Six Senses Fiji is on track to welcome its first guests on April 14, marking the hotel brand’s arrival into the South Pacific.
This is the first local property for the luxury boutique resort chain, which staked management rights for 24 pool villas and assorted residencies built by Vunabaka, a marina-based community by New Zealand and American developers on the south west of Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Group.
A statement from the resort noted that the property includes a 650 metre stretch of sandy beach, villas with private decks.
“Located on the idyllic Malolo Island, with sandy beach and turquoise lagoon, Six Senses Fiji comprises 24 pool villas with private decks and modern comforts; all complemented by ever-smiling Fijian hosts,” the resort stated.
“For families and groups, two- to five-bedroom residences come with pool, kitchen, dining room and generous living spaces, offering wonderful panoramas and easy access to the resort’s facilities. “
The resort also hosts the country’s largest off-grid solar power system and is amongst 11 resorts and 30 spas in 20 countries under the brand names of Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas.
“Six Senses resorts are set in locations of incredible natural beauty that will stop you in your tracks, and an uncompromising level of service that will stay with you long after you’ve left. Each property has a distinctive personality, but shares a commitment to community, sustainability, wellness and design. This award-winning approach extends to new openings, including the urban concept premiering in New York in 2019.”
According to Vunabaka, the community gives residents and guests open access to all ocean based activities while Six Senses ensures it runs efficiently and professionally.
Architect, Richard Priest has noted that their intention was to emulate the Fijian vernacular in the design of both villas and the settlement itself, with the construction of simple pavilions connected by sheltered walkways to highlight both outdoor spaces and to its wider environs
“It is important to design that which is appropriate for both the site and the environment and in this way the architecture at Vunabaka is a response to both. I wanted the development as a whole to appear as any village in Fiji would from the water. And as you get closer to the building and as you inhabit the pavilions the aesthetic, while remaining honest, becomes more refined.”
Iconic Malolo is amongst the chain of islands that make up the Mamanuca Group, off the coast off Western Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. Other resort properties on Malolo include Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Malolo Island Resort, Musket Cove Island Resort, Plantation Island Resort and Lomani Island Resort.