Paradise in South Pacific Ocean

Photo Credit: Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Bula! We hope you’ve enjoyed our first two features on the exquisite island nation of Fiji. If you’ve not already, it’ll be helpful to acquaint yourself with the culture and traditions of the first settlers; the Austronesians and later Melanesians.

In this final part of our series, we share with you some of the most exotic resorts in Fiji. Every resort on the various islands in Fiji offers you a different experience. One thing is common though; you’ll only be a stone’s throw away from the ocean.

 

SOFITEL FIJI RESORT AND SPA

 

This 5-star hotel is located on the beautiful island of Denarau in Nadi. An exclusive beachfront retreat, Sofitel Fiji offer nine classes of luxurious accommodation ranging from Superior Oceanside to the majestic Imperial Suite.

 

Every room comes with a balcony that overlooks the ocean making that sip of coffee a memorable one. Embracing Sofitel’s French heritage, inspiring contemporary designs greets each visitor to their home away from home. Premium amenities such as coffee machines are coupled with servings of fresh milk.

 

As you go about your day lazing in the resort’s pool, you’d never need to worry about going hungry or thirsty. Six outstanding restaurants and bars serve up delectable Mediterranean, French and local cuisine. If you’re a rum lover, Suka Bar is a must-try. If you’re not, you will be after a visit to Suka. Offering a curated collection of in-house infused rums blended under the watchful eyes of rum connoisseurs, indulge in favourites, mango and mint dark rum or date and raw sugar-white rum.

 

One of the most opulent parts of Sofitel is the Waitui Beach Club. An adults-only sanctuary, the exclusive Beach Club boasts an infinity pool, luxury cabanas and its very own bar and restaurant. Guests are entertained with nightly performances as they enjoy poolside drinks and canapés.

 

Whichever part of Sofitel you stay in, you’d certainly want to take a walk on its white sandy beach in the evenings. When the sun sets, it illuminates the sky purple offering a scene you’d get to cherish for a long time to come.

 

DOUBLETREE RESORT BY HILTON FIJI – SONAISALI ISLAND

 

A look of confusion draws upon your partners face as your driver stops his car telling you that you’ve reached. You look around and see a small building on your right and a lake on the left. You wonder, “Did I make a wrong booking?”. A man in a flowery shirt beckons you with a broad smile “Bula! Your boat is waiting for you” as he comes to assist you with your luggage. It’s then you look across the small lake and realize your hotel IS the island.

 

The two-minute boat ride across will make you marvel at the beauty of this magnificent resort. Reaching its shore, you’re met with a beautiful well-manicured garden growing a variety of flower species. Whilst you’re checking in, the warm Fijian hospitality rubs off on you as the staff member reaches into a warmer drawer and hands you a fresh homemade-cookie that’s still warm and one of the best coconut cookies ever tasted.

 

Each of the beachfront guest rooms incorporates a furnished balcony with stunning views of the South Pacific Ocean, and a wide range of guest amenities including Smart TV with satellite channels and the signature Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree beds. The sunset views here are truly unique compared to other parts of the world.

 

Evenings are filled with exciting live performances such as traditional ‘meke’ song dances, fire-walking ceremonies and ocean side barbeque grills. In the day, chill out by the expansive free-form pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean or signup for one of the many complimentary activities such as jet skiing and kayaking. Better still, go horse-riding on the beach or take a scuba diving lesson and swim amongst myriad brightly coloured tropical fish. For bigger groups, the resort even offers paintball that has a huge playing area. The experience and views at this resort are truly magical, making it our personal favourite.

 

OUTRIGGER FIJI BEACH RESORT

 

An award-winning Fiji resort and our other favourite. Located on the south-western corner of the main Fiji island of Viti Levu, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort offers a truly authentic and unique Fijian experience. The journey here might be longer but the moment your vehicle enters the resort’s compound, you know you’re in for a treat.

 

The Fijian guard jumps to attention as the airport shuttle arrives and greets everyone with the most gracious and confident “Bula!” you’d ever hear.  A perfect destination for both couples and families, the Outrigger Fiji’s exquisite seaside setting is reminiscent of a time-honoured Fijian village. Whether you’re staying in traditional bungalow-style bures or suite rooms, you’re met with the same authentic warm Fijian hospitality.

 

Renowned for its Signature experiences, you get to immerse yourself in an array of unique complimentary cultural programs and customs. Join and learn about kava through a traditional ceremony where you get to taste the national drink of Fiji.

