Laucala Island Resort owner and founder, Dietrich Mateschitz who was battling a long-term illness died at 78.

The Austrian billionaire is the co-founder of energy drink company Red Bull and founder and owner of the Red Bull Formula One racing team.

Mr Mateschitz purchased the 5-kilometer-long Laucala Island on Taveuni in 2003 from the heirs of American publishing magnate Malcolm Forbes.

He invested limitless resources on the island which was opened to the public in 2008.

The 1,400-hectare isle was transformed into a private resort with 25 villas.

The island quickly became the most favorite escape location for the A-listers because of its mesmerizing scenery as well as the top-notch facilities such as, the plantation house restaurant, golf club, pool bar, spa, seagrass lounge and beach bar.

The Island resort, now known as COMO Laucala Island, has been managed by COMO hotels and resorts, a Singapore-based company for the late Mr Mateshitz, as it’s still owned by the founder’s family.

Story by: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj