Elite Traveler Winter 2021

R EST OF THE WOR LD

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Presidential Villa SAVUSAVU, FIJI When you name your resort after a legendary ecologist, you better have an ethos to match. That is definitely the case at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, which offers low-impact Fijian-style buildings and myriad marine conservation programs, and it empowers Pacific communities to protect their vital coral reefs through education and funding. Staying at the resort, a true ground-breaker in green tourism, helps drive their good work forward. The striking two-bedroom Presidential Villa comes with an infinity pool, a walled garden and a separate living room, all connected by a large terrace. Guests enjoy a 60-minute spa treatment, and a nightly cocktail and hors d’oeuvres as part of their stay. Best feature Deep-soaking spa tub From $2,740 per night. Contact Bartholomew Simpson, general manager, info@fijiresort.com, +61 800 246 3454, fijiresort.com

Laucala Island, Hilltop Estate NORTHERN LAU ISLANDS, FIJI

A regular in our Top 100 Suites, Laucala Island was built by Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz. He wanted an island retreat for his family but endeavored to make as little impact as possible. The resort takes up around a third of the 3,500-acre island, with the surrounding rain forest left untouched. All 25 villas were constructed with natural materials and traditional Fijian techniques. That includes the three villas inside the Hilltop Estate, which is Mateschitz’s dream hideaway come to life. With 131,319 sq ft of exclusive space on one of the island’s highest points, panoramic views and utmost privacy are guaranteed. Look out over the jungle-clad resort and across the Fiji archipelago from the two-tier swimming pool before enjoying a meal under the setting sun. Best feature A private runway for discreet arrivals From $45,000 per night. Contact Luciana Nijdam, general manager, l.nijdam@laucala.com, +679 888 0077, laucala.com

The Brando, Three-bedroomVilla TETIAROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Best-known for its location on Marlon Brando’s island, The Brando has played host to luminaries such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Barack Obama. It’s easy to see why they visited. Only accessible via the resort’s private plane, The Brando offers exclusivity and security in equal measure. It is also a leader in responsible luxury. The resort has Platinum LEED Certification — the highest level of accreditation possible — with all building materials being local, renewable or having recycled components. Its pioneering air conditioning system uses deep seawater as its only source of cooling. A-listers always head for the Three-bedroom Villa, which offers an expanded deck with a 236-sq-ft pool. Each bedroom is set apart from the other and has its own deck, so every member of the family can enjoy their own piece of paradise. Best feature An outdoor bathtub for the master bedroom From $11,550 per night. Contact Cindy Grigaut, reservation manager, reservation@thebrando.com, +689 408 663 00, thebrando.com

Photos Chris McLennan, Jason Busch, Romeo Balancourt, Jaideep Oberoi