Secret slice of paradise hours away from Sydney
Australians are flocking to this stunning “paradise on earth” that is located far closer than you might think.
‘Bula, welcome home!’
There is something that is very uniquely special about Fiji.
Stepping off the plane into Nadi airport, the faint sound of sweet singing paired with a ukulele and strumming on guitar filled my ears.
Walking closer to the customs desk, passport in hand, a talented local band welcomed us with wide smiles and traditional Fijian songs.
Usually arriving into a new airport after an overseas flight is a supremely stressful experience.
Did I fill out that immigration form correctly? Did I leave my passport on the plane? What questions will the officer ask me?
But arriving into Nadi was unlike arriving into any other airport in the world.
Instead of feeling stressed, overwhelmed and anxious, I simply felt calm.
I soon came to learn that this was how I would feel during my entire trip.
Life in this country is slow paced, there is no rush or urgency to get things done.
Instead of being bumped into by people in a mad rush to get anywhere in Sydney, Fijians seem to simply float around, a constant look of contentment on their faces.
This way of existing in the world has become so famous that it even has a name: Fiji time.
For four days, I operated on Fiji time, and I’ve never felt better.
Love it or hate it, there is no denying that living without constant pressures of being on time or the need to rush around at a Usain Bolt pace is soothing to the soul.
Fiji Tourism
The South Pacific nation of Fiji is made up of more than 330 islands, only about a third of which are permanently inhabited.
Nadi is the major tourist hub and is situated on the country’s main island of Viti Levu, which is a short 14 minute drive from Denarau Island.
Many travellers will stay around this area for an all-inclusive luxurious experience at big name resorts like the Sheraton, Raddisson, Hilton, Sofitel and the Westin hotels.
From the Port Denarau Marina, holiday-makers can also connect to other popular island destinations, such as the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, and the islands of Taveuni, Kadavu, Vanua Levu and Levuka to name a few.
As I’ve heard many times from the locals, no two islands are alike and each of them has their own unique spirit and energy that will appear to all different types of people.
Hidden slice of paradise
One holiday destination that many have not heard of is the stunning Vomo Island, located in the Mamanuca archipelago.
Vomo is a privately owned island that boasts an all-inclusive resort experience, and is known as being one of the most luxurious destinations in Fiji.
Guests can explore every inch of the 225 acre island at their leisure, and with 5km of magical coastline encircling Vomo, it is not hard to find a private bit of beach to call your own.
The island has a selection of six spectacular private residences, in addition to 28 stunning beachfront or hillside villas.
The Reef House
I was lucky enough to stay in the newest – and largest – addition to Vomo’s private residences, The Reef House.
Completed in December 2022, this breathtaking beachfront property is a whopping 100 metres in length, and features five luxurious bedrooms, along with impressive living and dining rooms, full kitchen and an expansive covered outdoor event area.
At the centre of the residence is a stunning 25 metre charcoal-tiled infinity pool that features sweeping views of the Yasawa Islands, along with a private and inviting jacuzzi.
At one end of the residence sits four bedrooms, each with separate entry, interconnecting in pairs, with ensuite bathrooms, walk in dressing rooms and wardrobes.
Each of these four bedrooms feature single day beds to accommodate up to two extra children in the same room as adults.
At the eastern end of the complex is the larger and more private fifth master bedroom.
Each bedroom boasts a comfy king bed, luxurious ensuite bathrooms, massive bathtubs and all the modern furnishings you would expect from such an opulent accommodation.
Every detail has been thought about to enhance the luxury experience for the guest, right down to the inclusion of exxy Dyson supersonic hairdryers.
For someone who is used to the kind of hotels that have kept the same hairdryers in their bathroom drawers since 1987 and you risk electrocution just by turning it on, this was definitely a small thrill for me.
Every inch of The Reef House is immaculately presented, and there was nothing quite like staring up at the palm trees and blue skies from the private pool, before taking a cheeky nap on one of the eight mega-comfy sun loungers, while the sounds of the waves lull you to sleep.
Guests will also have the help of a private butler service during their stay, who can help with any needs or questions that may arise.
