Team, it’s been a tough few years and as we slowly creep to the pandemic’s end (PLEASE let that be the case) it’s time to reward ourselves for making it through – and if you’re like a lot of Kiwi couples, you might need some time to get away, rest, recharge and rediscover some romance. Or, you’ve been putting off celebrating that special occasion or milestone – a honeymoon, an anniversary – and it’s FINALLY your time! So, we’ve rounded up the most romantic Fiji gems for your upcoming escape. Thank us later!
On the Islands
You’ll really feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven when you first step off the dock (or out of your helicopter) at Six Senses because let me tell you, everything SCREAMS luxury and lord, it really is.
Rather than a traditional check-in once you get to Malolo Island (about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Denarau) you’re settled comfortably on plush sofas, handed a drink and everything else is taken care of for you. Almost instantly you’re introduced to your GEM – Guest Services Manager (which is essentially a butler) – whose job it is to look after your every whim.
Now having a GEM does go against that good old-fashioned Kiwi pragmatic-ness but hey, when you’re indulging in a romantic escape, it’s quite lovely to have someone organise a massage or grab some ice for you without leaving the opulence of your villa.
THE VILLAS – oooosh, they’re enough to make you want to lose your passport and move in permanently. The vast majority of the villas are right on one of the most pristine beaches in Fiji. Some have daybeds outside, all have loungers or chairs, and some – like the one we were in – even have private plunge pools (I KNOW), so you can start a glorious circuit of beach, pool, sun and then repeat.
If you’re a big group like a family celebrating a milestone, or a group of friends looking for a special holiday, there are also residences you can book that’ll fit the bill oh-so-nicely.
Six Senses gives you the best of everything – you can be as health-conscious as you want, or as hedonistic as you want, or somewhere in between. For me, it was carrot juice and an omelette in the morning, followed by champagne and chips in the afternoon. Take a walk around the huge property (stop in at Cluckingham Palace, the chook coop – and yes, this did make me laugh for 15 minutes straight) and then indulge at the spa for a couples massage, treatment or sauna. Trust and believe, it was one of the best massages I’ve ever had.
They’re also mad into sustainability – not just lip service, but true initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and providing a circular experience. Ask for a sustainability tour!
BOTTOM LINE: The perfect place to go that offers moments of romance around every corner – stay in your villa, order some Champagne (or bring some from Duty Free (MUCH cheaper) and order some from room service, and just enjoy being together.
Three words – OVER. WATER. BURES.
Likuliku Resort is the home of Fiji’s first over-water bures, with 13 of them stretching out over a reef and into the Pacific Ocean. This was a huge bucket list moment for me – the idea of staying over-water has always really appealed and for me, is the height of romance. And the experience definitely lived up to the hype (there are also beachfront bures).
What we didn’t expect? The hundreds of brightly coloured fish who lazily swim past at any hour of the day, which you can see right off your balcony or through the glass floor of the bure. On arrival you’re given snorkels, goggles and flippers, so you’re instantly ready to climb down your bure’s ladder and dive straight into the crystal-clear water.
One of the other big draws for Likuliku is that its adults-only – perfect if you’re on a honeymoon or other romantic occasion. My partner sat down for breakfast on the first day, paused for a minute with a confused look on his face before turning to me and saying “It’s SO quiet – no kids!”.
Likuliku is built for romantic escapes – like most fancy places in Fiji there’s a great spa, lots of water activities (I even tried stand-up paddleboarding and I now have to concede although you look ridiculous, it’s quite fun) and the pièce de résistance, Honeymoon Island. You and your boo get taken out to a private island, owned by the resort, where you’re dropped off for two hours with drinks and a gorgeous picnic. You’re literally the only people on the island, so live your full castaway fantasy (with bubbles) as you lounge on the daybed and enjoy the serenity.
Bottom line: If you want a kid-free escape with that bucket-list, ‘OMG we’re staying in an overwater bure’ vibe, this is something truly special and an experience you won’t forget.
On the mainland
While the islands truly are jewels in Fiji’s romantic crown, sometimes staying on the mainland is just easier – or the perfect end to your trip if you’re getting an early morning flight home.
It’s still possible to have a cute romantic moment on Denarau – try the newly renovated Sheraton for that classic Fiji resort feel. She’s a busy hotel with hundreds of rooms, so serenity is thin on the ground, but instead you have a fun, jovial vibe with people from all walks of life enjoying some sun and brightly-coloured cocktails.
Tip for you though – there is an adult pool, tucked away to the right of the main pool (which does have a swim-up bar, an absolute necessity). My partner took the opportunity while we were
on the mainland to disappear for an afternoon for a spot of golf, while I lounged by the pool with a book. The perfect couple’s holiday doesn’t mean you have to spend 24/7 together, right?!
And if you’re looking for something with a dedicated adults-only wing, check out our previous story featuring the Sofitel Denarau here, and for the resort with the best food (in our opinion) you can’t go past the Radisson!
(And if you’re after some activities to do as soon as you step off the plane, click here!)
Bula kids, have fun!
Kelly was hosted by Tourism Fiji
