The Six Senses brand is one that has come to epitomise luxury, personalisation, wellness, and sustainability. So when I learned that they were expanding their portfolio to include Fiji – my upcoming honeymoon destination – I immediately booked a beachfront villa (or bure, as they’re called here). What did we think of Six Senses Fiji? Read on.
Getting there
While Fiji seems far-flung, it’s is actually closer than you think. Thanks to Fiji Airways’ new direct route from Singapore, you’re just ten hours away from the paradisiacal South Pacific islands.
Our experience started the moment we cleared customs at the Nadi airport when a representative from Six Senses whisked us into a private room and treated us with refreshing welcome drinks, cool towels, and a necklace crafted by local artisans. After freshening up, we took off for Malolo, one of Fiji’s 333 islands, by way of private car and speedboat, but do note that guests also have the option of flying in by helicopter as the resort boasts its own helipad.
Read also: A luxe guide to Fiji, the jewel of the South Pacific
The ‘Bula’ spirit at Six Senses Fiji
As we stepped off the boat and onto the island, a Fijian band greeted us in true “bula” spirit – warm smiles and lively Polynesia beats. “Welcome home!” exclaimed Sireli, our dedicated Guest Experience Maker. It wasn’t long before the entire staff knew us by name, which truly did make us feel at home.
The sprawling resort, which took six years to build and is still not quite complete, was designed to embrace the island’s beauty. Occupying 650 meters of private white sand beach, the property exudes a luxury, contemporary feel with a nod to Fijian culture – native hardwoods, grass cloth wallpaper, and high-gabled thatch roofing create a seamless blend with the natural setting.
En route to our bure, Sireli pointed out the resort’s well-appointed features: two restaurants under the care of executive chef Ihaka Peri, a treetop yoga pavilion, an outdoor jungle gym, and an alfresco pizzeria with a stone oven and outdoor cinema. We can’t forget the Ice Cream Sala which serves 30 flavours of all-natural ice cream, complimentary to all guests.
A romantic retreat
Our beachfront bure was the ultimate honeymoon retreat. Secluded, romantic, and with direct access to the white sand beach, the eco-chic abode was appointed with warm mahoganies, traditional carvings, and an outdoor soaking bath made from local stone. We lazed the days away next to our private pool, designed with turquoise tiles that mirrored the impossibly blue water of Vunabaka Bay. Upon check-in, we were presented with a complimentary bottle of champagne and a daily activities menu, which included mixology classes, coral planting, and an array of culture excursions, although anyone would be happy just relaxing at the resort.
Read also: How to survive travelling as a couple, by a couple who’ve made it their job
Is heaven real? (Yes.)
Speaking of relaxation… a highlight of our stay was the decadent spa, which was built as a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Fijian village. Treatments include local healing traditions as well as an alchemy bar where guests can concoct their own body scrub or face mask with home-grown herbs, fruits, and spices. I indulged in a heated lava shell massage, a deeply soothing treatment that uses warmed Tiger-striped clam shells to ease you into a state of pure relaxation. It was heaven.
Sustainable luxury
Our favourite part? Guilt-free travel. Like all resorts in the brand, Six Senses Fiji takes their responsibility to protect and preserve the natural environment seriously, demonstrating how luxury resorts can positively impact the environment and local community while still providing a high-end experience for guests. Not only is the entire property 100% solar powered using Tesla batteries, but they also use metal straws in place of plastic, purify their own drinking water, and produce their own tonic, ginger beer, and kombucha. We loved that the resort was committed to empowering the local village – even the restaurant placemats were handcrafted by local women.
Whether you’re a romance-seeking honeymooner or just want a palm-fringed escape, Six Senses Fiji is #outoftheordinary.
Read also: The top eco-sustainable resorts in Southeast Asia
