16 WATERFRONT Marina-based development in Fiji As well as a high level of luxury
in its privately-owned villas, the five-star project offers a top level ocean-based resort experience complete with world-class surfing, pristine beaches, marina berths and a strong design that is both well- planned and ecologically sound, all while remaining true to the Fijian island aesthetic. In line with being a water-lover’s
Artist’s impression of Vunabaka residential and hotel development. V
unabaka is a residential and hotel development on Manolo Island, Fiji, that allows people
to either own their own piece of tropical paradise in the heart of the South Pacific or holiday at its luxury five-star boutique hotel, the Island Grace. This marina-based community encompasses 100 acres of hill-top, ocean and beach front sites surrounding the hotel. Located within an hour of Nadi
International Airport by ferry or private boat and a mere ten minutes by helicopter, Vunabaka offers a private retreat without intense travel time or logistics. There are affordable, daily flights from the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Inspired by the location’s
abundance of natural elements and the architecture of the South Pacific, New Zealand architect Richard Priest has designed a community with a fitting sense of place. Richard describes the site at Vunabaka as the best he’s ever seen, adding that it has every element desired of a tropical island, including a stunning sandy bay, boating facilities, varied elevation, original rainforest and a generous fresh water aquifer. The intent of the architecture has been to emulate the Fijian vernacular in the design of both
the bures (Fijian-style villas) and the settlement itself. Construction of simple pavilions connected by covered walkways gives emphasis to both the outdoor spaces and to the wider environs. Vunabaka unites energy-
efficiency and a cost-effective modular build, with a marina, generous common areas and immaculate landscaping. With meticulous attention to detail, Richard has designed an up-to-date project on the island that achieves a low environmental impact. It is being completed in two stages, the first of which is already in progress. Stage One includes 45 residential lots, two marinas and the Island Grace Hotel. Stage two has been planned to allow for future development, which will include an additional marina and 32 residential lots. Vunabaka’s residential
community is accentuated by a Fijian themed boulevard, which draws together the marina yacht club, the Island Grace Hotel, pool, spa facilities, restaurants, bars, management offices, an on-site store and boutique shops. Other facilities will include tennis courts, a fitness centre, water sports activities and a water taxi service. The Island Grace is at the very
MARINA ASIA-PACIFIC • AUGUST 2016
heart of the Vunabaka resort, with bures running along the beach and marinas. There are also studio bures with private gardens and access to the beach or garden bures with their own private plunge pool.
paradise, the marina facilities installed by Superior Jetties of Australia are capable of berthing luxury yachts. Every element of the project has also been designed with a focus on minimising the resort’s impact on the environment. It runs on networked solar power from PowerSmart Solar Electricity of New Zealand, with an organic waste-water system and even has a reforestation programme in place to restore native rainforest and hardwood trees. Vunabaka
info@vunabaka.com www.vunabaka.com
Plan of the site.
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