Fiji’s Premier Private Island Resorts

Three adults-only properties that deliver the ultimate personal escape

 

Who hasn’t dreamed of escaping to a small island in the South Pacific? Just you and that special someone on white sand beach, with no interruptions from work, family or even a ringing telephone. Fiji is the place to make this dream a reality, and these three resorts are top choices for a barefoot-luxury lifestyle.

Tokoriki Island Resort

The staff of this private island retreat considers themselves a family, and treat guests with the same personal attention one would likely lavish on a favorite relative. And as any good family member knows, there are times when you want attention, and times when you want to be left alone. This attitude of total yet appropriate service makes Tokoriki a favorite with couples—and especially honeymooners. The island’s natural beauty takes center stage in an environment where there is no cell phone reception, no televisions, Internet service or even in-room clocks. Free from the distractions of the outside world, guests are able to fully relax and enjoy each other’s company, enjoy some spa time, or engage in a variety of water sports such as fishing, diving, snorkeling or kayaking.

The property includes 36 freestanding beachfront bures and villas showcasing rich polished woods styled in a fusion of contemporary and Fijian design. All are air conditioned, enveloped in lush tropical gardens and feature both indoor and outdoor showers. The premier sunset pool villas boast a separate living area, infinity edge pool, cabana and double daybed, with lawns sloping down to the water. Tokoriki is a favorite with foodies, both for the fare and the setting. The chefs present a tempting array of Continental and regional cuisines, pairing locally sourced ingredients with an extensive international wine list. Diners savor these offerings in an open-air setting, with white linen dressed tables bordering the palm-shaded infinity pool, and the ocean just beyond. Dinner is an especially memorable affair, with starlight and torchlight setting the mood. For added variety, the staff can pack gourmet picnics for beach getaways, or arrange authentic Teppanyaki and traditional Lovo feasts.

Matamanoa Island Resort

Active vacation or relaxing retreat? Whatever the plan, Matamanoa Island can accommodate. If you are looking to get away from it all, there are powdery white sand beaches to walk, tropical gardens to wander and secluded coves to discover. Distress with a foot massage, catch up on your reading at the library, or relax in a private plunge pool with a view of the ocean. Ready for some cultural immersion? Learn how to wear a traditional Sulu, try hand line fishing, or practice husking. Sit in on a Fijian cooking class, take a basket-weaving lesson, and attend a kava ceremony or a Sunday church service. Active pursuits range from tennis lessons and hikes to the top of the island to beach volleyball, catamaran sailing, big game fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Matamanoa Island is just a 10-minute helicopter ride from Nadi International Airport. The resort spreads across the entire island, and offers several different guest experiences. A collection of rooms with private covered verandas is nestled into a garden setting near the central facilities. Also nearby are groups of beachfront bures, which are just steps from the sand, and include private plunge pools. The island’s most secluded accommodations are the beachfront villas, which are set apart on the island’s north beach, and accessed by walkway or chauffeured golf cart. Villas have split-level floor plans, with bedrooms located on the upper level overlooking the ocean, and a lounge on the lower level. They also feature an expansive outdoor deck with comfy furnishings, a private plunge pool and a thatched gazebo with day bed. At the Vale Ni Beau Restaurant, every table has panoramic views of the ocean. Other amenities include an outdoor pool located on a private beach and the Dominion Spa, which pairs holistic treatments with ocean views.

Royal Davui Island Resort

Eco consciousness takes a luxurious turn at this intimate resort. When a fifth generation Fijian family set out to create a high-end boutique resort on the small island of Ugaga, they meticulously positioned each of property’s 16 Fijian villas on sites that did not require any old growth trees to be removed. All aspects of construction were undertaken with the goal of preserving the natural habitat, which includes jungle foliage, white sand beaches lined with towering palms and a living barrier reef. The resort’s eco-suites feature pitched thatched roofs, natural woods, native artwork, white linens, and net draped beds facing floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead out to wraparound balconies and ocean views. They are air conditioned, but free of electronic distractions. Pathways traverse the 10-acre island, leading to the multi-level main house, which includes a pool, bar, restaurant, boutique, library, and a recently completed spa.

The Davui Island Resort is located southwest of Naceva Bay on Beqa Island, which is known as the home of the fire walkers – men who walk on white-hot stones unharmed. Their fire walking ceremony is performed on special occasions, and guests of the resort can experience a number of additional unique cultural experiences and nature-based adventures. Beqa Lagoon is known as one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Pacific, and is home to unique shark feeding dives that attract seven different species. Other onsite water sports include catamarans, paddleboards, sea kayaks, swimming, sailing, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing, and island activities include volleyball, croquet and island hikes. Royal Davui is also a short boat ride away from Pacific Harbor, which is known as Fiji’s soft adventure capital. Resort guests can plan day trips for white water rafting, surfing, fishing, golfing, zip lining and take eco tours via a four-wheel buggy through the rainforest. Royal Davui also offers a number of activities and events that focus on this ancient culture, including cooking and coconut demonstrations, village visits, village church services, kava ceremonies, Fijian Meke nights, local string bands and shopping at native markets.