Having had the opportunity to travel overseas again, I was excited to visit Fiji again, which I had not visited since 2006. I was to stay at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, located on the very beautiful Natadola Beach, about an hour’s drive from Nadi Airport.
I was picked up by one of the hotel’s cars , after arriving in at 6 in the morning from Melbourne. When I arrived, I was blown away by the immense size of the hotel property which sits right on the beach, giving a view of Natadola Bay and the Pacific Ocean. I was quite hungry and hadn’t had breakfast yet, with the only meal being refreshments on the plane . I went to Sanasana a casual place which offers both a la carte and buffet menus. I treated myself to some bacon, hash browns and some baked beans and of course my much needed coffee.
The hotel has rooms in accommodation called “Bures” either facing the garden, lagoon or bay/ocean. My room 2324, was facing the ocean, directly on the beach, with the most incredible views of the Natadola Bay and Pacific Ocean. The property is modern and stylish . My room even had a bath outside on the balcony, the best place to watch the sunsets,(couldn’t see sunrise as it happened behind the hotel property) as you can imagine are pretty spectacular going a golden or orange/pinkish colour. I had the best sleep day in day out. There is also a desk behind the bed , a TV with surround sound.
After just over 4 hours of flying , I was hanging to go for a refreshing dip at the beach which was just calling me, on a very beautiful warm day, in stark contrast to the cold weather back in Melbourne. The hotel has a gorgeous infinity pool with boastful views of the bay and ocean, which illuminates in blue at night time. There are a few bars , with Toba being one of the bars where you can order your delicious cocktail or other beverage that tickles your fancy to be enjoyed at the pool, with waiters delivering them right to you. I believe one of the biggest positives was just how relaxed and friendly the staff were , which plays a huge role in enjoying your stay. They operate on “Fiji Time” which is taking things at a slower pace than in the bustling big city of Melbourne. This is a good thing in that you can recuperate but may lead to a minor degree of complacency in delays or forgotten of orders.
You also have the Kama Lounge which has a chic bar and plays big sporting events on the projector and has some matching music. The bar offers light meals such as breadsticks and a trio of dips, chicken wings as well as alcoholic beverages . It also hosts live entertainment at night which changes every day with traditional Fijian singing, dancing , drumming and lighting of the fire torches ceremonies in native Fijian garb. There is also ample space on the lawns for the kids to run around and play. Another big positive is that the property has a kid’s club with heaps of activities for the kids to partake in whilst the parents get a brief break, as well as kid’s pool. One of the things that attracts flocks of families to Fiji is the family oriented nature of the Fijians !. I couldn’t fault the staff at all, always very hospitable and taking service to the next level, always greeting me and striking conversations up ensuring I was having a fantastic stay.
My most memorable highlight was undertaking a 2.5 jetski safari which included snorkelling and a 45 minute pitstop at Robinson Crusoe Island , only reached by kayak, jetskii or boat ,with refreshments. The safari is operated by Hydro Sports Fiji, which is part of the hotel offering paddle , deep sea fishing and diving, boards, snorkelling kayaks, jet skis and parasailing. Hydro Sports Fiji is Australian run but led by Fijians who went to lengths to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment. I highly recommend Hydro Sports Fiji for their back to front knowledge of the areas the water sports occur in and for their professionalism.
I am not a golf fan, but if you are an avid golfer , there is a PGA accredited golf course where you can enjoy a round/s of golf to your hearts content. The hotel can transport you to the hotel. The hotel also operates tours to Sigatoka, about a 35 minute drive where you can mingle with locals at the Municipal markers selling fruits, seafood and vegetables as well as traditional Kava roots used to make Kava, a drink. There are also opportunities to purchase souvenirs to remember your trip to Fiji.
➕ Hotel staff hospitality and very friendly, highly professional and enthusiastic.
➕Location Location!. The hotel is situated right on Natadola Beach, I had an Oceanside Room looking directly onto the beach. Spectacular tropical gardens.
➕Has a good range of dining options from the casual Kama Lounge and Toba Bar and Grill where waiters can bring your cocktails to you whilst you sunbake by the pool , to the high end Navo Restaurant.
➖Minor complacency in meal orders , delayed or forgotten, but otherwise faultless
Rating 9/10
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