Recently, I found myself in unfamiliar territory when I went to book my usual accommodation in Fiji to find out it was completely sold out. Not only that, but 7 of the resorts and hotels that I frequent were completely booked out for 2 months.
So, searching madly for the dates that I needed, I came across the Double Tree by Hilton Sonaisali Island Fiji. I admit that I always stay in Denarau Island, as this area of the main island of Fiji is close to the airport and has easier access to the resorts and is within easy distance to Port Denarau.
Venturing to another part of the island felt like an adventure.
Double Tree by Hilton is located in Sonaisali Island, about a 35 minute drive Southwest from Nadi International Airport. It is a unique resort as it is a strip of land that is separated from the main island so you need to take a 2 minute boat ride from the main island across to the resort’s island.
At the dock, I was welcomed by a Double Tree staff member who gave me a bottle of Fiji water and a welcome shell necklace. The porter took our bags and we made our way down the jetty walkway to the little boat ride. A further short walk took us to the reception area. Bula! A warm Fijian welcome came from the staff member at reception. Check in was fast and they already had our Hilton Honors member numbers that I had attached to the booking prior to arrival.
We were given the signature Double Tree by Hilton Warm Chocolate Chip cookie. (As a side note, I found out they are soon bringing out the ‘allergy free’ version of the cookie for everyone to enjoy their signature welcome!)
The resort is quite spread out so porters in buggies are available to drive you to and from your room to other parts of the resort. (It’s only a 5-7 minute walk to most locations in the resort but it’s a nice added service).
The reception area is inviting with the check-in desk, arm chairs to relax in, and a couple of shops. As you walk through reception, you get a glimpse of the swimming pool glistening in the sunlight. Surrounded by banana lounges and bean bags, the swimming pool looks so inviting, as does the swim up pool bar on the other side of the pool. Blue umbrellas and more matching banana lounges face the ocean just beyond the pool and are positioned ready and waiting for the next sunset.
The main restaurant wraps the length of the pool area and has ample seating for everyone. An All- American, all-inclusive buffet breakfast is served there every morning from 6:30 – 10:30am. Dinner is a smorgasbord with a culinary theme each night from Asian night to Pizza and Pasta, Indian Buffet and Butcher’s night as examples. As a special treat, I received a beautiful spread of High Tea and desserts selection prepared for me by the Head Pastry Chef. All I can is wow! Every mouthful of everything I ate at this High Tea and even at dinner each night was exemplary.
But what about the rooms, I hear you ask? Well, I wanted to save the best for last…
There are 2 distinctive room options. the main apartment-style rooms are located closest to the pool area and then there are the ‘Bures’ – the Fijian word for Huts or Villas. I stayed in an Ocean Front Double Kind Bure and I couldn’t have been happier. It was so spacious, with 2 king beds, a separate wash room leading into the main bathroom. Opposite the beds is a desk with extra power points, space for the luggage, TV on the wall , a mini fridge and coffee making facilities and a day bed with coffee table. There is also a wardrobe, safe, iron and ironing board in the room.
As far as Luxury Travel goes, my favorite part of this entire resort was opening up the sliding doors of my bure to my private deck – equipped with wicker furniture, oceanfront views and uninterrupted view of each night’s sunset. I ended up spending most of my days on my private deck, sipping tea and coffee, working away (yes, my work is travel!) and whiling away the hours until my favorite part of the day – sunset. I felt like it was just me, the glistening water and the glorious sun bowing down each night painting a gorgeous picture – each night’s sunset more stunning than its predecessor. I love sunsets and Fiji’s sunsets take the cake.
If you’re travelling for business – this resort has everything you need for peace and quiet, yet with all the tech accessories you need in your bure.
If it’s a family vacation, there is a kids park, a games area and of course the swimming pool and daily activities you and the kids can participate in. Or just soak up the sun anytime of year as you experience another day in paradise.
My only advice is to give yourself plenty of time for the drive back to the airport as the roads can get busy and it took us over an hour for our return flight.
The Double Tree by Hilton Sonaisali Island Fiji is an exceptional 4 star resort. The staff are so friendly and will go above and beyond to in any way they can. I highly recommend this resort and will definitely be staying there again.
If you would like to see my experience of staying at the Double Tree by Hilton Sonaisali Island Fiji, check out my Full Video Review on my YouTube Channel:
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Remember, the Journey IS the Destination.
Lia
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