Relax and unwind on Fiji time
A visit to this beautiful island nation will awaken the senses and romance you into holiday mode
EVER booked a holiday where you have started a day ahead of schedule purely to avoid the early morning wake-up call and stress of navigating freeways to get there?
En route to Fiji recently, my travelling companion suggested an overnight stay at the Pullman Brisbane Airport. What a difference a day makes. The five-star hotel is ideally positioned near the domestic terminal with adjacent parking and fabulous views of aircraft takeoffs and landings. We cooled off in the pool, sipped sunset drinks and dined very well in the inhouse Apron Restaurant. Our holiday had begun.
It’s been 16 years since I was last in Fiji. This time we’re headed via a 50-minute ferry to Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanuca group of islands, northwest of the mainland of Viti Levu – and to Lomani Island Resort in particular.
Hailed as “the most romantic holiday destination in the South Pacific”, this luxury adults-only retreat has the lot – white sandy beaches, a proliferation of palm trees, shady blossoming flame trees, gentle sea breezes, an excellent kitchen, inviting hammocks and the friendliest staff with the biggest smiles.
Each of its 30 spacious airconditioned bures has a kingsize bed, light-filled bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, waterfront location, many with private plunge pools, and, being westfacing, glorious sunsets are assured.
The Flame Tree Restaurant serves a blend of traditional Fijian-Indian dishes such as the ceviche-like kokoda using local mahi mahi and excellent daily curries – lamb, chicken, fish, as well as popular Pacific Rim dishes such as confit of pork belly with scallops and rosemary-crusted lamb rack. Fresh seafood, tropical fruit and vegetables are local, beef and lamb comes form New Zealand.
Fijian traditions abound. Guests can join in a lovo or earth-oven cooking experience, a kokoda demonstration and kava tasting and enjoy a lively poolside Polynesian dance and fire show performed by a local dance troupe.
You can slip easily into Fiji time with a relaxing Bobo or Veilomani massage given in a private bure by the water’s edge.
There is a daily activities program if you can bear to leave the beach, the pool or your sunlounge. Perhaps try your hand at basket-weaving, enjoy a dolphin safari or go reef snorkelling to see the splendid results of a coral regeneration program initiated by local marine biologists.
A short boat ride to Solevu village on neighbouring Malolo Levu Island is a chance to help the local economy via their beachside market – necklaces, sarongs and local souvenirs, and to meet local chiefs over an authentic kava ceremony.
One day we opt for lunch on a sand bar that appears above water for only several hours a day. The obliging crew pack chairs, folding tables, beach umbrellas, pre-packed lunches and beverages for our Robinson Crusoe adventure – leaving just minutes before the tide washes away our footprints and storm clouds threaten.
Guests who book during February for a stay through to December, will receive a complimentary Romance Package Upgrade including a three-course dining experience, beanbags and bubbles, valued at $479.