Sensational destination wedding and honeymoons in Fiji!
By Victoria Black
Recently my colleague Liana and I were extremely blessed to experience a week-long tour of some of Fiji's most romantic locations, while visiting the first Tourism Fiji Wedding Expo.
We're talking private islands, luxury resorts and beautiful villas – all perfect places for the ultimate destination wedding or honeymoon. We had an action-packed itinerary, visiting a different resort – and often different islands! - every night. Each one was SO beautiful and unique – it really was very hard to leave.
We had so many wonderful experiences, it definitely reminded me how utterly magical a wedding or honeymoon in Fiji can be. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning scenery, along with the lovely local service definitely sets the scene. You can read about my trip below, hopefully you will gather some inspiration for your own wedding or honeymoon in Fiji!
Shangri La's Fijian Resort and Spa
We started our week at the magnificent Shangri La Fijian Resort and Spa, a lovely family-friendly resort with tons of options, from mini golf, to three pools, a hair salon and more. The resort was hosting the annual Tourism Fiji Wedding Expo, which was amazing and is a must-do for any Fijian bride-to-be! It was so great having all the resorts, stylists, planners, florists, makeup artists, caterers and more under one roof.
As well as the expo, we were treated to a gorgeous bridal fashion show by talented Fijian designer Anton Conway-Wye. The show and cocktail function was held outside the resort's charming non-denominational chapel, which looks over the water – the most dreamy ceremony location. An enchanting performance by their choir had everyone mesmerised.
The relaxed feel of this resort would make it a really enjoyable place to have a wedding, especially if your guests are bringing children. There are plenty of dining options too, with a few different restaurants and bars, where we enjoyed delicious 5-star gourmet dinners overlooking the water…my mouth is still in heaven!
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa
You may have read that I am a huge fan of The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, having stayed here before! It is conveniently located close to Nadi, on one of the island's most beautiful beaches, Natadola Beach. The sheer luxury of the resort's rooms, grounds and restaurants make this one of my favourite Fijian destinations.
This visit, I had the chance to swim in the lagoon adults-only infinity pool and enjoy a soak in my private outdoor bath, indulging in the resort's Queen Cleopatra coconut milk bath ritual.
The spa here is beyond beautiful, and a day here would make the most amazing pre-wedding pampering session. The wedding pavilion/chapel is also gorgeous in its simplicity, set right by the water.
One of the highlights of our trip was a degustation-style dinner at the resort's signature Navo restaurant, where we ate way too much! We were served course after course of amazing food, from lobster kokoda (a Fijian favourite, where seafood is cooked in coconut milk), to delicious local pork belly, and a decadent chocolate fondant dessert. Too spoilt!
For an out-of-this-world luxurious wedding you and your guests could occupy the entire Club InterContinental, which is positioned above the resort, with your own private reception, dining room and club pool. Ahhhh…unbelievable!
Arriving at Matangi Private Island Resort, after a flight over the most breathtaking coral reefs, a shuttle from a tiny airport on Taveuni Island, and a speedy boat trip, we were instantly on island time.
With a shoes-optional atmosphere and less cell phone reception and wifi than the mainland, we stopped staring at our phone screens for once (although I still managed to get in a few Instagram posts for you all!).
The vibe at Matangi was so relaxing, from the friendly staff, to the beautiful pool by the dining pavilion, to the amazing tree-house I slept in – I felt so blessed! My tree-house even had its own four-poster bed inside and air conditioning!
This resort would be perfect for a small, private wedding ceremony, and is popular with couples wanting to elope or renew their vows. It is also an amazing spot for a honeymoon, as it is so secluded and beautiful, set right on a gorgeous beach.
The food was truly wonderful here, cooked up by local chefs (with freshly-baked cookies always available!), but the highlight was the snorkelling tour we were treated to in nearby Horseshoe Bay – listed in "1,000 Places to See Before You Die"- the most idyllic location for a private romantic picnic.
Stay tuned for part two of the blog tomorrow!