Relaxed Experiences

20
min
Relaxed Experiences: Luxury

Intro

In Fiji, luxury can mean adults-only intimacy, boutique or bold, family-friendly or a full pristine island or resort buy out. Regardless, exclusivity and exceptional service are guaranteed at Fiji’s Luxury properties scattered across her 333 islands.    

From five-bedroom residences to suit an extended family, to intimate bures on a beachfront or rainforest, your clients are guaranteed space and privacy.  With every dream imaginable catered for, from private butlers, menus that will surprise, spa treatments of sheer indulgence, private transfers and respectful privacy, Fiji and its people have a unique ability and willingness to create individual experiences that go beyond the imagination.

 Sustainable practise combines with Fiji’s pristine environment across all properties in Fiji.  In the Luxury space your clients will indulge without concern.   They can take part in conservation projects, learn about their surrounding environment and contribute back to the precious landscapes they visit.     

By completing the Luxury module you will discover this enticing side of Fiji.  Jump in, discover and be one step closer to your next Matai level.   Better still, your clients will love the new Luxe You.

But what makes luxury in Fiji so unique and special? 

Read what some of our top luxury agents say about luxury in Fiji: 

“How do you define luxury? What Makes a Resort a Luxury Resort? Is it the thread count of the bed linen, amenities in the room, the kitchen, attention to detail, service? For me, luxury is more than the quality of the accommodation and the resort amenities, it is a combination of quality and level of service. In my mind it is quite simple. A luxury resort goes above and beyond what is expected in terms of 5- star accommodations and in room amenities and offers one of my personal favorite things, anticipatory service! The word Luxury seems to be thrown around quite often to endorse a resort. We all know brands that are synonymous with Luxury, but what do they do that is over the top to make them Luxury? In my opinion the word “luxury” should be used as a benchmark, a standard where the resort/hotel in question offers service better than 99% of the other hotels.

In Fiji, there are many resorts, ranging from backpacker resorts to Luxury Resorts and everything in between. In my worldly travels I believe that the service you receive in Fiji at a 3-star resort is superior to many “luxury” resorts around the world because of the natural hospitable nature of the Fijians. Fijians are the friendliest people on earth!” (Courtesy of Fiji Vacations, California, USA).

“The friendliest people in the world greet me at the airport. They exude hospitality and openness, and I am immediately happy to be here. All over Fiji I have come across this pure authenticity of the people which made the time spent in Fiji unforgettable. One thing is clear from the first moment: The Fiji Islands are not a pile of sand with green palm trees, but a real paradise with a living culture, untouched nature and great people.” (courtesy of Design Reisen, Michaela Kügler, Munich, Germany

Resorts

Dolphin Island Resort

Nothing says luxury like your own private island. Situated off the Northern coast of Viti Levu, Dolphin Island is an award-winning oasis of exclusivity that caters for up to eight guests, making it the perfect option for couples, families or small groups of friends. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and just short 15-minute boat ride from the Suncoast region of Fiji, this elegant beachfront property is completely private and comes with its own butler and personal chef. 

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji

Designed as your own Fijian village, surrounded by a marine sanctuary, a spectacular secluded coastline, pristine coral reefs and exotic marine life, this multi-award winning eco-friendly, luxury boutique resort is one of the most renowned destinations in the South Pacific.

Kokomo Private Island Fiji

Situated in Kadavu, Kokomo is a private island luxury resort offering the ultimate in exclusivity. What makes Kokomo unique? Guests have the option to choose from 21 secluded, absolute beachfront villas or opt for multi-room private residences - literally a luxury home away from home. Farm to table is Kokomo's philosophy and its incredible culinary offering is enough to make you want to never leave. The best way to access the island resort is by its exclusive private aircraft.

COMO Laucala Island 

COMO Laucala Island’s private location north-east of Taveuni and first-class services make it one of the most exclusive island resorts in the world! After a 45-minute scenic flight on the Resort’s private jet and guests will discover an 18-hole championship golf course, bountiful water activities, a dedicated wellness centre and world-class dining options all cooked fresh daily using local produce from its on-site farms.  Accommodation has everything that guests could need, with private pools, personal butlers and buggies to explore the island at leisure.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort

A multi award-winning, unique, luxury wilderness retreat for adults only, designed with integrity to cultural values, traditional architecture, and embraced by the renowned warmth of the Fijian people. The only Fiji member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. A luxury haven with Fiji’s only authentic over-water bures over a calm lagoon, where the resorts gets its name from.

