As soon as I stepped off the plane in Fiji and felt the warm tropical breeze, I immediately knew this was going to be an unforgettable trip. It was my first time back in Fiji in 10 years, and when I saw the warm smiles of the locals, I was reminded of why this island destination is so special. We’d been invited to Fiji to take part in a seven-night expedition cruise to the Northern Lau Islands with Captain Cook Cruises (article coming soon), and with our itinerary and flight times, it made sense to top and tail our cruise with a stay on the mainland. On my last trip I stayed at several incredible resorts, however there was one that I had been dreaming of returning to – InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.
Located just 55 minutes from Nadi International Airport on the south west coast of Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island), the resort is set amongst 35 acres of pristine tropical gardens. Its tropical foliage isn’t the only drawcard. While many believe you must venture to the outer islands to experience the true beauty of Fiji’s beaches, this is not the case with the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. The resort is set on Natadola Beach, a white sand, palm-fringed paradise with azure-coloured waters that is constantly ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. It also gets the most incredible sunsets, the ones where the sun literally melts into the ocean.
As we approached the resort and saw the grand entrance, lined with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, I couldn’t wait to create new memories. The staff greeted us with a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony, complete with a welcome cocktail of our choice that was mixed in front of us using locally made gin and rum. It felt like I had stepped into a dream.
THE ACCOMMODATION
We stayed one night on either side of our cruise – we would have stayed longer, but we were travelling without Ryder as he was too little for such an adventurous cruise. But because we had two mini-stays, we were able to experience two different rooms.
We stayed in both the Beachfront Balcony View King Room and the Beachfront Balcony View King Suite. They both had the same outlook and a very similar vibe. The only difference being that the room is a studio layout, whereas the suite it’s a one-bedroom layout with more space overall.
Both featured an elegantly decorated room with a king-sized bed that seemed to float on the polished wooden floor. But the best part was the private terrace complete with a freestanding bathtub that provided uninterrupted views of the pristine Natadola Bay. I made the most of my first ever child-free holiday since having Ryder by popping champagne on the terrace, watching the sunset from the bubble bath while the moon floated between the palms, with the sound of the waves lapping on the sandy shores below. To say I was in heaven was an understatement.
THE RESTAURANTS
The dining options at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa are exceptional. From the gourmet buffet breakfasts, à la carte lunches and themed buffet dinners at Sanasana Restaurant, and the pool side feasting complete with stone-baked pizza and extensive cocktails menu at Toba Bar & Grill, to the signature dining at Navo overlooking the lagoon and its namesake island of Navo. Each restaurant offered a unique culinary experience, using fresh, local ingredients. I’m pretty sure I ordered kokoda at every meal – it’s my favourite Fijian dish (see recipe here).
While every meal was incredible, and the service was impeccable, there is one that deserves a special mention. On our final night, we were treated to dinner at Navo, a fine-dining restaurant specialising in seafood that has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in all of Fiji.
Jason and I hadn’t had a date night for a long time, so to be dining in candlelight with the balmy evening sea breeze washing over us, was so special. We started with cocktails and perused the extensive menu, which you don’t need to be a seafood lover to appreciate. There are plenty of delicious non-seafood options to choose from and we got a mix. The lobster with bongo chilli was beyond. It was so good; you could plan a whole trip to the InterContinental Fiji just to experience this lobster again. Along with the lobster, here’s what we ordered:
STARTERS:
Madrai Vavi
Freshly baked bread, olive oil and ‘South Sea Salt’ collection.
Kokoda Urau
Yasawa lobster, lime, coconut cream, lemon grass and coriander.
Vuaka Ni Vuda Kei Na Ura
Glocal port and prawn
Lumi custard, pork belly, sweet potato, prawn tempura, and chuga wakame cream.
MAINS:
Urau Vaka Rokete Kei Na Moli
Lobster bongo chilli and garlic – local chilli paste, grilled lime and herbs.
Bulumakaku
250gm Black Angus Ribeye, curried mushroom cous cous, grilled zucchini with red wine jus.
SIDES:
Pateta Tavuteke
Truffled shoestring fries.
Ota Va Niu
Long beans and ota, with coconut and garlic.
DESSERT:
Keke Vaku Sucu
The Glocal Signature
Tres leche, mango, coconut and oassion. Fiji sorbet, and Savu Savu white chocolate.
Plus, an array of delicious wines that we ordered by the glass to match with our dishes.
THE SPA
While I didn’t get to visit the spa during this trip, it’s top of the list for when we return. Even just walking past the spa I was enveloped by the soothing scents of tropical flowers and essential oils. If I’d had more time, I would have opted for the signature Fijian Bobo Massage, which uses a combination of deep tissue massage and traditional techniques. The therapists at the Intercontinental Fiji are all incredibly skilled, and the spa also has a beautiful outdoor area where you can relax post-treatment, surrounded by nature.
THE GOLF
Jason is an avid golfer, but he didn’t have time to play a round – like me with the spa, it’s on his list for our next visit. Designed by Vijay Singh, the golf course at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa offers a world-class 18-hole championship experience. Set along Natadola Bay, it features challenging fairways, strategic bunkers, and stunning ocean views. With excellent practice facilities, a well-equipped clubhouse, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, it provides both a thrilling game and a serene escape. Each hole, especially the dramatic par-5 18th, showcases the course’s blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence.
THE KIDS CLUB
The InterContinental Fiji looked like a paradise for children. In fact, I thought I was handling travelling without Ryder very well until I saw a bunch of toddlers in the splash zone area of the pool, laughing and playing. I vowed to bring Ryder back so he could experience this resort, especially the Kids Club and the incredible pool!
The Kids Club at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa offers a fun and engaging experience for children. With a range of activities like arts and crafts, Fijian cultural lessons, and outdoor adventures, kids are entertained and educated in a safe environment. The club features dedicated play areas, supervised by trained staff who ensure each child’s safety and enjoyment. This vibrant space allows parents to relax, knowing their children are having an unforgettable time.
HOW TO GET TO THE INTERCONTINENTAL FIJI GOLF RESORT AND SPA
Located just 55 minutes from Nadi International Airport on the south west coast of Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island), the best way to arrive is by car, although helicopter transfers are also available.
We booked at taxi to pick us up from the airport, but you can organise a range of transfers depending on your needs here.
