Rai Ki Wai Wakaya Estate

It’s 47 acres of South Pacific paradise.

Located in Fiji, the Rai Ki Wai Wakaya Estate is located on Wakaya Island, a 5-mile long and 1.5-mile wide privately owned island in the Fiji chain.

Rai Ki Wai is touted as one of the most beautiful homes in the South Pacific and was even named “The South Pacific’s Ultimate Address” by Private Islands Magazine. The stunning private estate boasts more than 20,000 square feet of living space and unparalleled views of the glistening ocean and reef.

The estate is currently for sale by owners John Farrand, former CEO of Panavision and Giselle Fernandez, world-renowned newscaster. Asking price is now $6,950,000.

[highlight_text] The home is decorated in a hybrid Balinese and Asian style. [/highlight_text]

The pair has nothing but praise for the palatial escape.

“It’s a beautiful 50-acre estate on a really romantic, private island in the Fiji chain, probably the most exclusive, beautiful, pristine sanctuary in all of Fiji,” Fernandez said.

The story of how the couple grew to call the island their home is equally beautiful.

“We traveled the world after we got married and stopped [in Fiji] as one of our stops,” Fernandez said. “We never left. We ended up buying a 50-acre estate that is absolutely press and paparazzi free, one of the few islands remaining in the world where you are assured privacy, just a real sanctuary to relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty of tropical life.”

The stunning home, replete with polished Fijian hardwood, boasts seven suites and nine baths within the main house pavilion, a separate master bedroom pavilion, a guest pavilion with two guest suites and three detached Fijian-style guest bures, or villas, making it the perfect place to host visitors.

The home is decorated in a hybrid Balinese and Asian style. A stunning entryway leads to the more than 4,000 square-foot grand room in the main pavilion, which boasts more than 40-foot ceilings and a vibrant color scheme. A 7-foot gold Buddha adorned with gems even holds court in the grand room’s Buddha Bar.

In most rooms, the views of the ocean are nearly 260 degrees.

“You really feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere,” Fernandez said. And she’s right, as nearly 1,500 miles sit between Fiji and any other major landmass.  “You’re at the top of the world, the highest point on the island.”

The privacy is unrivaled. As a privately owned island, Wakaya is not accessible to the public and any inbound visitors are closely monitored.

“You can walk naked on the white sand beaches and not have anyone for miles and miles see you and be completely free, so I’m sure that’s a real lure for someone who seeks privacy,” Fernandez said. “But for us, we were just in love and looking for just beauty. I’ve just never seen a place so clean and beautiful and fresh and just gorgeous.”

Farrand also appreciates the island’s privacy.

“You can fly onto the island onto the helipad on the property and nobody would ever know you were there,” he said. “Because the property is all fenced and is totally self-sufficient, it doesn’t need anything from anybody really.”

Fiji itself is a mystical escape rife with ancient tradition.

“The whole place is one of lore, and mystery and romance so the air is so clear,” Fernandez said. “You can hike for miles in the most beautiful flora and fauna or ancient forests or walk on private beaches with white sand and gorgeous shells and not see anyone for days.”

But don’t think that with the privacy and serenity you’ll have to sacrifice convenience. The estate itself is completely self-sustainable, is maintained year round by a permanent staff and has its own independent water, power, Internet, phone, fax and other utilities.

Outdoors, the sprawling pool deck surrounds an infinity pool and spa that descends into a waterfall that overlooks the ocean reefs. If you’re in the mood for exercise, a lighted tennis court, a Boules court, a volleyball court and a gym are located on the home’s grounds.

The estate also boasts extras like a helicopter pad, separate and detached housing and garden for the staff, cold storage rooms, activity equipment room, a large equipped laundry room and a nanny or visiting chef dayroom. Walking trails marked with banyan trees, lush tropical fruits and flowers meander through the property.

The nearby Wakaya Village also provides a bit of local, untouched culture.

“On the one hand you [have] the highest luxury and privacy and exclusivity,” Fernandez said. “And then you can stroll into the village which has real indigenous people and live ceremonies and a beautiful church and choir. And this is not for show or for tourists – this is their daily life and their offerings and their prayers and their celebrations.”

The island is also home to the luxurious and exclusive Wakaya Club & Spa – which offers the utmost in luxury and even scuba diving off stunning private beaches. Homeowners are invited to enjoy all the facilities of the Wakaya Club & Spa- from their pristine golf course to their fine dining options to their spa to the numerous private beaches.

Rai Ki Wai Wakaya Estate embodies the best of all worlds – serenity, luxury and the unspoiled, untouched indigenous culture – a combination that has kept Fernandez and Farrand hooked for so long.

“It’s like three worlds combined with all this incredible, pristine beauty and has been a real adventure for almost a decade,” Fernandez said.

Now you have the chance for your own Fijian adventure.

Note: The Rai Ki Wai Wakaya Estate is on freehold land, making it eligible for foreign purchase. Consent from the Ministry of Lands is required for any purchase property larger than 1 acre. The Fijian government actively encourages foreign investment and titles are guaranteed constitutionally by the State. Wakaya Island is 40 minutes by air from Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu and 15 minutes by air from Suva, the capital of Fiji, also located on the Viti Levu. For more information, including an extensive photo gallery, visit www.rkwestate.com

North America: Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills

Kathy Villa, +1  310 777 6352, [email protected]

New Zealand/Australia/UK:   Knight& Frank

Rick Kermode, Senior Property Broker, +64 9 579 9234   [email protected]

Fiji: West Reality (Fiji) Ltd.

Carol West, Principal Director, +679 675 1167

www.professionalsfiji.com.fja