Owning a private island often conjures images of rustic beach huts and weeks of complicated planning before every visit.
Vawa Island was created to be something entirely different.
Now listed for $10 million, the 75-acre island in Fiji’s spectacular Yasawa archipelago was developed by Shauna and Barry Walker, with Barry best known as the co-founder of cannabis brand Dub Bros.
Rather than building a traditional luxury resort, the couple envisioned a private home where family and friends could comfortably spend weeks — or even months at a time — without sacrificing the conveniences of everyday life.
The result is a remarkably livable island retreat represented by Adam Brawer of Compass and Mitch Hagerman of Sotheby’s Fiji.
Occupying the northernmost island in the Yasawa chain, Vawa is surrounded by white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, secluded coves, and abundant marine life.
The island’s 75 acres also encompass elevated viewpoints that look across one of the South Pacific’s most celebrated island groups.
The architecture intentionally avoids the familiar tropical-resort aesthetic.
Designed by a Danish architect and brought to life by an Australian builder, the approximately 5,500-square-foot main residence embraces a clean contemporary style that allows the landscape to remain the focal point.
Expansive indoor-outdoor living areas open directly toward the ocean, while four private bedroom suites each include open-air bathing spaces that immerse guests in the island’s surroundings.
Two additional guest cabins provide comfortable accommodations for extended family, visitors, or staff, creating a flexible compound that balances togetherness with privacy.
Outside, a French travertine swimming pool overlooks the Pacific, while generous terraces provide space for everything from alfresco dinners to quiet mornings watching the sun rise over the water.
Although Vawa feels wonderfully remote, it was designed to function as a genuine residence rather than an occasional getaway.
Starlink internet provides reliable connectivity, while solar power and a desalination system support everyday living with minimal reliance on outside infrastructure.
An experienced on-site manager and dedicated local team oversee the island’s daily operations, allowing owners to arrive without worrying about the logistics of maintaining a private island.
Access is also surprisingly straightforward. The island can be reached by a scenic 30-minute helicopter flight from Nadi or via ferry, making it far more accessible than many similarly secluded destinations.
Private islands regularly come to market, but few arrive as comprehensively developed — or as ready to enjoy — as Vawa.
With its combination of modern architecture, self-sufficient infrastructure, turnkey accommodations, and one of Fiji’s most spectacular natural settings, it offers buyers something that’s increasingly rare: a private island that feels less like an expedition and more like home.
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