Travel review of 3 luxury Fiji resorts.

We finish Sandra’s Fiji insight tour at the luxury end of the market with a visit to Tokoriki Island Resort, Matamanoa Island Resort and VOMO Island Fiji, all of which are located in the outer islands of the stunning Mamanuca Group.

The impeccable service and attention to detail extended by the staff and facilities at all three resorts leaves guests wanting for nothing.

It goes without saying that the location of each of these resorts is incredible. The water is the bluest of blue, the sand whiter than white and the lush tropical surrounds are the epitome of paradise.

It’s no secret the snorkelling and diving in the region is rated among the best in the world and is right on the doorstep of these resorts – often just a short paddle away.

If water pursuits aren’t to your liking then the cuisine is world class, the spa treatments exceptional and resort facilities outstanding.

Matamanoa Island Resort

Matamanoa Island Resort is a boutique resort that offers an intimate and secluded adults-only holiday.  Here you’ll experience the best nature has to offer in this unspoilt marine sanctuary. To retain its special atmosphere the resort has a year-round policy of not permitting day-trippers or children under the age of 16.

There is a range of four star accommodation including beachfront villas, beachfront bures and resort rooms. All the accommodation has been newly renovated.  The villas are set away from the main guest facilities for guests who may seek additional privacy.  The decor, handpicked by the island’s design consultant Jude Kirk, has a natural sense of calm and tranquility making your accommodation a real retreat that you may never want to leave.

The resort restaurant features an ocean view from every table, dine inside or on the deck overlooking the ocean or poolside under the stars. The resort’s Executive Chef takes pride curating a world class international menus along with a selection of traditional Fijian fare with the menu changed nightly.

While Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, if you want to liberate yourself from the stresses of 21st Century living then Matamanoa is the perfect destination to rest, relax, switch off and digitally detox.

There is an overall sense of calm at Matamanoa, however there is also a fun and inclusive atmosphere among the staff and guests. Guest often refer to Matamanoa as having a “warm and friendly vibe”.  From the personalised welcome song to the staff acknowledging you by name, you’re made to feel like part of the Matamanoa family.  This seems to carry over to the guests who  mix freely and participate in the cultural activities and fun nightly games organised by the staff (trivia, etc). Of course, there is no obligation to participate and many guests elect to retire to their rooms when the mood strikes.

Matamanoa has been created for those who dream of peace and tranquility yet like a little fun and adventure thrown in for good measure.

What Sandra loved about Matamanoa Island Resort

  • The staff are friendly and greet you by name.
  • There is a warm and inclusive environment with plenty of activities that inspire guest to mix and socialise (if they want to).
  • Amazing diving. Guests were lucky enough to see baby sharks.
  • A great location with a beautiful white beach.
  • Cafe quality coffee from the Barista machine
  • The option to stay in villas away from the main resort area – perfect for guests seeking added privacy and seclusion.

Tokoriki Island Resort

Tokoriki Island Resort exceeded all Sandra’s expectations and, quite frankly, we couldn’t stop her gushing about her stay there! We’re used to it though as it’s a common response from first time guests. Tokoriki is a special place.

The staff at Tokoriki are renowned for their attention to even the smallest of details.  From the muffin that comes with your coffee to the chilled coaster for your bottled water, every day at Tokoriki is full of delightful little surprises.  A thoughtful memento for Honeymooners is their name printed atop their daily menu – a lovely keepsake.

There is so much to do at Tokoriki – energize with a game of tennis, explore island plants with ancient healing properties on a guided nature walk, visit the local village, experience a traditional kava ceremony, meet the Fijian ladies at the handicraft beach markets and receive a hearty welcome from the primary school students. Dive the wonderful Fiji waters with the Padi team or simply snorkel the stunning house reefs, island hop, escape on a 4hr secluded island picnic, relax poolside with a cocktail or unwind with a sensational spa retreat. Do as much or as little as you like.

