Laucala, Fiji - trip report
Sep 13, 2016, 11:08 pm
#106
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Tipping in the South Pacific is absolutely not expected and is regarded as an insult in many Melanesian and Polynesian societies and that extends to Australia and NZ. Unfortunately in places such as Bora Bora the many mainly American tourists have had a corrupting influence at the hotels. I still won't tip anyone in the Pacific islands.
Sep 13, 2016, 11:15 pm
#107
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
This is our blow-out trip, flying out of SFO, ten nights at Laucala, likely the last of its kind. Jim has dementia so future travel will be less international long-haul and more circumscribed. I think we have made the best villa choice for us -- Seagrass. If I determine that is not the case upon arrival, I expect moving would be easy if bookings are as light as normal. Thinking we might move after five nights just for a change. Or not. Fluid is my password.
Last edited by KatW; Sep 13, 2016 at 11:32 pm
Sep 13, 2016, 11:38 pm
#108
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Our activities schedule likely will be paltry by most standards.
Three or four or more snorkeling expeditions with a staffer dedicated to keep Jim in tow thus freeing me up. I will be be riding several times. Jim wants to do do the sub. I am a water girl and will pass many happy hours in the ocean and pools. A sunset cruise is likely. Hoping to do a bit of casual birding. As much flora/jungle immersion as possible given the heavy beach schedule.
Three or four or more snorkeling expeditions with a staffer dedicated to keep Jim in tow thus freeing me up. I will be be riding several times. Jim wants to do do the sub. I am a water girl and will pass many happy hours in the ocean and pools. A sunset cruise is likely. Hoping to do a bit of casual birding. As much flora/jungle immersion as possible given the heavy beach schedule.
Sep 15, 2016, 3:34 pm
#109
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Our activities schedule likely will be paltry by most standards.
Three or four or more snorkeling expeditions with a staffer dedicated to keep Jim in tow thus freeing me up. I will be be riding several times. Jim wants to do do the sub. I am a water girl and will pass many happy hours in the ocean and pools. A sunset cruise is likely. Hoping to do a bit of casual birding. As much flora/jungle immersion as possible given the heavy beach schedule.
Three or four or more snorkeling expeditions with a staffer dedicated to keep Jim in tow thus freeing me up. I will be be riding several times. Jim wants to do do the sub. I am a water girl and will pass many happy hours in the ocean and pools. A sunset cruise is likely. Hoping to do a bit of casual birding. As much flora/jungle immersion as possible given the heavy beach schedule.
In an earlier post I mentioned about how large the pool is, well here's my photos that cover it: https://www.flickr.com/photos/132880...57670611486044
Sep 16, 2016, 7:48 am
#110
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
2,000 m2 pool for 40BR
incredible effort in write up, as usual, on your website MacMyDay. you inspire me (and others, i think someone else already said so) to actually put a lot of effort into trip reports in future. i might try rewriting too.
definitely amazing how much laucala offers.
many here travel to relax. after some trips along those lines, i can identify, even though my life is not at all busy. unfortunately, there are not properties like laucala and others close to home. so one has to fly longhaul.
incredible effort in write up, as usual, on your website MacMyDay. you inspire me (and others, i think someone else already said so) to actually put a lot of effort into trip reports in future. i might try rewriting too.
Our activities schedule likely will be paltry by most standards.
Three or four or more snorkeling expeditions with a staffer dedicated to keep Jim in tow thus freeing me up. I will be be riding several times. Jim wants to do do the sub. I am a water girl and will pass many happy hours in the ocean and pools. A sunset cruise is likely. Hoping to do a bit of casual birding. As much flora/jungle immersion as possible given the heavy beach schedule.
Three or four or more snorkeling expeditions with a staffer dedicated to keep Jim in tow thus freeing me up. I will be be riding several times. Jim wants to do do the sub. I am a water girl and will pass many happy hours in the ocean and pools. A sunset cruise is likely. Hoping to do a bit of casual birding. As much flora/jungle immersion as possible given the heavy beach schedule.
many here travel to relax. after some trips along those lines, i can identify, even though my life is not at all busy. unfortunately, there are not properties like laucala and others close to home. so one has to fly longhaul.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Sep 17, 2016 at 9:02 am
Sep 21, 2016, 7:15 pm
#111
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Ten Days in Laucala, Day 1, Wednesday, 21 September 2016
After flying SFO/LAX, we picked up the long-haul flight to Fiji departing LAX 11:30pm Monday, 19 Sept., arriving NAN 5:30am, Wednesday, 21 Sept. I have no idea how many time zones we crossed but we were well-knackered upon landing in Laucala. Twenty-one hours of traveling, and that in business class with perfect on-time connections and premium passage through immigration and customs.
