Romantic Fiji Private islands and dream hotels

Day 4 Viti Levu

In the heart of the Pacific, Viti Levu - literally the “big island” - stands out as a giant. This is because it is the largest island in Fiji, and overlooked by Mount Tomanivi, the highest point in the archipelago. Along the coasts, vibrant towns unfold, deeply rooted in tradition, while at its heart, lush hills that are hard to reach have yet to reveal all their secrets.
Already planned - Car rental for the day. Of course, it’s not possible to explore the entire territory - which covers 10,000 km (6,000 miles) - in its entirety. Go where you should be? At Voyageurs, we prefer to venture into the unexpected. A prime example of this is Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. On the Coral Coast, this series of dunes forms a desert-like, almost lunar landscape. Stretching over 2.6 km (1.6 miles), the mounds range in height from 20 to 60 metres (65 to 196 feet). Resilient wildlife and plant life have managed to carve out a place in this golden decor; Plants and birds, some of which are endemic, enliven the site. Beyond its unique beauty, this unusual desert holds traces of one of the earliest settlements in the country. Archaeologists have uncovered pottery, stone tools and bones dating back more than 2,600 years. These are believed to have belonged to the Lapita, a nomadic people from the Pacific. A national park (the first in Fiji) was established around the stretch of sand in 1989 to protect it.

Day 5 Viti Levu - Matangi

Drive to Nadi, return the rental car, and fly to Taveuni, the third island in the archipelago, which lies in the north. On landing, a private transfer then boat crossing to your new retreat, lying offshore, await (45 minutes of travel). This new island isn’t really that small. Yet, it has only one hotel - yours! Stay for three nights amid tropical forest, white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs. The bungalows, built in traditional Fijian style, blend harmoniously into the surroundings, combining bamboo and coconut thatch. Some are nestled just steps from the beach, while others perch in the trees. At the spa, the massages reveal the full dexterity of Fijian hands. In the evening, the restaurant dining room, just a few metres or feet from the water, fills with the gentle aromas of the kitchen. On the menu, dishes are influenced by the ingredients at hand: fresh fish and seafood from the day’s catch, and vegetables and fruit grown on site. 
Things to see and do as musts, as they are included in the full-board package: encounter marine wildlife while snorkelling; test your compatibility in a kayak; face off, friendly (or not), in a game of volleyball; try your hand at fishing; wander through the neighbouring village; try to impress your partner at a cooking workshop; or embrace your inner misanthrope and opt for room service.

Day 6 Matangi

Our suggestion for the day - hike in Bouma National Heritage Park. Opened in 1990, this park offers a spectacular introduction to the complex - and truly immersive - ecosystem of the tropical rainforest. Its expanses stretch over more than 150 km² (58 square miles), covering a third of the island, and encompass a striking variety of landscapes, such as Lake Tagimoucia, a crater lake where the rare flower of the same name thrives. Another gift from nature: Bouma Falls. As you venture deeper under the canopy, you quickly reach the first and most impressive waterfall, which plunges from a height of 24 metres (79 feet). By venturing a little further into the dense forest, you reach the other two waterfalls. At the foot of each one, refreshing natural pools await - impossible to resist. Aspiring birdwatchers (or palm enthusiasts) will want to keep their eyes open - curious specimens can be spotted along the way.

Day 7 Matangi

Already planned - A romantic picnic in a protected bay. Nestled on the island’s west coast, the cove regularly earns a spot on lists of the “thousand places to see in a lifetime”. Promising! Because it is only accessible by boat, you travel there by water. From there, a few hours of pure intimacy await. A small bure is accessible on the beach. Under the veranda, a delicious lunch is already prepared, served with a bottle of wine. Before or after this feast, enjoy the crystal-clear waters and discover marine life while snorkelling, take a nap in a hammock, or relax on the sand. Do you catch yourself hoping the hotel forgets to come back for you? Nothing could be more natural.

Day 8 Matangi - Mamanuca

Crossing and flight back to Nadi. On landing, take a private transfer to the Port Denarau Marina, then travel by catamaran to the Mamanuca Islands. The boat glides at full speed across the clear waters. With the wind in your hair, you choose a spot at the front of the ship for an even more panoramic view. With the surroundings resembling an untouched paradise, it comes as no surprise when the captain tells us that the film Cast Away with Tom Hanks was shot here.
Settle in for four nights on the sand of one of these pieces of land. The welcome is warm, the tranquillity divine: the “adults only” concept has found its audience. Around twenty bures are dotted along the pool or on the beach, some with a private pool that seems to spill into the sea. Kayak, paddleboard, dive - the stretch of water is a beautiful playground. On the beach, volleyball draws in enthusiasts. In the evening, we freshen up before going to the restaurant. The chef crafts beauty from good ingredients. The Fijian buffet is especially appealing, just like the dances and all things local. Vernacular culture has a bright future ahead.

Days 9 & 10 Mamanuca

After an excellent night, you find yourself on the doorstep of your home. With the blue of the sky and sea, the deep green of the palms, and the ivory sand, the plan seems obvious. But where to begin? First, go for a swim! Pool or sea? Living is choosing: the sea. That’s the way things are. Between hammock and deckchair sessions, go kayaking, paddleboarding or sailing. Snorkelling and diving are, of course, scheduled. What else would the clarity of the water and the proximity of the coral reef be for? Both beginners and experienced enthusiasts will find options here suited to their level. A sense of wonder lies just beneath the surface. The dolphins swim past like neighbours. On land, you can also set off along the trails to explore the surroundings.

Day 11 Mamanuca

Already planned - Special touches for this special occasion. It’s not every day you travel as newlyweds. The hotel is eager to celebrate this with you! That’s why honeymooners who stay for a few nights at the venue receive small gifts. First, a spa treatment - for each person, of course. The expert hands of the staff ease away all the tension that has built up during preparations. The mind drifts and the body relaxes. Next, a bottle of sparkling wine - just to celebrate the event (again and again). Finally, a sulu. This traditional garment is worn by both women and men in Fiji. The fabric features tropical colours and, worn over your swimsuit, could easily make up your entire island wardrobe. The cherry on the top: it’s the perfect souvenir to slip into your suitcase for the trip home.

Day 12 Mamanuca - Viti Levu

Saying goodbye to your little paradise in the Mamanucas is softened somewhat by the promise - often repeated during your stay - that you will return one day for your wedding anniversary. Or simply a birthday. Any excuse will do! Return transfer to Denarau, on Viti Levu, by catamaran. Enjoy an overnight stay at the marina, just a stone’s throw from the dock. The modern buildings stand amid an environment lined with palm trees. The contemporary interiors meet today’s expectations for service and comfort. Quick, a few laps in the pool to forget about the begrudged imminent return home.
Already planned for dinner: Your restaurant booking. There’s nothing like diving into the deep once you’ve left its exclusive islands. In any case, in the port. Seated alongside the locals, delicious food on your plate, the sea always within easy reach, cradled by the gentle evening air: what better way to end your trip.

Day 13 Viti Levu - Return flight

Private transfer to the airport and international return flight. Night on board, arrival the next day.

Day 14