What's New in Fiji
Since the reopening in December 2021, Fiji has become a top travel destination for Australian travellers. During the month of August, Fiji had a total of 70,110 international visitors. In July, Fiji saw a record number of Australian travellers (the most Fiji has ever seen!). This result was 82% of Fiji’s peak back in July 2019. With plenty of accommodation refurbishments, food and beverage openings, and new tours and activities, now is the time to escape to Fiji and experience the ‘Bula spirit’.
ACCOMMODATION
Opened on July 1, Barefoot Kuata launched a selection of 10 new luxury beachfront bures, built during the Covid-19 travel hiatus. A FJ$1.2 million development, all Bures are located on a stunning beachfront location with private beach access to Barefoot Kuata's inviting warm crystal-clear waters. Even the bathrooms have sea views! Outside of the rooms, the resort has a bar, restaurant, swimming pool and games room. Daily activities include coconut bowling, traditional dancing, conservation talks, live music and crab racing, although diving on-site with the elusive bull shark is the real standout.
In June, Plantation Island Resort completed a FJ$1.2 million renovation of the popular Ol Copra Buffet Restaurant, adding more light and space, plus a new bar and buffet stations. Additionally, the resort will open a brand-new Kids Club. This FJ$1.6 million project will provide children with an interactive fun space where they can explore and enjoy endless adventures. Suitable for kids up to 13 years, there is a dedicated zone for toddlers, a reading area, art and crafts area, cooking area and media room.
Guests booking a Bure or Suite at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort will now receive a plethora of added bonuses to their stay. With this ongoing deal running all year around, guests will enjoy having VIP priority check-in, priority housekeeping, including complimentary laundry service, Talai Butler service including afternoon canapes and glass of sparkling wine, and an evening turndown service with nightcap, plus Pure Fiji amenities. Other bonuses include complimentary High Tea and a private invitation to the weekly VIP cocktail party, meaning you can truly relax in luxury.
Savasi Island now has more accommodation options for guests and have revealed two brand-new clifftop villas. Clifftop 4 and Clifftop 5 are one and two bedroom villas, perched atop a rocky outcrop with sublime sea views. These luxurious hideaways boast private bridge entry over a natural volcanic crevasse, large infinity pools and huge floor spaces of over 1,100 sq. ft. It feels like stepping into a treetop jungle dream, your own private hideaway amidst the azure blue/green hues of a postcard-perfect tropical island. Rates start from FJ$1,560 per night, including all meals, round trip transfers, daily housekeeping and more.
The epitome of privacy, luxury, and space, VOMO Island, Fiji have introduced a brand-new luxury beachfront residence, with its own private pool, multitude of al fresco entertainment spaces, ocean views, and direct beach access. Taleiteki meaning “Precious Place”, is a stunning four-bedroom vacation home, thoughtfully designed with an extensive use of natural timbers throughout created as the ultimate luxe tropical living space and features a 14-metre infinity pool set amidst the Dilo Tress with vistas to the Yasawa Islands.
From 22-31 October, Nanuku Resort Fiji are launching their “Journey to the Stars” program, an extended series of events exploring deep space and the Moon from the shores of the South Pacific, one of the best stargazing destinations in the world. This experience will include opportunities for adults and children to learn about our Universe from leading experts from NASA SSERVI (Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute). Activities and events include a Dark Sky Star Party, A Day in the Life of an Astronaut, Art and Space, Moon Massage, and more.