Namale Resort & Spa

Namale is a 525-acre sanctuary for adults looking for a truly all-inclusive escape. Encompassing an award winning 10,000 square feet spa area, a private waterfall, beach, blowhole and only 23 rooms, our 200+ staff cater to tailor made experiences for every guest. Unlimited meals, private dining, motorized activities and alcohol are included.

Nanuku Auberge Resort

The resort sits on its own private beach locality within the adventurous Pacific Harbour region and offers a range of accommodation options for couples or large families, private pools and personal butlers, it mixes traditional Fijian heritage by way of ornate furnishings with luxury modern trimmings. 

Royal Davui Island Resort

The secluded boutique island retreat and very popular with honeymooners. A secluded boutique island retreat with luxurious touches befitting an exclusive island resort. Intimate, with only 16 spacious, incredibly private pool villas makes this resort unique. But it is the intangible aspects of this barefoot luxury retreat that sets it aside and offers an indulgent escape for true romantics.

Six Senses Fiji

Sustainable luxury living with spa, water sports and more. Set on a sandy beach are 24 pool villas along with multi-bedroom residences that offer fully equipped kitchens and private pools. Offering activities for everyone with a Six Senses spa, water sports, cooking classes, a kids club and nature trails and villages to explore.

The Wakaya Club & Spa

The Wakaya Club & Spa is situated on a privately held island and entirely surrounded by exquisite coral. With only 10 guest “bures” and two private luxury villas, the resort offers its guests a unique private experience.

Turtle Island

Escape the Ordinary with Fiji's Leading Private Island. With just 14 villas, acres of lush forests and 12 pristine private beaches, this truly all-inclusive paradise serves as an idyllic sanctuary for couples seeking connection, community, culture, and consciousness. 

Vatuvara Private Islands Resort

Accessible only by private plane, the gorgeous boutique resort is situated in Fiji’s most remote region – the Lau Islands., surrounded by pristine turquoise waters and Fijian forest. The resort exudes extravagance through décor and it’s attentive staff. With a private airstrip and three private beach front villas, this resort feels incredibly exclusive, giving guests true privacy and luxury.

Vomo Island Fiji

A luxury private island encircled by incredible beaches and clear waters, ideal for snorkelling, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming. Renowned for exceptional cuisine, sophisticated villas and residences and heartfelt Fijian hospitality.

Spa & Wellness

It has been over a millennium since South Pacific Islanders sailed their open canoes across the Pacific, using stars, wind, wave rolls, and the warm Pacific Ocean currents to move from one island to the next. Prior to civilization of the Pacific, these liquid currents were also a sea-lane for a flotilla of drift nuts and flowering plants that travelled the South Seas until they were washed ashore on Fiji’s sandy beaches. Famed for their beauty, Pacific Islanders discovered early on the power of these exotic nuts which were used to cleanse, soften and protect their skin and hair. Combined with other natural ingredients that Fiji has to offer like sugar cane, pineapple, papaya, passionflower and green coconut which are freshly harvested and processed within hours to preserve their fresh bounty of naturally occurring nutrients and their powerful plant actives, Fiji has developed a unique cosmetic and spa industry. 

Pure Fiji

From humble beginnings in the family kitchen of founders Gaetane and Andree Austin with 5 dedicated staff wrapping hand-made soaps and bottling body oil, Pure Fiji now produces a full skin and body care line and employs over 200 people across 2 factories in Fiji’s capital, Suva. Pure Fiji also developed a symbiotic relationship with a network of farmers and harvesters from local villages who are a part of the production process. The ability to provide jobs to the community and change lives is of the utmost importance to the company’s belief that “where there is a hand, there is a heart and soul”. While some processes could be automated, Pure Fiji chooses to employ more people believing in the human touch. Pure Fiji is a family business, and every employee is a part of an extended family. Pure Fiji brings you the best of ancient traditions combined with advanced technology for today's natural body care. Pure Fiji offers you a complete line of natural beauty therapies containing uniquely Fijian plant extracts - hand selected to guarantee their highest quality.

