Imagine this – I’m scrolling through Instagram’s endless feed of travel snaps and I’m suffering from inconsolable wanderlust.
I froth over a picture of an idyllic beach with glistening water, cloudless blue sky and soft sand, and cry over a picture of an Instagrammer frolicking by an inviting, picturesque pool. These images are often be tagged #Fiji so one evening I said to Glenn “We are going to Fiji, pack your sunnies and speedos, don’t ask.”
Tourism is huge business in Fiji so accommodation choices abound. We rely on man’s best friend, Google, and narrow our selection to two of the popular regions – the Coral Coast and Mamanuca Islands. There were a few serious contenders but the more we researched, the more Tokoriki Island Resort resonated.
Situated on Tokoriki Island, the resort is an adults-only (no offence children but this is music to my ears) destination that has received multiple awards for 2015 by TripAdvisor travellers including #1 Best hotel in Fiji, #1 Best Romantic hotel in Fiji and #1 Best Luxury hotel in Fiji. These recognitions and the resort’s view of the infinity pool that looks out towards a blue lagoon seals the deal.
We arrive at the resort by catamaran (there is a choice of helicopter, seaplane or speed boat) and as soon as we touch the soft sand, one of the staff place a wooden necklace on us while a Bula Melaya welcome song is performed joyously. We are immediately transported to tropical paradise and I am ready to photograph every moment of our luxury holiday.
Our beachfront bure lives up to its name – we are literally a 15-second walk to our own private beach which Glenn and I are eager to wake up to every morning. We start each day with a stretch on the soft sand while listening to the waves calmly washing ashore and enjoying the view of Castaway Island in the distance (this was where Tom Hanks met Wilson in Cast Away).
A photo posted by Henry Ng (@streetstyleposer) on
Days at Tokoriki Island Resort travel at “Fiji time” – unhurried, relaxed, and without wi-fi (except the main lounge area). The owners believe guests come here to unplug and recharge and discourage time on Facebook and Instagram (I found weaning off the Internet to be harder than weaning off cronuts and ice cream). Guests are encouraged to read a book, have a much-needed conversation with their partners or for the more adventurous types like ourselves, island hop, play a round of tennis or seek out water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding or snorkelling.
Wind swept, high sea sailing in #Fiji with this favourite of mine, @spunkeetrunks. And yes, I am declaring double watches the thing for this season | Tap for brands A photo posted by Henry Ng (@streetstyleposer) on
During our stay in the Coral Coast, we venture out for a day trip to Yanuca Island. We get vibrant glimpses of the coral-studded lagoon while snorkelling as well as a peek into how Fijians live and appreciate the simple things in life. It really puts things into perspective when our guides scale palm trees and cut coconuts with ninja swift moves while I struggle to even scoop the meat off a coconut.
The hammock is our best friend during the entire trip – appreciating the rustle of palm trees while soaking up much needed vitamin D is the kind of simple life that I need. We also experience a sunset cruise in the Beqa Lagoon (this is where you can dive with sharks) – who knew watching the burning orange phenomenon slowly fade to a dot in the the horizon could be as cathartic as surrounding yourself with puppies?
It’s evident from the time we arrive till the day we depart that Fiji and Tokoriki Island Resort are special gems – memories that we will share for years. What makes this holiday exceptional aside from the endless clear lagoon and azure blue sky is the people. There is a sense of joy and sincerity which is a pleasant surprise coming from the gadget-filled and click bait times that we live in.
Fiji, I will see you in person again soon and not on Instagram.
