If you’re flying into Nadi and don’t have a long window for R&R, rather than having to board a smaller plane and head to another island, why not head west to the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in Natadola Bay? Their property is only a 45 minute drive or 12 minute helicopter ride from the Nadi airport.
Their pristine beach that stretches long enough to get lost without another soul in sight. And, swimming here is spectacular.
The Viti Levu Island Property
Set alongside Natadola Beach on Viti Levu Island, this InterContinental gem is only 7 kilometers from Robinson Crusoe Island, which is just off the southwest coast of Viti Levu and has a history dating back 3,500 years. It took us roughly an hour to get there even with a little traffic from the airport.
At the entrance when we arrived from Nadi airport
Inspired by a traditional Fijian village, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa will have you at hello the moment you drive up to the reception drop-off area. Upon arrival (which was at night for us btw), we were greeted by warm smiles and a coconut drink. Surrounding us were coconut palms and 35 acres of native flora.
Above and below, greeting us as we arrived from Nadi Airport
Getting Around
They have open trucks that pick you up — you simply call for one and they’ll come get you. Or you can jump on one if you see one passing on the many walkways.
As part of your resort stay, you can take Scuba introductory lessons, play water volleyball, volleyball, Mini Golf (putting green), learn how to make Fijian kites and fly them, attend a Village Church Service if you have time, participate in non-motorized water sports, swim, jog (they have a jogging trail map), work out 24/7 and more.
The Pools
There are four pools at this property, so there’s no shortage of places to retreat to for swimming, sunbathing, reading a great novel or sipping a cocktail. There’s also an adults-only pool which is where we ended up for most of our stay.
We also had access to the Club InterContinental Lounge (a great place to have breakfast if you’re traveling with kids), and in front of the lounge, there’s a more secluded pool with sweeping views of some of the villas, terrain and the ocean beyond.
Above and below, the pool in front of the Club InterContinental Lounge
Above and below, the Club InterContinental Lounge
Modern decor lines the walls and shelves inside the Club InterContinental Lounge. There’s also a large TV screen here for viewing or simply hanging out. Books and games can be found too.
A buffet breakfast at the Club InterContinental Lounge although you can opt to order from the menu a la carte as well.
Breakfast at the Club
The other main restaurant where we dined (for dinner and breakfast) is Navo, which has views of pristine beaches and white sand for day time diners.
The beach area in front of Navo Restaurant
There are two pools relatively close together, one of which faces the ocean (the adult pool). In between the two pools at the front of the property, there’s a cocktail bar and kitchen. Here, you can order virgin and alcoholic cocktails, wine, beer, snacks and sandwiches which you can eat poolside.
Cocktails at the adult pool
Relaxing swimming and lounging at the Adult Pool
The Rooms
Their rooms and suites boast beach or forest views with sitting areas, tea and coffee making facilities and WiFi (there’s an extra charge for it). Club rooms add lounge access (with free refreshments and breakfast — see above) and some also provide whirlpool baths.
Above four inside room shots, courtesy of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Below is the cool dipping pool outside our suite.
Cool dipping pool outside our suite (Club level stay)
One of my favorite features of the suites were this outdoor bathtub, so you can relax in hot soapy suds while you listen to the birds outside.
We LOVE Pure Fiji products and you have an abundance of them in your rooms.
Exquisite Fiji products in the bathrooms
Creative and elegant touches on the beds each day!
In the main resort, options include a Garden View Twin or King, a Pool View King, a Lagoon View King, a Lagoon View King Suite, a Beachfront View King and a Beachfront View King Suite. In the Club InterContinental section, they offer a one bedroom King Suite (upstairs), a one bedroom king suite with plunge pool (downstairs) or the same offerings as a two bedroom, which is great for families. There’s also the Natadola Presidential Suite as well.
Dining options include an upscale poolside restaurant, an open-air bar/grill and a stylish bar. There’s a 18-hole PGA-endorsed golf course, the spa with a fabulous steam room, yoga, four outdoor pools and a really great gym.
