Graham Thams from Noller & Turner Travel Associates recently visited Fiji. He had a fantastic time visiting some of the island's most exclusive and luxurious resorts.
I stayed at Intercontinental Golf & Spa Resort, located on a great beach less than an hour's drive from the airport. The beds at Intercontinental among the best, putting them on par with the signature "Heavenly" beds at The Westin. While there I also enjoyed fine dining at the hotel's restaurant Navo.
Being a keen golfer I had to experience the nearby Natadolo Bay Golf course. With a spectacular layout that incorporates ocean frontage, dramatic landscaping and rolling pastures it provides a very memorable round of golf.
I also visited world famous Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, perfectly situated on the tip of the peninsular with absolute beachfront and access to world class snorkelling and diving. The resort is also famous for its nannies who can assist in making your holiday memorable for you and your children.
The next stop was Namale Resort. Whilst this resort has very little beach access its bures are perched on top of the oceanfront cliffs, provide stunning ocean views. The bures are all sensationally appointed and almost 'oversize' in their dimensions. The lack of beach facilities is more than made up for by a host of activities including horse riding, walking trails, tennis court, nine-hole golf course, tenpin bowling and spa. The Namale Resort is an ideal child-free haven.
Then it was off to the quintessential tropical beachfront resorts, Qamea and Matangi, a private island. Also adults only, these resorts are perfectly suited for honeymoons or romantic getaways. Maximum guests total approximately 30 for each resort. Three steps off the beach at Qamea, slip on the fins, adjust your face mask and snorkel with fish among the coral. On Matangi, cruise around the tip of the island to Horseshoe Bay, voted one of the top 1000 places to see before you die.
All the water activities and, of course, the spa will have you doing as much or as little as you like. There are also fantastic walks on each of the islands or you take a trip to the mainland for extensive walking trails featuring waterfalls and other dramatic scenery.
This area of Fiji, which is a one hour flight north of Nadi, sees far fewer Australian visitors than Europeans or Americans. Admittedly, to get there, we do need to overnight in Nadi but it really is worth the extra effort to experience this piece of paradise.
