Once upon a time, Guy Laliberté was a street performer, playing the accordion and walking on stilts for whatever passersby would throw into his hat. Then in 1984, he co-founded Cirque du Soleil as a one-year project with the help of a contract from the Canadian government. These days, he’s worth a cool US$1.1 billion according to Forbes. And when he’s not playing in high-stakes poker tournaments or floating in space — literally; Laliberté traveled to the International Space Station in 2009 — he likes to relax somewhere really remote.
He reportedly spent 10 years searching for the perfect escape before settling on a private atoll called Nukutepipi in the outer reaches of French Polynesia in 2007, noted for its pristine natural beauty, complete with a “primary forest” that’s home to rare species, as well as a white sand beach and a protected lagoon with a flourishing coral reef. He then spent another 10 years turning it into the ultimate eco-retreat, with architecture designed to make the most of the incredible setting yet never infringing on the immaculate natural surroundings. “Wood, stone, water and light come together in a harmonious ode to nature,” as the property’s website puts it.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of MAXIM Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of MAXIM Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The INCREDIBLE HULK
Haas F1 driver NICO HÜLKENBERG has emerged as one of the most captivating drivers of the 2024 season. We chat with the man himself to find out what's powering the Hulk's comeback...
The HORSES
A new book titled Aussie Rock Anthems unpacks an iconic list of legendary Australian tunes and the narratives behind them. This edited extract takes us through the epic 1991 hit cover song made famous by Daryl Braithwaite...
AWESOME ANTIGUA
Searching for a haven of tropical peace? A secluded seaside escape? A place to unwind with rum in hand and indulge in ultimate island luxury? Look no further than Galley Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua, as we return to the Caribbean retreat for another brilliant Destination MAXIM tour...
BUDDY BRILLIANCE
New book The Immortals of Australian Football celebrates a collection of legendary players from the AFL and its predecessor, the VFL. This month, we look at the incredible career of one of the modern era greats, LANCE FRANKLIN...
Fitspiration
Time to get more wellness coach acquainted with fitness model, certified health and and former psychologist
Miss GRAND
Time to get more acquainted with pageant queen and recently crowned Miss Grand USA CORA GRIFFEN...
SOOSHI MANGO
As the hilarious Aussie comedy trio tour the country with their all-new live show Home Made, we catch up with brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri and best mate Andrew Manfre, to find out what really goes on backstage...
TIMELESS TRIUMPH
To celebrate the 170th anniversary of American watchmaker Timex, we sit down with Chief Executive Creative Director GIORGIO GALLI to trace centuries of horological innovation...
VICTORIA LEE ROBINSON
The stunning social media sensation and future supermodel makes her MAXIM debut. You're welcome...
Red Rebel
Indian Motorcycles and Roland Sands have unleashed a limited-edition FTR X RSD Super Hooligan, a high-performance, street-legal beast that embodies the rebellious spirit of a true hooligan...