My treehouse bure at Matangi Private Island Resort
One of the beaches at Matangi Private Island Resort
Breakfast at Namale Resort
My private plunge pool at Namale Resort
My (very relaxing) signature Banana Leaf Wrap at Koro Sun Resort
One of the over-water bures at Koro Sun Resort
Fiji… the name alone conjures up images of romance like no other destination, which is exactly what Tourism Fiji wants.
After all, the journey from North America isn’t a short one, and we do have countless beautiful beach destinations much closer. What we don’t have is the unique combination of pristine coral reefs and lush green landscapes; rugged mountains and genuinely warm, kind people; remoteness – and a level of luxury found in only the most international of destinations.
Fiji has all of this and more, but the competition is fierce. The tourist board invited me to experience a variety of its resorts so I could see for myself... and, since it has always been on my perfect dream vacation list... I had to go.
My overnight flight from LAX to NAN and domestic Fiji Link connector to Taveuni (TVU) literally transported me to 1 of the most special places I have ever been. Since it’s on a private island, it’s a 20 min. boat transfer from Taveuni - but the payoff is worth it. Each of its 12 luxurious “bures” (villas) are different – mine was in a massive almond tree. Here I enjoyed delicious and plentiful food, excellent amenities and exceptionally friendly staff. I didn’t bother locking the doors at all.
After my much-needed adjustment period, I was off on the 20 min. Fiji Link hop from TVU to Savusavu (SVU), on the much larger island of Vanua Levu. From here I headed to the insanely lush and luxurious, all-inclusive Namale Resort. This really is paradise, designed especially for couples. Each of the 19 very private bures has its own charm – I had my own plunge pool, and private beach! The spa facility is superb, and the staff really cannot do enough to make everything perfect.
From Namale it was a short drive to Koro Sun Resort – this retreat has 43 villas and bures – 10 are right on a reef overlooking the bay. The property also extends a long way within the rainforest, where the spa is located. I had the signature banana-leaf wrap & massage which was extraordinarily relaxing. In addition to the spa, most couples seemed to be taking advantage of the top-notch on-site PADI dive operation.
After my short stay I was back to NAN, for my final stop: the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. This sprawling, glorious resort was the perfect end to my holiday. I stayed in a Club Suite – with my own plunge pool overlooking the ocean – and access to the private club lounge, with a gorgeous infinity pool and private dining area, plus all sorts of snacks and extras, like daily happy hour (included canapés & cocktails). Even though the resort was at full capacity while I was there, it felt half-empty: the sign of a quality hotel!
When it was time for my 45 min. airport transfer, I was in the capable hands of Rosie Holidays - a family-owned ground operator who have been providing all manner of transportation services for over 40 years. Their experience was obvious – they even had WiFi in my private transfer vehicle! I Instagrammed from the car – perfect to inspire one last shot of jealousy from my Canadian friends.