We were met at NAN on the jetway by a lovely lady from Laucala. She whisked us through immigration (bit of a walk from the jetway but isn't it always?!), baggage claim and customs in ten minutes thereby avoiding significant lines. We then were met by another Laucala representative who escorted us out of the arrivals terminal and over to the tiny domestic departures terminal. Once there, we checked baggage, signed Laucala registration papers, waited in the equally tiny lounge for ten minutes after which we boarded the spiffy six-seater prop plane for the 45-minute flight to Laucala.
Well, I tell you, the greeting after de-planing is something else! A seven-person band with guitars, uekele (I think) and singers in a rousing welcome song with clapping and smiles that I would swear are genuine. Keep in mind this is happening at 7am! The general manager was there to shake hands and make welcoming noises. We were exhausted so not at our best, plus Jim is in early-stage dementia.
We were given cold washcloths, Fiji leis and chilled coconuts with straws for the juice therein ( all the healthy rage now). Then into a Range Rover for a brief tour on the way to our Seagrass Villa, Baiu which is close to the end of the villa properties; there are only two more villas beyond ours on this gorgeous, calm bay.
After a gracefully short orientation, we were left on our own to explore the villa. About which more later. We were offered breakfast but declined. The villa longe was set up with a welcoming tea set, fruit shiskabobs, watermelon juice and a pitcher of sangria on ice (this latter ordered ahead of arrival).
After which we sat around dazed by jet lag and our exquisite extensive surroundings. One might say we were stupefied. The foregoing 20 hours of travel destroyed us entirely. I should add Jim is 74 and I am 67, both of us beset with health challenges obviating good fitness. We had an entire day ahead of us but did nothing more ambitious than float in the pool, make a pretense of lunch, and nap. Dined in-villa at 6pm, in bed and to sleep at 7pm. It was the recovery day we needed.
After flying SFO/LAX, we picked up the long-haul flight to Fiji departing LAX 11:30pm Monday, 19 Sept., arriving NAN 5:30am, Wednesday, 21 Sept. I have no idea how many time zones we crossed but we were well-knackered upon landing in Laucala. Twenty-one hours of traveling, and that in business class with perfect on-time connections and premium passage through immigration and customs.
We were met at NAN on the jetway by a lovely lady from Laucala. She whisked us through immigration (bit of a walk from the jetway but isn't it always?!), baggage claim and customs in ten minutes thereby avoiding significant lines. We then were met by another Laucala representative who escorted us out of the arrivals terminal and over to the tiny domestic departures terminal. Once there, we checked baggage, signed Laucala registration papers, waited in the equally tiny lounge for ten minutes after which we boarded the spiffy six-seater prop plane for the 45-minute flight to Laucala.
Well, I tell you, the greeting after de-planing is something else! A seven-person band with guitars, uekele (I think) and singers in a rousing welcome song with clapping and smiles that I would swear are genuine. Keep in mind this is happening at 7am! The general manager was there to shake hands and make welcoming noises. We were exhausted so not at our best, plus Jim is in early-stage dementia.
We were given cold washcloths, Fiji leis and chilled coconuts with straws for the juice therein ( all the healthy rage now). Then into a Range Rover for a brief tour on the way to our Seagrass Villa, Baiu which is close to the end of the villa properties; there are only two more villas beyond ours on this gorgeous, calm bay.
After a gracefully short orientation, we were left on our own to explore the villa. About which more later. We were offered breakfast but declined. The villa longe was set up with a welcoming tea set, fruit shiskabobs, watermelon juice and a pitcher of sangria on ice (this latter ordered ahead of arrival).
After which we sat around dazed by jet lag and our exquisite extensive surroundings. One might say we were stupefied. The foregoing 20 hours of travel destroyed us entirely. I should add Jim is 74 and I am 67, both of us beset with health challenges obviating good fitness. We had an entire day ahead of us but did nothing more ambitious than float in the pool, make a pretense of lunch, and nap. Dined in-villa at 6pm, in bed and to sleep at 7pm. It was the recovery day we needed.
Last edited by KatW; Sep 21, 2016 at 10:01 pm
Sep 22, 2016, 1:32 am
#113
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London
Posts: 3,439
Hope you've recovered a little now - great detail so far. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
I for one think you should keep your posts in this thread - the title is after all Laucala, Fiji - trip report. Makes it easier for future travellers to access all the info on the property in one thread.
