Let’s Go Local: COMO Laucala Island Top of Verma’s Bucketlist

Let's Go Local | SUNBIZ

Let’s Go Local: COMO Laucala Island Top of Verma’s Bucketlist

With a commitment to outstanding service, exquisite cuisine, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, with an urban chic style, Toorak Central Hospitality has quickly become a destination of choice for residents and visitors alike.

by maraia vula

05 Sep 2023 04:07

Let’s Go Local: COMO Laucala Island Top of Verma’s Bucketlist

Toorak Central Hospitality’s managing director and Women in Construction founder Julianne Verma with some employees of Toorak Central Hospitality on August 31, 2023. Photo: Maraia Vula

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Meet Julianne Verma.

She is the managing director of Toorak Central Hospitality and the founder of Women In Construction And Trade (WICAT), a group of over 70 women in the construction business who share their experience.

Ms Verma oversaw the major rehabilitation work of Toorak Central, an iconic late 1960’s building in Toorak.

From its inception, Toorak Central Hospitality has set out to provide a unique and unparalleled experience to its patrons. This boutique hotel and apartment celebrated its one year anniversary last week.

Centrally located in Toorak, it has five studio’s and two one-bedroom fully furnished apartments for short and long term stay; a an all day dining restaurant and cafe named Eleve; an upmarket Whisky and Champagne Bar named Prive; and spa named Urban Bliss, this mixed development offers guests and customers an array of choices.

Having built a properties portfolio from scratch, her current role of six years in the properties and construction sector involved buying and selling real estate, property management, project and construction management.

SunBiz spoke with the entrepreneur to learn about her favourite local destinations for food, leisure and travel.

What Are Your Favourite Local Restaurants Or Cafes To Eat And Unwind?

Definitely for Indian food ZamZam restaurant, and Swagat Authentic Indian Restaurant. Rudy’s Italian Trattoria and Grill. Chinese food China Club, Suva. I live in Lami, so our go to place is Grace Road.

Grace Road Kitchen

Where Do You Take Friends And Visitors For A Meal And To Relax?

Toorak Central Hospitality, we’ve got a restaurant which is all day dining.

I have to say and this is not bias, we’ve got excellent online reviews on Facebook.

Toorak Central.

What Are Your Favourite Travel Destinations Locally?

I like to go anywhere I’ve never been before. But for somewhere where I have been I would have to say Wakaya Island. Aside from the luxury accommodation and offerings, the beach was just amazing.

Like I can’t remember ever seeing such white sand and clear blue waters. It was unforgettable experience just feeling so peaceful and serene.

Wakaya Club and Spa.

What Are Your Top Bucket List Destinations In Locally?

COMO Laucala Island, definitely on my bucketlist.

COMO Laucala Island Resort.

What Makes Fiji An Attractive Destination For Travel?

Definitely the people.

The warmth of the Fijian people is synonymous to tourists and travellers. Our products such as hotels, resorts, food and beverage can be compared to others, but our Fijian hospitality can’t be compared.