Australian property magnate Lang Walker is planning to soft-open his first ever resort project, located in Fiji.
The Kokomo Yaukuve Island Resort on Yaukuve Island, which is part of the Kadavu Island Group - surrounded by the world famous Great Astrolabe Reef - is set to officially open in 2016.
The resort will have five villas and 21 bures on the beachfront, in addition to a luxury day spa, kids club, tennis court, large communal pool, movie/theatre lounge and walking trails.
Walker admitted to
The Australian that he is new to the hospitality business and may face a few initial challenges: “I’ve got my training wheels on a bit," said Walker. “We’re pitching it to be the best in Fiji."
He added that the family-friendly resort will be aimed at visitors from Australia, New Zealand, the US and Asia.
Originally set to be an AmanResorts property, Walker rescued the project as it lay undeveloped as a result of the financial crisis.
“The banks pulled the plug on the finance and it sat there for eight years,” said Walker.
Owner of a development company, Walker Corporation, Walker noted there were unexpected challenges creating the resort in this new market as the site had to be carved out of the jungle.
Walker has also just splashed out on a new Twin Otter seaplane to ferry guests to the six-star 140-acre (57-hectare) resort.
