If you are looking for a luxurious, wellness-oriented Fijian experience, Six Senses Fiji is the answer
Six Senses' successful blend of wellness, luxury and sustainability has garnered a cult following, so while Fiji, an archipelago of over 330 islands, is not short on uber-luxe resorts, the brand's April debut on Malolo was highly anticipated. The fact that Malolo, which is part of the Mamanuca group of islands, is relatively close to the international airport on Nadi just makes it easier to get there.
The resort, modelled on a typical Fijian village by New Zealand architect Richard Priest, sits peacefully above a secluded bay which boasts sand the colour and texture of cashmere. Its crowning glory, an expansive four-bedroom residence perched on a hilltop, offers a breathtaking, panoramic ocean view. Guests can sleep well in the knowledge that their very comfortable accommodations, and the various amenities available, are powered by the largest Tesla microgrid in the South Pacific.
1. First Impressions
Although it is a major international brand, the Six Senses experience is not predictably similar in all its locations.
Here, it starts with a traditional Fijian welcome–a song belted out by staff, as you arrive at the Bula Mai, or welcome bure (pronounced "mburey") after a 35-minute private speedboat ride from Denarau Marina on the main island of Nadi.
The welcome bure also hosts luxury surfing academy Tropicsurf, and Hauraki Adventures, a Kiwi company contracted to handle scuba diving and excursions. A display of sea sports gear in shades of turquoise and cobalt, from Tropicsurf and Hauraki, echoes the marine theme, further inspiring one to take to the blues of the surrounding waters.
A visit to the main reception, otherwise known as the Guest Services bure inside the "village", is dispensed with (though you have to check out there). A friendly Guest Experience Maker, otherwise known as a GEM, will do an in-room check-in for you.