Everything
As most of Australia struggles through yet another grim downpour of wet weather, the prospect of places in the world where the sun is shining and the weather is warm enough to strip down to your favourite swimwear while indulging in several cocktails feels like a distant dream. The truth is, it’s closer than you think. Approximately four hours on Fiji Airways, give or take a few depending on where you live. After two years of being locked away and a $48 million makeover for one of its landmark properties, Fiji is back, in all its sun-drenched, easy-paced glory and, honestly, how soon can we get there?
“Fiji is truly back in business!” were, in fact, the exact words spoken by the President of Fiji, His Excellency Wiliame M. Katonivere as he addressed the crowd at the grand opening of the newly-renovated Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort. The jewel of Denarau Island underwent extensive work during lockdown and has come out the other side looking as refreshed as you’ll feel after spending a day poolside, drink in hand, watching the sun set.
In fact, relaxing is really the only thing on the agenda for guests of the new-look Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort. As Fiji’s only integrated 5-star resort complex, the hotel is a literal playground of pleasure with a plethora of experiences to pacify even the most jangled of nerves. Starting with the rooms – choose from 300 fully refurbished rooms, ranging from garden front to beach view that offers unparalleled views of the sunset. Modern design has been incorporated into timeless detail, making for a comfortable resting experience when you’re not enjoying one of the many, many other amenities.
And we mean many. Keen for some active recovery? Then head down to the 18-hole golf course before booking in a session on the tennis courts. Otherwise, it’s really captain’s choice how and where you spend the bulk of your day. Between any of the five bars, five restaurants, four swimming pools or simply being gently pummelled at the day spa, it’s impossible to make a wrong one.
Where the property stands out from the neighbours, however, is in the details that elevate the Fijian experience at the resort. At Tatavu Grill and Bar Restaurant, which features a custom vertical wood-fire grill for cooking, guests have the option to dine with a Feet In Sand experience that combines the elements of Fiji – sand, water, and fire (sun and the grill). The menu, curated by Executive Chef Jose Dominguez, is a similar combination of elements only this time drawn from Fijian dishes with a contemporary twist. Or, if you’re keen to experience a new facet of Fiji, head to the more casual dining 28g and ask barista Jonacon to make you his custom cold drip coffee.
Behind the scenes, the team has also made major steps toward introducing more sustainable production methods. An onsite organic farm, located a short golf cart drive away, has been set up with the purpose of not only providing fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit to the restaurants but also creating Fiji-hardy crops that will withstand the storm seasons. It is, according to the Sheraton team, also an educational tool to help teach local Fijian growers both the benefits of more sustainable farming practices and organic produce.
So why are you still standing in the rain?
Fiji Airways is currently operating twice daily flights from Sydney, and daily flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Nadi, Fiji. The national carrier will resume twice weekly flights from Adelaide to Nadi. For exclusive package details and deals, head to fijiairways.com.
