After being serenaded with a traditional welcome, we leapt off the boat, keen to put feet to soft white sand before someone changed their mind and took us back to the mainland. Vomo Island’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Karen Marvell, welcomed us on arrival with cool glasses of fresh pineapple and ginger juice, the perfect tonic after a boat ride in the warm Fijian sun.
We were there to tour the resort, so after an introduction Karen lead us inland down a path, weaving between relaxed, naturally styled gardens to the resort’s facilities and attractions. Walking across the island, the soundscape puts you at ease – the breeze, the ocean, rustling leaves, and little else – the quietness of this place is blissful.
Our first stop was the The Reef Restaurant, where guests dine overlooking the pool, enjoying the island’s renowned innovative cuisine, with produce fresh from Vomo’s own herb and vegetable gardens.
It’s late morning when we arrive, so guests are reclining around the pool, blissed out in the sunshine, the white fabric of day-beds flapping in the breeze. We’d love to dive in, but before the idea takes hold, Karen leads us down the path once more to explore the Kids Village.
The family-friendly ethos of Vomo is a draw card for many luxury travellers. Here, family time on the beach and exploring the island can be balanced with the hospitality of the Kids Village for the island’s younger guests, where activities like crafts, cooking classes and treasure hunts are offered, alongside kid-friendly cuisine served by the Kids Village' dedicated chef.
After a dose of cuteness, we move on to the Spa, which envelops us in its atmosphere of calm. The Vomo Spa is staffed exclusively by Thai-trained therapists, who use the highest quality natural products to pamper guests. The glass-walled treatment room is surrounded by a stream-like water feature, which adds to the energy of this place. The Spa complex is private, subtly screened from other guests for total relaxation.
We continue on to view the resort’s accommodation. Within moments of our first glimpse of a villa, we’re all mentally planning our next holiday to Vomo. Karen tells us that the island’s General Manager, Mark Leslie, combined all of his favourite elements of resort accommodation when he designed these villas – and we believe it. The décor is earthy, clean and spacious; all woods, white and woven textiles. The features are thoughtful, such as a subtle curtain that can be drawn to separate the bed from the sitting area.
We also explore the exclusive accommodation options of the Beachfront Retreats and The Residence, which each offer the same earthy elegance. The Beachfront Retreats feature their own private outdoor bathing decks, for a rejuvenating retreat experience. The Residence was built for the use of the island’s owner, but is available most of the year to book. Situated on the beach, and including three pavilions, The Residence can accommodate up to eight guests for a private and exclusive vacation. The Residence features a full kitchen for self or onsite catering, a 24 hour butler, an entertainment system, outdoor dining space and a private pool.
It’s outside The Residence that we glimpse a table on the verge of the beach - set for lunch in the shade of palm trees – awaiting us. Chefs are working just metres away from the table, cooking on a barbeque and preparing our lunch in the open air. We’re served chilled glasses of rosé and plates of divine antipasto to start. The Executive Chef and Sous Chef introduce themselves, then proceed to dazzle us with course after course of exceptional cuisine that celebrates Fiji’s produce and flair. We applaud their gastronomic feats and greedily eat far beyond our fill. How could you not?
After dessert we manage to transport ourselves a few metres down to the beach, where the translucent blue water invites us in for an afternoon swim. We laugh, chat in the shallows, and celebrate being here, if only for a day.
Vinaka Vomo! Your hospitality will be remembered long after we depart Fiji. And with a little luck, life will bring us to your shores again.
To book luxury escape to Vomo Island, contact the APX Leisure Travel Team direct on 09 302 9741 or via the toll free APX number 0800 TRAVEL (872 835). You can also email holidays@apx.co.nz.
For more information on Vomo Island, visit vomofiji.com
