Elite Traveler Winter 2019

A S I A PACI FIC

Hilltop Estate LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI The vacation home of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz, Laucala Island is a lush playground that provides total privacy. The island is located in the Koro Sea in Fiji and has miles of private forest, coconut groves, tumbling waterfalls and multiple pools (including one with a glass edge); a David McLay Kidd-designed golf course; tennis courts; a divine spa; and more activities than you could possibly do in one visit. The Hilltop Estate is set atop the verdant hills, so the panoramic views of the impossibly lush jungle and bright-blue water are out of this world. And all structures are made from local materials, like sago palms, doga timber and magi magi (coconut husk). It is gigantic: There’s a main residence, two large guest residences, a private pool, private airstrip and the services of a nanny, chauffeur and chef, which make this estate feel like a resort within a resort. From $45,000 per night. Contact Paula

Vatunicoko, head concierge, reservations@laucala.com, +679 888 0077, laucala.com

Beach House QUALIA, HAMILTON ISLAND, AUSTRALIA It’s hard to get a better location, even in the stunning Whitsundays, than at Qualia. It sits on its own peninsula at the northern tip of Hamilton Island among 30 acres of native bush and manicured gardens. With such a bewitching natural setting, it makes sense that the decor blends in with the surroundings: organic materials, earthy hues and local artworks. The one-bedroom Beach House has a 10-person dining area, a 40-ft infinity pool overlooking the Coral Sea and Whitsundays, inviting living area and, should you be traveling in a large group, an adjoining guest pavilion and private deck. From $3,400 for two nights. Contact Kyle LaMonica, general manager, guestservices@qualia.com.au, +61 794 489 222, qualia.com.au

Rahimoana EAGLE’S NEST, RUSSELL, NEW ZEALAND New Zealand is known for its extraordinary landscapes, and you’ll get the most immersive experience at Eagle’s Nest. Located on a private 75-acre headland overlooking the Bay of Islands, the boutique hotel certainly makes the most of its captivating surroundings: The architecture is clean and contemporary, with plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral tones. Rahimoana, meaning ‘sun god over the ocean’ in Maori, is more like a private home than a suite. It has its own helipad, four en-suite bedrooms, a gym, sauna, multiple indoor living areas, a kitchen, office, wine cellar, cinema, private courtyard and an 82-ft infinity pool that overlooks your own stretch of private beach. From $13,000 per night. Contact AmyMunn, general manager, admin@eaglesnest.co.nz, +64 940 383 33, eaglestnest.co.nz

Photos Jason Busch, Jason Loucas Photography