Lelepa island in Vanuatu boasts pristine white sand beaches and swaying palm trees with limited access to fresh water and power. It is remote, stunning and almost stands still in time. But not for long.
Lelepa is home to a number of traditional island villagers with a long and beautiful ancestry and is one of 83 islands in the Republic of Vanuatu, a stunning archipelago of natural reefs and volcanos known as the ring of fire including one extinct volcano in the distance on the island of Nguna.
But fast forward exactly two years to October 2022, and Lelepa is forecast to look vastly different. The Royal Caribbean day club is proposed to open for passengers up to 4,500 of them per day to begin with offering the opportunity to experience a Perfect Day on a tropical island.
Pristine Lelepa island is about to be transformed
Ever since the announcement that the worlds second biggest cruise ship company had negotiated a lease with the Vanuatu Government, speculation has been rife about what that would mean.
In an exclusive interview with the Australian architects behind Royal Caribbeans new private waterpark island in Vanuatu, we discover what a Perfect Day at Lelepa is going to look like. According to head designer David Holm, of Cox Architects, its going to be all about chill and thrill.
A look at Coco Cay in the Bahamas RCCLs existing island
There will be huge water slides, some of the worlds longest and fastest zip lines, kids water parks, swimming pools, numerous dining options, a wave pool, hot air balloon rides, private beach clubs for adults, family designated beach areas, possible over water bungalows and of course, a pier large enough to receive the cruise ships.
Perfect Day at Coco Cay under construction earlier in 2019
The difference between this island design and existing RCCL private islands such as Coco Cay in the Bahamas is that Cox Architects say they will be attempting to integrate as much of the local Vanuatu design and culture as possible, to give it a more aesthetically sensitive look and feel.
So what exactly does this mean?
The main pavilion areas will be based on traditional Vanuatu meeting place designs called Nakamals, with large open-air roofs, woven natural materials, bamboo, local wild cane, and naturally sourced timbers and furniture sourced in the South Pacific, says Mr Holm.
A traditional open air nakamal meeting place
This will be a fully carbon neutral island, with a sustainable energy and waste management system, and we aim to immerse ourselves in the local culture and design to achieve an authenticity and calibre of thoughtfulness, Mr Holm says.
Vanuatus culture and style will be integrated into Perfect Day
Think of Indiana Jones, with a bit of Mad Max mixed in, Mr Holm says, when describing how the island is going to feel for passengers when they arrive. We want to leave a light footprint with no pipes in and no pipes out and we want the guests to feel like they are explorers.
We will collaborate with local builders, businesses and villagers to blend the indigenous culture into the island experience. We want this Perfect Day to be grown and crafted in-keeping with the Vanuatu style, Mr Holm added.
Ni Vanuatu locals are hoping to be consulted on the plans
So the chill and thrill? It will have something for everyone catering to a large density of guests, but people who also do not want to queue. It will be fun, with escape areas too, says Mr Holm.
Over water bungalows are on the cards for a more chilled zone
Community consultation meetings are being held with local residents in the coming weeks, with detailed designs promised to be made public by April next year.
SUBSCRIBE
Save up to $31.40 when you subscribe to Cruise Passenger magazine and go into the draw to win a Samsonite Cosmolite 3 luggage set worth $1,378.
LEARN MORE
Read this article:
Exclusive: how Royal Caribbean's private Island will "chill and thrill" - Cruise Passenger
- Farallon Islands - Wikipedia - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- Private Islands - AWE - awetv.com - December 18th, 2016 [December 18th, 2016]
- Petra Island - New York, United States - Private Islands ... - December 25th, 2016 [December 25th, 2016]
- Grasshopper Island - Ontario, Canada - Private Islands for ... - January 5th, 2017 [January 5th, 2017]
- Buck Island - BVI, Caribbean - Private Islands for Sale - January 5th, 2017 [January 5th, 2017]
- ORRO Private Collection The Name That Changed Diamond ... - January 20th, 2017 [January 20th, 2017]
- Best Private Islands: Belize's Cayo Espanto - February 2nd, 2017 [February 2nd, 2017]
- President Obama Is Posted Up with His Hat Backwards on Richard Branson's Private Island - Esquire.com - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Obama now holidaying on Richard Branson's private island - SBS - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Photos: Obama at Richard Branson's private island - The Mercury News - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Obama spotted on holiday in Richard Branson's exclusive private island - International Business Times UK - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Frommer: Dumbing down the cruise experience - News Chief - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Vomo Island Fiji Luxury beach resort and spa - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- How 30000 pieces of bamboo came together to create the private island of Cempedak - Web In Travel - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Tavanipupu Private Island Resort, Solomon Islands: The South Pacific's best kept secret - Blue Mountains Gazette - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- 5 Reasons the Cruise Lines' Private Islands Are Travelers' Favorite Ports - Travel Agent - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Islands for Sale in United States - Private Islands Online - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- A Private Island in the Bahamas for $8.9 Million - Caribbean Journal - Caribbean Journal - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- 8 Best Caribbean Cruise Line Private Destinations - Cruise Fever - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Song Saa, Cambodia: Private island comfort at a new level - Ballarat Courier - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Seven island houses where you can shut out the world - AOL Money UK - February 25th, 2017 [February 25th, 2017]
