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Fiji’s private islands offer a luxury romantic escape

Tavarua, Fiji

Do you know that among Fiji’s archipelago of islands, there’s one island that is heart-shaped? You can safely say that Fiji overall is one of the most romantic places in which to tie the knot or rekindle the flame.

Aside from the heart-shaped Tiny Tavarua island, there 332 beautiful ones. Only one third are inhabited. Be it your honeymoon, anniversary or wedding, here are five of the most private and pristine islands that promise paradise on earth for you and your significant other.

Tavarua, Fiji

And if you ever tire of lounging by the beach or in your luxurious villa by the water, there are plenty of outdoor activities to get the adrenalin flowing before you retreat for romantic sunset cocktails.

MALOLO

Just 10 minutes by seaplane west of mainland Viti Levu, the island of Malolo offers couples a picturesque, peaceful getaway just remote enough but sufficiently near to the airport at Nadi for a short vacation. Over 810 hectares and ensuring couples plenty of privacy, Malolo is the largest of the Mamanuca (pronounced mama-nootha) archipelago, which is a chain of 20 islands which are some of Fiji’s most photographed and filmed locations, including for the movie Cast Away and TV series Survivor.

Malolo, Fiji. Photo: Flickr/Traveloscopy

Known as the “island where the sun comes to rest”, Malolo inspires couples to enjoy blissful beaches steps away from the Pacific Ocean, worries forgotten. It’s no wonder Malolo is a favourite for sunset weddings.

On Malolo Island you will also find Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the only resort in Fiji with overwater bure villas. Likuliku means “calm waters” in the Malolo dialect, and its location in a lagoon rich with marine and land biodiversity provides a refuge away from the world, an ultimate romantic escape.

The group of singing Fijian musicians greeting each guest as they arrive on the island is a warm welcome, best shared with someone you love.

YASAWA

Yasawa means “heaven” in Fijian and it’s easy to see why the rugged, looming chain of 20 islands making up Fiji’s western border was named so. The stunning, statuesque islands form a dramatic landscape and were once off-limits to tourists. With no shops or banks, Yasawa is a perfect place to detox — a break from civilisation.

A snorkeller follows a Manta Ray, Yasawa Islands, Fiji. Photo: Droneworks NZ

A popular day trip is Drawaqa Island, or Barefoot Manta Island, which is one of the best manta ray safaris. The island is close to a manta ray feeding channel, offering couples the unique experience of swimming or diving with manta rays. The peace and serenity of swimming alongside friendly manta rays in a deep blue ocean will be a memory you cherish together for life. Another must-do is a jaunt out to the mysterious Sawa-i-Lau caves, which ancient limestone formations carved by waves promise a remarkable honeymoon experience.

An array of accommodation options await couples of diverse preferences. Flashpacker resorts are perfect for those who are looking for paradise at an affordable price, while luxurious 5-star resorts offer ultimate indulgence. For those looking to wed or renew their vows, Yasawa Island Resort and Spa could even help you to throw a traditional affair, with a guard of Fijian warriors and the choir from a nearby village.

TAVEUNI

Get back to nature in style with your partner on the island of Taveuni, the garden island of Fiji boasting some of its most exotic flora and fauna. A short domestic flight will take travellers from Nadi to the northern island, which is also home to several heritage parks - Waitabu Marine Park, Bouma National Heritage Park, Lavena Coastal Walk, and Tavoro Falls.

Hidden within the island is the national Tagimoucia flower, which is found nowhere else on earth. Legend has it that a princess forced to marry a man she did not love fled into the mountains and her tears turned into the beautiful red flowers.

Taveuni, Fiji

Not only can couples reconnect on this veritable Eden with lush hiking trails and waterfall spots to cool off, you can be the first in the world to see the sun rise as the International Date Line runs through Taveuni. Nothing quite beats greeting the day together especially in spectacular Taveuni Island Resort and Spa, which has luxury private villas over 100 square metres in size that overlook the ocean with floor to ceiling windows on all sides.

You can spend an entire day lounging in solitude with a loved one in this perfect island hideaway.

DOLPHIN ISLAND

If you’re after rustic luxury and ultra exclusive romance, you can’t go past Dolphin Island. Down the Suncoast side of the main island, this all-inclusive escape literally becomes your home away from home, because bookings here are on an exclusive-use basis, which means you’re the only guests.

Whether it’s a romantic rendezvous for two, or a vacation for the whole family, the island and its grounds and activities are all yours. This is Swiss family Robinson on a five-star resort scale. Apart from the beachfront villas, you can also choose to spend the night and welcome the dawn in the Hilltop Sleep-out Bure. Leave the kids with the island nanny and rekindle the romance in this utterly divine, thatched, open-air bedroom lit by candlelight.

Dolphin Island, Fiji

During the day time, take a leisurely hike through the local forest, go kayaking, learn to fish or dive; there’s also a suite of relaxing spa treatments. Enjoy your meals in your room, in the main bure, al fresco by the pool or on the beach under the stars.

MATANGI ISLAND

For the ultimate secret love nest, Fiji has several magnificent private islands which cater exclusively to couples seeking privacy. One of these is Matangi — a horseshoe-shaped island with untouched tropical rainforests and white sand beaches. One of three tiny volcanic islands east of the Taveuni island, Matangi was off-limits until recently when private owners transformed it to a secret paradise.

The Matangi Private Island Resort offers packages tailored for couples. Its signature villas include three secluded treehouses. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage only steps away from the beach, these treehouses have a private sun deck, outdoor lava rock shower, outdoor Jacuzzi, private king day bed, and great view of the sunset.

Matangi, Fiji

The horseshoe-shaped beach is so stunning that it has been named among the world’s must-sees in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. But perhaps more spectacular than the natural beauty is the warmth of the Matangi family who have put their personal touch in every part of the resort, so that it’s impossible not to feel at home.

Fall in love with the island nation of Fiji and get your fill of sea, sunshine and romance on five of its most alluring islands