That dream, bucket list, vision board-worthy Fiji holiday could be closer than you think – here’s where to begin the trip of a lifetime!
Capsule x Flight Centre x Tourism Fiji
We love a vision board around here – we even have a Capsule office vision board that has a LOT of Oprah on it – and both myself and my co-founder Alice believe firmly in their power to manifest positivity AND results.
I’m betting right now that lots of your vision boards feature some swaying palm trees, a relaxed woman in a pool with a cocktail or some frolicking sea life and yes, visualising your dream holiday is most definitely the first step in taking it!
But how to actually get it off the vision board and into reality? Luckily as self-proclaimed Fiji experts (just from sheer enthusiasm and vibes!) we’ve got a great starting point to help you plan your own dream Fiji holiday (ok, we have also asked our mates at Flight Centre, the ACTUAL experts so you know these recommendations are tried and tested!).
Whether you’re looking for something special on Denarau, a polished and elegant option just on the other side of the mainland, a stunning outer-island escape or a luxurious all-inclusive cruise (cruise!), we have the four places you should chuck on the bucket list – and the vision board – ASAP.
Get the craft supplies out NOW!
The Chic and Convenient Option: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Denarau
The adults-only area – Waitui Beach Club – at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
Staying in Denarau means your accommodation is 20 minutes from the airport, so if you’re the group mum and friend wrangler, you’ve done your job the second you hail a taxi and you don’t have to worry about making sure everyone else gets on a plane or ferry (from experience, trust me this has its merits).
You also have the flexibility of staying in one hotel, but being able to catch the Bula Bus (which stops around most of the resorts) and try out the restaurants of all of the others (and while the Raddison Blu hasn’t made this list, I would highly recommend heading there for its food, it is EXCEPTIONAL).
My pick for a next-level Denarau stay has to be the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa – specifically the adults-only area, Waitui Beach Club. You’re welcomed with a free cocktail (any cocktail you choose, lovely touch) before being shown around this tranquil oasis which features a sprawling infinity lap pool, poolside VIP service including complimentary roving refreshments between 11am-3pm and a complimentary cocktail hour between 5pm-6pm which even includes canapes – yes, you’re right, this is heaven and yes, I ate far too many to be deemed polite. If you’re someone who looks for layers of value in your accommodation choices, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s gorgeous private beachfront cabanas to relax in and plenty of different types of seating so both the sun goddess and the gal who’ll burn in 30 seconds will both be happy. The bar is exquisite (trust me, I’ve given it a good hoon) and the food is delicious. The lovely staff will even remember your name and your order, so you feel incredibly special and looked after from the outset.
This is a place to stay if you’re wanting quality time with pals, family or your partner, plus the flexibility to leave the resort grounds for a few adventures. But it’s also where you’ll feel looked after (mental load, who is she) and special, like you’re finally getting the holiday you deserve.
Just make sure when booking to reserve a room in the Waitui accommodation, so you have access.
The Elevated (Literally) Option Still on the Main Island but FEELS like You’re On an Outer Island: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Coral Coast
The ‘hotel within a hotel’ – Club InterContinental – has one of the best views in Fiji!
The InterContinental in Fiji will always have a very special place in my heart – it’s the first place I ever went on a fancy-pants media trip, and it was here where I first learnt what true luxury really is.
Here’s the luxe vision-board worthy hack for you – the InterCon has a ‘hotel within a hotel’ – Club InterContinental – and THIS is where you want to be for your dream Fiji holiday.
It’s separate from the main hotel with its own pool and restaurant, which hosts daily sunset cocktails and canapes, and features butler service (WHAT) and unrivalled service. It isn’t adults-only, but the sunset drinks are. Here is where you feel like a bloody princess, and THAT’S what you’re after for your dream holiday.
If you’re with a group, snag the Natadola Suite – a three-bedroom nestled on the top of the cliff with a private pool, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and everything you need for a holiday of a lifetime. Or, if you’re heading to Fiji with your partner, a one-bedroom suite, which includes a freestanding Cleopatra bathtub outside as well as a plunge pool (there’s also two bedroom suites).
This is a place where I felt I could truly relax and unwind because there is simply nothing to worry about when you’re ensconced with such care. PLUS, their current offers include a free degustation dinner and THAT alone is worth it! Oh, and don’t get me started on the sunsets…
The Dream Island Escape: Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, the Yasawa Islands
Loooook at that island!
Is there anything better – or more luxurious – than ‘all inclusive’?! Oh wait, ‘private island’?
Yasawa – which means heaven in Fijian – is an accurate description of the word, with every private bure boasting wildly beautiful ocean views, outdoor showers, hammocks, mini bars and your own private beachfront cabana. It’s mostly adults-only, with a few family weeks – make sure you know what week you’re booking into!
This is true vision-board stuff and a trip you’ll remember for the rest of your life (make sure you have enough space in the camera roll!) You’ll have to travel a little to get here but, just like everything else in the world, sometimes you have to do a little mahi to get the best treats. It’s a 30-minute plane ride from Nadi, and when you get there it’s like the world is on go-slow – no wifi in the bures (don’t panic though, there is in the common areas!) and everything is designed to help you relax and unwind (who doesn’t need a huge whack of that these days!).
Get us there STAT!
And For Something Different… a Blue Lagoon Cruise, anyone?
The gorgeous Blue Lagoon ships
Who says your dream bucket-list trip to Fiji needs to be land-based? Blue Lagoon cruises lets you explore the islands of Fiji in unparallelled luxury for three, four or seven nights.
For some weird reason I’ve never considered a cruise around JUST Fiji – most of the options I’ve seen previously are more family-friendly Pacific Island options – but when this popped up on my radar it shot straight to the top of the list.
Founded by a Kiwi 75 years ago, Blue Lagoon knows what they’re doing when it comes to, well, cruising, and next month will welcome a brand-new ship to their fleet. The ships are small –22 or 32 cabins– and feature 100% Fijian crew.
Where do you sail to? Depending on the length of your cruise, you’ll head out from Port Denarau and through the Mamanuca Islands, and right up to the Yasawa Islands. There’s heaps of excursions and activities, and plenty of off-ship time to get your feet into some sand, including at a private beach at the Blue Lagoon (yes, where they filmed the movie!).
Value-wise we’re golden – again, all-inclusive enters the chat, with everything except alcoholic drinks, diving and the spa included, including a day at Malamala Beach Club, a cave visit, snorkelling with sharks, village visits and water sports. Plus, a complimentary mini bar!?
Tips for the DREAM bucket-list, vision board-worthy holiday in Fiji:
– Make sure everyone’s idea of what luxury (and bucket list worthy!) aligns before you book accommodation or activities – don’t assume you’re all on the same page! If you’re shelling out a whack of money for your dream holiday, the devil will be in the details and the planning with everyone who’s coming.
– Check out social media. Follow places you’re thinking about staying, or business you’re wanting to head to, to make sure the *vibes* are what you want. Sometimes you can tell more from a post than you can from a website!
– Or, better yet, ask an expert. Give Flight Centre a bell and talk through options based on your wants and needs – and there can be deals there you won’t find anywhere else.
