Elite Traveler Summer 2021

KOKOMO ISLAND FIJI

South of the Fijian mainland, along the edge of the volcanic Kadavu archipelago, is where you’ll find Kokomo Island. Accessible via a 45-minute scenic helicopter or seaplane transfer from Nadi, it is surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth-largest barrier reef on the planet and famed for out-of-this-world diving, fishing and snorkeling. With 140 lush acres, the island is one of the few Fijian islands with stretches of brilliant white sandy beach. Environmental and cultural sustainability was a vital part of Kokomo’s construction: The finest local building materials were selected, including local plantation timbers (like fallen cinnamon trees) and stone sourced from the island. The accommodations are classic Fijian-style: 21 beachfront bures (thatched roof villas) with one to three bedrooms, and the newly completed three- to six-bedroom luxury residences. Kokomo Island is the labor of love of Australian property developer Lang Walker. Walker, a keen fisherman and master diver, came across the island when sailing through the South Pacific on his yacht, Kokomo , and was instantly enchanted. Kokomo has an ‘anchor stay’ package for those arriving by superyacht that includes complimentary mooring. Explore the reef with Cliona O’Flaherty, the island’s resident marine biologist, and plant new coral that you can name. From $1,995 per night; exclusive use from $65,000 per night for 30 guests. Contact reservations@kokomoislandfiji.com, +679 776 4441, kokomoislandfiji.com

MUSHA CAY

CARIBBEAN

In the Exuma Chain in the southern Bahamas, Musha Cay is a 700-acre Edenesque island. Owned by the world-famous magician David Copperfield, the island can be reached in around 90 minutes by air from Miami; there’s a dedicated runway on the island. It is sandwiched between two other islands, and is the only one in the 11 islands of Copperfield Bay that is inhabited. Available only for exclusive use (one group of up to 24 guests), there are five guest houses, each with its own character and more amenities than you could possibly need. Each one has direct access to a private beach, and Copperfield is constantly adding antiques and treasures from his travels to the curated decor. Highview, a two-bedroom abode spanning 10,000 sq ft, sits on the highest point on the island and has dazzling 360-degree views. The Palm Terrace is perfect for families, with one master bedroom, three doubles and one twin. There’s a wine cellar with some 500 bottles and an expert sommelier on hand to help you imbibe, and dining is an experience in itself at Musha Cay. With your toes in the sand, dine on freshly caught seafood at Coconut Beach, or have a torchlit dinner over the sea on the wooden dock. Board Musha’s amphibious boat and step onto a sandbank that will likely disappear back into the sea in a few hours’ time, but for now, it will be your destination for a decadent picnic, under the shade of a parasol as you enjoy a crisp glass of wine or cool beer. There are 11 islands in the chain, and 40 private beaches are at your beck and call; within a few minutes, you can be having dinner on a pink-sand beach. If there are kids in your group, Dave’s Drive-In is a charming, ’50s-style outdoor theater that pays homage to classic American drive-in movies. There’s also a super-fun treasure hunt, created by Copperfield, that is a hoot for kids (and big kids) — ‘pirates’ will guide the journey around Musha and the other islands, seeking treasures on hidden beaches and a petrified lake. There’s also the Musha Olympic Games — team up for various challenges like relay races. An awards ceremony will be held to award bronze, silver and gold medals to participants. From $50,000 per night, five-night minimum. Contact mushacay@davidcopperfield.com, +1 954 955 8177, mushacay.com