- Your own private island for 7000: Seven of the most luxurious new ... - The Independent - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Nobody at the NFL Combine is winning the island for their 40 time, sorry - SB Nation - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean Signs Investment Agreement With Bahamas, Plans to Enhance Private Island CocoCay - Cruise Critic - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- A Cruise Line Commits To Developing Private Island in The Bahamas - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Private Islands - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel's Laucala Island honeymoon - Daily Times - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Fiji's astounding revival after Cyclone Winston - Gourmet Traveller Magazine Australia - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Dubai to Build $1.7B Man-Made Islands - Hospitality Net - Hospitality Net - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- This Destination Wedding Venue on a Private Island Is Actually AffordablePromise! - Brides.com - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Casual! Kim Kardashian Rented An Entire Island For Kanye West's 40th Birthday - ELLE - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Inside Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's $145 Million Empire: Private Islands, Record-Breaking Tours and More - E! Online - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Books to read on escape, or help you escape - San Francisco Chronicle - June 8th, 2017 [June 8th, 2017]
- Private islands of the rich and famous - AOL UK - June 8th, 2017 [June 8th, 2017]
- The Great Caribbean Private Destination Race - TravelPulse - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- London family who built a Greek island getaway: unspoilt Meganissi ... - Homes and Property - June 10th, 2017 [June 10th, 2017]
- Blackfire RED Aims to Save Consumers From 'Entertainment Islands' - StreamingMedia.com - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel's Honeymoon Needed No Filter - Observer - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- 5 idyllic private island retreats - CNN International - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Luxury travel: The most remote resorts in the Philippines - CNN - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- World's Most Private Island Resort Opening September 1, 2017 ... - Benzinga - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- 5 Hotels With Private Islands - Successful Meetings - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Development Beyond Learning: Breaking Rules and Igniting Leadership at Light-Speed on Sir Richard Branson's ... - Business Wire (press release) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Peek at the private island for cruisers that just got a major makeover - USA TODAY - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Turneffe Island Resort Private Diving & Fishing Resort ... - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- National Harbor Is a Private Urban Island Designed for FunIf You Can Get There - Washington City Paper - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Four Caribbean Properties Named Among Five Idyllic Private Island Retreats - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Think a private island is just for Bond villains and billionaires? This Gwynedd estate is up for rent and you won't ... - Daily Post North Wales - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Four Resorts for a Private Island Vacation - New York Times - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Private Ocean Islands - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Are Private Island Cabanas Worth It? - TravelPulse - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- The surprising places where tourism is growing fastest - Telegraph.co.uk - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- Four resorts for a private island vacation - MyAJC.com - MyAJC - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- 10 private islands you can rent from $400 a night - 9Honey - July 3rd, 2017 [July 3rd, 2017]
- Four resorts for a private island vacation - The Seattle Times - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- Now you can buy your very own private ISLAND in the middle of the Pacific but it'll set you back a cool 5000000 - The Sun - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- 10 Private Islands Starting at $5 Million You Could Call Home Today - TheStreet.com - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- Bamboo Private Islands - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- From elite retreat to public treasure, Jekyll remains the same - The Brunswick News (subscription) - July 15th, 2017 [July 15th, 2017]
- Historic Scottish castle with two private islands yours for 3.75m - Deadline News - July 15th, 2017 [July 15th, 2017]
- This Private Island Off the Coast of Maine Could Be Yours for $8 Million - TownandCountrymag.com (blog) - July 15th, 2017 [July 15th, 2017]
- $1.9M Private Lake Tapps Island Up For Sale: Wow! House - Patch.com - July 22nd, 2017 [July 22nd, 2017]
- Avoid the food, and other jet-set tips - Independent Online - August 4th, 2017 [August 4th, 2017]
- Dream Cabins: Four-level log home on private island listed for $1.99 million (slideshow) - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - August 4th, 2017 [August 4th, 2017]
- Celebrate Eid at Niyama Private Islands - Trade Arabia - August 6th, 2017 [August 6th, 2017]
- Forget a Hotel RoomYou Can Rent These Private Islands for Just $300 a Night - Reader's Digest - August 6th, 2017 [August 6th, 2017]
- You can now rent an entire Caribbean private island on Airbnb - Metro - August 12th, 2017 [August 12th, 2017]
- Recruiting clients for an advisory board - Travel Weekly - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- Locals try to win second largest Powerball jackpot of $700M - KXII-TV - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- Australian Islands | Private Islands Online Australia - May 12th, 2018 [May 12th, 2018]
- Private Island Holidays & Resorts | Oxford Private Travel - June 18th, 2018 [June 18th, 2018]
- UPDATED: 12 private islands for sale in Florida - June 18th, 2018 [June 18th, 2018]
- Private Islands - AWE - July 28th, 2018 [July 28th, 2018]
- The Legal 500 Caribbean 2019 > British Virgin Islands ... - January 27th, 2019 [January 27th, 2019]
- Pumpkin Key - Florida, United States - Private Islands for ... - January 27th, 2019 [January 27th, 2019]
- Eagle Lodge Private Islands of Georgia Private Island ... - January 28th, 2019 [January 28th, 2019]
- Private Islands - Official Site - March 2nd, 2019 [March 2nd, 2019]
- Islands for sale - Private island homes - Bankrate.com - March 24th, 2019 [March 24th, 2019]
- Eight Private Islands for Sale Perfect for Long-Term Getaways - May 14th, 2019 [May 14th, 2019]
- Private Islands AWE - awetv.com - May 14th, 2019 [May 14th, 2019]