Soak in some Fijian bling
The new Fiji resort Vatuvara reveals Oakley founder Jim Jannard's vision for a secluded paradise
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Last Updated: May 03, 2016, 08:15 IST4 min
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When Jim Jannard, the billionaire founder of Oakley and RED Digital Camera, first stayed on Kaibu, an island in Fiji’s northern Lau Group, the owner was the American fibreglass mogul Jay Johnson, and his resort on the island Kaimbu was very simple. But Jannard was drawn to the setting—a remote South Pacific island with varying shades of turquoise water—as well as the privacy and the relaxed openness of the Fijian people. So he had scouts keep an eye out for any nearby islands that came up for sale. Then, in late 2009, artist Hiro Yamagata listed Kaibu and neighbouring Vatuvara, so Jannard bought both to build another, more luxurious resort. Named Vatuvara—although technically situated on Kaibu—Jannard’s dream property opened in mid-September (2015).
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Jannard could have just used the island as a private retreat, but he decided to open it to guests. The reason was simple: “He’s a businessman,” explains Rob Miller, Vatuvara’s general manager. “He wants to see a return, and he’s not sensitive about people renting his house.”
Since Jannard will also use the property, the island’s overhaul was very much to his specifications, particularly the design for the main villa, Delana, a thatched 5,220-square-foot behemoth constructed largely of Fijian timber and grey stone. “He would send drawings and was very involved in the concept,” says Miller, who was previously the general manager of Wakaya Club & Spa (a private island resort owned by Fiji Water co-founder David Gilmour), where he met Jannard, a frequent guest, who then hired him away.
Delana is the star here, but there are two other one-bedroom villas built on a smaller scale with similar grey stone columns, polished timber floors and plunge pools with Delana’s view. As a resort, Vatuvara is quite intimate. These are the only three villas, and they can be rented individually: Delana for $10,000 a night and the other two for $7,500 each, all inclusive. Or the island can be rented out completely.
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Starting with the just-baked coconut cake as a welcome treat, the food at Vatuvara is sourced locally and comprised largely of fresh fish and organic vegetables. But chef Moko, 40, also turns out solid versions of international dishes such as BBQ short ribs, Thai beef salad, seafood paella and wood-fired pizza. A typical evening might begin with a fresh mai tai and finish with a Meke, a performance of traditional dance. Or singing—every Fijian seems to have, and freely exhibits, a melodious singing voice.
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That’s most in evidence on one’s final moments on the island, just before the Twin Otter takes off. It’s there that the staff performs the farewell song, ‘Isa Lei’. The Vatuvara version is particularly heartfelt and sweet, and it stays with you long after you leave. It makes you think that as Jim Jannard gets a return on his investment, so, it seems, will his guests.
First Published: May 03, 2016, 08:15
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