Helmed by acclaimed Chef Marielle Hajj, a Lebanese-born chef with roots in Mexico City, Wakaya Club & Spa’s culinary program features her own take on South Pacific culinary traditions with fresh, farm-to-table cuisine that effortlessly blends her Mexican and Mediterranean background. With an on-site farm, Chef Hajj & her team forage for the freshest island ingredients on a daily basis, allowing guests to join her to learn about the magic of Fiji’s ingredients. Guests can curate their own culinary journey, including participating in cooking classes with Chef Hajj or booking private beach picnics to dive & spear fish for that evening’s dinner.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
On July 9, Paradise Cove Resort celebrated the grand opening for its latest restaurant “Donu”. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of dishes inspired by Michelin star Omakase restaurants around the world. Featured ingredients include A5 Wagyu, Tasmanian Uni, Caviar and a variety of seafood from Fiji, Japan, New Zealand and Australian waters. Donu is a fusion of local Fijian ingredients, along with interesting, and exclusive imported ingredients from all around the world. There are no decisions to make, your meal is our Chef's daily choice, based on what was caught today, and what is in season.
For those who want a taste of the VOMO life can now visit their adults-only ‘Sunday Sessions at The Rocks’. Launched in April, the luxury day trip will be offered every Sunday until December. The day visit includes a Chef’s special grazing menu, unlimited sparking/still water and soft drinks. Cocktails and all-day ‘happy hour’ specials are available while you soak up the views from your poolside cabana and sunlounges. FJ$490 per person including boat transfer from Port Denarau.
Launched in April, Seventh Heaven is a luxury floating barge with two large decks, plenty of sun loungers and a bar and restaurant serving up delicious meals and cocktails. From FJ$189 per person, your 6-hour stay has you sipping on cocktails or ice-cold beers, enjoying freshly prepared meals, jumping off the pontoon plank into the Mamanuca’s endless turquoise waters for a relaxing swim or some snorkelling. Enjoy a slice of heaven here, as this is ‘Fiji Time’ at its best.
In February, Aquarius On The Beach launched a new attraction on Wailoaloa Beach. Called ‘The Wreck’, it is a themed beach bar based in an actual wrecked boat right on the beach. The Wreck bar is built around a 35-foot fibreglass boat with mahogany bar counters, a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and pine stumps in the sand for seating. Food from the hotel’s restaurant is also available to be consumed at the beach tables near the bar.
The Distillery Co. are introducing Sunset Sessions Fiji, a series of events held in diverse venues including marinas, bars, islands and beaches. With their first event launched 20 August, Sunset Sessions Fiji at Vuda Marina provides a brilliant spot to dance to some beats as you watch the sunset over the Mamanucas. Vuda Boatshed is a short hop from Denarau and buses will run from Nadi to Vuda and return over the night.
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Available to book from 1 August, Fiji Airways have launched ‘Our Ocean Life Mangrove & Turtle Eco Tour’ offering an authentic experience where travellers can plant mangrove trees and explore a turtle breeding sanctuary to help make a positive difference. Costing FJ$230 for adults and FJ$106 for children, a portion of the proceeds goes to local village partners. The tour can be booked through any Fiji Airways holiday booking online, and available through Tour Managers and select resorts in Fiji.
Located in a picturesque spot along the Coral Coast, Bula Coffee has launched a new coffee tour – Crop to Cup Coffee Tour, FJ$99 per person. A guided tour around Bula Coffee HQ detailing how your morning brew goes from the tree to your cup while enjoying Fiji’s only 100% Fiji grown coffee. Harvesting organic coffee beans from the remote highlands of Fiji since 2011, Bula Coffee is committed to sustainable business practices such as working directly with villages, supporting them to become organically certified and teaching locals the fine art of roasting coffee. Proudly Fiji grown and Fiji made.
OTHER
Cruising is back in Fiji with P&O’s Pacific Explorer as the first vessel to return after more than 2.5 years, on their 12-day Fiji Adventure. With the resumption of cruise ships, Carnival have 34 port calls to Fiji confirmed between 1 Jul 2022 – 30 Jun 2023, varying from Carnival Cruises, P&O Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Adventures.
On July 4, Fiji Airways resumed twice weekly direct services to Adelaide after a three-year hiatus, making travel to Fiji easier to Adelaide-based travellers. This marks the fourth Australian leg for the airline after Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
