Alex van Heeren

The U.S. version of Condé Nast Traveler (drop the additional British “l” used in the parent magazine’s title) did its best to let its readers in on one of the top secrets in the resort industry—Dolphin Island in Fiji, owned and operated by Alex van Heeren of Huka Resorts fame. The magazine cited Dolphin Island as a great example of a recent and growing trend in the travel industry: giving guests almost exclusive access to their own “(almost) private” island.

Dolphin Island has earned a new round of accolades in the travel press industry thanks to the multi-million dollar facelift that van Heeren and staff recently gave the resort. One of the unique draws of Dolphin Island is the necessity of booking the entire island by a single party, guaranteeing that you will only be around the people that you most enjoy as you savor a tropical paradise.

Fiji has long been hailed as one of the most spectacular settings in the world, and Dolphin Island lays just a 20-minute boat ride from a nearby airport. As many as eight people can stay on the island at one time in the three authentic bures, each with palm-thatched roofs and outdoor rain showers, part of the native feel that mixes quite well with typical Alex van Heeren luxury.

That Fijian flavor is also accented through the donning of frangipani leis by guests as they arrive, and the fire-dancing, traditional drumming and sound of steel guitars that are part of centuries-old ceremonies that visitors witness, the magazine noted. Delectable tastes of Fiji also dazzle guests, from papaya- and passion-fruit chutneys to the catch of the day cooked to guests’ specifications.

Thanks to all of these unique assets, Alex van Heeren’s Dolphin Island was the first spot recognized in the article on private island destinations, laid over a photo that attempts to capture the almost magical setting in Fiji.