We were tended to by the beautiful Vani, who has been at Vomo for many years and is truly a gem.
The Reef House can accommodate up to 10 people of any age in the base price, but can host up to four additional guests at an additional cost if they are sharing room.
There’s no denying that this luxurious property will set you back a fair bit of cash, with each night costing you FJD$20,700 - which is $AUD14,132.
However, I think if you can gather a bunch of family and friends, the sting in the wallet won’t feel as bad.
It is also inclusive of Fiji Govt Taxes, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages for up to 10 guests — and you will even get your own private butler service - very flash!
Staying at this type of place is likely to be one of those things that you will probably try once in your life and hey, if your family and friends can afford to live large for a night or two, why not?
The Vomo Island Resort website also often offers discounts throughout the year, such as “stay 7 nights, pay for 5” type deals, so it is well worth keeping an eye on their website.
What can I do?
The beauty of holidaying somewhere like Vomo Island is that your experience can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you like.
For those seeking a slower-paced vacation, simply curling up with a good book under a palm tree on the beach will be enough to soothe the soul.
Vomo has thoughtfully dotted sun loungers and hammocks around the island to encourage the art of doing nothing.
An array of beauty and massage services are available at the Kui Spa, while there is also a well-equipped gym and daily fitness classes available.
There are different kids clubs that welcome children based on their ages, as well as after-hours babysitting available.
Adventurous guests can enjoy an array of exciting watersport activities such as stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, diving and Fliteboarding.
There is also a nine hole golf course and floodlit tennis court, while the resort can also arrange day trips off the island if that is of interest.
What can I eat?
Guests can experience an array of different cuisines at the two restaurants on the island – the main Reef restaurant or the adults-only Rocks restaurant and bar.
Room service is also available, and guests staying in the private residences also have the option of a hosting a luxurious private dining experience.
I was treated to an impressive Fijian-inspired degustation menu at the Reef House kitchen, that features five delicious courses paired with different wines.
Most dietary requirements such a gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian or vegan can be accommodated for with notice.
For a truly luxurious dining experience, a private island picnic can be arranged.
Vomo Lailai (which means ‘little Vomo’) is situated just one kilometre from Vomo, and boasts a beautiful beach, amazing rocky outcrops and is surrounded by clear, warm waters.
The island can be rented to one romantic couple or family/group per day, so you have exclusive use of the island.
I was lucky enough to be treated to a private lunch on Lailai with my group on a spectacular day, and I could see first-hand why there had been so many proposals there.
How do I get there?
You can reach Vomo from the Port Denarau Marina by taking a 35 minute speedboat ride (FJD$390 / AUD$266 per adult, one way) or a 75 minute catamaran ferry ride (FJD$205 / AUD$138 per adult, one way).
Or for those willing to drop a bit of extra cash on a super lux experience, guests can also take a private 15 minute helicopter ride straight from Nadi International Airport (FJD$660 / AUD$447 per adult, per way).
Children get discounted rates for all transfers, while infants travel free.
Why Fiji?
I’ve been to many countries all over the world, but there is something special about Fiji.
From the moment you step off the plane, a feeling of calm washes over you and it feels like there is magic in the air.
“Bula!” will become part of your vocabulary, and you will soon adjust to a slower, more peaceful pace and way of life.
Fijians are truly some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met, and will make you feel right at home.
Saying goodbye to Vomo on our final day, some of the staff members sang us a heartfelt farewell song, Isa Lei, which brought all the departing guests to an emotional standstill.
The moving moment left many of us teary-eyed, and I was especially touched to see some of the staff members wiping tears away from their eyes as well.
Fiji is an obvious holiday destination: the pristine beaches, delicious food and tropical climate simply scream vacation.
But for me, it is the magic of the Fijian people that make this spot so special, and why I believe this country holds a place in so many people’s hearts.
While The Reef House’s nightly rate is something I would never be able to afford, I can see why this would be an amazing experience for a group looking to make memories to last a lifetime.
If I ever won the lotto, I’d be straight back there with bells on!
The writer travelled to Fiji as a guest of Tourism Fiji and Vomo Island Resort.
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