In Pursuit of Paradise at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
As far-flung tropical destinations go, it doesn’t get more dazzling or postcard-perfect than Fiji. Over 300 islands comprise the idyllic South Pacific archipelago whose closest neighbors include New Zealand and the Kingdom of Tonga. Yes, you’ll cross the international date line to get to this luxury hotel in Fiji and be almost one full calendar day (19 hours to be precise) ahead of California, but from the genuinely warm and friendly local Fijians to sun-soaked beaches and reefs teeming with colorful fish and famous surf breaks, this pretty slice of paradise in Oceania is worth the flight.
If you’re looking for another reason to pull the trigger and book a trip, the five-star Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa should sway you with its European elegance and modern French style. Renowned for its art-de-vivre, this outpost of the Paris-based luxury hotel brand is no exception. Located on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu, it’s a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, which means you’ll be poolside with a mimosa in hand two hours or less after landing. Tucked within Denarau Island, a tiny tourist enclave also home to Port Denarau, youāll have access to catamarans, ferries and small ships that depart multiple times each day for the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups, making Sofitel ideally situated for day trips. So set clocks to Fiji time and get ready for the warmest welcomeā”Bula!”āof your life.Ā
Getting There
Around 10-plus hours from Los Angeles, national flag carrier Fiji Airways operates non-stop overnight service to Nadi (pronounced “Nandi”), which means you have all day to pack and get a ride to LAX. Not everyone loves a red eye, but the travel bonus here is waking up in paradise first thing in the morningāyay for an extra vacation day! While most of us daydream about “turning left” after boarding and sitting in cushy business class, Fiji Airways’ Bula Bid program means you can make an offer to be upgraded from economy to an unsold business class seat. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, successful bids should be aimed slightly above the baseline price.Ā
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When to Travel
Fijiās warm climate and minimal extremes make it a year-round tropical paradise, though it does have wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to April, bringing brief but heavy showers that often pass just as quickly. For many, the best time to visit is mid-May to mid-October, when conditions are cooler, drier, and beautifully sunny.
June is especially lovelyātropical rains are gone, winds have calmed, and the landscape is lush with low humidity. The northwestern slopes of the main island enjoy the calmest, sunniest weather, perfect for beach days and ocean adventures. In other words, perfect for beach days and island-hopping cruises.
A Five-Star Resort in Paradise
Set amidst 26 acres of lush, palm tree-studded grounds on the northside of Denarau Island and encompassing 296 guest rooms and suites, three restaurants, four bars, two sparkling swimming pools and a nightclub, Sofitel Fiji is the complete package. After a three-year, $50 million remodel, guest rooms and public spaces were reimagined, while brand new amenities and areas like the Waitui Beach Club were added. Sofitelās beachfront location means almost all rooms and suites here enjoy a glimpse of the ocean, although any with a luxury prefix have more wow-factor views. Beautiful design details and natural finishes are featured throughout, as are cotton kimono-style robes and Sofitel Fiji branded Pure Fiji bath products.
Resort facilities are seemingly endless, from the main pool area and Journal Lounge, an exclusive hangout-meets-“Work From Hotel” space open to guests booked in luxury rooms with Beach Club Plus privileges, to the pretty Suka Bar for sundowners and Republik nightclub for dancing and late-night drinks. If soaking up the sun poolside or strolling along the beachfront gets old, you can join in one of the daily guest activities, including beach cricket and necklace making. There are kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to borrow too. Off-property, a handful of shops and restaurants in nearby Port Denarau are also worth a look and can be reached via the hop-on, hop-off Bula Bus, which makes its rounds multiple times a day stopping close to the main lobby.
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Resort Within A Resort: Waitui Beach Club
The adults-only āresort within a resortā concept, Waitui Beach Club, provides a private and boutique area that not only boasts its only brand-new arrival lobbyāenjoy a fresh coconut while you complete check-in paperworkābut an infinity pool, luxury cabanas, restaurant and swim-up bar. Day beds line the sand nearby, so no matter when you arrive, thereās always a perfect spot to lounge and relax.
