In our first edition of our Fiji series, titled “The pride of Fiji,” we introduced you to the friendly and hospitable people of this island paradise and gave you a glimpse into the culture, including the traditional Yaqona ceremony that welcomes guests to a Fijian village and the traditional Afro-esque Buiniga hairstyle that is popular among men and women. Now, we’re exploring the resorts that will elevate your stay on this archipelago.

Vasaqa in Nadi, Fiji

The food culture within Fiji is rich and as welcoming as its people. This is very apparent when dining at Vasaqa in Nadi.

Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest and main island, and your international flight into the country will arrive in its town of Nadi. While here you should experience the offerings of this gateway locale, either on the front or back end of your Fijian stay. There’s a lot to do in Nadi, but be sure to enjoy a meal or two at Vasaqa Fiji. This restaurant is a must for all visitors because its flavorful Fijian soul food cuisine is a testament to Fiji’s ethnic diversity and culinary innovation. Although Vasaqa is known for its succulent grilled and roasted meats, you will also enjoy its unique take on international dishes utilizing local ingredients.

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in Viti Levu

The award-winning, full-service InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is a retreat like no other.

Viti Levu is not short on amazing resorts, but the award-winning, full-service luxurious InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is the embodiment of the word “retreat” and is a must when spending a few days on this thriving island. Sitting on 35 acres of seclusion, this idyllic property provides its guests with commanding views of the South Pacific from one best beaches in the world. And while the resort is quite expansive and upmarket, it holds true to its regional heritage by honoring Fijian culture with thoughtful village-like touches throughout the property, including the guest rooms. And if you’re a golfer, the InterContinental Fiji’s Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is certain to impress. This par 72 championship golf course offers dramatic ocean views from the majority of its 18 holes. After you’ve concluded your golf session for the day, luxuriate and recover at the resort’s Spa Continental that has won numerous awards for its traditional Fijian treatments.

Matangi Private Island Resort in Fiji

The experience at Matangi Private Island Resort is decidedly “concierge” without being full of pretense.

When leaving Fiji’s main island to visit its neighbors, you will find that the pace slows down even more. The family-owned Matangi Private Island Resort offers the respite you’re likely seeking in Fiji. This all-inclusive luxury resort sits on a 240-acre island and only has 12 luxury bures (which are essentially cottages), including three that are treehouses. Traveling to Matangi Island is unlike anything you would expect. Once your flight arrives at Matei or Taveuni Airport on the island of Taveuni, a driver takes you to a boat landing where you’ll enter the resort’s craft from shallow water. Resort staffers welcome guests with melodious singing from the shore, as your boat approaches Matangi Island. These crystalline waters offer the truly amazing scuba diving and snorkeling experiences.

The Matangi Private Island Resort is the height of intimacy. Since it’s nestled within a virgin tropical rainforest and is comprised of only a dozen spacious bures, you won’t be overwhelmed with the presence other guests while in the public areas. Standalone bures include a private outdoor lava rock shower and a veranda that are designed with honeymooners and vacationing couples in mind. Suffice it to say, the experience at Matangi is decidedly “concierge” without being full of pretense. If rest and relaxation are on the top of your list, you can be assured you’ll receive plenty of it throughout your stay. To help in this endeavor, the bures do not include televisions and the wifi signals are very limited. Basically, don’t plan on streaming the latest movie or binge-watching your favorite show while you’re at the resort. Additionally, Matangi’s ocean spa treatments are the crowning touch to this phenomenal resort.

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa in Fiji

The Yasawa Island Resort & Spa will help you disconnect from the world in luxury.

Like Matangi, Yasawa Island provides guests with a unique arrival. The flight approach and landing on island’s grassy runway is quite the memorable experience. However, you’ll quickly realize that this is just the beginning of your “disconnected from the world” experience throughout your stay at the all-inclusive Yasawa Island Resort and Spa. Situated on 13 miles of village-owned land, this resort is ideally located within the sunniest and driest part of Fiji and receives some of the most amazing tropical weather. With Yasawa meaning “beachfront” in Fijian, you’ll appreciate its namesake location that boasts powdery sand beaches and calm and clear waters. Taking advantage of the idyllic environment, the spa treats clients outdoors on a semi-private deck that faces the ocean. Staying true to Fiji, the waters of Yasawa are teeming with rich sea life and abundant coral reefs, so be sure to make time to take advantage of all the aquatic richness that Yasawa has to offer.

Namale Resort & Spa on Vanua Levu, Fiji

Namale Resort & Spa can only accommodate a maximum of 44 guests, making this a retreat to solitude.

Author and life coach, Tony Robbins owns a resort in Fiji that is situated on 525 serene seafront acres of Vanua Levu island. While you may not see Robbins fire-walking at the resort, you’ll be amazed that Namale Resort & Spa has been curated as a retreat to solitude that doesn’t skimp on creature comforts. For example, Fiji’s only bowling alley (2 lanes), as well as an indoor basketball court, golf course (an actual outdoor course and a 3D version), and more are available for guests to enjoy within the resort. A maximum of 44 guests (utilizing 22 luxury bures and villas) are allowed at any given time to bask in Namale’s lush and tropical environment.

Fiji isn’t short on spas and while staying at Namale Resort and Spa, you must experience the signature spa treatment at the Valeni Sasauni Spa Sanctuary. Pro tip: Be sure to request the traditional Fijian Bobo (pronounced bom-boh) deep tissue massage from masseur Sivi. If you walk into the spa with tightness in your back like most travelers, Sivi will surely remedy the problem during your Bobo massage. While you’re lying on a futon-like mattress, Sivi supports himself from ceiling bars and uses his bare feet to work out the muscle tension over your body.

Each of these four award-winning resorts is unique and fully embraces Fijian and Polynesian design aesthetics. Whether you’re staying at the Intercontinental Fiji, Matangi, Yasawa, or Namale resorts, you will experience plenty of living space and gracious Fijian hospitality.