Fiji | A Weekend Escape
Over the King’s Birthday long weekend, I had the chance to explore three very different sides of Fiji—and each one offered something special for travellers.
First stop - Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort
Located in Wailoaloa, just 10–15 minutes from Nadi Airport, the relatively new Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort is a fantastic option for travellers looking for pre- or post-island holiday accommodation. It’s a little more budget-friendly than Denarau, but still delivers a quality experience. The lobby sets the tone with a warm, contemporary vibe, and there’s a generous pool area with plenty of loungers.
The standout surprise was the food. We mainly dined at Urban Sugar Beach Club, an adults-only upstairs space with great views—although the music on one night was a bit much, especially with a wedding nearby. The Italian restaurant onsite has received glowing reviews too, though we didn’t dine there on this trip.
Wailoaloa itself has a backpacker energy, with nearby bars and more casual dining options just down the beach. The beach here is long and tidal, but still swimmable—and in my view, better than Denarau. The rooms are very spacious, with thoughtful extras like Nespresso machines and glassware.
Next up - Ultimate Shark Encounter with South Sea Cruises
We joined South Sea Cruises for their Ultimate Shark Encounter, which takes you to Kuata Island, the gateway to the Yasawas. If you’re not keen on the sharks, you can just spend the day enjoying the beach, but for thrill-seekers, this is one of the only places in Fiji where you can snorkel with reef sharks.
The actual snorkel happens about 20 minutes offshore and while conditions were rough the day we went (a lot of wind), the experience was incredible. Yes, they feed the sharks, so the sharks were already circling when we arrived—but floating alongside them in open water is unforgettable. The group included children, with lifejackets and float rings available to help.
Back on Kuata, they’re building a purpose-built day trip area complete with pools and a restaurant, which will be a welcome upgrade. Day visitors are separate from the Barefoot Kuata Resort, and the current facilities are a little more rustic. Lunch was simple buffet fare, and while it was a memorable adventure, I’d recommend other islands like Malamala or South Sea Island for travellers just wanting a relaxing day out. But for shark lovers? This is the one.
The grand finale | Vomo Island
To end the weekend, we headed to Vomo Island—and it truly was paradise. This luxury island resort reinforced what I always say: if you want the ultimate Fiji experience, you’ve got to stay on an island. Everything about Vomo is next level. The villas are spacious, beautifully appointed, and so comfortable. Facilities are excellent, and the service is among the best I’ve experienced anywhere in Fiji.
There’s something magical about being sung in and out by the staff—it’s uniquely Fijian and leaves a lasting impression. We spent much of our time at The Rocks, an adults-only area with a pool and restaurant, and also enjoyed meals at The Reef, the family-friendly dining space. Vomo is all-inclusive (excluding alcohol and mocktails), with a great menu that changes regularly, so you can indulge or keep things light, depending on your mood.
Other thoughtful touches included customisable mini bars, lots of snacks, and amazing snorkelling right off the beach. Each day includes a guided snorkel to nearby reefs based on the tides. There are no TVs in the rooms, which encourages total relaxation—though Wi-Fi is available if you want to stream from your device.
Leaving Vomo is the hardest part, and that’s always the best sign of a truly great resort.
— Jo O’Gorman, Travel Plan-it
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