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Board your flight and in just four hours you could be brunching on your own private Fijian island escape. Your toughest decision? Whether you should enjoy some champagne and grilled local lobster before or after a snorkel.
Mociu Island sits within the Mamanuca Islands, approximately 25km west of Nadi International Airport.
Encircled by fringing reef, the minuscule island juts dramatically from the sea like a scene from Jurassic Park.
Our piece of paradise sat at the foot of its cliffs, a coral-strewn crescent of beach with a thatched cabana for shade. Unlike Tom Hanks in Castaway – which was
filmed on a neighbouring island – you won’t want to leave.
The island is exclusively ours for three hours of bucket-list bliss, as one of the bookable experiences for guests staying at nearby Malolo Island Resort. Greeted at the resort jetty with a Fijian choral welcome, the staff’s beaming smiles mimic the resort’s logo – a radiant sun symbolising the legend of Malolo, the island where the sun comes to rest.
Fiji has a deserved reputation as the ultimate family destination. The nerves of undertaking my first international trip with baby in tow vanished the moment two hands whisked him safely from the boat. Malolo feels like returning home for the holidays to your extended family – where everyone clambers over first cuddles with the baby. Over the next few days, my baby enjoyed royal treatment, being passed from one friendly face to another: bartenders, musicians, the chef – even the maintenance crew knew him by name.
BURE BLISS
This is not a polished White Lotus-type resort – instead, it delivers luxury through warmth and connection. This unassuming resort is 100 per cent Fijian-owned and a quarter of the team was born and raised on Malolo Island, which no doubt contributes to the familiar and homely energy. The striking main building features double-storey paired staircases and grand pillars, giving miniature White House vibes. Its stark white facade contrasts against the saturated colours of the coconut-laden palms and tropical blooms.
The charm continues with 46 colonial-style bures lining the shore, each boasting a unique water view. From couples’ retreats to family bures sleeping seven, these spacious cottages offer flexibility that hotel rooms simply cannot. Ideal to accommodate multigenerational families, why not share travel costs, create lasting memories and get some downtime while the grandparents spend quality time with the kids. Escape the youngsters at the adults-only restaurant or pool with swim-up bar, or follow the happy-hour cocktail trail.
Though the pools are stunning and often quiet, the ocean won me over. I instinctively braced as the waves lapped over my feet, only to find the 27-degree water heavenly. Steps from our bure verandah, the ocean provided endless entertainment – the reef glowing in the sun, tinnies taxiing staff in from the village, the infamous Cloudbreak rolling on the horizon and tropical downpours hammering the sea.
ISLAND FARE
My vision of themed buffets and carbs by the beach vanished with my first glance at the menu. I went straight for the smoked trout dip and the chef’s signature coconut split king prawns. From that moment, each meal posed the same dilemma: try something new or enjoy firm favourites.
Sceptical of the weekly Fijian Lovo buffet, the spread of slipper lobster, curry crab and whole fish quickly dispelled any hesitation. Even more surprising was the dedicated infant menu of purees, porridges and puddings, easing yet another stress. Credit goes to executive chef Gregory Llewellyn, who turned my Fiji getaway into a culinary affair. Drawn from Australia to Malolo, he believes it’s one of the rare places where authenticity defines the entire guest experience. Across three restaurants, all available on inclusive meal plans, the dishes are refined, exceptional and grounded in the island’s heritage and produce.
My highlights were the roasted scallops with sweet peas and chorizo, and the beef tartare with egg yolk jam, served at the adults-only Treetops restaurant. We capped our final night with an exclusive dining experience. With just my family and fish as company, the jetty cabana was beautifully transformed with Survivor-like torches, billowing sheer curtains and an elegant white-clothed table.
PLAY OR PAUSE
Tia’s Treehouse Kids Club embodies the spirit of Fiji, engaging children with an array of activities such as Fijian dance lessons, kayak safaris, medicine walks, coconut leaf-weaving and iguana encounters. It’s education and connection cloaked in loads of fun. There’s even a dedicated lounge and program for teens.
Everyone can dive into the island’s conservation work, too. You can sponsor a Coral Reef Star for around $65, which can help regenerate the surrounding reefs. Working in the shallows, we cable-tied healthy coral fragments onto a hexagonal Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) frame. Kado, the resort’s marine biologist, told us these plantings will transform into a thriving reef within four years.
Couples can escape to the newly opened Leilani Spa, a sanctuary that rivals any city spa experience. A wall of gnarly strangler figs acts as a natural privacy screen as you soak in the outside tub, grounding you back to the island. I didn’t think I could mellow any further, but I was dozing within minutes of my massage.
Switch it up and visit the neighbouring Yaro village by invitation, island-hop with snorkel stops or take in the infamous Malolo sunset by boat cruise. The team will shape your perfect experience – picture our boat captain chasing a romantic sunset, us with a glass of bubbles in hand, being serenaded by our guitarist Leno … to the tune of ‘Baby Shark’. My son loved it.
By Danika Porter
Book your stay at Malolo Island Resort, along with air or sea transfers, directly at www.maloloisland.com
Sheraton Villas offer multi-room villa accommodation in Denarau should you choose to overnight near the airport.
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