Alex van Heeren

Most of us would be content with creating just one great thing in our lifetimes, yet Alex van Heeren could not just stop at one. He had to triple his contributions to the resort world by not only founding Huka Lodge in New Zealand and acquiring the Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in South Africa, but by purchasing and transforming Dolphin Island in Fiji. His masterpiece in Fiji has again been recognized as one of the top 20 “Dream Islands” in the world, an incredible feat considering the multitude of islands that do the globe.

No voice in the travel world carries the prestige of Condé Nast’s Travel magazine, and the publication’s top rankings are eagerly sought by retreats the world over. This year’s awards issue named Dolphin Island as one of the 20 most desirable locations on the planet for an unforgettable island getaway. Noting the increasing tendency of the elite to rent entire islands for their holidays, Travel included a glowing review of Dolphin Island as the type of spot that the most discriminating travelers in the world would choose.
In 1984, Alex van Heeren purchased the 13 acres that comprise Dolphin Island after having vacationed there himself with his family. Not content to be selfish with its obvious charms, he transformed it into the resort that now draws visitors from around the world. Those who venture to one of the tips of civilization in remote and picturesque Fiji quickly realize that their long journey was worth the trouble.
For starters, a stunning private beach beckons all the guests to stroll on its white sands. Stretches of mangrove invite an afternoon of calm exploration by kayak. Walking trails provide a leisurely tour of the entire island, and a swimming pool welcomes those who have had enough sun during their promenades. Sailing in the calm waters surrounding the island is also available, as well as numerous tours of Fijian high spots, just a short boat ride away.
Three huge weathered-timber and palm-thatched bures (lodges) house the few visitors allowed at one time on the island. Alex van Heeren’s designers tastefully chose to construct the visitors’ guest quarters with local techniques that produce authentic lodging like the dwellings that have housed Fijians for centuries. For those who favor an even more open-air experience, another bure has been set apart on a hilltop that offers an open-walled structure. This unique cabin-like structure allows constant breezes to blow through the bedrooms, although the bed itself is wisely covered in effective mosquito netting. Travelers who have stayed there report that the night’s experience was only topped by the sunrise the next day.
Just a 10-minute boat ride from Rakiraki on the main Fijian island of Viti Levu, Dolphin Island has welcomed many a notable traveler among its guests in its nearly three decades of operation. Alex van Heeren has somehow duplicated the aura of his other resorts on Dolphin Island, a gorgeous setting so relaxed and tranquil, guests might not ever want to leave.