Bula from Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

We all dream of powder-soft, palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear seas, but in Fiji, these are par for the course. At Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Stephenie Gee finds out what it takes to elevate a stay

Before setting off to Fiji, there are a few essentials to know: it’s a tropical paradise comprised of 333 islands surrounded by 1.3 million square miles of tropical blue waters. It’s globally recognised as one of the happiest countries in the world, and the warmth of Fijian hospitality is legendary – locals take immense pride in their homeland and revel in the opportunity to share its beauty and culture with others. When it comes to welcoming visitors with open arms, the country stands in a league of its own. 

The obvious stars of the show in Fiji are its pearl-hued beaches and pristine waters, but soon after arriving, I realise the real stars are the Fijians themselves. As my car pulls up to the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, I’m greeted with a resounding “Bula!” by resort staffers, gathered with seashell garlands and a song of welcome. It means “hello”, I learn, but also so much more. It’s a sound, an exchange, and that all-encompassing feeling that embodies at once love, peace, gratitude and pure happiness. All this takes place in the open-air lobby, designed after a bure – a traditional Fijian house with a steep thatched roof – with natural timbers and woven ceiling panels. 

Check-in is swift and easy, and I’m escorted to my abode via buggy. Every room here – there are 250, of which 92 are free-standing beach bures and 22 are over-water bures with direct access to the water – comes with views of either the beach or lagoon. Mine are of the latter, and are best taken in from the lounger on the private balcony. The decor is fairly minimalist, with white-grey walls and dark wood furnishing. The effect draws your eyes outside, where the focus is really meant to be anyway. The bathroom is sleek, furnished with all the standard luxury-hotel comforts like a walk-in shower, deep soaking tub and spa-like amenities. And joinery including the bed, hand basin and curved mirror are made of local Fijian mahogany. It doesn’t really matter, though, because you likely won’t be spending much time indoors. 

Navigating the palm tree-dotted resort is a breeze. It’s large but walkable. And if you look closely, you’ll notice the turtles and other marine species of Fiji that are engraved on the hand-carved wooden light poles and bollards that line the paths throughout. (There is, if you prefer, a 24-hour golf buggy service and Bula Bus, a hop-on, hop-off concept first introduced to provide transport around the nearby Denarau Island between the port, hotels, waterpark and golf course.) When you’re not lounging by the pool, strolling along the white-sand beach, engaging in water sports or snorkelling and scuba diving adventures, be sure to book yourself in for a massage at the Quan Spa. The treatment starts from the moment you enter, as the scents of the islands envelop you. Later, after you’ve been pummelled, let the therapist lead you to a place where you can lie down a bit longer, relaxing and enjoying a warm tea and the surrounding views. 

Eating and drinking is very much an occasion here, with its six outlets each boasting incredible decor, views and menus. The all-day Goji Kitchen & Bar serves a sumptuous and comprehensive buffet as well as various hot dishes, while light bites are the speciality at Lagoon House & Bar, and outdoor Voi Voi Bar offers Fiji- style barbecue and other comfort dishes. There’s also scope for private dining if the occasion requires it. But the standout, if you ask me, would be Fish Bar, at the westernmost tip of the resort. Come dusk, there’s no other place I’d rather be than right here, watching the sun as it gracefully dips below the horizon, painting the sky in blazing purples and reds. The food is excellent, too – the “Salt” tasting menu is highly recommended. And
of course, service is genteel. 

I skip the nightcap and decide I’m ready to retreat for the night. This time, I call for the buggy. My chauffeur beckons me to look up. Stars are strewn
in immense clusters, like archipelagos of islands in the ocean of the heavens – it doesn’t get much more paradisiacal than this. 

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