It’s not every day that you win an all-expenses-paid, luxury vacation to an exclusive island in Fiji. But that’s exactly what happened to me, and yes – I was as shocked as you might be! I’d attended a media event for Wakaya (which I didn’t know much about at the time) and entered a drawing, only half-jokingly thinking, “Wouldn’t that be wild?” But they pulled my name! And despite what you may think, it wasn’t a scam. In a whirlwind of disbelief, excitement and a little bit of skepticism, my husband and I packed our bags for an unforgettable adventure.
What is Wakaya?
Wakaya, located in Fiji’s Lomaiviti Archipelago, is a private island famous for reportedly hosting celebrity guests like Bill Gates, Tom Cruise, Steph Curry and Keith Richards. The accommodations on the island range from $2,500 to $11,000 per night. We stayed in one of the beachfront bures priced at $2,800 a night, with the Pacific Ocean practically at our doorstep. Our entire package? Most likely worth around $20,000.
Getting There: Private Plane, Pristine Views
Getting to Wakaya isn’t your typical travel day. We flew from L.A. to Fiji, then hopped onto a private plane to reach the island. I was beyond terrified of the tiny plane as I’m not normally used to an 8-seater! But the sights of the clear water and protected reefs as we approached the island were breathtaking.
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Snorkeling, Sharks and Manta Rays
Even though I’ve always had a (healthy!) fear of sharks, I couldn’t resist the chance to snorkel within Wakaya’s protected coral reef. It was teeming with life – vivid corals, colorful fish and even a giant clam as old as I was at the time! But the ultimate highlight was seeing a magnificent manta ray gliding gracefully through the water. I had to brave my fear of sharks to see it as we had to go past the reef (shout out to Moana) to find the manta. It was worth it.
the people
Wakaya isn’t just about the accommodations, it’s also about community. We met the families who work on the island and even had the opportunity to visit the local school, meeting some incredible kids who call this paradise their home. The people made us feel very welcome, sharing stories about the island’s history and Fijian culture.
Food, hiking and history
One day, we were treated to a beach BBQ with a chef who prepared a delicious meal right on a pit in the sand. Every day, the island’s organic farm provided fresh ingredients for our meals. The food could not have been better.
Beyond lounging and water sports like diving and snorkeling, Wakaya offers endless ways to explore. We played tennis on a grass court and hiked around the island, uncovering its history in the process. We learned about the people who lived here hundreds of years ago, and how there was a battle between this island and another which was catastrophic for the people of Wakaya. The chief ordered his people to jump from a cliff when he realized they were going to lose the battle.
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Private Ownership
We also learned about Wakaya’s recent history. David Gilmour, a Canadian businessman and founder of Fiji Water, purchased Wakaya Island in 1973 and turned it into a luxury resort, the Wakaya Club & Spa. In 2016, Gilmour sold approximately 80% of the island to Clare Bronfman, an heiress of the Seagram’s liquor fortune. Bronfman was later convicted in 2019 for her involvement in the NXIVM criminal enterprise and sentenced to time in prison.
The Cost of a Luxury Getaway to Wakaya
During our stay, we had the island nearly to ourselves, sharing it with just one other couple for a single night. While there, we were even given a tour of the island’s most luxurious bure, priced at a staggering $11,000 a night. The suite was an architectural marvel with panoramic ocean views and private pools.
For those curious about what a trip like this might cost without the winning ticket, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Accommodations: $12,500 to $55,000 for five nights
- Flights from L.A. to Fiji: $2,000 to $12,000 for two round-trip tickets (economy vs. business class)
- Private plane from Nadi to Wakaya: Approximately $3,000 (this may be included in the room fee)
Total cost: Anywhere from $17,500 to $70,000 for a five-night stay.
If you ever get the chance to visit a private island like Wakaya, I’d say go for it!
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