COUPLES

Fiery sunsets, swaying palms and languid lagoons: it’s easy to see why Fiji is one of the most romantic places on Earth. Throw in balmy weather and serenading Fijians and watch the amorous factor skyrocket.

+ Must-do

Hold hands and snorkel through fish-filled waters or simple laze in a hammock swung between coconut trees. As the sun sets, be seduced by pool- or beach-side dining, sand between your toes, or enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner at the end of a jetty. On a clear night take a walk on an empty beach or stargaze from your own private pool.

World-class spas allow couples to be pampered and enjoy a relaxing time together, often to the soundtrack of lapping waves. Enjoy everything from a grass-roots Fijian Bobo massage in an open-air bure through to the mindblowing Dusk Till Dawn spa and sleep experience. Offered at the Shangri-La’s Chi, The Spa, the marathon treatment involves an overnight stay beginning with a massage and private alfresco bath under the stars and a facial the next day.

+ Stay

The choice of amorous stays is endless. Choose from the Mamanuca archipelago, a string of islands much loved by Australians where two adults-only escapes are a mere hop from the mainland. Or opt for barefoot luxury at one of Fiji’s many romantic island resorts in the Yasawas or on Taveuni, Vomo or Royal Davui. Within moments of arriving across emerald-coloured reefs, you’ll be toasting each other with cocktails, the scent of frangipani in the air.

Reminiscent of Bora Bora and the Maldives, Likuliku Lagoon Resort’s most sought-after rooms are its luxe over-water bures. Wake to dreamy views of the Pacific Ocean, swim and snorkel straight from your room and enjoy a picnic for two on Honeymoon Island. This luxury, couples-only resort, boasting Fiji’s first and only over-water bungalows, sits in a protected bay. The 45-bure resort offers 10 over-water bures that embrace indooroutdoor living. Guests wake up to superlative views of the Pacific Ocean, while glass floor panels allow viewing of the natural aquarium beneath. Doors open to the deck and a ladder descends into the warm waters, allowing direct access for impromptu swims.

At Tokoriki Island Resort – a perennial favourite with honeymooners – couples stay in 36 contemporary bures (18 of which are beachfront pool bures), take siestas in hammocks and shower alfresco under the stars. Tropical sojourns don’t get more romantic than this.

At Royal Davui Island meanwhile, every guest is greeted by an enthusiast welcome song as they embark on their romantic island stay. This five-star, adults-only islet off Viti Levu’s Pacific Harbour and near Beqa (pronounced Ben-ga) Island is surrounded by azure waters and a spectacular fringing reef.

All but one of Royal Davui’s 16 villas are perched atop the rocky hillside, meaning no direct beach access but stunning Greek Island-esque views. All come with their own private plunge pools and are equally seductive. Some honeymoon guests reportedly spend their entire stay in their luxurious rooms, which come complete with spa baths, retractable roofs for stargazing, two decks and four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets. Dining beneath the resort’s 400-year-old Banyan tree overlooking the vivid aquamarine sea, however, is not to be missed.

Guests that do venture out are rewarded with waterfall hikes and village visits to nearby Beqa Island, Pure Fiji spa treatments, kayaking, fish feeding and some of Fiji’s best snorkelling on Davui’s incredible fringing reef.

+ Don’t miss

Play castaway with your own romantic private island experience. With 333 islands (many of them uninhabited) scattered across roughly 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific, there’s an island or patch of sand with your name on it.

Resorts across the archipelago –including Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Como Laucala Island, Vomo, Castaway Island, Six Senses Malolo and Yasawa Island Resort and Spa to name but a few – will pack you off with a decadent picnic, a bottle of wine, and snorkelling or kayak gear and deliver you to your own deserted island. What could be more romantic?

Tuck into a lunch of say lobster salad, sushi and tropical fruit, accompanied by Champagne or your choice of wine. When you’re done, simply use a two-way radio to let your “rescuers” know you’re ready to face the world again.

A royal romance

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