About Us
Beginning in 300 BC
The Wakaya History
The history of Wakaya dives deep into the past and is even unfamiliar to many Fijians. Beginning in 300 BC, Wakaya was inhabited by a village called Korolevu that was blessed with the spoils of the island.
Unfortunately, they did not live in peace…
1838 AD
Neighboring Islands at War
In 1838 AD, the land on which they occupied was claimed by villagers on the neighboring island of Ovalau and war was declared on Wakaya. Avoiding death by the Ovalau villagers as women were kidnapped and men were wiped out, the Wakayan Chief jumped off a cliff in order to keep Wakaya free.
In his honor, the cliff was named Chieftain’s Leap to commemorate his sacrifice for the land and his people.
1862 AD
Wakaya’s Growth
24 years later, Wakaya was Fiji’s first island that attempted to make sugar. Unfortunately, this resulted in financial failure.
Over a century later, Wakaya Island was bought and sold by David & Jillian Gilmour in 1976 who were responsible for the island’s development and employing hundreds of Fijians to create the infrastructure enjoyed on the island today.
2016 AD
Tropical Cyclone Winston
In 2016, Wakaya was faced with one of its greatest challenges: Tropical Cyclone Winston. One of the strongest cyclones ever recorded, Winston passed directly over the island leaving much of it in complete disarray.
2016 til today
Embracing Our Heritage
In late 2016, Wakaya reclaimed its roots with a solemn vow to honor the original Chief’s wishes to protect the natural beauty of the island and embrace the heritage of the original islanders, ensuring their freedom and prosperity.
Today, Wakaya Island has seen many Fijian families grow and is home to one of Fiji’s most stunning examples of a luxurious retreat in the Southern Hemisphere: Wakaya Resort & Spa.
2023
Your Next Island Getaway!
We would love to welcome you to our private island paradise – complete with pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, lush tropical forests, & world-class diving at your doorstep – only at Wakaya.
Our Mission
Our mission is to honor the original Chief of Wakaya’s wishes for the protection of the natural resources and the prosperity of the Fijian culture. In doing so, we seek to provide our guests with a unique and unforgettable experience of our caring and joyful community, the delicious flavors of the local resources, the rich culture of Fiji and the stunning beauty both above and below the ocean.
We seek to balance the ways of the past with a path towards the future for our community. The indigenous ways of the Fijian people, including artisanal, culinary, botanical, musical and medicinal traditions. Through education, we hope to uphold and inspire environmental protection of both the land and ocean. Combining these tools as well as those provided by the Fijian education in the Island school, we hope to provide the children of the Island with everything necessary to empower their future and protect their past.
Our Team
As one of Fiji’s most stunning examples of a luxurious retreat in the Southern Hemisphere, Wakaya Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Monika Pal as the resort’s new General Manager as of April 2023. Born in Suva and raised in Nadi, Fiji—a country known as home to the world’s friendliest people—a career in hospitality was a natural fit for Monika who kicked off her venerable 23-year career working at a collection of Fiji’s top resorts ,before joining the Wakaya team in 2016 as a Resort Manager.
As the resort’s first female General Manager, Monika is excited to bring a new perspective to managing the day-to-day operations of Wakaya, while shepherding in a collaborative environment for her staff comprised of over 98% native Fijians who share the common goal of consistency & excellence. Her main focus in this new role is to create memorable world-class experiences for guests around the world, ensuring excellent customer service with a genuine Fijian touch. Dedicated to ensuring the prosperity of her native country, she is dedicated to shepherding authentic cultural experiences on property, while implementing new programs that seek to protect & preserve the ocean’s natural resources through a robust sustainability program; including the property’s Giant Clam Farm located in the Marina Reserve.
