Luxurious Lodge Model on Denarau Island Makes a Journey to Fiji

As far-flung tropical locations go, it doesn’t get extra dazzling or postcard-perfect than Fiji. Over 300 islands comprise the idyllic South Pacific archipelago whose closest neighbors embrace New Zealand and the Kingdom of Tonga. Sure, you’ll cross the worldwide date line to get to this luxurious lodge in Fiji and be virtually one full calendar day (19 hours to be exact) forward of California, however from the genuinely heat and pleasant native Fijians to sun-soaked seashores and reefs teeming with colourful fish and well-known surf breaks, this gorgeous slice of paradise in Oceania is definitely worth the flight.

For those who’re in search of one more reason to tug the set off and guide a visit, the five-star Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa ought to sway you with its European magnificence and fashionable French model. Famend for its art-de-vivre, this outpost of the Paris-based luxurious lodge model isn’t any exception. Situated on the western aspect of the primary island of Viti Levu, it’s a 20-minute drive from Nadi Worldwide Airport, which suggests you’ll be poolside with a mimosa in hand two hours or much less after touchdown. Tucked inside Denarau Island, a tiny vacationer enclave additionally dwelling to Port Denarau, you’ll have entry to catamarans, ferries and small ships that depart a number of instances every day for the Mamanuca and Yasawa island teams, making Sofitel ideally located for day journeys. So set clocks to Fiji time and prepare for the warmest welcome—”Bula!”—of your life. 

Getting There

Credit score: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Credit score: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Round 10-plus hours from Los Angeles, nationwide flag service Fiji Airways operates continuous in a single day service to Nadi (pronounced “Nandi”), which suggests you will have all day to pack and get a trip to LAX. Not everybody loves a crimson eye, however the journey bonus right here is waking up in paradise very first thing within the morning—yay for an additional trip day! Whereas most of us daydream about “turning left” after boarding and sitting in soft enterprise class, Fiji Airways’ Bula Bid program means you may make a proposal to be upgraded from financial system to an unsold enterprise class seat. Whereas there aren’t any hard-and-fast guidelines, profitable bids ought to be aimed barely above the baseline worth. 

When to Journey

Credit score: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

With minimal extremes and a heat local weather, Fiji is taken into account a year-round tropical paradise, however there are distinct moist and dry seasons. Characterised by temporary however heavy native showers, the moist season lasts from November by April. For a lot of, although, the very best and extra temperate time to go to Fiji is from mid-Might to mid-October—June is a stunning month specifically. Dry, cool and sunny, particularly on the northwestern slopes of the primary island, winds have dropped and tropical rains have completed by then, leaving the panorama trying lush, the humidity a lot decrease and coastal circumstances calmer. In different phrases, excellent for seaside days and island-hopping cruises.

Credit score: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Set amidst 26 acres of lush, palm tree-studded grounds on the northside of Denarau Island and encompassing 296 visitor rooms and suites, three eating places, 4 bars, two glowing swimming swimming pools and a nightclub, Sofitel Fiji is the entire package deal. After a three-year, $50 million rework, visitor rooms and public areas had been reimagined, whereas model new facilities and areas just like the Waitui Seashore Membership had been added. Sofitel’s beachfront location means virtually all rooms and suites right here take pleasure in a glimpse of the ocean, though any with a luxurious prefix have extra wow-factor views. Stunning design particulars and pure finishes are featured all through, as are cotton kimono-style robes and Sofitel Fiji branded Pure Fiji tub merchandise.

Resort services are seemingly countless, from the primary pool space and Journal Lounge, an unique hangout-meets-“Work From Lodge” house open to company booked in luxurious rooms with Seashore Membership Plus privileges, to the gorgeous Suka Bar for sundowners and Republik nightclub for dancing and late-night drinks. If absorbing the solar poolside or strolling alongside the beachfront will get previous, you may take part one of many each day visitor actions, together with seaside cricket and necklace making. There are kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to borrow too. Off-property, a handful of outlets and eating places in close by Port Denarau are additionally value a glance and could be reached through the hop-on, hop-off Bula Bus, which makes its rounds a number of instances a day stopping near the primary foyer.