Land and Sea provide all that is needed for good health with pure and natural body care. This is the Pacific way - the way body care should be - naturally. Pure Fiji involves as many communities as possible in the production of their items. Their passion for the product has led to new and exciting opportunities for all the people involved in the process. And, as a consequence of this passion and team effort – their product now reaches across the globe as an ambassador for the beauty of our Island home and culture.

Pure Fiji not only offers a unique choice of body care items, but also runs spas in over 40 Fijian resorts. 

The story behind the brand video: https://youtu.be/ph5g65yowXs 

Essence of Fiji group – Spa Academy - Senikai Spas

Debra Sadranu, the founder of the Essence of Fiji Group moved to Fiji in 1998, where she saw the need to develop Fiji’s Beauty & Spa Industry. Debra created a totally integrated operation specializing in spa training at the Spa Academy, spa operations, product manufacturing & the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre, a high-end transit lounge catering to travellers to Fiji.

Senikai Spas Fiji turned into an award-winning Fijian owned and operated company with international standards. Offering an extensive range of relaxing & therapeutic face & body treatments with 10 locations throughout Fiji, including the mainland, the Mamanuca Islands and cruise ships, Senikai Spas is Fiji's largest independent Spa operator. Senikai Spa’s highly qualified therapists are carefully selected from the highly accredited Spa Academy, which is based close to Nadi airport at the Essence of Fiji rejuvenation centre.  

Essence of Fiji recently developed a new product range using Nama "sea grapes" (Caulerpa racemosa), a seaweed native to the pristine, blue lagoon waters of the Yasawa Island region of Fiji. This unique species of seaweed gets its name from its resemblance to small grapes and has a high concentration of minerals and vitamins, which supports longer lasting hydration on an intracellular (within-cell) level.

Culinary delights

Fiji’s food scene has developed in leaps and bounds over the past decade with restaurants in and outside of resorts using their culinary skills and cultural influences to create exciting menus from the abundance of fresh food in Fiji. Learn more from these examples below how Fijian Chefs and international Chefs complement each other to lift Fiji's foodie profile. 

Caroline Oakley, Head Chef at Kokomo Private Island Fiji, Kadavu Group of Islands “Fiji has always been a melting pot of cultures and culinary influences. From Melanesian and Polynesian to Asian and European, we have taken that inspiration and created our own, constantly evolving Fijian cuisine. We maintain our traditional foods and cooking methods but include contemporary measures to shape a unique and ever transforming gastronomic infusions.”  

With a smile on her face and a wok in hand, Head Chef Caroline Oakley cooks with her heart and soul at Walker d’Plank. Caroline believes in customizing her dishes and offering a dynamic range of cooking for all her guests, ensuring there is always something for everyone. This belief is reflected in the fact that Walker d’Plank does not have a daily or a la carte menu offerings. Instead, she believes communication and understanding what guests are looking to experience is key to delivering a unique and memorable experience

When asked what make the culinary experiences at her resort so special, she replied that Chefs like to take their guests on a culinary journey and guide them to experience their food their way. However, she prefers to flip that idea. She encourages her guests to share their thoughts about what they like to eat. When they have a fresh catch from the sea, the kitchen staff will celebrate that by preparing it the way they prefer, but also creating a few surprises along the way. By involving the guest, she creates moments of contentment.

What are the top 3 things on the menu guests need to try?

“My Twice-Cooked Sticky Duck, Steamed Fish, and Marmalade Chicken. The Duck is juicy and tender with a hint of sweetness. It is my take on a traditional Cantonese dish. Utilizing our Dock to Dish initiative as well as our self-sustaining farm, the Steamed Fish is bursting with the aromatic flavors of chili, lemongrass and Thai basil just to name a few. Our pastry team makes the best orange marmalade for my Marmalade Chicken, and with my toss-in additions of sesame seed, scallion and soy, it is definitely a favorite among guests and a must try.”

Any fun facts about Fijian food you would like to share?