 

With Meimei Club, nannies and engaging activities, children are guaranteed to have so much fun they’ll cherish for time to come. Buy hand-made handicrafts from local villagers who set up shop in corners of the resort which is one-way Outrigger gives back to its community.

 

The crystal-clear waters that embrace Outrigger Fiji are like no other. Spotting hues of sapphire and green-blue, the breaks are far meaning you could walk knee-depth in water for almost a hundred meters away from shore.  Seashells aplenty and a constant cool breeze make this a perfect place to frolic. When it’s time for meals, be spoilt for choice as the Sundowner Bar & Grill offers an extensive menu featuring local seafood dishes and the usual burgers and grills.

 

Its proximity to Sigatoka town allows guests to get up close into Fijian villages. The Sigatoka Off Road Cave and River Safari is a popular attraction that enables this. Check out our first story here to learn more. An Outrigger experience is only complete with a rejuvenation trip to Bebe Spa (meaning “your sanctuary”). This spectacular spa floats majestically above Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort on a plateau known to local villagers as Vakalomalagi Hill – Heavenly Hill. Surrounded by deliciously lush, undulating landscape, this location is at a breath-taking altitude offering the purest ocean views.

 

UPRISING BEACH RESORT

 

Uprising Beach Resort is located in Pacific Harbour. Known as the adventure capital of Fiji, there’s so much to do in this area. Fijian themed accommodation options here range from traditional thatched beachfront villas to a uniquely fun tree house shared facility. The Classic Bure offers unparalleled views of the ocean and sitting out on the balcony could never have been any easier to do.

 

Boasting a world-class rugby pitch which is home to Fiji’s Olympic Gold Medal winning team, the Fiji Men’s 7s team. Uprising Beach Resort has built a reputation as a strong supporter of local sports and teams; rugby in particular. This same pitch has also been able to produce world-class Fijian rugby players. Situated in Pacific Harbour, this cosy resort offers accommodation in classic bungalow bures.

 

A perfect solution for touring teams coming to Fiji on a rugby tour, Uprising offers “Eat, Stay, Train, Repeat” all-inclusive packages. Included in this package is access to the largest and best-equipped resort gym in Fiji. Outrigger even offers local competition and support making this an ideal and dedicated sporting facility.

 

Not a sports fan? Fret not. Pacific Harbour is home to some of Fiji’s most outstanding and multiple award-winning day trips such as Rivers Fiji White Water Rafting, Discover Fiji Day Trips and Tours, Terra Trek Off-Road Quad Bike, Waterfall Tours and internationally acclaimed Shark Diving.

 

YASAWA ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

 

Looking for an added sense of exclusivity? Yasawa Island is your answer. Accessible by seaplanes from Nadi International Airport, it takes only an hour to get to the most remote and unspoilt Yasawa Island. There’s only one place you should stay on this island and that’s at Yasawa Island Resort and Spa.

 

Celebrated for its pristine location, Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is an all-inclusive upscale resort. 18 luxury bures (bungalows) hide amongst the palms, each of them mere steps away from a pristine white sandy beach. Visitors are free to explore any of their 10 private beaches and dive on vividly coloured corals. With crystal clear waters, where else would you want to go anyway?

 

Offering a stress-free way to enjoy your Fijian holiday, there are various activities and excursions included in your full-board package. Usage of kayaks, stand up paddleboards, tennis courts, catamaran and guided walks are all complimentary. Village Visits, half-day Blue Lagoon Cave trips, guided snorkelling trips and private beach picnics are all part of your inclusive experience.

 

Award-winning Baravi Spa offers spa massages by the beach. What’s unique is their ‘one-price’ Ultimate Spa Package. 50 minutes of daily massage regardless of the length of stay. The first time we’re hearing this.

 

Did you know? There are 15 Fijian translations of the word ‘Heaven’ and Yasawa tops them all!

 

We hope you’ve had an engaging experience learning about Fiji through our series. With a plethora of accommodation, dining and attractions experiences, there’s a place for any budget in mind. Fiji is a country that’s definitely worth visiting as only positive memories will remain. Not to forget, your social media accounts are probably going to be buzzing with likes and loads of hearts.

A culmination of our three-part online series, be sure to catch our cover feature on Fiji in the upcoming Issue 91 of our magazine.

 

“Vinaka Vakalevu”