I for one think you should keep your posts in this thread - the title is after all Laucala, Fiji - trip report. Makes it easier for future travellers to access all the info on the property in one thread.
Sep 22, 2016, 1:37 am
#114
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
Bula KatW 
,
I ran a quick search since I was sure there was another thread where Laucala was also discussed: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...7262-fiji.html
Recent visitors at Laucala have also been posting in that one, but that thread is supposed to be a more general one about Fiji luxury hotels.
Also this one popped up http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...near-fiji.html and was supposed to be about options near Fiji.
My guess is that this thread will likely be the most appropriate since this is the one that at least contains "Laucala" in the heading. But others or a mod might correct me if I am wrong. It would be a good thing to keep experiences about Laucala contained anyway IMHO.
Have a great time!
,I ran a quick search since I was sure there was another thread where Laucala was also discussed: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...7262-fiji.html
Recent visitors at Laucala have also been posting in that one, but that thread is supposed to be a more general one about Fiji luxury hotels.
Also this one popped up http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...near-fiji.html and was supposed to be about options near Fiji.
My guess is that this thread will likely be the most appropriate since this is the one that at least contains "Laucala" in the heading. But others or a mod might correct me if I am wrong. It would be a good thing to keep experiences about Laucala contained anyway IMHO.
Have a great time!
Sep 22, 2016, 1:39 am
#115
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
Sep 22, 2016, 7:18 am
#116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
some of us prefer separate report threads for each individual report writer. it's just a question of preference. many separate report threads include multiple properties etc. final decisions are up to moderators.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Sep 23, 2016 at 9:29 am
Sep 22, 2016, 2:38 pm
#117
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
KatW , since mods have not chimed in , they can always combine the threads if you start new one as separate TR .
Just relax and not worry about this .
Will enjoy your " ramblings " .
If you are able , please check if the staff can guess when the new airport will be ready .
Will help me plan our trip too .
Thanks
Have a wonderful time both of you !
Just relax and not worry about this .
Will enjoy your " ramblings " .
If you are able , please check if the staff can guess when the new airport will be ready .
Will help me plan our trip too .
Thanks
Have a wonderful time both of you !
Sep 24, 2016, 8:38 pm
#120
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Thanks, all. I will continue in this thread.
Ten Days in Laucala, Day 2, Thursday
At least this day, feeling more ourselves, we got out and about in the golf cart which itself is a treat. Over to the Plantation House for orange juice after breakfast in the villa. Then a drive just about everywhere. Blown away by the flora here, both the gardening and landscaping as well as the jungle. Sundowners at the Rock Lounge, grilled lobster for dinner at the Plantation House which has a very handsome however colonial ethos (the bar is perfectly wonderful). Met Anthony the Chef who is friendly and without affectation, a good guy! And excellent chef. Our meals here have been outstanding and of high-quality, freshest ingredients and assorted cooking styles.
Our villa is comprised of two large bures (palapas) connected by a breezeway; one is the lounge, the other bedroom and sitting room. Off the latter is a dressing room, closet, shelves and an enormous wall mirror. Then the gargantuan bathroom with a double carved-wood tub, shower room, double wash sinks. An array of soaps, oils, lotions, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath salts, incense plus emery boards, tooth brushes, toothpaste, Qtips, razors, etc., lots of fluffy towels in various sizes including bath sheets. The remarkably good toilet is in a small room but it's not a box, rather round and non-claustrophobic. The shower features the biggest shower head I've ever seen and we did not need a PhD to figure out the various knobs and levers. EASY to get hot water! The villa floors are smooth-as-satin tropical hardwoods, mahogany? The sumptuous bathroom is furnished in cool stone slabs.
Off the indoor bathroom is the outdoor bathroom (!) with a carved stone double tub, wooden washstand and outdoor garden shower; yes, another humongous shower head. Then, there is the massage bure with its cushioned flat.
Midway on the private beach is a dining pavilion with table, dining chairs and a sofa sitting area. Nice, deep, cool shade. Jim has been playing chess out there.
The darkly painted wooden deck gets ouchy-hot during the day but straw flip flops are provided, as are straw hats and a great woven beach bag. The back of the villa is all pebbly sand, fairly OK to walk on but not soft. This leads to our private beach! Oh my goodness, this is so fine! But not comfortable for feet so bring water shoes.
