ADULTS ONLY FIJI!
Sick of cannonballing kids flooding the hotel pool? One Fijian resort has the perfect solution discovers Woman’s Day’s KRISTIE LAU
Crazy-cheap nannies, daring water sports and kids’ clubs – carting the little ones to Fiji is a no-brainer when you stack up the pros. But spare a thought for the holiday makers forced to hit the same resorts as early-rising rugrats because booking a private bungalow would mean jaffle dinners for a year.
Surprisingly, one of the country’s premium hotel chains has empathised, recently unveiling a resort within a resort catering purely to adults. Best of all, it’s nowhere near the cost of a la-di-da overwater suite and just a 50-minute drive from Nadi airport – so no waiting around for boat transfers.
CHECK IN, CHILL OUT
The Shangri-la’s Fijian Resort & Spa’s sparkly Reef Wing, built on the chain’s 100 hectares of
private island on Fiji’s s Coral Coast, instils serenity from the moment you step into the new lobby. Handed a coconut as I check in overlooking g the idyllic infinity pool, ol, I was immediately soothed by the warm Fijian breeze. The lobby bby doubles as a common n area, opening up into the Reef Cafe & Dining, and I spot a woman curled up on a pillow-drenched couch, nose stuck in a book. I make it my goal to mirror her at some stage.
PEACEFUL PARADISE
As peaceful as lazing by the pool is, I peel myself away for complimentary canapes and Daiquiris at Reef Cafe. Served daily for an hour, mini bites, including crispy chicken wings and fresh sushi rolls, arrive in a tiered tower. But I skip round two to save stomach space for dinner at the new Golden Cowrie Coastal Italian. Lake Como-bred sous chef Bruno Bettinazzi’s cured meats and cheese selections and homemade pasta are delicately crafted and cooked expertly. It’s fine holiday dining, without the usual kids’ pizzas and colouring-in books.
What of the accommodation itself? It’s the highlight. Each of the Reef Wing’s beachfront rooms offer stretching ocean views. I stay in the 36sqm Reef Deluxe, which comes with a long bathtub, private balcony and added pool views. Plus, the shower head is strong and generous – the biggest tick of all!
If you want to go super fancy, there are also six Reef Bures, the mac daddiest of stays within the whole resort. Located at the end of the Reef Wing, each have an outdoor shower, outdoor jacuzzi bath and private garden.
The following morning, I make it to that lounge I spotted my holiday hero perched upon. Book in hands, shoes flicked off, I slump into the pillows just as she had. It’s mission accomplished as I spy new check-ins eyeing me off. Smugly oozing Zen, I read for hours – not a shrieking child to be heard...