Beyond Reality TV: Why Clients Are Obsessed with Fiji’s OUTRIGGER Beach Resort

It’s no surprise if your clients have Fiji on their minds; this South Pacific paradise has been stealing the spotlight on reality TV in recent months, not to mention its decades of prominence as a go-to premium bottled water option. From Love Island USA and Survivor to the newly-popular Stranded on Honeymoon Island, Fiji’s stunning beaches and lush landscapes have become the ultimate bucket list destination for romance and adventure alike.

Enticed by years of marveling at the islands from TV, we were eager to experience the mystical, majestic isles of Fiji. We booked a stay at Fiji’s OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, a luxurious beachfront property on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, Fiji. The sprawling, family-friendly resort is reminiscent of a traditional Fijian village, with more than 40 acres of lush tropical gardens and a hospitality-minded staff that was attentive and welcoming. Here’s an insider look at why your clients will love this top-rated property.

Fiji Hospitality

We flew the 11-hour direct flight from Los Angeles on Fiji Airways, one of three routes from the continental U.S., with the others including San Francisco (SFO) and a recently added route from Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW).

The Outrigger Fiji Resort is set on the southwest coast of the main island, about a 1:20 drive from Nadi International Airport. The resort has over 250 rooms and suites, plus several traditional bures (bungalow-style dwellings) and beachfront bures. 

The first thing your clients will notice upon arrival is the hotel staff’s remarkable welcoming “bula” spirit. There’s a real sense of warmth and a genuine hospitable spirit that is present throughout all the staff on the property. They will know your client’s names after just one introduction and greet them by first name on every encounter. That kind of intuitive and caring warmth was awe-inspiring, always making us feel welcome and remembered (With one friendly restaurant attendant asking, “Was the bacon crispy enough for you today?!” and yes, it was). Given the high satisfaction of guests, hotel management shared that the resort’s staff is the number one reason guests return. We could tell why.

The property has recently undergone an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation, which included all guest rooms and bures, and it all looks incredibly modern and island-chic with adequate WiFi that covers the entire property. The grounds have an amazing sense of place, making you constantly aware that you are in Fiji, with swaying palms, vibrant tropical gardens, and the sound of the surf just beyond. The views from the resort are so idyllic that we often saw staff members who have worked at the resort for decades pausing to take a photo of the stunning sunsets.

The main draw for your clients here at the resort, and the accommodation option we chose, was the Plantation Pool Bure. These stunningly rendered cottages feature a private pool and intricately designed vaulted ceilings. This is the ideal option for couples and honeymoon clients, as it emanates a romantic charm with plenty of privacy. Clients seeking a more upscale, luxury experience will appreciate the resort’s Talai Butler Service, available for higher-end/oceanview rooms and bures, which offers personalized touches, VIP check-in, and more.

The Resort-View Courtyard Rooms are ground-floor rooms with a private courtyard and garden access, with interconnecting rooms that are perfect for families. 

Activities

We made the most of our time here by enjoying as many activities as possible, and there were plenty to choose from. A charming hand-written chalkboard displayed the day’s activities, including beach volleyball, kayaking, tennis, paddleboarding, and snorkeling gear. We were also charmed by the evening programming, which included meke dance performances, fire-walking shows, and kava ceremonies. Regarding the kava, your client will likely hear a lot about it while they’re in Fiji and be curious to try it. The traditional Fijian drink is a ground root that has a numbing effect.

Sigatoka River Safari: The Sigatoka River Safari was a highlight of our trip and a must-do day trip for your client. The half-day eco-cultural adventure begins with a thrilling jet-boat ride through the shallow waters of the Sigatoka Valley. The fertile land is breathtakingly beautiful and exhilarating to speed through. The tour then visits an authentic Fijian village, where we spent the afternoon at Mavua Village. It was there that we participated in a kava ceremony, toured the village, met locals, had a traditional lunch, enjoyed singing, and were encouraged to join in on the dancing. The excursion was a remarkable way to see an authentic Fiji village, not just the resort or beachside. It offered a fascinating look into their customs and culture, which are adventurous, welcoming, and profoundly communal.

Beach Dining: Encourage your client to opt for the beachfront dining at Sundowner Bar & Grill, and they’ll be grateful for the suggestion. The unique dining setup on the beach is akin to a special dinner date on The Bachelor. There’s an aura of intimate romance here as your client enjoys the fine food from the Sundowner under the glow of stars and the moon. The magic of this speciality dining experience brought tears to our eyes numerous times and is the perfect way for your clients to celebrate. 

Coral Planting: Encourage your client to try the resort’s coral planting experience, a favorite morning activity during our stay. Guided by the resort’s conservation expert, small snorkeling groups visit the coral garden to help reattach naturally broken coral fragments and support the reef’s recovery.

The Spa

Easily the most relaxing time here was spent whiling away at the spa. The spa is perched high above the resort, easily accessible via a free golf cart transfer. The spa boasts remarkable 360-degree views of the coast and features a cocktail bar atop it, making it the perfect spot for a happy hour cocktail and a sunset toast. Encourage your client to book their treatments upon arrival, as they will enjoy the unique settings and serenity of this spa. The most notable and memorable element of our treatments was hearing the gentle crashing of the waves from the beach in the distance. Our time spent at the spa was heavenly. 

Excellent Resort Fare

The food throughout the property, overseen by Executive Chef Warren Domh and sous chef Akshay Goundar, is uniformly excellent. We were able to dine multiple times at the resort’s eight dining options, including a grand buffet, fine steaks, seafood, and pizzas at the Sundowner Bar & Grill, and delicious Pacific Continental fare at Ivi Restaurant. Your client will appreciate the great variety of dining experiences, especially as the resort is relatively remote. Local musicians frequently perform during meals, adding a lively, authentic Fijian soundtrack (with a nice mix of classic rock hits, too!) to the dining experience.

Ideal Demographics

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort caters to a refreshingly young crowd. The resort is ideal for young parents, with an on-site kids’ club and a hopping family-friendly pool with a slide and inflatable obstacle courses. The majority of guests are from Australia and New Zealand, though there is a considerable U.S. market for honeymoon couples, weddings, and families on a bucket-list getaway.

Bottom Line

A gem on Fiji’s Coral Coast, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort is kept in top shape by a superior staff that genuinely cares. The resort seamlessly blends modern luxury with authentic Fijian charm, giving guests a true sense of place. The resort is ideal for your clients who are seeking a top escape in Fiji, where every detail, from food to activities to cultural experiences, immerses and inspires.