Tag Archives: Fiji

The Fiji Orchid Hotel, Nadi

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Fiji is made up of over 300 islands, but most international travellers will fly into Nadi airport on the mainland. There is no reason to stay long, but if you do find yourself here for a night pre or post island hopping, The Fiji Orchid is a lovely boutique hotel to stay at.

Just a 20 minute drive from the airport (complimentary transfers provided) the hotel is conveniently close but is far enough removed from the chaotic city centre. The property was once the home of actor Raymond Burr, who nurtured tropical orchids in the surrounding gardens. His home has been converted into a restaurant and lounge, and guests stay in the six bures (cottages) nestled amongst the lush greenery.

On arrival I was presented with an orchid corsage before checking into my room for the night. The tented bures are a mix of traditional design and modern amenities, and almost feel like luxury festival accommodation. I stayed in Bure 2, with a king-size bed and comfortable living area. The hut is simply decorated with thin white curtains allowing guests some privacy. There are tea and coffee facilities in the room and a couple of armchairs for relaxing. The en-suite stone bathroom was basic but functional with complimentary Natural Earth Manuka honey toiletries from New Zealand. I was appreciative of the free wifi in the bure, which worked quickly and efficiently.

There is a swimming pool hidden within the garden for cooling off during hotter days. Meals are served in the restaurant and on Sundays the hotel holds a popular buffet brunch, offering wholesome Fijian dishes for hotel guests and visiting locals. We enjoyed a meal of spicy chicken curry, grilled fish and rice, with the hotel’s speciality cream coconut pie for dessert.

Fiji Orchid is a quiet oasis in the city and has much more personality and charm than the other hotels on offer in Nadi.

More information and book a room at Fiji Orchid Hotel here.

Malolo Island Resort, Fiji

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Malolo Island Resort is found on the island of the same name. This part of the island has a picturesque beachfront, strong winds and colourful sunsets, which gives the island its name, ‘island of the resting sun’. As you step of the boat, seaplane or helicopter, you will be greeted with a traditional Fijian welcome song and a homemade shell necklace will be placed around your neck.

Outside there was space to relax on the verandah and hammock, or splash about in our stretch of ocean. The cottage felt remote and removed from the main facilities. Inside the bright white interiors, which have been designed by Victoria Wood, felt suitably natural and fresh. The King sized bed was luxuriously comfortable and the bathroom was in perfect working order with a set of Pure Fiji coconut toiletries.

There are several food options at Malolo. A buffet breakfast is on offer every morning at Terrace restaurant, including a make-your-own juice bar and a made-to-order egg station. Tasty snacks can be enjoyed for lunch at the Beach Bar, looking out to sea. My highlights included grilled peri-peri chicken, salt and pepper squid, and fresh seasonal salads. For evening meals there are two options to choose from, Terrace Restaurant, or the more formal, Treetops Restaurant. On my final night, I had a standout dinner at Treetops that included the finest grilled seafood platter and Tasmanian 40-day aged beef.

Primarily though, this hotel caters for families. The staff are excellent with younger guests and there are facilities for every age group. There are separate adult and kids pools and thoughtful daily activities. While the kids are learning Fijian traditions at the kids club, parents can indulge at Leilani’s spa. The massage beds are tucked away in rustic huts exposed to nature, so you can hear and smell the sounds of the island while you let the therapists sooth your muscles with Fijian coconut oil.

Every Saturday at sunset there are Management Drinks for all guests and staff, with local rum punch, Meke dance entertainment provided by the Cubi Island Dance Troupe, and a traditional Lovo feast (buffet of fish and meat, slow roasted while wrapped in banana leaves in an earth oven under hot rocks). This cooking style gave the meat and seafood a lovely, smoky flavour.

Many guests spend their whole holiday in the resort unwinding on the beach and enjoying the sea activities and watersports. But if you do want to experience something unique, the hotel are happy to arrange special island hopping trips and visits to see more of the Fijian way of life. I experienced a humbling trip to the nearby village, Yaro, which is home to many members of the hotel staff. Here you can visit the junior school and join in with a lesson, buy jewellery and souvenirs from the local women, and take part in a ritualistic kava drinking ceremony.

Malolo Island Resort is close enough to the mainland to make it easily accessible for families and couples alike, but far enough removed to give guests a blissful desert island experience.

More information and book a room here.