Resort Review, Fiji’s Pristine North
The North of Fiji are home to some of my very favorite resorts in Fiji. In this article we will highlight some of those resorts that we think are superior. They may not be the most expensive resorts but they are the best in our opinions. In no particular order we will explore The Remote Resort, Tides Reach Resort, Qamea Resort & Spa and Raiwasa Private Resort.
Tides Reach Resort -Set on the beautiful Garden Isle of Taveuni, only steps away from the Pacific Ocean, Tides Reach is truly the only resort of its caliber on the island located directly on the beach.
The perfect blend of 5 star service and modern luxury offering the traditional warm and inviting hospitality of the Fijian people, along with their signature styled luxury beachfront accommodations.
This is boutique resort living re-imagined; and you’re invited to experience first hand the beauty that is Tides Reach!
A total of four gorgeously appointed, modern and very private accommodations, sit on the resorts private beach each with stunning views of the ocean. With two Beachfront Suites, and 2 Bedroom Deluxe Beachfront Villas (each with separate living area), the resort can accommodate up to 12 guests at any one time.
Tides Reach is one of our favorites for small group and parties of 12 or less. It is like having your own private 5 star resort.
So it begins… My annual trip to Fiji for business. It happens each May to coincide with the invite only Fiji Tourism Exchange. I generally extend my conference dates by 2-3 weeks to visit various resorts in Fiji. These visits help renew confidence in resorts, inspire me and allow me to keep a pulse on the Fiji resorts we sell. Trust me, the resorts that we offer and suggest to our clients are a direct result of our personal experiences. If we didn’t like it you probably wouldn’t either…
This years trip is unique, I am visiting BRAND new resorts that I have never seen or experienced previously so it is exciting!
24 April – Flight to Fiji on Fiji Airways was a perfect flight. The flight departed on time at 1130pm and I was able to sleep 9 of the 10.5 hours to Fiji.
The Raiwasa Grand Villa sits on three acres with plenty of options for exploring on property and things to do around Taveuni. Inside the luxury appointed villa, guests will enjoy two suites with king-sized beds, connected by a living room and kitchen. The master bedroom has large folding doors that open to the wraparound deck. Bathrooms include twin honeymoon showers and outdoor bathtubs.
Access to the ocean can be found here via a set of steps off the veranda. Once reaching the beach, guests will bask in sun (or shade!) in their own private covered bure. A second private bure, for your use, can be found situated just overlooking the mirror edge pool.
Raiwasa focuses on the little details that make enjoying the view that much easier. Twin sky gazing recliners, a large hammock, and other nooks are laid out perfect for taking in the ocean’s natural beauty. There’s not a bad view wherever you are as stunning ocean and garden views are everywhere.
A staff of seven will cater to your private villa and serve fresh fare for breakfast, lunch, and an exquisite five-course dinner. Richie and Rosie have 20 years of experience in catering menus at five-star resorts. Their meals show off their Fijian inspiration with a twist of their own perfected gastronomy. Ingredients used are organic and sourced locally. Depending on your own preferences, the chefs will customize a dining experience sure to please.
Nightly prices at Raiwasa include accommodations, all amenities on property, service, and dining. There are premium package options that include alcoholic beverages and outings to explore Taveuni such as the Lavena coastal walk, Bouma waterfalls, Blow hole, Meridian line, and more. There are also options for massages and snorkeling on the Rainbow Reef.
What to do in Taveuni
Taveuni, Fiji’s third-largest island, is known for its lush vegetation. In fact, its known locally as the “Garden Island,” with more than 60 percent of its land area being tropical rain forest. Within this forest lies Bouma National Heritage Park. Guests can take guided hikes to remote villages and stunning natural waterfalls. It’s a sight to be seen!
Guests can find much vegetation on the island and unique birds fluttering in the air. More than 80 species of land and seafaring birds make their homes within the lush confines of the forest. In fact, when mongooses were introduced to other islands, causing birds to flee, Taveuni was spared and they still thrive here. Visitors can spot red-breasted red parrots, fern-tails, goshawks, and orange-breasted doves among numerous species.
Just offshore, the magic of Taveuni continues. The waters that surround the island play host to some of the most spectacular diving to be found anywhere in the world. Here, the multicolored Rainbow Reef has been dazzling divers and snorkelers alike. The reef has been named in the top 10 Dive Locations in the World by U.S. Divers Magazine.
