Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Fiji review: Six pools and thrice the fun

Hard decisions ... the Westin Denarau.

Fiji's triple resort complex has winning ideas for families, couples and the odd celebrity, writes Kerry van der Jagt.

THIS is not one of my better ideas. After watching fellow passengers swim back to our tall ship rather than wait for the tender, I've decided in a moment of middle-age madness to follow suit and show these young things how it's done.

The sea is calm as I channel my inner Shane Gould, striking out from the beach of Tivua Island towards Ramarama, anchored in inky-blue water beyond the coral reef. The Gen Y's race ahead like a pod of dolphins and are soon back on board, high-fiving each other and updating their Facebook statuses. Meanwhile, I'm at risk of joining the lost generation, caught by the current and going nowhere fast.

One of the pools at the Sheraton and Westin resorts complex.

Using a stroke favoured by dogs and small children, I eventually make it but I don't have the strength to pull myself up the ladder. Amid the cheers of those on board, two of the Fijian crew attempt a risky sea rescue; a dreadlocked Jack Sparrow-type dives overboard to assist from below, while his shipmate grabs my wrists and lands me like a marlin. With my bikini top around my throat and the bottom at half mast, I vow to restrict all future swims to the resort pool.

I'm staying at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, which, with Sheraton Denarau Villas and the Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa, forms one integrated five-star complex on Denarau Island, a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport.

And the best part? They have six pools between them.

Before arriving I had concerns it might be a bit of an over-the-top, Fiji-Vegas affair. Instead, I find a well-designed complex composed of various quiet and active zones, linked by manicured gardens and impressive public spaces.

Beyond the design, several other factors make this resort a winner. The first is the location. I'm here on a three-day stopover on my way to Los Angeles, so proximity to the airport is important.

The resort is a short shuttle ride from Port Denarau Marina, a tourist gateway for trips to the Yasawa Islands and other adventures. In less than 48 hours I've already flown in a hot-air balloon, visited a village by speedboat and lost my swimmers to a square-rigged tall ship.

The second "wow" factor is the attention to detail in the rooms. My Ocean Studio is a light-filled oasis of calm; wraparound windows with plantation shutters look out across the ocean, a bold contemporary decor (not a coconut shell in sight), Sheraton "Ahhh" Sweet Sleeper Bed and a private balcony with day lounge. The bathroom has a free-standing tub, a shower with dual shower heads and vanity built for two. "Prince Charles stayed here," the room attendant says as she shows me my room.

"Not in my room?" I squeal, with a none-too-pleasant visual of the lanky prince in my bath, or worse - propped up in my bed with Camilla at his side. Her hasty reply, "No, in the presidential suite next door," is music to my ears.

John Travolta also stays here, flying in on his private jet and hunkering down at the Westin. Connected to the Sheraton by a grassy pathway winding through groves of hammocks and palm trees, the Westin is a beachfront property catering to couples. With its Heavenly Spa, two elegant swimming pools (including an adults-only one) and the exotic Meke Lounge, I find myself making good use of its "Stay in one resort, play in all three" marketing mantra. Thanks to the typical Fijian friendliness, I'm made welcome wherever I go: charging drinks or snacks back to the one central bill, borrowing beach towels, hogging deckchairs or participating in any of the scheduled activities. Guests also enjoy privileges at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club, which is the South Pacific's premier 18-hole golf course.

The Sheraton Denarau Villas, the most exclusive of the three properties, is positioned between the two others and back slightly from the beach. With a selection of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas overlooking the family-friendly lagoon pool or the seafront infinity pool, this property is ideal for families or groups of friends looking for villa accommodation. As one grandmother I strike up a conversation with puts it: "It's a great place for our three generations to holiday together but I can still get away from them."

With 17 restaurants and bars across the three properties, the third "wow" factor is the food. Moo Moo the Wine Bar + Grill is part of the award-winning herd of Moo Moos found in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Boasting a signature dish of a one-kilogram spice-rubbed wagyu roast and a wine list of 750 drops, this is a place for big appetites. Other restaurants include the Flying Fish for local seafood, Hamacho Japanese for teppanyaki and Ports O' Call, regarded as the best fine-dining restaurant in Fiji. There are also your typical all-you-can-eat buffets and poolside snacks.

Fiji has some seriously good hotels - from small and exclusive to large and all-inclusive, to spa and golf retreats.

Throw in the choice of island getaway or mainland and the average punter has some hard decisions to make before parting with his holiday pay.

The Sheraton and Westin Resorts' three-pronged approach covers all the bases and certainly takes the trifecta in my books.

The writer was a guest of Sheraton and Westin Resorts, Air Pacific and Captain Cook Cruises.

Trip notes

Where Sheraton and Westin Resorts complex is a Starwood property on Denarau Island, a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport via a causeway.

Getting there Air Pacific flies daily from Sydney and Brisbane to Nadi and has four services a week from Melbourne to Nadi. 1800 230 150, airpacific.com.

Staying there Sheraton Fiji Resort offers Ocean Breeze rooms from $F326 ($180), including taxes. This includes breakfast for two adults, plus two children under 12 years "stay, play and dine for free" when with one paying adult using existing bedding. Two-bedroom garden villas at Sheraton Denarau Villas start from $F636 a room a night, [phone], starwoodhotels.com.

Top marks Plenty of value add-ons: complimentary Bula Bus between the resorts, free boat transfer to Akuilau Island and dozens of daily activities. Kids are well catered for with the Lai Lai Kids Club or Westin Adventure program.

Black marks I had trouble accessing the Wi-Fi in my room. Consequently, the business centre was always overcrowded.

Don't miss Day cruise to Tivua Island on board the Ramarama with Captain Cook Cruises. Departs Port Denarau Marina, $F154. captaincook.com.fj, rosieholidays.com.au.