As one of Fiji’s most stunning examples of a luxurious retreat in the Southern Hemisphere, Wakaya Club & Spa is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Monika Pal as the resort’s new General Manager as of April 2023.
Born in Suva and raised in Nadi, Fiji—a country known as home to the world’s friendliest people—a career in hospitality was a natural fit for Monika who kicked off her venerable 23-year career working at a collection of Fiji’s top resorts such as Sonaisali Island Resort, Tanuovo Bay Resort, and Mango Bay Resort in the reservations, sales & marketing, before joining the Wakaya team in 2016 as a Resort Manager.
As the resort’s first female General Manager, Monika is excited to bring a new perspective to managing the day-to-day operations of Wakaya, while shepherding in a collaborative environment for her staff comprised of over 95% native Fijians who share the common goal of consistency & excellence. Her main focus in this new role is to create memorable world-class experiences for guests around the world, ensuring excellent customer service with a genuine Fijian touch.
Dedicated to ensuring the prosperity of her native country, she is dedicated to shepherding authentic cultural experiences on property, while implementing new programs that seek to protect & preserve the ocean’s natural resources through a robust sustainability program; including the property’s Giant Clam Farm located in the Marina Reserve, to a forthcoming coral plant restoration project slated for late 2023.
As one of the best private island respites in the world, Wakaya offers a remote, crowd-free retreat in the South Pacific with accommodations for up to 28 guests at any time in an all-inclusive atmosphere where everything from the organic delicacies at dinner, fine selection of wine and liquor, to water sports is included as part of the experience.
About Wakaya Club & Spa
A heavenly hideaway renowned for its attention to detail and barefoot elegance, Wakaya is located in the heart of Fiji on an exclusive part of a private island in the Lomaiviti Group, spanning 2,200 acres of pristine beaches, ocean, lagoons, and cliffs. The secluded picture-perfect island respite offers accommodations for up to 28 guests at any time in an all-inclusive atmosphere designed as a retreat for the mind, body & soul, replete with an on-site organic farm, unique Fijian culinary experiences, private beach picnics, indulgent spa treatments, once-in-a-lifetime water & adventure activities, and much more.
- One-of-a-Kind Private Accommodations: The island’s biggest luxury is privacy. Enjoy luxury accommodations in one of 7 free-standing ocean view Fijian cottage suites or bures (pronounced boo-rays). Featuring 1,650 square feet of privacy and serenity, surrounded by elegant Fijian landscaping, swimming pool and a short stroll to the white beach, revel in your own a secluded garden leading down to the beach, private rear reading garden and front and back covered outdoor decks, cathedral ceilings, indigenous yaka timber flooring, oversized soaking tub, open-air lava rock shower & much more.
- Explore Fiji from Land & Sea: Scuba or snorkel the marine-preserve directly in front of your Bure or explore the world’s most beautiful reefs guided by on-site diving expert, Luke Gordon. Experience the stunning island paradise with endless hikes and guided nature walks or take in the vastness of the ocean with a variety of water sports including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and hobie cats.
- Experience the Wellness Wonders of Fiji: Relax & rejuvenate at the on-site spa, Breeze, offering a plethora of relaxing treatments utilizing Pure Fiji products, including restorative massages utilizing a hybrid Shiatsu/Swedish technique, Watsu, and wraps and scrubs using tropical ingredients and tonics in two beautiful massage/treatment rooms, accompanied by a body-temperature serenity pool and lanai, a fully equipped fitness center.
- An Authentic Taste of Fiji: With two expansive on-site farms producing micro-greens, herbs, several varieties of lettuce, eggplant, Chinese cabbage, avocados, kumquats, limes, lemons, pineapples, papayas, soursop, guava, and Fijian ginger, Wakaya’s culinary program features the freshest local ingredients available, foraged & prepared by a world-class culinary team comprised of experienced Fijian chefs. Immerse yourself in a taste of authentic Fijian cuisine with dishes prepared in a traditional lovo fire, piled with volcanic stones, vegetables or crops, slow & long smoked cooking technique, join a curated beach picnic, or learn to dive & spear fish for that evening’s dinner.
For bookings or further information on Wakaya Club & Spa, please visit: www.wakayaresort.com.