An Adults Only Trip to Reconnect in Fiji
Bula! Are you thinking of visiting the south pacific nation Fiji as well? Read on! I know all parents will be able to relate to this, since our baby was born, there has been no time spared for ourselves. We work from home or whichever resort, we are staying and we take care of our baby from morning to night with the rare occasions when we visit our baby’s grandparents.
I had visited Fiji with my mom in March 2020 right before the border closed and had cut our trip short. (My mom got stuck for 4 months before repatriation flight but that’s another story on its own). I rebooked some resorts to visit later. Those resorts, some are adults only. That means we will leave our 6 months old baby for 2 weeks. I had quite some stress about this before doing so but now very glad we made the decision to still come and enjoy this trip. It would be a good way to spend and celebrate Valentine’s day together.
Our baby’s grandma, my husband’s mom and brother are taking great care of our baby as I now sit in Fiji Airways 361 from Nadi to Singapore. This trip has allowed us to reconnect as a couple, more than just a pair of parents, do lots of activities and be silly and allowing us to get drunk after a long time. Our trip started when we came out of the Nadi airport and met our driver from Turtle Island. Even though we are not going there straight away, they arranged to pick us up from the airport on arrival day. As a courtesy which was much appreciated. We stayed at Sheraton Fiji on Denarau Island which is connected to Viti Levu. Got some beach and sun in and a bit of rest before making our ways to the islands! It is an old resort but had recent renovations, we had a beachfront room and was quite comfortable there. We took a taxi, walked around, and ate at one of the restaurants in Port Denarau. The next day we came back to Port Denarau and got on our South Sea Cruise, a catamaran ferry boat to Malolo Island. South Sea Cruise does their drop off at all the different islands around along the way, hence it is not a fast journey. What would have been a 20 min ride was 2-hours long. We got picked up. close to Malolo Island by a dinghy. I had previously been on Malolo Island before when stayed at Six. Senses Fiji which I did not enjoy as much as other Six Senses that I have stayed but was intrigued to be back to stay at Likuliku Lagoon Resort. When anyone does a preliminary search on google about luxury places to stay in Fiji and where to visit in Fiji, Malolo is regarded as the luxury option, benefiting from it’s proximity from Viti Levu. One of the closest islands in the Mamanuca chain. Likuliku Lagoon resort is an adults only resort with an overwater jetty and bar, an overwater section of bungalows and a section of beachfront bungalows. The stay is on full board basis. Your meals are included except drinks. There are some scheduled activities for guests to attend as well.
The beachfront bure we stayed in was spacious, with a beautiful living space at the end of the bed double vanity, indoor and outdoor shower, and an outdoor deck. There are beautiful corals to snorkel and explore in front of the overwater bar area. However, as boat traffic comes by in the same area, do exercise caution. The property used to be part of National Geographic Unique Lodges and has iguanas that are unique to this region in huts. We stayed here for 1 night only so did not do any activities. I think the relaxation atmosphere is here. The grounds are on the boutique side. One area that could have been better for us is if there were more meal options. We are not allergic to anything, so we let them know that but did not mention specific preference like we prefer vegetables. At mealtimes, we were served with seafood and some sides. I understand that would be the preference for many guests but I would have preferred if we could order something than having 1 option.
The next day, we headed back to Viti Levu and caught our seaplane to Turtle Island in the Yasawa Islands where we will stay for most of the time on this trip. The seaplane base is nothing fancy. More like a local office that you step in to get some water for the road. Then we boarded a very scenic 30 mins ride to Turtle Island. Turtle Island is a special place, a refuge for couples in the idyllic setting. As your seaplane lands, Fijian traditional meke in grass skirts will come to the seaplane and carry the lady off to land and you do not need to walk in the water. The hotel manager will show you around the general areas on the island and take you straight to your bure. You will have a bure mama that looks after your activity bookings and your private dining set ups. There is a plague with our names on it and the time of our stay hangs on the front porch of our bure. Our bure is no, 14 which features a long walkway from the front beach in lush plants paved roads. I think our bure has a bit more privacy in this set up. I am very active. During the time of our stay, we rode horses, went to sunset cruise, had dived most of the days to explore the beautiful coral formation in this region, had massages, went to the cave trips and dined out at 2 different locations. We enjoyed the beautiful private beaches on the island, once you go, no one else will be able to use the same beach hence prior reservation is required. Other times, we joined in with the communal dining with other guests that Turtle Island does for every meal. There are. kava ceremonies after dinner, sometimes traditional Fijian performances, and other times, just fun dancing together among the staff and guests. On Valentines’ Day, we also attended a wedding of a guest couple staying here during the same time. We had interacted with guests from different backgrounds and staff that are from the neighboring communities. It was such an immersive experience, we can say that we learned a lot about local Fijian’s living and was truly blessed to be here in the presence of each other to enjoy the beautiful nature.
I would highly recommend a stay here for a week at least for my couple clients! For my family clients, Turtle Island does have some family time each year for you to bring your little ones. One thing to point. out, as I remote work, it proves to be challenging when there is only one wifi spot on the island where the boutique is. However, if you do not face the same issue, you will be able to truly unplug. Set up that. Out of Office automatic reply to ASAP!
After a week on Turtle Island, we headed back to mainland Viti Levu and stayed 2 nights at InterContinental Fiji which I have been before in 2020 and wanted to see if I can enjoy it better at the end of covid times. It is a beautifully built resort but not well kept by the staff. Service is slow and not thorough. However, one thing we missed while being at Turtle Island was fully enclosed airconditioned rooms and hard mattress which we got both at InterContinental. I loved that you could grab coconut water at the buffet spread at the breakfast here. It is not the best InterContinental I would recommend but one of the best places to stay on mainland Fiji. If you visit here, do not miss the Polynesian dance on Friday night at Kama lounge!
Do reach out to plan your trip to Fiji by connecting with me via email li@Luxtrvlco.com