Castaway island is Heaven away from home, writes Kevin Page.
Castaway island is Heaven away from home, writes Kevin Page.
Castaway Island lies 30 kilometres from Denarau Marina on the outskirts of Nadi.
South Sea Cruises transported our small party on one of their regular giant catamaran services, island hopping with drop offs along the way at the many other resorts amid the Mamanuca Islands group.
Those in the knowsay Castaway, a sister resort to OutriggerFiji Beach Resort on the mainland, is the best.
It seems from the moment we step on to the white sandy beach to the strains of a traditional musical welcome from general manager Steven Andrews and his team, we are to be pampered, relaxed and de-stressed in the most unobtrusive fashion.
Along with its magically relaxed nature, the resort features, among other things, two freshwater swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, a renowned kids club and myriad water-based activities. But you wouldn't know it. Each is cleverly allotted its own quiet space among the palm trees.
One of the bure's at Castaway.
A luxurious beachfront bure, literally 10 paces to the water's edge, is home for a few days. But truth be told I don't spend much time inside.
There are the sights, sounds and sunsets of surely one of the most beautiful places in the world to savour. Not a moment should be wasted.
And just when you think you can't improve on perfection Castaway throws up another offering in the guise of a 20 minute boat ride to picture perfect, uninhabited Modriki Island where Tom Hanks filmed the movie Castaway.
After 10 minutes lazing around on the sand, and even before I've experienced the most amazing snorkelling in the clearest of waters, I'm wondering why Tom ever wanted to leave.
Back at Castaway that evening dinner awaits, barefoot in the sand, at the award-winning 1808 restaurant. Here the menu is inspired by Fijian history, culture and techniques. A fusion of the past and present. It works magnificently.
So much so that I am worried I may sink like a stone during next morning's snorkelling visit to the resort's coral planting programme, in partnership with the Mamanucas Environmental Society.
I needn't have worried. It's only 40 metres offshore from the resort and any thoughts of sinking are quickly forgotten at the sight of the blue tipped coral beneath me. Blue tips indicated the planting programme, aimed at rejuvenating the coral beds, is working.
All too quickly my Castaway time is at an end and Steven and his team see me off on the Mamanuca Express water taxi for the 40 minute high speed trip back to the mainland. Luckily though I've discovered Heaven has a permanent webcam pointed right at the beach. So I can visit any time.
* The writer was a guest of Outrigger Resorts Fiji.