The villa infinity pool is large, of varying depths, and an utter delight. Stair step down which could use a hand rail (wonky knees and hips). There is a bure just off the pool with a large beach bed and towels within reach. There is an expansive front garden and lawn.
All told, this villa actually is a compound comprised of four outlying bures plus the main structure which includes two large bures, breezeway, dressing room, and palatial bathroom. Plus the wee bure for the golf cart, cutest carport ever.
Taken as a whole, we are talking sybarite heaven.
Now then, the decor and furniture. I knew going in I wasn't going to be ecstatic over the tropical post-modern mantra in the villas (and the Rock Lounge) and I wasn't and yet ... it does grow on one. Were it not for the VERY low seating, I might have come all the way around. As it is, though, the seating in the villa, deck, dining pavilion, and on our private beach (!) is much too low for the comfort of those with wonky knees and hips. There are many cushions of various sizes and most are exceptionally firm, too much so for me. Overall, I get the impression the decor in this villa was about form over function. Have not seen other villas.
None of my comments are meant to indicate we don't adore this place because we do. It was this, our second day here, when I said to Jim we're coming back next year. And we will in June.
This was a hot day but we weren't bothered. Island breezes!
Ten Days in Laucala, Day 2, Thursday
At least this day, feeling more ourselves, we got out and about in the golf cart which itself is a treat. Over to the Plantation House for orange juice after breakfast in the villa. Then a drive just about everywhere. Blown away by the flora here, both the gardening and landscaping as well as the jungle. Sundowners at the Rock Lounge, grilled lobster for dinner at the Plantation House which has a very handsome however colonial ethos (the bar is perfectly wonderful). Met Anthony the Chef who is friendly and without affectation, a good guy! And excellent chef. Our meals here have been outstanding and of high-quality, freshest ingredients and assorted cooking styles.
Our villa is comprised of two large bures (palapas) connected by a breezeway; one is the lounge, the other bedroom and sitting room. Off the latter is a dressing room, closet, shelves and an enormous wall mirror. Then the gargantuan bathroom with a double carved-wood tub, shower room, double wash sinks. An array of soaps, oils, lotions, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath salts, incense plus emery boards, tooth brushes, toothpaste, Qtips, razors, etc., lots of fluffy towels in various sizes including bath sheets. The remarkably good toilet is in a small room but it's not a box, rather round and non-claustrophobic. The shower features the biggest shower head I've ever seen and we did not need a PhD to figure out the various knobs and levers. EASY to get hot water! The villa floors are smooth-as-satin tropical hardwoods, mahogany? The sumptuous bathroom is furnished in cool stone slabs.
Off the indoor bathroom is the outdoor bathroom (!) with a carved stone double tub, wooden washstand and outdoor garden shower; yes, another humongous shower head. Then, there is the massage bure with its cushioned flat.
Midway on the private beach is a dining pavilion with table, dining chairs and a sofa sitting area. Nice, deep, cool shade. Jim has been playing chess out there.
The darkly painted wooden deck gets ouchy-hot during the day but straw flip flops are provided, as are straw hats and a great woven beach bag. The back of the villa is all pebbly sand, fairly OK to walk on but not soft. This leads to our private beach! Oh my goodness, this is so fine! But not comfortable for feet so bring water shoes.
The villa infinity pool is large, of varying depths, and an utter delight. Stair step down which could use a hand rail (wonky knees and hips). There is a bure just off the pool with a large beach bed and towels within reach. There is an expansive front garden and lawn.
All told, this villa actually is a compound comprised of four outlying bures plus the main structure which includes two large bures, breezeway, dressing room, and palatial bathroom. Plus the wee bure for the golf cart, cutest carport ever.
Taken as a whole, we are talking sybarite heaven.
Now then, the decor and furniture. I knew going in I wasn't going to be ecstatic over the tropical post-modern mantra in the villas (and the Rock Lounge) and I wasn't and yet ... it does grow on one. Were it not for the VERY low seating, I might have come all the way around. As it is, though, the seating in the villa, deck, dining pavilion, and on our private beach (!) is much too low for the comfort of those with wonky knees and hips. There are many cushions of various sizes and most are exceptionally firm, too much so for me. Overall, I get the impression the decor in this villa was about form over function. Have not seen other villas.
None of my comments are meant to indicate we don't adore this place because we do. It was this, our second day here, when I said to Jim we're coming back next year. And we will in June.
This was a hot day but we weren't bothered. Island breezes!
Last edited by KatW; Sep 25, 2016 at 2:54 am