Sugar used to be Fiji’s biggest industry, but was overtaken by tourism. The locals will tell you it’s because the Fijian people are sweeter than sugar. They’re probably right.
When it comes to turning up the romance, these sweeties have got it nailed.
Here’s a few of the highlights:
Weddings
Fiji has long been a popular honeymoon destination, but why not have the whole shebang over there? The cost of weddings these days can rival a new Mercedes Benz, but fiancés across the world should be taking advantage of the reasonably priced, and ridiculously amazing, wedding venues on offer on the Coral Coast. The Shangri-La’s seaside chapel is the epitome of style and elegance. Its intimate and secluded setting surrounded by coconut trees, crystal blue water and green lawns makes it a popular venue. Costs vary greatly depending on what you want, but FJD$10,000 gets you a pretty great package including the ceremony and reception and all the bells and whistles.
The Outrigger has three wedding venues to choose from – garden, beach and the Bure Ni Loloma Chapel – and the latter is unlike any you have seen before. Perched on top of Vakalomalagi Hill, which means Heavenly Hill, it overlooks the Pacific Ocean for vows with a view. A ceremony package including flowers, cake and a trio of serenaders will set you back about FJD$4,400. Reception packages also available.
The Warwick Fiji also has a host of venues on offer for your special day including a postcard-pretty beach setting and a lush lawn. A ceremony and reception with almost everything included starts at FJD$14,000, which even includes four nights’ accommodation for the lucky lovebirds, a couples’ spa treatment and intimate dinner in a bure surrounded by water. All you have to do is bring the dress, with everything else sorted for you.
If you’re not quite at the wedding stage, perhaps a proposal destination is what you’re after? Hint, hint, gents… We’ll let you do the research into the best place to pop the question, but you’re on the stunning Coral Coast, have sand between your toes and the sun is on its way down. You can’t go wrong.
Dinners
The Warwick Fiji resort has quite possibly one of the most romantic dinner settings in the country with a private bure perched about 20m offshore on its own mini island. Staff will deck this beauty out with tealight candles, fairy lights and fancy silverware and indulge you in one hell of a romantic evening.
Back at the Shangri-La, the adults-only Golden Cowrie is a restaurant with a stunning view of the ocean, which is romantic without even trying to be. With no kids in sight, this is perfect for a special night with your loved one.
If you do fancy a romantic evening, most resort staff will be able to assist you in finding the perfect place – whether it be a beachfront picnic, private bure or a secluded section of a restaurant, ask and you shall receive.
Massages
If the only bubbles you want to be seeing on your romantic getaway are in your champagne glass or bath tub, then get the stress variety kneaded out of your neck and shoulders with a couples’ massage. Nothing makes for a happier couple than a relaxed one, so make use of the spas at each resort.
The Outrigger’s Bebe Spa is a standout on the Coral Coast with its mountain top views over the ocean. Pick from the extensive spa menu and don’t go past a package that includes a rose-petal-topped milk bath for two with a fruit platter and bottle of champagne.
Chilling out
Don’t feel bad about palming the kids off to nana and grandad for a few days while you and your hubby/wife enjoy a Fijian vacation. Spending quality time together, without the kids, can be the best remedy for restoring a relationship, or just refuelling your energy levels. Fijian resorts have ‘chilling out’ down pat, so grab a book, head to the pool and enjoy each others’ company for a few days. For this, Fiji is the ultimate destination.
Adults Retreats in Fiji
Tokoriki Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands
Tokoriki Island Resort is a luxury, adults-only boutique resort where you’ll enjoy a truly romantic beach vacation with warm Fijian hospitality and a caring attention to detail.
You’ll feel the fusion of contemporary and Fijian style bures and villas, all freestanding, air-conditioned and with unique tropical outdoor showers surrounded by lush landscaped gardens. There are just 12 Beachfront Bures, 14 Beachfront Pool Bures and 10 Beachfront Pool Villas, which makes for a more intimate holiday experience.
Enjoy unlimited massages at the spa; private island beach picnics; diving; snorkelling; tennis; or simply laze away your day lounging poolside. The minimum age to visit is 16 years.
Let the worries of the world evaporate with an Unlimited Massage Package, which includes three days of unlimited messages for as little as F$370 per person. Fijian Bobo, bamboo and aromatic massages, head, neck, shoulder, back, hand and foot massages are all available. Bliss.
Tropica Island Resort
Tropica Island Resort is an adults-only resort on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca archipelago, which means reasonably quick transfers from Nadi International Airport.
Creating memories on this enchanting island comes naturally, whether it be a proposal, a renewal of vows, an anniversary or just reconnecting with a loved one.
Soothe aches and pains and focus on mind, body and spirit at the Tropica Day Spa. Enjoy a pampering couples’ massage while you soak in coconut and cinnamon aromas, or indulge in an exotic body polish cleansed with fresh sugar cane crystals. Whatever the treatment you choose, the professionally certified therapists will ensure you leave feeling relaxed and revitalised.
Activities include snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, beach volleyball, boules, crab racing, kava ceremonies, fishing and scuba diving.
For that special occasion, you can book a private dinner on the jetty or on the beach, where you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner with wine, have a personal waiter, and be serenaded.
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Denarau Island
Just a short hop, skip and a jump from Nadi International Airport, the InterContinental is the ideal place for a romantic escape.
If you’re looking to go the extra mile, bypass the resort’s 216 rooms and head straight to one of 50 luxurious suites at Club InterContinental.
The InterCon prides itself on its “anticipatory service” and aims to provide guests with an authentic and enriching Fijian experience.
After a morning of snorkelling, swimming, touring or golfing, head to Spa InterContinental for the two-hour Pure Romance Ritual. Pamper yourself with a traditional sugar cane and coconut body polish that gently buffs away dead skin leaving you silky smooth. While natural oils nourish the skin, your body is enveloped in a rich and luxurious lavender, mandarin and patchouli essential oil wrap. An essential facial and an aroma massage complete this heavenly journey.
Malamala Island
Malamala Beach Club is the only thing that’s on Malamala Island, so you won’t get lost. The world’s first beach club on its very own island is just 25 minutes from Port Denarau. Enjoy the beach club with a day pass and experience white sand beaches, beachside cabanas, a resort style infinity edge pool, and views across the Mamanucas.
Malamala Beach Club offers a delicious a-la carte menu, an array of cocktails and laidback tunes mixed all day long.
Getting there: Your day pass includes return coach connections and vessel transfers (first visit only). Vessel transfers depart from Port Denarau at 10am, arriving at Malamala Beach Club at 10:30am. Departures from Malamala Beach Club are at 4:15pm and 5:15pm daily, arriving at 4:45pm and 5:45pm respectively. From F$169.