Fiji’s Top Nature-Friendly Beach Resorts

Three premier properties where beachfront luxury and natural beauty come together

 

It would be a shame to mar the view of a perfect, palm-shrouded beach with a high-rise hotel. Fortunately, the developers of some of Fiji’s most sought after beach resorts thought the same thing. And instead of going big and going up, they chose to insert a limited number of regionally appropriate guest accommodations into the landscape, using ecologically sound building principles, and operating in a manner that honors local cultural traditions.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

It’s not surprising that a resort bearing the surname of the world’s most prominent marine conservationist is dedicated to sustainable practices and ecological initiatives. The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is set within a former coconut plantation on the shores of Savusavu Bay, just minutes away from Fiji’s premier coral reefs. Each of the property’s 25 traditional Fijian bures is designed in an environmentally friendly style, with natural ventilation provided by louvered hardwood windows that capture sea breezes, and vaulted thatch roofs that create cooling convections. There are no in-room electronics to distract from the natural ambiance and direct ocean views. The resort hosts an in-house marine biologist, sponsors a reef protection program and a giant clam breeding project, and grows most of its own organic produce. Guests can engage in a wide range of cultural and ecological experiences, including guided nature hikes and mangrove tours, traditional Fijian medicine walks, Fijian storytelling and Kava ceremonies.

Each bure blends authentic traditional design with luxurious touches such as deluxe king beds, over-sized bathrooms, and private decks with hammocks and ocean views. The resort caters to both families and couples. The Bula Club children’s program engages youngsters with exploration, educational games, and activities that encourage discovery of the natural world. The restaurant’s award-winning menu is inspired by Fijian, South Pacific and Asian cuisines, with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught seafood, prime meats and organic produce grown on-site. Couples can take in alfresco water views in the adults-only dining area, while families are welcomed at a poolside venue, which also offers youth centric choices. There are four pools, including a family pool with water slide, and the adult’s only Serenity pool, which is flanked by a bar and day beds. Daily yoga and spa services provide relaxation, while the range of available activities includes sailing, snorkeling, diving, paddle sports and beach activities.

Nanuku

This upscale beach resort is proof that tourism development doesn’t have to come at the expense of nature, and need not eclipse local values. Sitting on a two-mile stretch of pristine beach on the south coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, Nanuku blends contemporary luxury and traditional Fijian culture to create a sanctuary for relaxation and discovery. Guests can partake in a range of unique indigenous and cultural activities such as food safaris, where participants learn how to prepare unique regional dishes. Other programs visit a waterfall stream to catch local prawns, harvest coconuts, and demonstrate how spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom are cultivated and cured. Guests can sign up for overnight camping at a deserted island, take part in a medicine walk, help restore reefs with coral planting, explore a local market and taste organic seasonal produce, see how kava is grown, and learn about its medicinal properties, and the ancient cultural traditions.

The resort includes 24 traditionally styled beachfront pool suites, Two- bedroom villas and three-bedroom residences. Some have private pools, and all have direct ocean views and beach access. Families will enjoy complimentary nanny services and the Adventure Club with zip lines, climbing wall and many other activities for youngsters. Adults can find relaxation with a traditional Fijian Bobo massage at the Lomana Spa and Wellness Centre, and participate in daily yoga practices, or schedule private wellness seasons for asana yoga, pranayama breathing, meditation or Reiki energy work. The Kanavata Restaurant is considered one of the finest in Fiji, and the chefs can create private dining experiences. A full range of water sports activities is available, with a highlight being boat tours to a private two-acre island for snorkeling and beach picnics.

Vomo Island

Set on a private island in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago, VOMO resort offers an understated, organic alternative to the usual luxury resort. With just 28 villas and four premium residences set next to white sand beaches, or on wooded hillsides, this five-star property showcases a contemporary design that is sophisticated and luxurious without infringing on the island’s stunning natural surrounds. Fresh from a recent makeover, each villa features polished wood interiors, chic handcrafted furnishings, deep bathtubs, outdoor dining decks, and sun lounges. The Kui Spa offers Thai and Balinese therapists and there is a fully equipped fitness center. VOMO’s Reef Restaurant is considered one of the finest in Fiji, with a focus on fresh seafood and produce grown in the resort’s organic herb, vegetable and fruit gardens. The resort staff can also arrange private dinners on the beach, or chef prepared dinner parties in private residences.

The majority of 225-acre Vomo Island is left in an undeveloped state, and in recent years, the resort has propagated more than 50,000 indigenous plants to restore the native flora. Among the ecological initiatives established by the resort are recycling programs that generate revenue to support local communities. The island is ringed by nature trails, and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. A short distance to the west is the small, uninhabited island of Vomo Lai Lai, where guests can enjoy some of Fiji’s finest snorkeling and diving, or be dropped off on a deserted beach for a private Robinson Crusoe experience. Water sports include stand up paddleboards, kayaks, sailing catamarans and windsurfers. Ashore, there is a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course that meanders through a coconut grove.