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The name alone conjures up all the clichés of tropical island bliss. White sand beaches. Crystal clear waters. Lush gardens and palm groves. Craggy volcanic peaks. Fiji has all this in abundance. But what stays with visitors long after they’ve returned home is the warmth of the Fijian welcome. It’s hard to overstate it. Fijians are generous, gregarious and fiercely proud of their culture. “Welcome home” is the universal greeting and they’re delighted to share their little piece of paradise with you.
With 300 islands and more than 50 resorts and hotels spread across a pristine swathe of the South Pacific, there are multiple holiday options, from exclusive, tiny castaway islands to big, family-friendly resorts where children are looked after with doting affection. Fiji is vulnerable to climate change and climate-related natural disasters so the island nation is one of the most eco-conscious destinations in the world. It’s perfect for reconnecting with nature and yourself.
Best Resort for Wellness in Fiji
Kokomo Private Island pool
Idyllic Kokomo in the far-flung Kadavu island group is set on 140 acres of beach and rainforest, with a verdant two-hectare organic garden spilling over its volcanic hills. From its truly farm-to-table menus to its guided yoga classes in a hilltop yoga shala, Kokomo is a haven of sustainable wellness. The Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary is surrounded by a tropical garden that is dotted with charming plantation-style spa villas. The spa offers a menu of treatments using botanical extracts and plants from the garden. Massages are based on Fijian Bobo traditions and there’s also a beautiful Moroccan hammam for invigorating bathing rituals.
Best Private Island in Fiji
The floating pontoon at Dolphin Island
Personal paradise takes the intimate shape of tiny Dolphin Island, a short boat ride from Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, but feeling like another universe away. The exclusive-use resort takes a maximum of eight guests at a time, housed in four Virginia Fisher decorated rooms that are set in gardens around a traditional-style main bure and infinity pool. Most covetable is an additional open-air hilltop sleepout, which is the most romantic spot on the island. What makes Dolphin Island unique is the island’s legendary host, Dawn Simpson, who designs every aspect of the guest’s stay from meals and entertainment (she’s a wonderful cook) to wedding receptions.
Best Romantic Resort in Fiji
Tokoriki Island Resort
Consistently accoladed as Fiji’s most romantic resort, Tokoriki is a dreamy adults-only hideaway on a big sweep of white sand beach in the Mamanuca islands, just 15 minutes from Nadi airport by helicopter. Specialising in honeymoons, renewals of vows and proposals, the team at Tokoriki has perfected the concept of barefoot romance with a menu of enchanting interludes, such as sensual, in-villa couples’ massages, floating pool breakfasts, intimate Champagne dinners on the jetty, private picnics on the beach and exclusive excursions by boat to nearby, secluded Monu Island. Beachfront villas with infinity edge pools are the ultimate love nests.
Best Resort for Families in Fiji
Vomo Island
Stylish and glam, and occupying one of the largest and most beautiful private islands in Fiji, Vomo is not just for loved-up couples but welcomes kids of all ages too. Set on 87 hectares, the island offers a menu of water sports for adults and older children, as well as hiking, tennis, putting golf and fun adventures such as the Survivor Challenge. Children aged over four hang out at the complimentary Kids Village, while infants are spoiled by Baby Butlers, for a small fee. Interconnecting beachfront villas are a great option for large families. With the kids club open from 9am to 9pm adults can enjoy some child-free time in the two sexy bars or by the oceanfront pool.
Best Resort for Dining in Fiji
Turtle Island
Take a talented chef, an organic farm and orchard that provides 80 per cent of the resort’s produce, abundant fresh seafood and shellfish, and an exclusive location in the remote Yasawa archipelago, then you have a recipe for superb dining experiences. All-inclusive Turtle Island, hosting a maximum of 28 guests, offers multiple private dining opportunities on its 12 deserted beaches and in romantic locations, such as a candlelit pontoon in the middle of the lagoon. Barefoot dining is optional at the long table on the water’s edge where communal meals are served. Chef Beni Betekoaka worked alongside Jacques Reymond and his succulent dishes emphasise the flavours of Fiji, India and Asia.
Best Sustainable Resort in Fiji
Six Senses Fiji
Six Senses resorts are known for marrying luxury with sustainability and their beachfront, jungle-set resort on Malolo Island is a haven of environmental responsibility, running off one of the largest off-grid solar installations in the South Pacific and growing its own produce, honey and eggs on a lush organic farm. A menu of nature-based and health-focused experiences begins with personalised wellness checks in the spa and include cooking classes with organic produce from the farm and fun demonstrations on how to recycle waste into soap, great for kids. Sybarites will love sunsets in the gorgeous beachfront pool and bar, sipping cocktails made with homemade rum or vodka.
Best Resort for Stargazing in Fiji
Nanuku Resort
The big, clear skies over Fiji give some of the most dazzling stargazing opportunities in the world. Nanuku Resort, which sits on two kilometres of lushly landscaped beachfront near Pacific Harbour, has formed a partnership with NASA to explore deep space and the moon from its shores, using advanced telescopes and solarscopes, which view the sun’s explosions. NASA astronauts and experts visited the resort to talk to guests about the solar system, the life of an astronaut and upcoming space missions, and are working with Nanuku’s team to train them to be “celestial concierges” so that they can continue the storytelling with guests.
Best Private Villas in Fiji
Como Laucala Island
Set on one of Fiji’s most picturesque volcanic islands, Como’s ultra-chic Fiji resort can be reached directly by private jet, clearing customs and immigration on the island, and making it a haven for celebrities and those who seek the best of what a resort can offer – fine dining, bars, spa, golf – with the seclusion of a private villa. Twenty-five stand-alone residences, all featuring their own pool and bespoke butler service, perched in the jungle, elevated on hills and overlooking sparkling beaches, with expanses of outdoor living areas as well as dining bures and indoor and outdoor bathtubs. Personal buggies whisk guests around the island – if they ever want to leave their villas, that is.
Tavoro Falls on Taveuni Island
For more luxury stays, experiences and holiday packages in Fiji, check out Luxury Escapes. It also has many limited-time deals on offer throughout the year, so you can save on your next tropical vacation. Head to the Luxury Escapes website for more information.
