Laucala, Fiji - trip report
Jan 9, 2019, 3:39 am
#217
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Miscellaneous points as I have been reviewing this thread.
A salient aspect of Laucala that has not been addressed here is that it is an ENTIRE island entirely yours. And, that island is Eden reincarnated. Beaches one after another, including the private beach in one's back yard. Tens of thousands of acres. Green grass lawns. Palms lined up to bend in the breeze. Lily ponds, tropical gardens, an orchid house, exquisite gardening and landscaping, golf cart rambles. Three restaurants, three bars, a meandering beach-front pool, golf cart for each villa. Every where is paradise including one's back yard.
As for the cost ... I've been thinking about this. And, worry I may qualify for idiot status. I am profligate when it comes to travel. Even so I may have outdone myself. I do not recall all the details but the cost for Laucala in 2016 was $5K per night (all inclusive, including the submarine, water skiing, jet skis, sailing, horses, guides, more). And $1200 per person round trip air transfer from Nadi.
I see above that MacMyDay cited $6K per night. Which seems high, right? Yet, and trust I am not bragging here -- the opposite in fact -- in the last 18 months I thrice have repaired to Las Ventanas al Paraiso (LVP) in Cabo for six- and five-night respites in a one-bedroom ocean-VIEW (as opposed to ocean-front and beach-front) signature villa. In low season, this runs around $4.6K per night PLUS 38% for tax, service, etc. So that is circa $6.5K nightly PLUS drinks and meals which add up but are tasty. Breakfast is included.
LVP gets away with these stratospheric prices because it is 2.5 hours by air from LA and 3 hours from San Francisco and Silicon Valley -- lots of high-value sorts willing to pony up for premium for short-flight tropical beach breaks.
So, $6K is beaucoup but it is not as beaucoup as it might seem.
And, I am reminded we don't often (or ever) talk of prices here.
Last edited by KatW; Jan 9, 2019 at 4:03 am
Jan 9, 2019, 7:42 am
#218
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: NY
Posts: 226
Very expensive, however the place is in the middle of no where. It is a smart way for the owner to underwrite his costs. He is still losing money on the deal. You are paying a very discounted price to stay there considering costs to run Laucala. The question is, do you have the money to go there and do you want to spend it on the experience? From all the reviews so far, it seems to be a magical place. I would rather save the money and go there, then go on many mediocre trips elsewhere.
Jan 9, 2019, 8:51 am
#219
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
I see above that MacMyDay cited $6K per night. Which seems high, right? Yet, and trust I am not bragging here -- the opposite in fact -- in the last 18 months I thrice have repaired to Las Ventanas al Paraiso (LVP) in Cabo for six- and five-night respites in a one-bedroom ocean-VIEW (as opposed to ocean-front and beach-front) signature villa. In low season, this runs around $4.6K per night PLUS 38% for tax, service, etc. So that is circa $6.5K nightly PLUS drinks and meals which add up but are tasty. Breakfast is included.
LVP gets away with these stratospheric prices because it is 2.5 hours by air from LA and 3 hours from San Francisco and Silicon Valley -- lots of high-value sorts willing to pony up for premium for short-flight tropical beach breaks.
So, $6K is beaucoup but it is not as beaucoup as it might seem.
LVP gets away with these stratospheric prices because it is 2.5 hours by air from LA and 3 hours from San Francisco and Silicon Valley -- lots of high-value sorts willing to pony up for premium for short-flight tropical beach breaks.
So, $6K is beaucoup but it is not as beaucoup as it might seem.
Jan 9, 2019, 9:16 am
#221
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
laucala has a lots of various things, while north is lowest density (11 rooms + kids)
after experiencing top properties (laucala & north) even best luxury hotels are just...
quite a few of us here agree re value (preferences vary) vs just price
value can be infinitely better outside cities, especially most expensive
after experiencing top properties (laucala & north) even best luxury hotels are just...
quite a few of us here agree re value (preferences vary) vs just price
value can be infinitely better outside cities, especially most expensive
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jan 10, 2019 at 10:35 am
Jan 9, 2019, 9:35 pm
#222
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
@MacMyDay How do you feel about it vs. The Brando in value? I'm still digesting my stay/thoughts on The Brando...Brando is cheaper but less inclusions.
Nov 18, 2021, 8:35 pm
#224
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: LAX
Posts: 301
Reviving this thread...
MacMyDay reported that Laucala will become a COMO. I was looking into finally making my way there mid-next year but the rates seem to not reflect any change (business as usual) and I doubt COMO will keep the property as all-inclusive as it has been, so I wouldn't want to pay current Laucala rates for potentially watered-down COMO ownership and amenities...
What would you say the game plan should be? Wait and see? I can't find any other info on this change in ownership so I'm guessing MacMyDay got some insider info.
MacMyDay reported that Laucala will become a COMO. I was looking into finally making my way there mid-next year but the rates seem to not reflect any change (business as usual) and I doubt COMO will keep the property as all-inclusive as it has been, so I wouldn't want to pay current Laucala rates for potentially watered-down COMO ownership and amenities...
What would you say the game plan should be? Wait and see? I can't find any other info on this change in ownership so I'm guessing MacMyDay got some insider info.
Nov 19, 2021, 2:01 am
#225
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Reviving this thread...
MacMyDay reported that Laucala will become a COMO. I was looking into finally making my way there mid-next year but the rates seem to not reflect any change (business as usual) and I doubt COMO will keep the property as all-inclusive as it has been, so I wouldn't want to pay current Laucala rates for potentially watered-down COMO ownership and amenities...
What would you say the game plan should be? Wait and see? I can't find any other info on this change in ownership so I'm guessing MacMyDay got some insider info.
MacMyDay reported that Laucala will become a COMO. I was looking into finally making my way there mid-next year but the rates seem to not reflect any change (business as usual) and I doubt COMO will keep the property as all-inclusive as it has been, so I wouldn't want to pay current Laucala rates for potentially watered-down COMO ownership and amenities...
What would you say the game plan should be? Wait and see? I can't find any other info on this change in ownership so I'm guessing MacMyDay got some insider info.