Credit score: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

The adults-only “resort inside a resort” idea, Waitui Seashore Membership, supplies a non-public and boutique space that not solely boasts its solely brand-new arrival foyer—take pleasure in a recent coconut whilst you full check-in paperwork—however an infinity pool, luxurious cabanas, restaurant and swim-up bar. Day beds are dotted close by alongside the sand, so irrespective of if you head down, there’s at all times someplace fabulous to put out and chill. Service feels extra personalised, and the house is quiet and sanctuary-like. One of many island’s hottest dinner reservations, tables are booked per week upfront throughout the excessive season at Waitui Bar & Grill. Helmed by Govt Chef Stephane Postoyan, dishes showcase native seafood and produce with standouts being kokoda (a standard Fijian ceviche created from fish “cooked” in lime juice) and the Sigatoka Highland pineapple and apple crumble.  

Credit score: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Whether or not you intend to schedule spa time after arriving or house out remedies all through your trip, Sofitel Spa provides a spread of providers that can beat jet lag and go away anybody feeling in tip-top form. The lodge partnered with Pure Fiji on their product line right here too, so anticipate plenty of yummy scented infusions like white gingerlily, orange blossom and frangipani. Native favorites from the menu embrace the nice and cozy seashell therapeutic massage and nourishing moringa soften spa ritual, whereas a holistic wellness studio has gua sha and facial massages with “honeylift.” Remedies are carried out in particular person spa bures, however there are a handful of couple’s rooms plus a co-ed whirlpool. The pavilion ready and rest lounge is gorgeous, full with an ornamental pool and garden space the place post-treatment refreshments could be served. Each morning, there are exercise courses, together with yoga and Pilates, plus a boot camp and a guided stroll/stretch on the health heart.

Cultural and Island-Hopping Day Journeys

Credit score: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

As beautiful as resort time is, no journey to Fiji could be full with out island hopping or experiencing native tradition on the mainland Viti Levu. The concierge crew is blissful to rearrange all types of day journeys, excursions and adventures. The Sigatoka River Cruise is barely deceptive as a result of the half-day tour consists of an adrenaline-fueled jet boat trip up the Sigatoka River paired with a go to to an area village to find out about Fijian tradition and countryside life, which features a kava ceremony and lunch. One other must-do spotlight close to the lodge is the Mud Pool and Sizzling Spring tour—make sure you pack a black bathing go well with or swim trunks.

Whereas Sofitel Fiji can organize any island excursions, together with a day on the Malamala Seashore Membership (suppose day beds, membership tunes and cocktails), in case you’ve solely acquired time for one island, make it Monuriki, which is a part of the Atolls islands and to not be confused with Castaway Island Resort—sure, it’s the place they filmed “Castaway,” and no, you gained’t discover Wilson. What you’ll uncover, although, is a next-level Robinson Crusoe expertise (however make it luxurious) due to a crew of devoted employees offering breakfast and lunch buffets on the boat trip there and again, foot or full-body massages on the seaside, plus stand-up paddleboards and Jet Skis at your disposal must you really feel like zipping round a bit in between glasses of champagne.

Store Native and Sustainably

Credit score: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Whether or not in search of a private souvenir or presents to convey again to household and mates, it’s at all times enjoyable to seek out treasures from an abroad journey, however put down these mass-produced fridge magnets and shot glasses and switch your consideration to domestically made souvenirs as an alternative. The Nadi Handicraft Market has quite a lot of stalls promoting tapa cloths and wooden carvings, though it’s not at all times straightforward to hint their origin or show authenticity. Fortunately, Sofitel Fiji has a number of vetted boutiques in its foyer, together with Cocoon Dwelling (suppose uber-tasteful handcrafted decor, pearl jewellery, artwork and resort put on), whereas standouts at Jack’s of Fiji embrace native skincare line Nama Fiji, made with hand-harvested sea grapes and woven desk mats, printed pouches and totes by non-profit Rise Past The Reef. Lastly, fill up on your entire vary of Pure Fiji merchandise on the solely devoted Pure Fiji boutique within the nation, positioned inside Sofitel’s swanky foyer.

Journey Necessities

Fiji reopened to worldwide vacationers in December 2021. Whereas everybody planning to trip there should show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination at airport check-in earlier than departure, unfavorable check outcomes or proof of check bookings to enter the nation are not required. In additional good journey information, the Fijian Authorities eliminated the requirement for post-arrival testing for worldwide vacationers in September. Nonetheless, anybody who develops signs might be requested to self-report, and those that check constructive might be required to isolate themselves for no less than 5 days. Go to Fiji’s journey website for the most recent journey necessities, journey planning, climate forecast and a listing of FAQs.