The vibe is quiet and sanctuary-like, with personalized service that makes every moment feel special and easy. Waitui Bar & Grill is one of the islandās hottest dinner spots, with reservations booked a week ahead in high season. Executive Chef Stephane Postoyan highlights local seafood and produce in standout dishes like kokoda and pineapple apple crumble. Kokoda is a traditional Fijian ceviche, and the crumble features fruit from the Sigatoka Highlandsāitās all fresh and unforgettable.
Sitting Pretty at The Sofitel Spa
Whether you book treatments right away or space them out, Sofitel Spa offers services that ease jet lag and boost wellness. The hotel uses Pure Fiji products, so expect dreamy scents like white gingerlily, frangipani, and orange blossom throughout your visit. Local favorites include the warm seashell massage and the nourishing moringa melt ritual, both deeply relaxing and rejuvenating. The holistic studio features gua sha, facial massages, and honeylift treatments for a glowing, refreshed feel.
Spa bures are private, though there are also a few coupleās rooms and a co-ed whirlpool for shared unwinding. The pavilion lounge is peaceful, with a decorative pool and lawn where guests enjoy post-treatment refreshments in the open air. Every morning, fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, boot camp, and guided stretch walks are held at the wellness center.
Cultural and Island-Hopping Day Trips
As lovely as resort time is, no trip to Fiji would be complete without island hopping or experiencing local culture on the mainland Viti Levu. The concierge team is happy to arrange all kinds of day trips, excursions and adventures. The Sigatoka River Cruise is slightly misleading because the half-day tour includes an adrenaline-fueled jet boat ride up the Sigatoka River paired with a visit to a local village to learn about Fijian culture and countryside life, which includes a kava ceremony and lunch. Another must-do highlight near the hotel is the Mud Pool and Hot Spring tourābe sure to pack a black bathing suit or swim trunks.
While Sofitel Fiji can arrange any island excursions, including a day at the Malamala Beach Club (think day beds, club tunes and cocktails), if you’ve only got time for one island, make it Monuriki, which is part of the Atolls islands and not to be confused with Castaway Island Resortāyes, it’s where they filmed āCastaway,ā and no, you won’t find Wilson.
What youāll find is a next-level Robinson Crusoe experienceāwith a luxury twist and thoughtful touches at every turn. Enjoy breakfast and lunch buffets on the boat ride there and back, served by an attentive, cheerful staff. On the beach, indulge in a foot or full-body massage while sipping champagne and soaking in the ocean breeze. Feeling adventurous? Stand-up paddleboards and Jet Skis are ready whenever you want to zip around between sips and sunbathing.
Shop Local and Sustainably
Skip the mass-produced magnets and shot glassesālocally made souvenirs are far more meaningful and fun to bring home. The Nadi Handicraft Market has stalls with tapa cloths and wood carvings, though authenticity can be tough to confirm. Luckily, Sofitel Fiji features curated boutiques in its lobby with beautiful, vetted items worth browsing.
Cocoon Home offers tasteful handcrafted dĆ©cor, pearl jewelry, art, and breezy resort wear youāll want to live in. Jackās of Fiji stocks Nama Fiji skincare, woven table mats, printed pouches, and totes from non-profit Rise Beyond The Reef. For skincare lovers, donāt miss the Pure Fiji boutiqueāFijiās only dedicated shop for the full product range.
Travel Requirements
Fiji reopened to international travelers in December 2021. Travelers heading to Fiji must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination at airport check-in before departureāno exceptions there. The good news? Negative test results or test bookings are no longer required to enter the country.
As of September, post-arrival testing for international travelers has also been removed by the Fijian Government. If symptoms develop, travelers must self-report, and anyone who tests positive must isolate for at least five days. Visit Fijiās travel site for the latest travel requirements, trip planning, weather forecast and a list of FAQs.
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodorās Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
