ROOM CHECKS
Courtney Whitaker bathes in sun, sea . . . and ice, at The Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Natadola Bay, Fiji
Location: About an hour from Nadi Airport, on Viti Levu (the main island).
Check in: We are warmly greeted at the entrance to the hotel’s Porte Cochere with shell leis, and a traditional Fijian drum, and complete a quick temperature scan (one of very few reminders of Covid here), before heading to the check-in area. With vaulted ceilings and a panoramic view over Natadola Beach, the space is absolutely vast and there are plenty of check-in desks to cater for IHG members, non-members, and a sitting area positioned to take in the view.
Style: Relaxed island style meets contemporary luxury.
Room: A King Beachfront room with beach access. Not only do we have ringside seats to the main event — the sunset — but we are also ideally positioned between Navo restaurant and the adults-only pool. Our room has a separate lounge with banquette seating, a dining table, TV, and a Bose sound system. Fijian wall art and a hand-carved kava bowl add some traditional touches. The separate bedroom has a comfortable king bed, twin wardrobes, and big double doors to a luxurious bathroom. The masterstroke of the whole space is the balcony: on one side a daybed, on the other, a large Cleopatra outdoor bathtub, which has privacy curtains and a window out to the beach with adjustable blinds.
Perfect for: Couples or honeymooners looking for a slice of luxury in the Pacific, or for families wanting a stress-free holiday.
Getting there: Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways operate direct flights to Nadi.
Bathroom: A massive slab of black marble makes up the double vanity, while the toilet and shower are at each end of the bathroom. Toiletries are Pure Fiji in White Gingerlily scent, and include a luxurious bath soak. An amenity kit is also supplied, along with bottles of Fiji water.
Food and drink: There are four dining options: Kama Lounge, for cocktails, Toba Bar and Grill for casual dining, buffet-style Sanasana, and Navo, where we dined on our first evening. Navo, named for the island the restaurant looks out on, boasts an extensive wine list and stunning finedining menu, as well as a four-course signature degustation menu. Inspired by fresh local ingredients, it would have been remiss of us not to order the massive 1kg lobster, plucked straight from the ocean and cooked on the grill, and a fish fillet with puttanesca. We also find room for the burnt butter ravioli and a sticky date pudding for dessert. We pair the meal with a buttery Vidal Soler chardonnnay (and vow to visit the gym the next day . . .)
Sanasana has delicious buffet breakfast spreads but we opt for a la carte at Navo — for the view, but also for the friendly staff, who make every morning a delight for us. We sit outside, with a view of Navo island, and enjoy everything from smoked salmon with cherry tomatoes and pesto, to stacks of pancakes with blueberries and freshly squeezed fruit juice. Facilities: Golf enthusiasts will head for the popular 18-hole golf course, of course, while back at the 266-room resort, there is an award-winning spa, a gym, shops, a glass wedding pavilion, and even a medical centre. The Reef Safari beach shack is a great place for activities, with surfing, snorkelling tours, kayaking and dive courses. The adults-only infinity pool — steps from the beach — is right beside Toba, perfect for postswim cocktails and stonebaked pizzas.
Spa: Spa Intercontinental is a tranquil space and as well as traditional treatments, has a pre- and post-treatment area called the Wai Zone. “Wai”, Fijian for water, is reflected here in the hydrotherapy programme, which includes a steam room, a hydrotherapy pool, and an ice room. After a five-minute glacial blast, we head back to the warmth of the beach, where our therapists are waiting to give us the hotel’s signature Cabana massage experience. Fragrant Pure Fiji oils are massaged into tired muscles and sunburnt skin, and I fall asleep to the sound of the waves only metres away. Bliss.
In the neighbourhood: Many of the staff members at the hotel are from nearby Sanasana village. Visits here can be arranged, along with a tour of the local Malomalo primary school.
Family friendly: There is a choice of adjoining rooms or suites, some available with kitchens and private plunge pools. For tired parents, there is the Planet Trekkers’ kids’ club and a nanny service, as well as a family pool with interactive fountains, paddling areas, and shade sails.
Accessibility: All doorways and areas of the resort have been designed to be wide enough for wheelchair access. There are also two rooms with wheelchairaccessible facilities and ramps.
Sustainability: The Intercontinental chain has a programme called Green Engage — a commitment to running more sustainable hotels. Paperless menus and information can be found by scanning QR codes, and the hotel also has a coral-planting programme.
Extras: Club Intercontinental is a great way to elevate your stay, with exclusive Club Intercontinental lounge access, which includes sunset canapes and cocktails and a private infinity pool with cabanas.
Price: Rooms start at $399 per night including tax, and breakfast for two adults and two children.
Contact: fiji.intercontinental.com