The dream, developed
“I’ve done many wild and different things, but never an island, so there was a cheeky I-wonder-what-it’s-like feeling,” said Walker.
The relatively remote island of Yaukuve Levu, in Fiji’s rural southern Kadavu island group, was ideal: It has four pristine beaches, there are virtually no other hospitality venues nearby, and guests have easy access to one of the world’s most epic dive sites, the Great Astrolabe Reef. “In ten minutes you’re diving in a massive drop-off among fan corals,” he said.
Besides the 21 sprawling, thatched-roof villas, Walker envisaged butler service, a child-care centre, and a massive organic garden. His goal: To create an intergenerational getaway with a minimal carbon footprint.
“I thought, this’ll be pretty easy - maybe 18 months I can have it up and running. Maybe a budget of US$10mn,” Walker said, laughing. But creating a luxury resort on a far-flung island had some serious initial impact: It called for a seaplane, a helicopter, two barges, and a fleet of recreational boats to cater to his US$7,500 a night guests. He also added five residences to the original plan, each with three to six bedrooms; spent lavishly on local materials like cinnamon wood and splurged on unseen details that streamline back-of-house operations. By the time Kokomo welcomed its first guests six years later, Walker had invested at least US$100mn.
Keeping paradise green
Kokomo’s design amalgamates the best parts of Walker’s favourite resorts around the world. Lush landscaping and privacy walls were taken from nearby Laucala Island, the restaurants’ casual vibe from Nikki Beach St