After spending two backpacker-style Christmases in New Zealand (2007/2008), we decided to spend it in a luxury Fijian style this year. After several weeks of searching and planning, we decided to give Tokoriki Island a visit.
Settled within the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji in the South Pacific, Tokoriki Island is home to only two resorts, Tokoriki Island Resort, which is an adults only luxury resort, and Amunuca Island Resort, a family holiday resort. Since its better to be alone than to see children running around, or worst, listening to the parents yelling at their kids, we opted for Tokoriki Island Resort.
As our flight was scheduled for 8.15am on the 25th with Pacific Blue, we had to catch the 4am train from Fairy Meadow to the Sydney International terminal. Interestingly, they have converted gates 50 and 51 of the terminal to cater for budget airlines. As a result, we had to go round and round until we reach the ground floor for boarding (via the tarmac).
After four hours of suffering, enduring the long flight time without entertainment or food, we were glad that we finally touched down at Nadi International Airport. Here, we were greeted by Island Hopper’s shuttle …
… that brought us directly to the helipad.
While waiting for the paperwork and luggage loading, we were given a selection of complimentary drinks (ranging from juices to beers), and one of them was the famous Fiji mineral water.
Soon, we were given a safety briefing, had our life jackets put on and off we go, …
… on a scenic 15 minutes helicopter flight over to Tokoriki.
Our helicopter arrival into Tokoriki Island Resort
Upon arrival, …
… we were escorted to the main bure of the resort for check in. We were also served a glass of fruit punch each …
… in addition to the welcome song.
Tokoriki’s welcome song
As soon as we got everything settled, we were given a quick introduction to the facilities around the resort and was shown to our bure.
The bure was florally decorated around the table, …
… around the bathroom sink …
… and on the bed.
The interior of the bure is generally spacious …
… and is only steps away from the beach.
They also offer a large bathroom that is appointed with mahogany counters, double vanities, an indoor shower and a tropical outdoor shower.
Within minutes, our gift basket was also delivered, which includes a bottle of Moet and Chandon champagne ...
… and a gift pack with body scrub, body lotion, coconut soap and two resort sulus.
Outside the bure, …
… there are two loungers and a coffee table …
… plus a hammock hanging between two coconut trees.
Although our bure provides a front row seat for the romantic South Pacific sunset, the beach in front of our bure was a little disappointing, with two huge rocks.
Luckily, there is a great stretch of sandy beach just a few metres away.
We then proceeded to check out some of the other buildings around the resort, such as the activities and dive bure, which also acts as an entrance for guests arriving by seaplane or boat.
Behind the dive bure …
… is the library (that is full of books that are not in English) …
… and the infinity pool.
Further down the road are the Senikai Spas Fiji …
… tennis court ….
… beach volleyball court …
… and the resort chapel.
Water features are also abundant in and around the resort.
After all the exploration, we went back to the main bure …
… to relax at the bar and lounge, …
… looking out towards the infinity pool.
Guests are generally welcomed to try some snacks at the bar, such as the roasted coconuts …
… and some crackers.
And since its Christmas, …
… everyone was served a complimentary Christmas drink, the Papaya Bellini (champagne with blended papaya and honey) …
… while enjoying the live music …
… and the beautiful sunset.
We also managed to book the outdoor deck dining table for our final two nights at the resort.
As dinner time approaches, we head over to the restaurant for our Christmas dinner, Tokoriki-style.
Besides the fine dining, …
… we also get to enjoy the carols sung by the Sunday School Choir from the nearby Yanuya Village …
… and a visit from Tokoriki’s own Bula santa.
During dinner, the friendly staffs (Joshua and Jerry) also go around from table to table to serenade songs with their guitars.
As we head back to our bure, we were glad that it had been turned-down with the unmaking of the bed, turning on lights to a low level, and turning on the air-conditioner.
Tokoriki’s own in-house Tokoriki Herald was also placed on the bed to inform us the upcoming activities for the next day.
All in all, our first day at Tokoriki fun and relaxing, except for the few mosquito bites.
3 comments:
What a terrific walkthrough of your day at Tokoriki! My husband and I are planning a trip there in a few months and I'm extremely eager now, seeing your beautiful pictures and your wonderful experience, and excited even more than before! Great job!
Thanks Angela, I hope you and your husband will have an enjoyable trip too..
Bula Alex,
enjoyed your walk through. a great picture story!
doing some concepts for villas up on the hill. was interesting seeing the tokoriki experience through a guests pov.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
LM
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