The entire South Pacific is awash with resorts and just a short hop with one of your favourite airlines will deposit you almost to their doorstep. But what about that special occasion? A honeymoon, significant anniversary or just for some well-earned downtime? Fiji presents one of the most achievable options for those seeking tropical island bliss and privacy. Say what you will about Australia’s perennial holiday destination – you can still find a collection of totally over-the-top resort suites that rival the world’s best.
1. Domoni Treehouse, Matangi Private Island Resort
You might think these unusual treehouse bures are on this list for their pure novelty, but if guest feedback is anything to go by, they present one of the most indulgent accommodation options for couples anywhere in Fiji. The Domoni Treehouse in particular, nestled way up in the branches delivers astounding views thanks to floor to ceiling windows looking out over the trees, the beach, and the aquamarine waters of the Tasman Strait. Waking each morning to a mixture of tropical sounds from the sea and songbirds creates very special memories for anyone who stays. Relax on the large private verandah while you enjoy breakfast and the cool sea breezes and at the end of the day watch the sun set while you both enjoy a glass of champagne.
Domoni Treehouse. Image: Matangi Private Island Resort
2. Vunikau Penthouse, Nanuku, Pacific Harbour
In an unusual twist on Fiji’s popular private island offerings, Nanuku is the first all-villa boutique resort built on Viti Levu. What’s more, this singular, all inclusive resort is located in Pacific Harbour, the cultural heartland and soft adventure capital of Fiji between Suva and Sigatoka. Lush tropical gardens front a private white sand beach on picturesque Beqa Lagoon, an ideal setting for the superlative Vunikau Penthouse. With dramatic 180 degree views overlooking the expansive waters of the lagoon, the Vunikau Penthouse is the region’s ultimate honeymoon or luxury escape for one or two couples or an adult family. Expect a mix of traditional Fijian design and relaxed contemporary luxury with a private sun deck, plunge pool, spacious indoor living area, bar and kitchen with master king bedroom adjoining a lavish ensuite bathroom with dual granite vanity, separate rainfall shower and soaking spa tub.
Vunikau Penthouse. Image: Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji
3. Sunset Pool Villa, Tokoriki Island Resort
The Sunset Pool Villa is the drop-dead gorgeous, couples’ escape at this multi award-winning private island resort in the Mamanuca Group – a convenient distance from Denarau and the international airport. This divine freestanding beachfront, open plan villa is a whopping 120sqm. While inside is air-conditioned for comfort, take an invigorating shower outside under the stars. Of course, there’s a personal infinity pool on the huge 70sqm deck along with sun loungers and a cabana with its inviting double daybed perfectly placed to enjoy brilliant tropical sunsets. The separate living area and bedroom open out via full-length doors to enhance the whole experience.
Sunset Pool Villa. Image: Tokoriki Island Resort
4. Over-Water Bure, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Malolo
You’ve read about it in all the luxury magazines and seen it on all the ‘best of’ lists, this benchmark luxury resort is billed as ‘Fiji’s first and only’ resort with premium over-water bures. Sitting imperiously on a colourful fringing reef and marine sanctuary, these aquatic, traditionally-styled bures use materials with natural elements found only in this area of Fiji. Elegant and superbly detailed woodwork and fabrics employ local ‘magi magi’ designs. Of course, these air-conditioned accommodations come with a host of included amenities like a separate bathing pavilion with views across the pristine lagoon and a daily canape plate and champagne. In the evening, relax with your own entertainment system and DVD player or sit out on the deck and just watch the stars play on the glistening water.
Over-Water Bure. Image: Likuliku Lagoon Resort
5. Presidential Villa, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Savusavu
Over on Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu, this acclaimed resort consistently garners accolades and awards for its superb facilities and warm hospitality. Well known for its family friendly atmosphere and wonderful staff from the local community, you won’t find a bad room here anywhere. For those wanting to lash out either as a couple or a high-flying family group, the Presidential Villa is right up there with the most sought-after accommodations anywhere in the South Pacific and redefines the best of indoor/outdoor living in a tropical haven.
