Laucala, Fiji - trip report
#181
I think some of the demands outlined here and elsewhere on this Forum - regarding climate control, menu choices etc - are quite unreasonable in places such as Fiji and Madagascar where the infrastructure is so fragile or non-existent. In a place like Hawaii or Barbados or Bali maybe these sort of demands are realistic.
I remember once staying at a place called Peponi, near Lamu in Kenya, which lacked air conditioning and many so-called luxuries, yet the hotel drew many luminaries and celebs because of its utter remoteness and tranquility. The owner explained to us in great detail how her entire day, entire week, entire life was spent dealing with suppliers and getting stuff in from Nairobi on a daily basis. It was a miracle, really. Yet the guests made allowances and understood the problems and just enjoyed the place for what it was. I think something similar happens at a place like Mnemba, that little beach shack off the coast of Zanzibar.
Now people demand 65 degrees in their room when the outside is 100 degrees heat and 90 percent humidity and people demand fresh foie gras or whatever. Frankly I don't care if the air-con breaks down or if the kitchen can't supply a ***Michelin dinner on a whim. Madagascar is not like Dubai.
There is a price factor, of course, but even a ludicrous $6000 a night can't really deliver on some of the expectations and demands. Common sense must tell you that.
I remember once staying at a place called Peponi, near Lamu in Kenya, which lacked air conditioning and many so-called luxuries, yet the hotel drew many luminaries and celebs because of its utter remoteness and tranquility. The owner explained to us in great detail how her entire day, entire week, entire life was spent dealing with suppliers and getting stuff in from Nairobi on a daily basis. It was a miracle, really. Yet the guests made allowances and understood the problems and just enjoyed the place for what it was. I think something similar happens at a place like Mnemba, that little beach shack off the coast of Zanzibar.
Now people demand 65 degrees in their room when the outside is 100 degrees heat and 90 percent humidity and people demand fresh foie gras or whatever. Frankly I don't care if the air-con breaks down or if the kitchen can't supply a ***Michelin dinner on a whim. Madagascar is not like Dubai.
There is a price factor, of course, but even a ludicrous $6000 a night can't really deliver on some of the expectations and demands. Common sense must tell you that.
If you want 3 figures or even 6 figures a night then you should be able to cater to needs and desires. A remote location doesn't mean much these days. Just another excuse as others have illustrated in this thread.
#182
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,587
Just thinking about these tropical climates and the immense differences in temperatures and humidity between building and environment... it takes a toll on the structures. Not saying it isn't possible, but it requires very elaborate environmental control systems and architecture. I think it takes more than just a powerful condenser unit for our A/C needs. It means serious investment.
The Brando is a wonderful example of what can be done in terms of 'natural' A/C. Especially since the system these days is able to deliver impressive results.
Sad to hear about Laucala. Any knows who is doing interim?
The Brando is a wonderful example of what can be done in terms of 'natural' A/C. Especially since the system these days is able to deliver impressive results.
Sad to hear about Laucala. Any knows who is doing interim?
#183
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Gold, IC Plat RA, Fairmont Plat...
Posts: 506
Just returned from Laucala for my birthday. Petra Trapp is the general manager for the front of house. When we landed we were the only villa occupied out of the 25 so we were well taken care of by the 450 staff. Service, warmth and enthusiasm unrivalled. Air conditioning made the bedroom like an ice box! The resort is closing for renovations for much of October. I can't wait to return again.
#185
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,805
many here like properties that are not like regular hotels. such properties can have very high costs (not rates) and be unprofitable regardless of high rates. i would always like to see more such properties. i dont really care if regular hotel rooms have lower rates, which they may not over holidays.
#186
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,213
Laucala now has competition in Fiji -- similar experience, better pricing: Kokomo Island:
https://www.kokomoislandfiji.com/dow...fact-sheet.pdf
https://www.kokomoislandfiji.com/dow...fact-sheet.pdf
#187
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,642
#188
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Of course, the air con at Anjajavy worked as well as advertised.
We obviously have different requirements and expectations when it comes to remote luxury, despite the fact that we both enjoy remote locales—and that’s ok.
You refer in previous posts to people demanding amenities, whereas I see properties advertising amenities and then not delivering on them. Your opinion is based on a false equivalency to my mind.
#189
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: MEL
Programs: QF CL
Posts: 689
That looks promising! Anyone planning a trip? Please do report back if so. I might think about it for next year.
Laucala now has competition in Fiji -- similar experience, better pricing: Kokomo Island:
https://www.kokomoislandfiji.com/dow...fact-sheet.pdf
https://www.kokomoislandfiji.com/dow...fact-sheet.pdf
#190
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
You would think I'd learn from going to relatively new openings, but alas, stupidity was breed into me - we've decided to go in August for a few nights, just before returning to Laucala.
#191
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,805
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxu...l#post21523044
posted Jun 30, 2010 > >
think i heard from other(s) via PM, cant recall
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Apr 14, 2018 at 7:16 am
#193
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
@MacMyDay, looking forward to a comparative review of Kokomo and Laucala (of contemporaneous stays), especially given some of the patchy reports on Laucala!
Looks like Long John Silver had a car boot sale
I get it: parts are rustic, but you can do rustic and be classy, see Messrs Island, North and Laucala. The story around Kokomo was Lane Walker coming in to save the day with $100m to complete the abandoned property, but I cannot help but believe that's a nice story rather than the reality. I fail to see see where the money went, other than on marketing boffins coming up with the innovative named restaurant: Walker d'Plank. And deciding how many stars they should have whilst rewording what all-inclusive means. Alcohol is an optional daily supplement of $150 per person, so I think they've taken the all-inclusive name in vain a bit there.
Welcome to Kokomo Island Fiji, where pristine reefs set the scene for an unrivalled, all-inclusive 6 Star experience
It's a good property, it's just not a great one - and at these prices, it needs to be.