Everything gravitates back to the sand and sea here, back to that incredible beach.
Of course, this world class resort has its serene Spa Inter-Continental offering a full menu of exotic treaments and private rooms. If you have been “waiting to exhale”, I recommend that you take advantage of the location and schedule the Tropical Beach Massage instead.
Relax in one of the draped beach cabanas, caressed by the ocean breezes while a therapist gives you a 50 minute Fijian Bobo healing massage flowed by a 10 minute mini facial. Ah, it’s heaven.
The cost – FJ$145, approximately US$75.
The experience – priceless.
Shuttle over to the adjacent Natadola Bay Golf course for your 7 a.m. tee time. This 18 hole, par 72 course was designed by world class Fijian golfer Vijay Singh and boasts breathtaking ocean views.
Clubhouse & Carts
Golf pro Charlie took me on a quick golf cart tour to Hole #4 which runs parallel to the beautiful beach while Hole #6 turns inland as one of the most challenging at par 5 ( if you’re lucky). I lunched at the Clubhouse and spoke to several golfers. They all enjoyed the gorgeous albeit slightly windy course.
Driving from the international airport in Nadi through sugar cane plantations along the southern Coral Coast, you arrive at beautiful Natadola Bay. Natadola Beach has been rated “one of the 25 sexiest beaches in the world” by Forbes Traveler magazine and the “best beach on Viti Levu” by the Lonely Planet travel guides.
Both well earned titles for a long stretch of unspoiled velvety white sand beach fringed by palm trees, now the location of the brand-new Fiji Inter-Continental Golf Resort & Spa. As you approach the main entrance to the resort, one of the porters will commence a Fijian lali drum welcome.
The sleek, contemporary Pacific design of the resort is immediately striking. All the public spaces including the lobby, reception area, swimming pools, lounges, restaurants and bars are airy and open with expansive views in every direction.
Travelers assume that beaches abound in Fiji but this isn’t true. And the size and quality vary by location. I watched beachgoers here swim, snorkel, even surf in the azure waters while couples lounged in the beach cabanas.
Bula Vinaka – warm greetings from the 333 sun-kissed islands of Fiji in the South Pacific.
The Fiji Islands are a tropical paradise with a wealth of natural beauty. There is a very well developed tourist infrastructure with a wide range of accommodations and an abundance of exciting activities. However, I believe the true treasure must be the people – undoubtedly the friendliest people in the world, despite their former reputation as fierce warriors and ferocious cannibals.
The word “Fiji” actually came from Tongan name for these islands. The inhabitants themselves called their home “Viti”. Tomorrow, we will begin our journey on the main island of Viti Levu which translates as “Great Land”.
