Review: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

Nestled in 14 hectares of tropical garden, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is a stunning beachfront resort that boasts world-class amenities and unparalleled hospitality, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a relaxing, indulgent escape.

On arrival at the hotel, we are greeted with the traditional welcome “lali” (beating a wooden drum) by staff and presented with a traditional seashell necklace, followed by welcome cocktails (or mocktails) and soon after we were taken up to Club InterContinental Lounge to check in and have further refreshments by the club pool.

Rooms

The resort is made up of 266 rooms, of which 50 are luxurious suites at the Club Intercontinental. Standard rooms are a generous size at around 63m^2, while suites at Club Level range from 115m^{2 to} 218m². Each room boasts a Cleopatra bath on a private balcony or terrace, with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the South Pacific, offering the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the beauty of the natural surroundings.

We stayed in a one-bedroom Club Intercontinental Suite, which features a King bedroom with an ensuite, a spacious lounge, a generous dining table ready for a feast, and an outdoor living area. As you walk into the room, you feel like soaking in the bath with a cocktail in hand, while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Club Lounge

Staying in a Club room allowed us access to the Club Intercontinental lounge. The exclusive Club amenities include access to the private Club lounge and restaurant, infinity pool, complimentary sunset cocktails, and canapés. The sunset from the lounge is spectacular and one not to be missed.

Dining

While the resort offers multiple venues for dining options, my favourite was the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Navo. An exquisite culinary experience is offered here, showcasing the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets and infused with Pacific Rim flavours. The restaurant is elegantly designed, with a sophisticated ambience that is perfect for intimate dinners, special occasions, or simply enjoying a glass of wine with friends. We sampled exquisite local lobsters cooked in various styles, though my favourite was the bun with four flavours complemented with various salts. In addition, to support the local community in line with sustainability efforts, local artisans have specially crafted mother-of-pearl shells for your side plate and handmade napkins from the local village.

For more casual dining, head to Toba Bar and Grill, which has a wide range including wood-fired pizzas, burgers and desserts while sipping on a cocktail, and relaxing by the poolside. Breakfast is buffet style at Sanasana, which also offers themed buffet dinners in the evening — a more casual affair.

Luxury Spa Experiences

Spa InterContinental was recently awarded Fiji’s Best Resort Spa in the prestigious World Spa Awards 2022. The spa offers a range of indulgent and relaxing treatments using local produce, that draws on the healing powers of traditional Fijian botanicals and oils. The spa’s tranquil setting, complete with waterfalls, reflecting pools, and private treatment rooms, creates a calming ambiance that allows guests to truly unwind.

Wai Zone features Aqua therapy with water in three states; gas — the steam room, liquid — the hydrotherapy pool and rain forest shower, and solid — the ice room.

I booked in for the signature Natadola Bay Honey Retreat treatment, using locally produced honey and natural ingredients meant to rejuvenate the skin. The experience started with a sugar and honey scrub, followed by a yogurt and honey wrap and an organic antioxidant mask of honey, yogurt, and turmeric. The treatment ended with a relaxing massage after which I had a steam shower and then took a nap at the beachfront open bure – need I say more?

Other amenities

The hotel has a kids club and nanny services are also available. The resort also has a Championship Golf Course for those who need to practice their handicap.

Horse-riding is offered by locals on the beach but ask staff to negotiate please on your behalf.

My favourite

The open bures by the beach. Every morning, I “book” a bure (put my items on it) as I spend a whole day relaxing in these amazing open-air little huts after breakfast. Lunch can be ordered here from the resort, so you don’t have to leave your bure. With ocean winds caressing you while you read and eventually sleep, I can’t think of anything more relaxing!

Sustainability: A Greener Stay

Launched in December 2022, ‘A Greener Stay’ provides IHG guests staying two nights or more with the option to opt out of housekeeping services and, in return, receive 500 IHG ® One Rewards points per night.

This programme is aligned with IHG® Green Engage to help hotels with water and energy conservation.

In addition to this, the Spa has committed an onsite herb garden where the fresh herbs are used in treatments and infused in teas and smoothies.

Coral Reef Protection Project

Twice-weekly presentations are conducted by Reef Safari’s Marine Biologist, Makalesi at Kama Lounge & Bar. Our restoration efforts and the impact of the work being done is an engaging and informative talk that provides education and a sense of personal connection about the ocean on the doorstep of the resort.

The short-term strategy is to collect fragments of corals that have become detached through natural causes, sourcing these from nearby dive and snorkel sites in Natadola Bay.

Natadola Beach Clean-Up

Natadola Beach has been recognised as one of the best beaches in the world, with its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters stretching as far as the eye can see. InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa conducts monthly Beach Clean-Up Days to protect this pristine environment and collect litter around Natadola Bay.

Finally, the overall atmosphere at the InterContinental Hotel Fiji is one of warmth, hospitality, and serenity. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by friendly, welcoming staff who go above and beyond to ensure that your every need is met. The resort’s stunning grounds, with lush tropical gardens, swaying palm trees, and endless stretches of pristine beach, provide a serene and calming backdrop that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Fiji.

Fiji Airways Resort Check-in

Launched in partnership with Fiji Airways, guests flying with the airline can enjoy a convenient check-in service that allows them to check their bags directly at InterContinental Fiji, skip the airport check-in queue and enjoy a longer stay at the resort for a small fee of FJD20 (approx $14 AUD). The next time a guest sees their bag will be at their destination.

How to get to InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is a 55-minute drive from Nadi International Airport. Land transfers can be arranged with a number of operators at the airport, including Rosie Holidays and Natadola Tours.

fiji.intercontinental.com