The World's Ten Best: Eco Lodges & Resorts Overwater Bungalows: The History, Design & Experience
The luxurious surroundings feature a walled garden, expansive decks and a private infinity pool complementing the master suite with its own sunken tub and Jacuzzi. There is a separate living area in its own bure, that is easily converted as a second bedroom. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is whether to shower indoors or outside.
Presidential Villa. Image: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
6. Royal Beach House, Qamea Resort & Spa
Getting away from it all takes on a whole new dimension at Qamea. Located on its namesake island near the ‘Garden Island’ of Taveuni, it can only be reached by private charter aircraft. There you will find the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, with the pick of the accommodations being the coveted 150sqm Royal Beach House. Truly an escape for Hollywood A-List couples, the beach houses are remote even within this remote resort, offering the pinnacle in privacy and luxury. A highlight of these traditionally-styled havens are their expansive covered and uncovered decks reaching right to the ocean’s edge with wide views of the white sand beach and flawless lagoon. Luxuriate in your own private plunge pool on the sun deck that extends right to the edge of the shore. Hop straight into the heated Jacuzzi or outdoor rock wall shower, then back to the huge beckoning daybed. Bliss.
Royal Beach House. Image: Qamea Resort & Spa
7. Honeymoon Bure, Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
For next-level luxury and absolute privacy, the Lomolagi Honeymoon Bure at this remote archipelago island resort is the go to for couples looking for the ultimate in seclusion and luxe relaxation. While the 18 luxury villas that dot the beachfront are exceptional – each with private outdoor shower, large deck with daybed, hammock between the palms and separate living area – the honeymoon villa, hidden away at the end of a secluded stretch of dazzling white beach, is a standout. Vaulted ceilings, a generous flow-through design and floor to ceiling glass doors bring the outside – and its stunning ocean views – in. There is a king-size bed and separate living area and, most notably, a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean; the perfect spot to sip champagne as the sun goes down or stay cool.
Honeymoon Bure. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
8. One Bedroom Villas, Namale Resort & Spa, Savusavu
While the two-bedroom Grand Villa gives you the space and comfort of a small house on this kid-free, private island experience, it’s the slightly smaller one bedroom villas that deliver the intimate, couples experience. The two newest of these (Civa and Duavata) have already garnered numerous awards and played host to Hollywood elite like Russell Crowe and Sir Anthony Hopkins. The modern and innovative architecture sets them apart not only from other luxury villas in the resort, but from others throughout Fiji. A large indoor double Jacuzzi is a feature of the big main bathroom, while a set of glass doors open onto a gorgeous living area. Spacious inter-connecting decks are a standout feature, plus the full-size infinity pool that commands much of the deck.
One Bedroom Villa. Image: Namale Resort & Spa
9. Plunge Pool Suites, Royal Davui Island Resort
It’s a difficult choice at this ‘Eden on Earth’ private island resort, a 35-minute helicopter transfer south of Pacific Harbour. Do you go west … or east? Royal Davui’s premium twin Plunge Pool Suites are the pinnacle of tropical outdoor accommodations, designed to capture ideal sunrise and sunset vistas from the embrace of the expansive timber deck that reaches to the very edge of the cliff. It’s an imperious, surreal view as you appear to float over the ocean itself. Everything you expect is on hand from the private Jacuzzi and personal bar, to the intimate plunge pool and open air shower. Choose to dine in-room on the balcony (why wouldn’t you?) as all meals are included in the tariff, as are any of the non-motorised water toys, there for your personal fun.
Plunge Pool Suite. Image: Royal Davui Island Resort
10. Imperial Suite, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Denarau
Take your pick from any one of ten superb ocean-fronted suites at what many believe is the most popular luxury resort on Denarau Island. Each has a slightly different layout, but all boast the famous king-size Sofitel MyBed for supreme comfort, BOSE home theatre system, Nespresso machine for your morning pick-me-up and sumptuous Pure Fiji amenities to anoint and soothe your sun-kissed bodies. Adult guests have included access to the sparkling new Waitui Beach Club with private swimming pool, discreet poolside cabanas and a champagne bar. The suites fall under three categories; the Prestige, Opera and Imperial, but those in the know will tell you the Imperial tips the scales in its favour at 106sqm replete with a Jacuzzi on the private terrace.
Ocean Front Suite. Image: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
