Destinations JaxFax Travel Magazine – September 2015

342 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 / DESTINATIONS BY JAX FAX / WWW.JAXFAX.COM

Luxury@jaxfax.com

Exotic with turquoise lagoons, palm-

fringed sand beaches, coral reefs,

the freshest fruits and seafood plus

top luxury resorts, Fiji offers the ultimate

vacation in paradise. This lush tropical oa-

sis of over 330 sun-kissed islands in the

heart of the Pacific attracts honeymoon-

ers, couples and families, alike. Whether

you’re looking for a remote hideaway,

spectacular snorkeling, diving, trekking,

relaxing in your own plunge pool or pic-

nicking on a secluded beach or on your

own private island - Fiji will not disappoint.

Guests receive their first taste of Fijian

hospitality as smiling islanders greet them

with fragrant leis, coconut drinks and wel-

coming songs with ukuleles and voices as

melodious as nightingales. The Fiji people,

who love wearing flowers behind their

ears, are blessed with innate musicality;

it’s part of their culture. You’re sure to hear

singing and strumming everywhere.

“BULA! WELCOME TO FIJI, THE LAND OF HAPPINESS“ And everything is done to ensure a ‘Hap-

and verandas with ocean views. Secluded

outdoor areas offer loungers, daybeds and

pools. In addition to snorkeling with coral

and fish, stand up paddling and sailing, pri-

vate (meke) dance lessons and fire walking

demonstrations can be arranged. Trekking

to a waterfall, zip lining and a food safari

to local villages and markets are some of

the many off site activities. With private

butlers, Lomana Spa’s treatments using

Pure Fiji oils, outstanding cuisine including

tantalizing tuna, and musical combo ‘Na-

nuku Serenaders’ guests want for nothing.

www.nanuku.aubergeresorts.com

ROYAL DAVUI ISLAND RESORTA member of Virtuoso Hotels and Resorts,

this adults only private island retreat off

the southwestern coast of Viti Levu deliv-

ers an unforgettable, luxurious romantic

getaway. Sixteen secluded villas hidden

around lush verdant landscape offer splen-

did South Pacific views. The beautifully

appointed villas done in Pacific open-air

design feature Jacuzzis, spacious sitting

LuxuryBy Maxine Albert

py’ stay. The rhythm of life is slow here;

you can take the time to kick back and un-

wind. After spending days or weeks with

your sweet Fiji family, it’s hard to leave -

especially when you hear the hauntingly

beautiful and sad Fijian farewell song, Isa

Lei. With many outstanding resorts includ-

ing the long popular Wakaya and Laucala,

here are some of my favorites. Each has

its own distinct appeal and charm.

NANUKU AUBERGE RESORT & SPAThe resort gate opens to what looks like a

far-off island with coconut palms, a sandy

beach and blue sea - leaving the outside

world behind. Nanuku, which opened in

2014 on Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, is ideal

for activity enthusiasts. You get all the

trimmings of a secluded getaway with ac-

cess to play further afield.

This 5-star beachfront resort boasts 12

exclusive private villas nestled in tropical

gardens. Stunning, spacious interiors ele-

gantly decorated come with generous sit-

ting areas and bedrooms, TV, in room wifi

Royal Davui

Fabulous Resorts

Dolphin Island

4WWW.JAXFAX.COM / DESTINATIONS BY JAX FAX / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 43

areas and huge wrap around balconies

with sun deck, loungers and infinity edged

heated private plunge pools.

This gem of a resort has a sandy

beach, pool, spa, vivid coral reef right off

the property, plus a host of on and off site

activities like a kava ceremony and tradi-

tional dance performances. Guests enjoy

romantic dinners of tasty Pacific fusion

cuisine in their villas or under a Banyan

tree. The sublime music of ‘The House

Group,‘ comprised of the talented staff

was unsurpassed. Someone should give

them a recording contract. Don’t miss a

visit to the nearby Naceva village school

to see the most adorable children sing and

dance. www.royaldavuifiji.com

DOLPHIN ISLAND - EXCLUSIVE & PRIVATEA Relais & Chateaux property, Dolphin

Island is the ultimate designer castaway

fantasy. Picture your own private island

with palm trees, golden sand, aquamarine

water and every amenity. It’s pitch perfect

for honeymooners, couples, families and

anyone seeking their own private play-

ground away from it all. Four luxurious

suites, including two that are brand new,

are sold on an exclusive use basis. Each

done in earth tones and beige hues with

splashes of color, accented with shell and

coral adornments, suites contain a king-

size bedroom, seating area, private court-

yard, and in room wifi.

The incomparable Dawn and staff take

care of your every need, including food,

drinks and indulgent massages with the

remarkable Elizabeth. You can take a dip

in the infinity pool, swim or snorkel off the

island’s coral reef, kayak or laze however

you wish on your own private island.

www.hukaretreats.com

JUST OPEN - VATUVARA PRIVATE ISLAND RESORTThis ultra luxurious resort, which debuts

September 2015, is tucked away amid na-

ture’s unspoiled beauty in the dreamy Lau

Islands. Three posh villas can be booked

separately, adults only, or on an exclusive

basis. The standout, opulent Delana Villa

LUXE TRAVEL NEWS

is done in plush modern décor with native

stone, dark wood and bespoke artifacts

throughout. It features a huge bedroom,

spa room with plunge pool, entertainment

room with ample toys, library, TV, wifi and

floor to ceiling windows. The extravagant

terrace with loungers and infinity pool in-

vites you to relax with a sundowner and

spectacular views of the idyllic lagoon.

Guests enjoy their own private beach,

Pacific Rim cuisine with fruits and vege-

tables from the organic garden, a boat for

snorkeling, diving, fishing or picnicking at

the resort’s nearby island and pampering

massages with superb Leba.

www.vatuvara.com.fj

CONTACTSFor information about Travel to Fiji:

www.matai.fiji.travel

Fiji Airways offers daily direct flights

from Los Angeles to Fiji and twice weekly

from Honolulu. Travel in comfort and style

in business class, which makes a differ-

ence on long flights. After a Fiji rum cock-

tail and dinner of tasty shrimp and scal-

lop curry with bok choy by celebrity Chef

Lance Seeto, I fell asleep in my comfy lie

flat bed and woke up in Paradise. Check

out the newly designed business class

lounge at LAX. Visit www.fijiair.com

VatuvaraCredit: Laurie Werner

Grand Villa Nanuku