The Somosomo Straight has earned the title of the Soft Coral Capital of the World and it’s easy to see why. Large growths of pink and orange colored coral extend their arms into the lazily drifting current, in the hopes of catching microscopic nutrients as they pass by. Divers will marvel at the barracudas, manta rays, and reef sharks.
Qamea Resort & Spa is Rustic Paradise for Couples
Situated in northern Fiji, Qamea Resort & Spa sits on 100 acres of tropical jungle in the volcanic South Pacific Mountains. The couples-only resort looks out onto a private white sand beach. It is near the gorgeous Bouma Falls, so there are plenty of opportunities for the couple who seeks adventure, but relaxing is quite easy to do here as well since the beach is known as the most spectacular in northern Fiji. You and your significant other can truly have the best of both worlds.
Accommodations
As an adult-only boutique resort, Qamea Resort & Spa can host up to 34 adults, with 17 air-conditioned bures hidden among the lush gardens of northern Fiji. The spacious rooms include four different types of rooms ranging from 650 square feet to 1,800 square feet, with tall 20-foot ceilings, canopy beds, and deep mahogany hardwood floors.
Beachfront Bures were designed with an authentic Fijian style in mind with thatched roofs, Fijian mahogany hardwood floors, and local Fijian art. We love the extra spacious European-inspired bathrooms, which have large open-air garden showers with river-rock walls.
Honeymoon Villas have a split-level design with high bamboo ceilings and hardwood floors. They have a lovely private outdoor courtyard with a shower and Jacuzzi spa bath as well as an indoor shower. The bedroom is on the upper level, and two steps down take you to the lounge on the next level, showcasing an ocean view. The lounge has two couches, which can convert into beds if needed.
The amazing Honeymoon Bures are each 900 square feet and positioned at the end of the resort for extra privacy; these bures also have a commanding ocean, beach, and lagoon view, which we are in love with. The Honeymoon Bures have beds with soft decorative netting curtains and a bathroom of more than 300 square feet. Like in the Honeymoon Villa, the honeymooners here will also have a private outdoor courtyard with a natural stone Jacuzzi spa pool as well as a huge indoor bathroom. A unique aspect of these bures is the covered day bed on the beach with privacy curtains.
Royal Beach Houses are the furthest away from the rest of the resort to offer the ultimate seclusion and luxury with the finest of everything! The houses have 1,600 square feet of beautifully styled rooms with high ceilings and thatched roofs, as well as hardwood floors and sandstone tiles. The bi-level floor plan features a spacious bedroom and a living area, with high-quality furniture, the finest in linens, and an array of Fijian art commissioned specifically for Qamea.
With a large partially covered deck that extends onto the ocean’s edge, you may never want to leave your room. There is a private plunge pool that also extends to the edge of the beach and a heated Jacuzzi spa, outdoor rock wall shower, and large romantic day bed. The bathroom contains Italian fixtures, including double sinks and an indoor shower. A separate entry to the private river-rock courtyard opens to a large outdoor open-air shower.
Couples will enjoy the privacy here with the romantic bures and beach houses nestled away, each with large covered decks, comfy furniture, and a hammock. All accommodations come with outdoor showers, and many also have private swimming pools or a Jacuzzi spa.
Jungle Spa
If the beautiful rooms aren’t paradise enough, wait until you experience the spa deep in the rainforest; our favorite part was hearing the sounds of the birds and the ocean breeze during the massage. Jungle Spa is the only spa in the South Pacific with Guinot French facial therapies. It was recently awarded the title of “Best Luxury Destination Spa” in Australasia & Oceania by World Luxury Spa Awards. The award was given for the spa’s “outstanding achievement in service delivery over the past year as voted for by guests and industry consultants in the recent voting poll.”
Adventures & Relaxation
For the adventurous traveler, the resort has a PADI 5-star accredited dive center. Guests can explore a range of complimentary activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, croquet, stand up paddle boarding, or visiting one of the local villages. For relaxation and beauty, have a picnic at the jungle waterfalls; enjoy walking through the rainforest or sitting back on the beach for some much needed disconnection from the world. And we cannot forget the food! Have a romantic dinner of homemade pastas, fresh seafood and a variety of different cuisines.
Qamea Island Resort & Spa is a 1 hour and 10 minute flight on Fiji Link from Nadi to Taveuni. From the Taveuni airport, you will be driven to the dock, where you will take a 10-minute boat ride over to Qamea.