If you are looking for an authentic Island experience - this is it.  Tokoriki Island Resort is the jewel of the Mamanucas, a private island that sits proudly off the coast from Fiji’s largest island Viti Levu, and only a short hop by heli from Nadi airport.  We arrived at this adults-only, intimate 5 star resort wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life, and with Tokoriki's calming setting and luxurious amenities, it was an idyllic location to relax and rejuvenate. 

If you are travelling between the Southern and Northern Hemisphere, Tokoriki is the ideal place to pause a while and get your bearings, as Fiji is on the same time zone as New Zealand, while offering a distinctly different experience to a tour of Australia or New Zealand.

The resort itself offers 35 beachfront rooms, either side of the central freshwater infinity swimming pool and restaurant area. The resort never feels crowded and staff welcome you as if you are a member of the family. The bures and villas are spacious and well appointed in Fijian style with luxurious additions, each with a sea view. The lush orchid filled gardens surrounding the villas make for pleasant strolls as you walk between the separate areas of the resort.

The restaurant meals celebrate fresh produce with an obvious seafood theme. Dining choices include an airy open sided restaurant surrounded by lily ponds, poolside dining, or various beach front locations. We enjoyed drinks by the pool at sunset, as the blood orange sky reflects its vibrant palette on the spectacular oceanfront below you, while a Fijian warrior lights pool side torches. And we would thoroughly recommend the Teppanyaki experience at Oishii restaurant where we got to dine amongst the fragrant gardens.  A fun night!

And if you felt like being more active, then there is plenty to do. Sailing, scuba diving, paddleboarding, tennis, table tennis, guest gym, snorkelling and fishing are some of the activities available to guests, and day trips to other islands are also on offer as well as a visit to a nearby Fijian village which the resort supports financially as well as employing many of the residents at the Resort.  And finally, what can we say about the Luxury Spa!  It is a not to be missed experience, a feast for the sense with waterfalls, natural rock pools and lush foliage.

This resort is so loved, that we met many returning guests to the Island who are celebrated by the staff upon their return. Once you have visited ten times a palm tree is planted in your honour, and a plaque erected . The forest of palm trees on the hillside above the resort are a testament to how very special this place is.  It seems that once you have visited this special place, it continues to call you back to its glistening shores.  We know we will be back - that's for sure!