Sofitel Fiji
With greater than 333 islands, being pressured to choose the proper island to go to in Fiji is a bit like strolling into a brand new gelato store the place you possibly can actually solely get two or three flavors and samples are forbidden. All of it appears nice, however in the event you select the incorrect ones, the frustration will reduce deep.
After a current journey to the famed island chain to take a look at the simply renovated Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa for Room Key, I can level you safely to the dulce de leche of islands—Monuriki Island.
Visiting an idyllic and virgin tropical island is normally on the prime of the checklist for guests to the Pacific—though most would possible desire to do it in a much less dramatic trend than Tom Hanks and his volleyball. However you possibly can expertise the identical untouched surprise of an uninhabited island with dreamy white sand and glowing clear water with out the stress of questioning in the event you’ll dwell or die—actually, Monuriki is the very island used within the movie (confusingly, there’s one other island within the chain known as Castaway Island) and will be visited.
Sofitel Fiji
I arrived in Fiji by way of its flagship provider, Fiji Airways, which operates new nonstop flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. The biggest island, and the “mainland,” is Viti Levu, and given the lengthy flight and time distinction you may wish to plop down right here for a pair days earlier than you begin island hopping. On the island’s west coast one can discover the Sofitel, which abuts Nadi Bay on 26 acres and lately underwent a $50 million renovation. It’s a sprawling complicated executed in a Pacific fashionable model with quite a few eating places, swimming pools, and completely different seashore golf equipment for households and those that need one thing grownup solely. Touring solo and searching for tranquility, I opted for the Waitui Seaside Membership, which was adults solely and has its personal pool, seashore cabanas, and a spa. It truly felt like a separate resort, which was key after an extended flight. In such a giant complicated it’s typically greatest to search out your “spot”—mine was the Waitui Bar & Grill at night time when it’s all lit up by candle and faces the ocean. The rooms are executed in an open house model with a really gentle and clear design bringing the primary focus to the window completely framing the skin great thing about the palm bushes, backyard, and the ocean.
One of many good issues about beginning your journey right here is that you are able to do a day cruise to Monuriki Island. The small island feels virtually untouched and it’s on its tip the place you can see good sand to lounge as the remainder of the island is occupied by a sharp volcanic mountain. Surrounded by coral reef only a couple meters from the shore, it's excellent for snorkeling or diving. Because it’s nonetheless managed by the Yanuya folks, visiting required permission and most of the people go to it on bigger group day cruises. The Sofitel, nonetheless, does it up in model in a small group and brings stylish seashore lounges, bean baggage, and champagne ready for you whenever you arrive. There’s additionally a information available to hike the island. (A information is required because the island is residence to a variety of endangered species.) If hanging out on the seashore isn’t sufficient, the resort additionally arranges snorkeling, paddle boards, and even jet skis to cruise across the island.
Sofitel Fiji
So to reply the age-old query of what luxuries I’d convey to a abandoned island, my reply now's snorkeling gear, champagne, and a therapeutic massage therapist from a luxurious resort.