We haven’t been to Fiji for years, but decided a few days in the warmth would be relaxing. It’s not that we have little children or are sleep deprived, but it’s nice to occasionally do nothing but think, reflect and plan, even for the active relaxer. When I’m at home I’m always sweating the small stuff, doing admin, so it’s good to have time to focus on the bigger picture.

So, here we are at the Tokoriki Island Resort, an adult only resort.

The Pacific is a special place with a unique culture and New Zealanders are lucky to have it on their doorstep. It’s only a three hour flight and in the same time zone as New Zealand. The Fijian Islands are beautiful, idyllic and warm, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. The sea is a playground for diving, snorkelling, swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and more.

What makes Fiji even more special are its people. Most are from humble villages. They are aware tourism is the backbone to their economy, so give it everything to ensure their guests have the best stay possible. And in doing so, they never stop smiling. Their welcome and goodbye songs, come from the heart and its hard not to feel a little emotion as they thank you for choosing Tokoriki.

Tokoriki Island has two independently owned resorts, but the other resort was under rennovation and wasn’t a factor in our experience. The resort is immaculately maintained despite Fiji’s wet, warm climate. Faultless attention is given to both the villas and the grounds. Water ways weave though the main buildings with healthy, robust golden carp, living their best lives. The large complex has lush tropical foliage, including orchids cultivated on the property. However, my favourite vegetation is the water lilies. Many pots are dotted around the complex with lily pads and an array of colourful lilies. These fresh water sanctuaries are home to the many frogs which appear at dusk.

Tokotiki Island is lucky enough to have its own reef. Daily, the resort offers a complementary boat trip to the reef to snorkel. I took this opportunity multiple times. As well as a smorgasbord of tropical fish, big and small, I saw several turtles and reef sharks. In addition the resort offers a more extensive snorkelling trip with a marine expert, for a small fee.

Scuba diving is also an option. Sadly, it’s my first resort holiday when I haven’t dived. I’ve nearly earnt the title ‘senior,’ so I’m going to cherish all my great diving memories and let it go.

Tokoriki also offers many other activities. For those who haven’t embraced the Fijian culture, there are village and school visits, a church service in the beautiful resort chapel where the harmony of the voices will make you tingle. A walk around the island or a private island picnic are also available.

But, perhaps the most popular of all activities is lying in the sun, by the pool with a great book. The resort has two pools, a salt water and fresh water, with ample loungers and shade. The beach is great for swimming, during high tide, but a few rocks are exposed during low tide, making wallowing in the shallows fun.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were are all served outside under the shade of the vegetation when the weather was conducive. If the weather was wet or windy, meals were served in the magnificent pavilion. While the food is not included in the room rate, you have a choice of half board, full board or just a la carte. Everything was plated with no buffets, thank goodness. The food was fresh with a good daily selection of seafood.

A culinary highlight was our night at the teppanyaki restaurant, Oishii. Eight guests sat around the teppanyaki plate where we ate tuna sashimi and sushi, rice and selection of spiny lobster, mahimahi, prawns and beef. I have made the meal sound very simple and it was, but extremely tasty.

The lighting of the torches, by a bare chested warrior is the beginning of happy hour. Drinks are served from a large bar in the centre of the living/dining area. This is followed by dinner with some guests seated on secluded areas close to the ocean.

Our villa, like all the others was beach front. However, there are three tiers of accommodation: beachfront bures, beachfront pool bures and  beachfront pool villas. Our large, beachfront pool villa, had seperate living and sleeping areas, and a private infinity pool. The infinity pool overlooked the ocean, with a susbtantial decked area. The choice of outdoor furniture was vast with two chairs, two loungers and a double bed with canopy, plus an outdoor shower.

It’s always a sad day when the team sing you their farewell song and the chopper can be heard in the distance, but as the team at Tokiriki say, you are family, we will see you again.

We will be back.

Thank you Tokoriki.

Note:

The best time to visit Fiji is during the dry season, between May and October. During this time you can expect sunny days and minimal rain, however it is the peak season

There are multiple ways to reach Tokoriki from the mainland. An easy 15 minute helicopter ride is the quickest. Then, there are several boating options, a speed boat or catamaran taking a little over an hour.