The bures and villas at Tokoriki are a fusion of Fijian architecture and contemporary island style, with all the modern luxuries and amenities expected at a luxury resort.  There are 26 Beachfront Bures and 8 Sunset Pool Villas.  The accommodation is spacious, freestanding (to ensure absolute privacy), air conditioned, have ceiling fans and indoor/outdoor private showers.  Only a few steps to the beach they boast uninterrupted views of the stunning evening sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

The cuisine at Tokoriki is world class and can be classified as luxury gourmet with a tropical twist.  Dine under the palm trees, on a romantic oceanfront deck or enjoy a special evening of “Teppanyaki”, the award winning Oishii restaurant complimented by high quality wines from over the globe.

What Sandra loved about Tokoriki Island Resort

  • The location was simply beautiful. Everything I would expect from the Mamanucas but more.
  • The attention to detail was second to none – from the water station at the pool, the muffin with my coffee, chilled coasters with my Fiji water to the Pure Fiji products and so much more – all delightful surprises all day long.
  • The food was amazing and the menu changed daily. I ate too much and loved every minute!
  • My personalised welcome from the whole Tokoriki team upon arrival was lovely but made the goodbye sadder because I didn’t want to leave.

Tokoriki Island Resort is perfect for those seeking affordable luxury with a contemporary twist in an adults-only resort.  With warm Fijian hospitality and an attention to detail that’s second to none, it’s no wonder guest return time and again. Testament to this is the Tokoriki Tree where plaques hang of the names of guests who have visited more than ten times.  There are literally hundreds, even thousands, of plaques – probably the best five star review a resort could receive.

VOMO Island Fiji

Leaving one of Fiji’s best resorts ’til last, VOMO Island was the final stop on Sandra’s whirlwind tour. Surrounded by trademark crystal clear waters and blessed with soft white sands, VOMO Island is truly a Fijian paradise. It’s little wonder VOMO is on the bucket list of families and couples seeking a luxury Fiji holiday.

A warm welcome is part of VOMO’s charm with all guest receiving a gift – a Pure Fiji gift pack for the adults and t-shirt for the children.

The accommodation is a mix of more traditional but very contemporary Hillside and Beachfront Villas, plus 4 luxury residences that can accommodate up to  8 guests.

The villa interiors are chic, sophisticated and contemporary with the use of natural textures and raw materials of timber, copper and marble that are so well suited to the natural tropical island environment.  All thoughtfully appointed with a very high level of amenities and bespoke handmade furnishings.

The residences caters for couples and families seeking a sophisticated island experience. Located only steps to the water’s edge, they feature all the luxuries of home and so much more.

The accommodation and guest amenities are nicely spaced apart which gives a sense of privacy and brings the beautiful tropical landscape right into the resort grounds.

The Spa and Wellness Centre at VOMO is one of a kind.  Not only is it huge, with large treatment rooms, but the highly skilled Thai and Balinese therapists expertly combine the healing potency of all natural ingredients with an indulgent range of treatments. The VOMO Spa was even recognised by the esteemed World Travel Awards as Fiji’s Best Spa Resort in 2015 and it’s easy to see why.

To gain an insight into a families perspective of VOMO, read our client Linda’s travel review of her recent stay.

What Sandra loved about VOMO Island Fiji

  • VOMO has two gorgeous beaches on opposite sides of the island so, if the wind comes up on one side, you can simply adjourn to the other side.
  • The adults-only pool, located next to the Rocks Bar, is nearing completion (December 2018) and will be a welcome addition and provide a child-free sanctuary.
  • Amazing snorkelling right of the beach.
  • Complimentary daily wash and fold service means I didn’t go home to a mountain of washing.

Nothing is too much trouble at VOMO.  The staff are very attentive to the needs of each individual guest, littlies included. We wonder if five stars is not enough to describe VOMO?

Read Sandra’s other Fiji resort reviews