Welcome to Checking In, a review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.
Describe the property in three words: Exclusive. Luxurious. Heavenly.
What’s the deal?
From the moment you board the private helicopter to the discreet, tailored service, it’s clear that Kokomo Private Island ticks all the boxes for the ultimate luxury getaway.
A scenic, 45-minute flight south of Fiji’s mainland, your initial view of Kokomo is from above. The resort sits on a postage stamp of an island ringed by a ribbon of pristine, palm-fringed beaches gently lapped by clear turquoise waters. Dotted amongst swaying palm trees and tropical greenery, 21 one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas line the eastern and western beaches of the island, while five residences are ensconced inland on a hilltop with panoramic ocean views. This, alongside a clutch of restaurants, including a taste of the Amalfi Coast with pizza and crab linguine at Kokocabana Pool Club, relaxed oceanside barbecues at Beach Shack, and Asian-inspired dishes at Walker d’Plank—all using ingredients, if not sourced locally, straight from the island’s 5.5-acre organic garden.
When not eating or lounging about, the resort has a host of activities including fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, cooking and yoga classes, local village tours, and snorkelling and diving—which is a must, given its location on the fourth-largest reef in the world.
The best room?
The great thing about Kokomo Private Island is that each of the villas and residences are just as luxurious as each other and choosing one is a matter of what views you prefer and whether you’re a sunrise or a sunset person.
Inside the villas, beneath high exposed Fijian ceiling beams intricately lashed together with coconut fibre, the décor features local artwork, objects, and textiles. The living spaces include open-air bathrooms with Pure Fiji amenities and private beachside pools on expansive decks leading to lush gardens and the beach. The generously sized three- to six-bedroom residences, named after their scenic views, boast fully equipped kitchens, built-in outdoor barbecue areas, infinity pools, and come with the luxury of a dedicated butler and nanny.
Does the hotel have a standout perk?
Apart from its glorious location on the Great Astrolabe Reef, which is teeming with colourful marine life, the resort has an adults-only vibe thanks to the army of nannies and childminders to keep the little ones occupied. It is all-inclusive, which means you have the freedom and flexibility to eat and to do whatever you want, whenever you want.
Did they greet you by name at check in?
Yes, and all the staff gather to sing a traditional Fijian welcome song, too.
Was a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived?
Yes, fresh coconut water.
Is there a private butler for every room?
No, just for the residences, which also includes a dedicated nanny for the duration of your stay.
Is the sheet thread count higher than 300?
Yes, the sheet thread count ranges between 300 and 500.
Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet?
No, there is no bidet, and the bathroom floor isn’t heated, but with the steamy Fijian weather outside, air conditioning is more welcome than a heated bathroom floor.
Are the toiletries full-sized?
Yes, they are full-size, and Kokomo uses local brand Pure Fiji.
Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use?
Yes, each of the villas and residences have their own private pools.
Is there caviar on the room service menu?
Guests can order off the in-room dining menu as well as from any restaurants at the resort and caviar is available.
Do you want to spend Friday night in the lobby bar?
This being a relaxed island escape, the open-air lobby bar, which is located right on the beach, is more of a sunset spot than a Friday night hangout.
Would you buy this hotel if you could?
Yes! Which is clearly what Lang Walker and his family had in mind when they created Kokomo Private Island.
Score: 10
What Our Score Means:
1–3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.
4–6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch.
7–8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms.
9–10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?
Rates at Kokomo Private Island start from US$2,200 (approx. HK$17,205) per room per night in a One Bedroom Sunrise Villa; this rate is inclusive of daily gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, laundry and pressing, nanny services, kids’ and teens’ club, non-motorised water sports, resort facilities, and land-based activities.
All images courtesy of Kokomo Private Island.
