Inside Malamala Beach Club, the world’s first island beach club

It’s just a dot on the map, but this tiny island is famous for its Instagram-worthy views and picturesque beaches.

If you’ve ever wondered what paradise looks like, I think I may have found it.

As our boat glides through the crystal clear waters surrounding Malamala Beach Club, the guests fall suddenly silent. The world’s first island beach club does not disappoint.

Malamala, I’m told later, was derived from a time when the island was used as a traditional healing centre for local Fijians, sent here to be cured of ailments, most commonly problematic skin.

This island, locals say, has always been therapeutic.

Malamala was only recently opened to the public; talks began with traditional owners in 2012 after South Sea Cruises, the parent company behind Malamala Beach Club, injected $FJ6 million ($AU4.06 million) into its transformation.

But since its opening in August 2017, the adoring public can’t get enough. And it’s easy to see why.

Malamala Beach Club.

Paradise.

It’s a small island, nestled among the Mamanuca group of islands in Fiji, a volcanic archipelago lying to the west of tourist hub Nadi. It’s here where Tom Hanks and his volley ball buddy Wilson washed up in Castaway and a popular choice for the Survivor franchise. The US series has been filming here since 2016.

“I hope we stay here forever,” host Jeff Probst told Entertainment Weekly in 2017 about their Fijian home.

Malamala is just 2 hectares — but as they say, big things come in small packages. I spend most of the day with a fresh coconut or a cocktail in my hand; that’s not if I’m exploring the crystal clear waters around me on a paddleboard or kayak.

Malamala Beach Club is designed to be a day club; it ferries guests to and from the island in the morning and afternoon. You won’t want to go home but you can book vessel transfers for a discount rate if you want to go again. It only takes 25 minutes.

You can pre-book your own private cabana for the day where a butler awaits you as you walk from the jetty, but there are plenty of private spots otherwise where you can set up for the day.

The infinity edge pool is a spectacle just by itself — and great for that Instagram shot to make your colleagues jealous back home.

As the sun begins to set and the last of the coconut cocktails are sipped, the arrival of the ferry is a signal for our return. Devastation marks our faces.

You won’t regret this paradise, and you’ll be shocked you waited so long to find it.

WHERE IS IT

Malamala Beach Club is on Malamala Island, a part of the Mamanuca Islands, in Nadi, Fiji. It is a 25-minute ferry ride from Port Denarau. Departures are at 10am or 12 noon and return at 4.45pm and 5.45pm.

HOW TO BOOK

A full day pass includes return transfers from Port Denarau to most hotels and resorts, complimentary Wi-Fi, towel service and non-motorised water equipment. Adults — $FJD169 ($AU114). To upgrade to a poolside day bed is an extra $FJD50 ($AU33) or beachside cabana $FJD85 ($AU57). Book via South Sea Cruises at ssc.com.fj or visit malamalabeachclub.com

The writer was a guest of Malamala Beach Club.