The gym. Photo courtesy of InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
The Resort From Above
Then there’s the resort views from above — spectacular right?
Aerial views above and below. Photos courtesy of InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Aerial view, courtesy of InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Beach Activities
We love that there are beach side activities as well. On-site, a stone’s throw from the adult pool is Reef Safari Watersports where you can rent equipment.
There are paddle boards and kayaks for your use as well.
The Spa
The spa at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa combines Asian, Eastern and Western treatment methods to bring balance to mind, body and soul, their nurturing therapists (based on first hand experience) makes them one of the top Fiji spas.
While I love hot stone massages, I am also a huge fan of “hands on” body work, so I opted for a combination of both. For those who want all stones, they offer a 90 minute hot stone massage.
Above and below, amenities and perks in the relaxation lounge at their spa.
The tea was heavenly!
My ever so wonderful massage therapist!
You could also purchase Pure Fiji products (and kits) in the spa gift shop.
There’s pure serenity throughout the spa (and the property)
Be sure to read our standalone spa review.
Below, one of the gift shops on-site.
One of the gift shops at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Fine Dining
The InterContinental is known for its amazing restaurants around the world — frequently luxury travelers know this but if you haven’t stayed in an InterContinental before (or regularly), it may be new information.
Navo is the golden gem at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. It is named after Navo Island, which is located across the channel from the restaurant — it was once known as a place of safe retreat during times of war and conflict, where women and children sheltered in its interior caves guarded by warriors. Today, it is preserved for its historical significance.
David Bell, Executive Chef. Photo courtesy of InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
We loved their signature cocktails, especially the Melanisian Sling, which they make with Vodka, Cherry Brandy, Pineapple, Grapefruit and Bitters — goes great with their bar appetizers.
Above and below, bar appetizers in the Club Lounge before we headed to Navo. The Kava chips were divine — also tapioca balls, nuts and fruit.
Entrees were equally heavenly. Every month at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Navo features a specific ingredient and the month we were there, it was prawns and so we tried the Prawn and Avocado Pear Tian, which they make with chili mayo, arugula, paw-paw relish and lime.
I had to try the Beef starter (tataki, pumpkin, mushrooms, beetroot and truffle vinaigrette) and we also sampled the Kokoda, which is a popular dish in Fiji. It is made with lobster, coconut cream, chili, capsicum, lime, red onions, coriander and nama.
A Divine Starter right? Tataki, pumpkin and beetroot combo was out of this world.
They offer a “Grill” menu where you can choose your meat (or fish) and then select a sauce or butter. We went with yellowfin tuna, King Salmon and Yasawa Green Lobster with bearnaise, and chili lime concasse. The sauce options are Armagnac pepper, Bearnaise, Bordelaise, Mushroom, Beef Jus and Lamb Jus and the butter offerings are Herb, Wasabi, Blu Cheese and Truffle. Yum, right?
Customized grilled fish dishes with a variety of sauce options
The Yasawa Green Lobster — massive right?
They also offered Lamb, Pork, Scallops, Mud Crab, Risotto, Tortellini (hommade with rourou, garlic, and coconut cream) and others. Navo has vegetarian options as well as an incredible wine menu.
Desserts included a peach strudel, Creme brulee, ice cream and a cheese board. We opted to share the Fijian Chocolate, which they make with dark mousse, honey comb, chocolate ice cream and banana. Our host insisted we try the Binoffee Globe with bitter chocolate sauce (amazing choice) and the Chocolate Fondant with chocolate, caramel, peppered mascarpone, macaron and nuts.
With your dessert, they make a mean and delicious Coco Espresso, made from vodka, coconut rum (yes, really), caramel and espresso. Perfection, right?
Below, the Navo Resetaurant by day — we had breakfast here most mornings.
For more information on this great luxury property, visit their website and our spa review.
If you’re a foodie, you can’t go wrong at the InterContinental Fiji Gold Resort & Spa
DETAILS:
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
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