SimplyAbuDhabi XXXIII

bursting with fruit—so much so the spa makes its very own line of coconut- based massage oils and the butlers draw baths of coconut milk for their guests. island life days at Laucala—or weeks if one’s Swiss bank account can afford—are spent snorkelling amongst the colourful reefs, sailing the secluded seas, game-fishing, hiking to nearby waterfalls or taking long rides along the beach on the resident Fijian horses. Those looking for a little more adventure post their 18 holes of golf can while away the time onboard the resident yachts which enable guests to float amongst the island’s pristine waters—spotting manta rays, reef sharks and hawksbill turtles along the way. Meal times are a moment to indulge in the cuisine à la Laucala—including island-sourced honey and the purest of volcanic mineral water. it’s also a regular occurrence to have the chef’s free dive at the local reef, pulling all sorts of delicious treats from the ocean’s garden. of course, when indulging in paradise, one must not forget about indulging in a little r&r and when there are promises of butler’s drawing baths of milk… then indeed guest’s attentions are obtained. The heart of the Laucala Spa is the garden where guests are able to explore and learn about one of Fiji’s finest collections of tropical flowers, herbs, spices and fruits, all of which are integrated within the therapies. Guests can even create their own essential oil in the resident distillery plus watch how the coconuts are pressed in small batches—enabling the staff to have access to fresh virgin oil and milk for daily use. residing in paradise The villas all come with infinity pools and private dining pavilions and their design is committed to the art de vivre with nature and modern comforts at the pinnacle of their creative expression. Exuberant décor is paraded throughout—with sofas evoking seashells, light shades crafted from hundreds of butterfly cocoons and bathtubs carved from single slabs of granite. dotted along the northern tip of the island, these abodes are either nestled within copra plantations overlooking long stretches of icing- sugar sand, perched atop nawai Mountain or balanced on private seaside bluffs. if these don’t sound elite enough then the private Hilltop Estate, with its nightly asking price of US$45,000 may be more in line with guest’s ideals. Situated on the highest point of the resort and boasting 360° panoramic views of the island, this Estate is an unusually designed main villa with its own panoramic pool landscape, two spacious guest villas (creating a “resort within a resort”) and views extending into an endless ocean whilst overlooking the opulent green hills of the island beyond. beautiful moments that last for eternity Almost feeling like an independent nation of paradise proportions, a stay at Laucala certainly makes you appreciate Mateschitz and his ‘passion project’. Laucala’s motto bau nanuma na nodatou Lasa translates to “beautiful moments that last for eternity”—an expression derived from an old Fijian folksong. it further explores the theme of searching for a lost paradise and the importance of following your own dreams. indeed, a name that pays homage to the journeys both Mateschitz and Forbes have forged with this beautiful place. 1 9 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I