Over the past three years, a $350 million integrated resort development has quietly risen from the shores of the turquoise bay of Malolo, a few miles off the Nadi coast and at the heart of Fiji’s most iconic islands, the Mamanucas.
Despite its vast magnitude and beautiful natural setting on the Southwest corner of Malolo Lailai, Vunabaka has managed to mostly stay under-the-radar in Fiji while the project developers have diligently poured heart and soul into creating the ultimate tropical haven within one of the most exclusive enclaves of the South Pacific.
The development’s name is an ode to the spread of beautiful raintrees (‘baka’ in vernacular Fijian) and rainforest that permeate the property. Vunabaka will be home to authentically-inspired private luxury lodgings and resort-style villas that are woven into rocky headlands, pristine beaches and lush rainforests, creating an intimate community set at the peak of tropical opulence.
In the developer’s words, “we see Vunabaka as catering to all generations of our families; husband and wife on a romantic getaway, a guy’s trip, a girl’s trip, or a great experience for all the family to enjoy together.”
Marina
Beachside jungle has been transformed into 120 acres of waterfront, ocean, marina and hilltop sites, with the island’s natural micro-climate providing significantly more daylight hours than found on the mainland. Steady development has already seen the completion of the first two stages of of civil works, and construction of 12 villas on the development’s various residential lots.
The main marina, which remains the newest in the South Pacific, has been built to world-class standards. It is tucked directly behind the sandy white beach of the Vunabaka shoreline, with convenient water frontage and private jetties for residents who desire easy access to boating equipment.
Shops, eateries, bars, a fitness center, tennis courts, a spa and two full service marinas will complement the unlimited access to every conceivable water activity offered to residents, including world-class surf, kite-surfing, diving, fishing and boating.
Residences & Land Lots
Despite a low-key sales campaign, an established network of associates has already seen many astute investors join the developers on their journey and purchase home sites in the development.
Once built, each of the development’s residential villas offers stunning vistas, from the perch of Malolo’s soft contoured hills to the soothing serenity of the seaside dwellings, to the convenience of marina frontage. Buyers will be inspired by visions of their dream homes, as they prepare to take residence in one of the world’s most beautiful, eco-conscious communities, run entirely on networked solar power.
At the helm of these stunning residencies is Richard Priest, an acclaimed New Zealand architect. Priest’s design prowess unifies the splendour of traditional Fijian designs with low environmental impact building, in order to create organically elegant interiors with spacious lounging with an emphasis on the surrounding environs.
Native hardwood, exquisite furnishing and modern appliances provide ultimate convenience and ambience, and open floor plans offer glimpses of the sea, sky and rainforest. Exteriors are wrapped in expansive wooden decking, private pools, fire-pits and intimate dining areas, to provide ultimate outdoor relaxation for all residents.
All 70 luxury residences within the Vunabaka development will average between 3 and 5-bedrooms, and are constructed on 1/3 acre – 2 acre lots. Simple pavilions linked by sheltered walkways and pristine landscaping emphasise outdoor spaces, and reflect the project’s objective to complement the natural environment.
Recognizing the property’s natural surroundings as a precious resource, the commitment of developers to protecting and persevering wildlife is reflected in extensive landscaping with indigenous plant species, maintenance of a large-scale nurseries and gardens, and the undertaking of a reforestation
Each residential lot is offered with a 99-year native lease. These are undoubtedly some of the finest pieces of land in Fiji, with successful land sales already speaking for themselves.
Six Senses Luxury Resort
While there are many facets to this incredible development, perhaps most anticipated is the new Six Senses Fiji, a 5-star luxury hotel that will be the first of the luxury hotel franchise’s properties in the South Pacific. The alluring design and style of the Six Senses chain takes centre stage at Vunabaka, and will oversee all residential and resort management.
Along its golden stretch of 650-metre beachfront, Six Senses Fiji will provide 26 spacious pool bures, ranging in size from 110 to 150 sqm, as well as 60 luxury residences, varying in size from approximately 600 to 1,000 sqm of interior and exterior space.
Six Senses’ notable commitment to ensuring that all developments, designs and daily operations are responsibly measured, and to minimizing its carbon footprint and environmental impact, seamlessly complement Vunabaka’s environmentally-conscious approach to development.
By actively managing energy, water, waste, biodiversity and chemical usage, Six Senses and Vunabaka pursue a shared passion for creating a community focused on long-term sustainability for generations to come. In combination with Six Senses’ decadent spa and wellness treatments, this mutual passion will allow both residents and visitors to reconnect with themselves and the world around them, creating lasting experiences and memorable rejuvenation.
A treetop yoga platform, state-of-the-art fitness gym, recreational clubhouse and Kids Centre will also be on offer when Six Senses Resort opens its doors to guests in late 2017.
Foreign Investment
Fiji’s plethora of islands and precincts attract many overseas investors, but rarely has there been a project to match the scale, vision and follow-through of Vunabaka. Many projects are announced in Fiji however sadly not all projects are completed and with this in mind, the developers have shown large-scale foreign investment in Fiji is possible with the right attitude.
Against an unfamiliar bureaucratic system, these impassioned developers have proved that, by streamlining their ideals into a transparent and feasible plan and sustaining a respectful relationship with the island and its landowners, it is indeed possible to pursue a massive, multi-faceted dream such as Vunabaka. This dream will indubitably change the lives of many, and cement Vunabaka’s emerging status as one of the world’s most beautiful oceanic recreational communities∎
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