Located a short boat ride from one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, Kokomo is one of the most exclusive private island resorts in the world. At Kokomo, there is just as much to do under the water as there is over it. Guests can snorkel with manta rays and turtles just as easily as they can spend the day at the spa or enjoy a wine tasting.
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BOOK WITH US FOR PERKS
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Bookings in our Residences will receive an additional $200 Resort or Hotel credit (for a total of $300 during stay)
- Stays of 7+ nights will also receive a complimentary 60-minute Kokomo Signature Pacific Mastery Massage for two guests, once during stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
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The island has 24 villas, and each comes with a private pool, walk-in closet, living area, and outdoor shower. The decks also come with lounge chairs for tanning and shady hammocks that are begging to be enjoyed with a good book. Each villa is spacious and secluded, with gorgeous views of the ocean and immediate beach access.
Villas are practically all-inclusive with 24/7 room service and non-alcoholic beverages stocked in the kitchenette. The rooms also come with coffee machines and snacks (the chocolate-covered honeycombs from Kokomo’s very own bee hives are especially delightful). Guests can also enjoy the included daily laundry services and participate in any non-motorized water sports like kayaking or snorkeling.
Kokomo Private Island also goes above and beyond what is expected of luxury hotels with an impressive dedication to sustainability. They have an all-female, Fijian marine biologist team that is focused on preserving the natural environment and supporting local communities, and they allow guests to play an important role in this process.
Everyone is invited to care for coral reefs in the nursery, plant mangroves in nearby villages at risk of rising sea levels, and participate in reef cleanup snorkels. Kokomo was also the first resort in Fiji that was allowed to promote sustainable interactions with the manta rays, many of which migrate right by the island between April and October. During guided snorkels with the marine biologists, guests can help the team observe and document mantas for identification.
Kokomo’s sustainability efforts also extend into the kitchen. Most of the produce is grown on the island’s five-acre farm, which also includes a chicken coop and beehive. This makes the food exceptionally fresh, with lettuce that tastes more like flower petals and sea salt desalinated on the island.
The resort team often refers to Beach Shack as “the beating heart of Kokomo,” because it is right in the middle of the activities hut, lobby, and marine biology center. In addition to Mediterranean and Fijian cuisine, the Beach Shack also includes an intimate wine-tasting experience with their in-house Sommelier.
Seafood lovers can also dine at Walker d’Plank, a sheltered cove where baby sharks (harmless ones, of course) swim under the restaurant like puppies asking for treats. Head Chef Caroline Oakley curates a killer playlist in addition to her “no menu” approach.
Kokomo also welcomed its newest restaurant, Kokocabana, in 2023. This poolside diner offers premium woodfire pizza, lobster rolls, and risotto. On hot days, guests can also enjoy sorbet and other sweet treats.
The most notable part of any stay at Kokomo is the staff. Many members of the team are from the local villages, and Kokomo gives them the opportunity to work their way up and explore their true passions. For example, Viviana started as a nanny but was able to transition to the marine biology team and now leads the coral reef projects. Their Cellar Master, Lily Puamau, came to the resort to work in housekeeping before she became the first fully certified sommelier in Fiji.
Each member of the team is more than happy to chat with guests and share their wonderful stories. They are as warm as the tropical Fijian sun and as sweet as Kokomo’s farm-grown honey, so it’s impossible not to tear up when they sing the farewell song as you board the seaplane home.
Top Takeaways
Location: The Kadavu islands, south of Fiji’s mainland.
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: The private nature of the island makes it feel more like an autonomous city rather than a hotel. The villas are serene, but the common spaces are lively and friendly.
Food + drink: Kokomo offers three casual restaurants – Beach Shack, Walker d’Plank, and Kokocobana. Rooms also include 24/7 room service in the villa, on the beach, or at other locations on the island.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The staff and team are what make Kokomo exceptional. Many of them are from the surrounding villages and islands, and their exceptional and intuitive hospitality is what keeps guests coming back.
What’s nearby: Kokomo is just a short boat ride away from the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Guests can also visit nearby islands or local villages, but the main appeal is the remote nature of the resort.
Rooms: 21 rooms and five private residences
Pricing: Rooms begin at $2,000/night
Closest Airport: The island is a 30-60 minute seaplane from the Nadi International Airport.
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