Anyone who has visited Fiji will know we love kakana dina or starchy foods. From Dalo (Taro) and Tapioca (Cassava) to breadfruit and Plantain (Vudi), no Fijian meal is complete without it. Community is at the heart of our culture and at any event, be it a grand wedding or a simple housewarming, food is what brings us together. With gifts of flour, sugar, pork and fish, our families are made strong through the bonds of cuisine.

Name of Chef:   Mr Michael Fosbender and Mr Thushan Withanage
Resort: Vomo Island 

VOMO, located in the Mamanuca Islands, has not one but two talented international world class Chefs, which is evident in the cuisine at this luxury resort.  Both Executive Chef Michael Fosbender from New Zealand and International Chef De Cuisine Thushan Withanage from Sri Lanka drive innovation through their creativity, high desire for excellence and passion for flavour. Collectively the VOMO culinary team draw on a wide range of experiences and locations they have honed their skills on, in such destinations as the Middle East, Seychelles, Asia, the Americas, Seychelles and their homelands of Sri Lanka & New Zealand/Pacific.  

VOMO has long been regarded as the benchmark for culinary excellence in the Fiji Islands, consistently delivering exceptional cuisine. This accolade is achieved by VOMO’s culinary team through menus that use the finest level of produce, created by talented Chefs with extensive international experience. With the luxury of choice, the Chefs source local fruit, herbs, vegetables and seafood, together with hand selected gourmet ingredients and meats from New Zealand and Australian producers, ensuring consistency in quality - always.  VOMO offers daily changing menus that take guests on a culinary journey that may cross Asia, the Mediterranean and Pacific Rim. Keeping taste buds tantalized is an important element of any foodie on vacation. With a 3 course daily changing a la carte selection for lunch and dinner, together with Asian specialties at the Rocks Beach Club restaurant, guests are assured to avoid resort menu boredom at VOMO. Guests return year on year to enjoy the beauty, nature and luxurious offerings at this private island and its hosts, but an important element is most certainly the consistently high standard of the culinary experiences on offer, including ocean front dining where every occasion is a special one.  

What are the top 3 things on the menu guests need to try?

Fijian Walu fish fillet – served bread fruit hash, fern fronds. pineapple & pawpaw salsa and coconut lime sauce-

Fiji’s best selection of island made ice creams and sorbets 

Spiced Massaman slow cooked leg of lamb at Rocks Restaurant.

Any fun facts about Fijian food you would like to share?

Isn’t it curious that all the most flavoursome cuisine, such as Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean etc, comes from hot climates around the world?  Fiji’s warm tropical weather, is very suited to the use of crisp fresh fruit and vegetables, enhanced with herbs, spices and sauces to tantalise the tastebuds.

Over-water Bures

There are only two resorts in Fiji offering over-water bures or villas as accommodation. What seems to be a limited choice compared to other luxury destinations is in fact the Fijian way to protect the delicate marine life and corals. 

Likuliku Lagoon Resort in the Mamanuca Islands features 10 authentic over-water bures with direct access to snorkel from your bure over the pristine reefs. 

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay on Viti Levu offers 22 over-water lagoon bures in the beautifully designed, sheltered lagoon

Top 5 luxury experiences:

Presentation in the program: 

Tiles with images to click on and to open details 

Apart from indulging in the privacy of your luxury resort, enjoying a relaxing massage at the spa, falling in love all over again with your partner at a romantic dinner for two at the beach and immersing into the Fijian culture – here are some experiences that are quite unique to Fiji:

