Each glamping-style bure is down a private path in a jungle setting. Photo / Hannah Filmer
A 20-minute drive from the centre of Fiji’s second largest city Lautoka, The Fiji Orchid makes guests forget the hustle and bustle that comes with everyday life, writes Hannah Filmer.
This four-star resort takes the idea of glamping to another level. Whether curled up in your room with a book, lying poolside or dining at the restaurant, this resort boasts a tranquil forest sanctuary at every turn.
Location: Planted about a kilometre off the beaten track in a tranquil, rainforest setting 30 minutes’ drive from Nadi, The Fiji Orchid feels a million miles from anywhere and anyone. Situated down a long gravel road on the west coast of Fiji, tucked away from small, authentic villages marked with fruit stands and sugar cane fields, there is nothing else in sight.
Perfect For: The adults-only hotel is perfect for couples, honeymooners or solo travellers wanting peace and quiet. With six bures and 14 staff, it’s uncommon to bump into other people.
It’s best suited for short-term stays between one and three nights so guests can relax and unwind before and after bigger travel plans, or used as a base for day trips across the island.
First Impressions: The first thing I notice is how quiet it is. There’s no one talking, and the noise of highway traffic is replaced with the tweeting of birds and ribbiting of frogs. The only sound is the welcome by smiling staff who deal with room check-in and the pre-ordered dinner service – very promptly, I must add.
The Room: A footpath makes its way to an open courtyard dotted with bench chairs, past a blue pool and into the depths of a forest where glamping-style bungalows are plotted among the greenery. The walls of the bures are floor-to-ceiling glass windows surrounding the entirety of the hut, with an arched circus-style tent roof.
Fresh hibiscus flowers are placed on the king-sized bed, bedside desk, coffee table, and bathroom cabinet, bringing a sprinkle of tranquillity to the inside. Tea and plunger coffee is available, as well as a mini fridge holding two bottles of water. Although there are no extra treats or a room service menu, there is bug spray provided, and as someone who gets attacked by mosquitos regularly, I felt relieved.
Although not the most private of stays in the glass-surrounded room, the jungle backdrop makes for a calming ambience while journaling and enjoying a morning cuppa.
Bathroom: The bathroom is spacious, taking up a third of the entire hut. The hotel has leaned into the rainforest idea, with a fixed overhead shower trickling down against a head-to-toe glass panel that looks straight on to a backdrop of trees. It was an unusual feeling at first, but there were just enough trees to feel some privacy.
Mini conditioning shampoo and body wash are provided as well as body balm, shower caps, sanitary bags and bath and beach towels.
Facilities: Once owned by 1960s Canadian actor Raymond Burr, The Fiji Orchid’s only dining option is the Raymond Restaurant, where guests and day visitors can go for breakfast, lunch and dinner at an additional price.
The highlight was the resort’s crystal blue pool with a series of fountains along the rock-studded back, complete with ample sun lounger seating. The hotel also has a spa and massages available.
There is no gym at The Fiji Orchid, which isn’t surprising given it’s designed to be a short-term and relaxing stopover.
Food and Drink: A la carte breakfast is included in the nightly room rate, with lunch and dinner also available at Raymond Restaurant.
Guests wanting dinner are asked to pre-order at reception at the start of each day. A short but sweet menu offers meat or seafood, vegetarian and gluten-free options. I would highly recommend the pancakes, although an additional cost, they’re swimming in a sweet, buttery caramel sauce and to die for.
While room service meals are available, the resort’s general manager Deepika Dimlesh encourages guests to come together. She accompanied me both nights I was there and made me feel very welcome.
In the Neighbourhood: The Fiji Orchid is designed for short stays and is a 40-minute car ride from Port Denarau, making it the perfect base for day island hopping.
For a smaller adventure, I would recommend the South Seas half-day Ride & Slide cruise. The four-hour excursion on a catamaran offers guests the chance to snorkel, paddleboard or slide from the top deck into the water. Beer, wine, soft drinks and a picnic-style lunch are included.
Saweni beach is a seven-minute walk from the hotel.
The Best Bit: On the second Sunday of every month, Raymond’s hosts a traditional Fijian Feast night. I had the pleasure of trying everything on offer, including native seaweed “nama” and “lumi”, as well as “ota”, which is a native freshwater fern, and the island’s infamous kokoda and steamed walu. I’d highly recommend it to more adventurous foodies.
Room for Improvement: This could be taken as a positive or negative, but the Wi-Fi connection is confined to each room, so not ideal for someone wanting to work poolside or from the restaurant. It seems the resort is truly embracing “being one with nature”.
Sustainability: The Fiji Orchid, much like other hotels on the island, uses as much local produce and dairy in meals as possible.
The Fiji Orchid offers refillable shampoo and body wash bottles by local Fijian brand Tapa, as well as reusable metal straws in its drinks and they have a daily food menu to avoid wastage that comes with buffet service.
Deepika says it is trialling refillable glass water bottles for room fridges and plans to recycle rainwater, similar to what it does at its sister venue, Nukubati Resort, which is considered an eco-chic resort.
Accessibility: The Fiji Orchid is not suitable for wheelchairs with individual pavers leading the way through the forest and a step on to the deck of each bure. There is also a long, narrow set of stairs up through trees and a garden into the hotel’s restaurant.
Price:
FJ$720 ($555) per night in high season, and as low as FJ$550 in low season.
Contact:
For more information, visit www.fijiorchid.com or call +679 228 0097