Memo to holiday-makers in pursuit of a luxury vacation: Fiji’s beauty, culture and happiness are a lot closer than you think. The path to this serene island nation in the South Pacific does not involve soul-sapping transfers and lengthy overland trips. Only a 10-hour direct flight from Singapore’s Changi Airport.
This South Pacific Eden is blessed with warm waters that harbour colourful corals teeming with curious creatures, and beautiful stretches of sand that give way to rolling hillsides and forested volcanic peaks. These majestic vistas are a perfect complement to Fiji’s people, who are as warm and inviting as the weather. These generous folks laugh easily around you and readily welcome strangers into their homes as if they were old friends.
Each of Fiji’s 333 specks of tropical paradise has its own character, but all offer a unique getaway for families, couples and friends. And when it comes to luxury, there is also no shortage of offerings. It is easy to fall in love with this sampling of upscale, adults-only resorts and experiences that add a touch of luxe and sophistication to the country.
Visit Tourism Fiji for details.
Tokoriki Island Resort
Where: Mamanuca Island chain (a 20-minute boat ride from Nadi on the main island of Viti Levu)
Photo: Tokoriki Island Resort
Bures (Fijian for villas) with uninterrupted ocean views, and private sun decks and pools await the discerning traveller. So does Monuriki, an uninhabited island that was featured in the movie Castaway, and is just a short jet-ski ride away. Tokoriki Island Resort, a celebrated beachfront establishment, promises an enticing blend of romance and luxury, while extras such as Tokoriki’s 'Eat Fiji' project, which champions island-grown produce, promises holiday-makers new culinary experiences. The resort’s growing accolade list includes TripAdvisor’s top hotel (Fiji and the South Pacific region) prize that it picked up earlier this year.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Where: Mamanuca Island chain
Photo: Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Accommodation at this lavish hideaway includes 10 stunning over-water bures that will appeal to those looking for beauty and solitude. Likuliku, named South Pacific’s top honeymoon resort by American magazine Brides features traditional Fijian architecture and was built using native materials. Make your vacation culturally rich by visiting ancient historic and religious attractions close by, such as Yadra Cave and the sacred Ki Ni Wai site. Or opt for more wellness with Fijian massages or body treatments at the Tatadra Spa, which overlooks the lagoon.
Royal Davui Island Resort
Where: Ugaga Island (accessible via Royal Davui’s shuttle boat from Pacific Harbour, about three hours by car from Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu)
Photo: Royal Davui Island Resort
There is room for man and nature at this award-winning island sanctuary on a 10-acre private island, which eschews size for intimacy, privacy and romance. Its 16 picturesque vales (Fijian for homes) are anything but humble abodes. They hug the island’s edge and offer views to match. Guests will not have to gaze far for gorgeous views of the lagoon and coral reef. Royal Davui also strikes a fine balance between adventure and indulgence, taking cues from Fiji’s natural gifts to offer off-resort excursions guests will not soon forget. These include shark diving in Pacific Harbour and scuba-diving expeditions to the soft corals of nearby Beqa Lagoon.
Bebe Spa Fiji - Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
Where: The Coral Coast along the Ocean Road between Nadi and Suva on Viti Levu
Photo: Bebe Spa Fiji - Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
Arresting views and the sea breeze are free additions to any treatment at this luxe spa sanctuary. Perched at the highest point on the verdant Vakalomalagi Hill above Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, this decorated retreat, a four-time International Spa Design of the Year winner at the global spa industry’s Pevonia awards, takes pampering and rejuvenation to new heights. Its international menu of treatment options includes the Bebe Vakaviti Signature Massage, a therapy that combines traditional Fijian and Hawaiian massage techniques. Eight treatment rooms with private balconies, open-air showers and sunken spa baths that overlook a coral reef promise more relaxation.
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa
Where: Natadola Bay on the main island of Viti Levu
Photo: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa
No need to be a touring professional to enjoy a luxurious golf getaway at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa on Fiji’s main island. Work on that handicap at the property’s formidable Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. It offers 18 holes that are nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and designed by local golfing hero and former world number one, Vijay Singh. The scenic fairways and challenging greens also feature in the world-class Fiji International Golf Tournament. This event, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour, is the South Pacific’s biggest tournament and the pride of the country. Great golf aside, the resort pampers with palm-fringed white sand beaches and a luxurious spa that was named the best luxury spa in Fiji at the annual World Luxury Spa Awards held in Switzerland in June.
Laucala Island Resort
Where: Off the northeast coast of Taveuni Island, and accessible from Viti Levu by plane
Photo: Laucala Island Resort
Seclusion is not the only luxury on this exclusive 12sqkm playground, set amid the rustic charms of the remote private island of Laucala. Guests looking for more than a tee-off on the cliff-side 18-hole championship course will find seven-star amenities that include a 5,500sqm landscaped swimming pool, and 25 spacious, ocean-facing seagrass villas, each with its own beach or tropical garden. Venture outside your villa with horseback-riding excursions to beaches, plantations and other spots in Laucala’s hinterland and guided walking tours to far-flung corners of the island. Unique experiences are also on offer at the well-equipped water sports centre and Cultural Village that champions Fijian crafts and traditions and organic farms and gardens. Or focus on your well-being by sampling quintessential Fijian spa treatments that rejuvenate body and soul — hot-and-cold stone therapy, volcanic soil body scrubs and mineral crystal therapy.
Brought to you by
Produced by the Special Projects Team, News Segment