  • Nama Life - Embark on a full day tour to uncover the harvesting process of Nama, a local grape shaped seaweed with a high concentration of minerals and vitamins, at a local Fijian village on Naviti Island. Located in the stunning Yasawa group of islands, you will enjoy panoramic scenic views over the Pacific Ocean as you arrive at Naviti by seaplane. Learn about the skin-rejuvenating properties of Nama and how it is collected from the seabed and carefully processed to preserve its organic qualities. The tour includes a lunch prepared by the local village; which is followed by a traditional Nama massage therapy treatment that will offer pure relaxation and indulgence. After returning to Nadi you will stop at the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre where you can browse the beautiful Nama skincare product range.  
  • Pearl Farm Tour – J Hunter Pearls Discover the pioneering story of J Hunter Pearls on an educational pearl farm tour in Savusavu and learn about the complex of culturing Fiji pearls and the ecological benefits the pearl farm has on the surrounding maritime environment and the communities we engage with.
  • Drua Experience An authentic cultural experience! Sailing across the beautiful blue waters in the tropics is what dreams are made of. Embark on a half day sailing tour to Sunflower coral patch, uncovering seafaring culture and Fijian tales, enjoying panoramic scenic views of the ocean. You will get opportunity to sail & steer ‘Drua’ the vessel, relax, swim, snorkel in paradise and enjoy refreshments on board. A faithful replica of the traditional Fijian drua, ‘i Vola Sigavou’ is the only ship of its kind. Learn the heritage of this proud voyaging canoe and be part of living history. In full commercial survey, she is a triumph of a vessel and pays homage to the design widely regarded as the greatest Pacific battleship.
  • Lunch picknick at Vomo Lailai For the ultimate indulgent picnic, you can hire the tiny island of Vomo Lailai for a beautiful white table cloth luncheon for two. Complete with sun loungers, shade, beach towels, icy cold beverages and a delicious gourmet picnic of seafood, salads, cold cuts, fruits and desserts. The entire tiny island will be for your exclusive use for the hours you choose to spend there. There is idyllic swimming and snorkelling around the island or just relax and be carefree. The resort will leave you with a two-way radio, so you can call them when you want to be ‘rescued’ or if you run out of champagne!
  • Waterfall Tour from Kokomo Island Discover a hidden oasis. Travel by boat to a nearby island and prepare to trek inland and uphill. Kadavu is home to an abundance of magnificent flora and fauna, just waiting to be explored. The walk is rewarding and well worth the adventure when you cool off with a dip in the refreshing natural waterfall. Descend to the boat feeling revived, with a selection of light refreshments waiting to be enjoyed.

DID YOU KNOW

  • … that COMO Laucala is owned by the same gentleman who founded and owns Red Bull?
  • … that Prince Harry and Princess Megan stayed at Vatuvara Private Island Resort in 2018 during their short stay in Fiji? 
  • …that the cast of “Blue Lagoon” stayed at Turtle Island Resort when filming the movie in 1979 in Fiji?
  • … that the Fijian word Likuliku means “calm lagoon”?
  • …that Pure Fiji was founded by Gaetane and Andree Austin who wanted to create hand-made products using amazing Fijian oils and began creating hand-made soaps and body oils around their kitchen table?

WHY? (selling points)

How to sell Fiji to your luxury clients:

  • Hospitality is second nature to Fijians who make each guest feel right at home. The genuine happiness and kindness of the staff and locals is pervasive and provides guests with an experience that can be found nowhere else in the world. In combination with the variety of activities and unique experiences offered by each resort the result is an unforgettable holiday for your guests.
  • 333 islands means lots of space and privacy. If your clients wish, they will be able to choose a secluded resort where they will see almost no one other than the staff.
  • Fiji’s environment is pristine and mostly untouched. Your clients will find beautiful landscapes, unique wildlife and a flourishing underwater world. 
  • Many of the resorts have either their own landing strip or can be reached by private helicopter transfer. 
  • You can arrange a special VIP arrival service at Immigration at Nadi airport (for a fee).
  • Fiji offers a fantastic spa scene with exceptionally skilled therapists who are dedicated to restore balance and beauty often using locally made products from an array of ingredients such as organic cold pressed nut oils, raw sugarcane and antioxidant leaf hydrosols, all sourced from rural communities throughout Fiji.
  • Dining and food options have stepped up tremendously in the past couple of years. International chefs have left their mark and trained Fijian chefs who now run the scene. 
  • Your guests will get an authentic introduction into Fijian culture no matter where they stay. Each resort has seamlessly infused Fijian culture and traditions into their activities and offerings, so that your guests can get the true Fijian experience that makes the destination so special.    
  • You can easily combine 2-3 different stays into your client’s itineraries if you sell Fiji as a mono-destination. 
  • There will be less hidden extra-costs for your clients and no tipping as you donate something at the end of your stay into the “Staff Christmas Box” at reception.