The Wakaya Club & Spa has been a favorite Fijian retreat since 1991, when we had our first of several stays at this entrancing hideaway. Wakaya Island evokes the alluring South Pacific of Maugham and Michener, with soaring cliffs, limpid lagoons and more than two dozen pristine beaches. Wild deer, rare birds, massive banyan trees and intriguing archaeological sites fill the ruggedly mountainous interior. Best of all, the myriad pleasures of The Wakaya Club — Champagne picnics on the beach, snorkeling around dazzling coral reefs, relaxing in the full-service spa, golfing in a 19th-century coconut plantation — are limited to a maximum of 10 couples.
Recently, however, I became concerned by reports of “tired” rooms that were “not quaint, but just old.” It seemed likely that the resort was due for a renovation. And that is exactly what the owners decided to do. From January 25 to March 31, 2016, The Wakaya Club will close to freshen its 10 bures (guest villas) and to rebuild its entire dining and pool deck. We can expect to see brighter décor in the bures enhanced by upgraded lighting, among other improvements.
When The Wakaya Club reopens on April 1, I have no doubt it will reclaim its place among Fiji’s top luxury hideaways.
AT A GLANCE
LIKE: The sensational setting; the intimate size; the castaway feeling; the bottle of Taittinger on arrival.
DISLIKE: Service is sometimes more “hands-off” than proactive.
GOOD TO KNOW: The resort has historically been for couples, but management explained that it wants to make the dining and pool deck “safer for children.”
The Wakaya Club & Spa 96 Ocean View Bure, from $2,600 (All meals, house bar, laundry service, one scuba dive per person per stay, selected resort activities and airport transfers included). Wakaya Island. Tel.(679) 3448-128.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
