has become a global trend,” said Andrew Thomson, new General Manager. “and Laucala Island is a jewel in the unspoiled South Pacific archipelago which lends itself perfectly for very special private celebrations."

This private hire includes:

• 24 tropical pool villas for just 72 guests
• Champagne, house wines, spirits and soft drinks available for all meals at the island's five restaurants and bars
• Tailored special-themed menus by top international chefs upon requests
• Wide gamut of leisure activities perfect for the upper strata of society (i.e. 18-hole championship course designed by Scotsman, David McLay Kidd)
• Dedicated guest service (highest staff-to-guest ratio in the world)

*Rate is subject to local government tax of 15% VAT and 5% service turnover tax.

Visit website: www.laucala.com