Aimee Shaw checks into the Sofitel Resort and Spa Fiji.
Check-in experience: Greeted by friendly staff waiting in a large open-air foyer. Fruity drink offered on arrival.
Room: As the hotel is 5-star, I was a little disappointed with the room, given how modern the resort is. It had a nice layout and minimalist theme but the furniture was showing signs of wear and tear. Also, it wasn't soundproof. I could hear people talking and moving about in neighbouring rooms.
What's in the neighbourhood? Port Denarau shopping centre and dining precinct, ferry terminals with daily departing trips, including to the popular Malamala Beach Club.
Food and drink: Delicious. The hotel has a number of restaurants including casual outside dining Salt, Waitui Beach Club, which serves delicious canapes and meals, fine-dining restaurant V and Lagoon, which serves buffet breakfasts. Salt was my favourite restaurant, serving consistently good food. I was a little disappointed with the buffet breakfast, it wasn't the nicest food in the world but it did have a wide selection, catering for vegans, and offering gluten-free options.
The view: This was my first time in Fiji, (or anywhere in the Pacific) so I was blown away in general. I had an idea of what Fiji may be like but the reality exceeded all of my expectations. The view from my room was of the gorgeous resort grounds — palm trees, perfectly tended lawns and gardens with blooming frangipanis, waiting to be picked. I could also make out the glistening blue ocean in the distance.
Bathroom: The only let down, it was tiny and a real squeeze to shut the door due to the close proximity of toilet and shower.
Room service: Tasty and fast, albeit a tad expensive. Instead of a traditional menu left by the phone, the room service menu was on the room TV.
Value for money: Yes, but for the same or similar amount of money you could stay somewhere a that is bit more luxurious.
Facilities: Adults-only Waitui Beach Club with its own pool, plus cabanas, restaurant, bar and spa, large private beach, resort pools and restaurants, coffee and souvenir shops, spa, hammocks and on-demand water sport equipment rental.
I can vouch for the resort massages. I had an excellent back massage in a small hut on the beachfront. It was great — just the right amount of pressure. Perfect for: Business travellers, couples, honeymooners, families.
Would I return? Absolutely. Can't wait to return to Fiji with my husband.
