For Australians after a getaway where wonderful, friendly service goes hand in hand with barefoot luxury and the priceless gift of living on island time, it’s hard to beat Fiji.
There’s nothing quite like stepping off a plane and being enveloped in balmy Pacific Island air, beaming Fijians there to greet you like a long-lost friend with a resounding chorus of ‘Bula!’ And if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to travel far to your little slice of luxurious paradise, the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa on Denarau Island is calling.
Barely half an hour from the airport in a taxi will have you turning into the gravelled drive and checking into a spacious suite where the ocean and a private beach, nine pools, a spa, deli cafe and three restaurants await. Everything you need is within a short walk and the Bula Express buses run from 7am to 10pm, making it an ideal place for families to enjoy without a care in the world.
Decadent dining
Let’s face it, even if you love your kids to the moon and back, it’s nice for them to be whisked away while you enjoy some adults-only time – and Fijians are famous for loving children, and keeping them entertained for hours on end.
Koro is the resort’s exclusive adults-only area, where guests can eat, drink, and most importantly, relax in a beautifully landscaped area that’s home to two stunning beachfront pools. Although families can dine from 5.30-7.30pm, the rest of the time is for the adults, and live entertainment adds to the magical island vibes.
Over at Maravu restaurant and bar – which is on the beach surrounded by palm trees, tropical gardens and views of the Pacific Ocean with mountains in the distance – enjoy delicious Thai food in a romantic restaurant lit up by candles at night.
At Nuku, indulge in a tender steak or a spicy Thai salad with a cocktail, beer or wine, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere by the main pool next the beach. Order drinks from your pool lounge and if you are feeling particularly energetic, get in on the fun and partake in water aerobics with dance music and Fijian instructors leaping around, pumping up the crowds of laughing revellers.
Get active or enjoy winding down
Guests have access to kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and there’s a sight-seeing tour desk where you can organise a day out. However if it’s pamper time you’re after, take a Bula bus to the resort’s award-winning spa and indulge in a mineral hot stone therapy treatment or a traditional Fijian massage. You can also enjoy a manicure or facial at a quaint poolside pavilion with views of the ocean spread before you. Bliss.
For more to do on Denarau Island, check out our top tips here.
