Tokoriki Island Resort, a class of it’s own.

I’m not a fan of Trip Advisor. I’ve been sucked in by one too many glowing reviews only to arrive at the number one rated restaurant in the area to find it’s empty because the locals know what we don’t – it’s rubbish.

So it was with an expectation of being underwhelmed I went to stay at Fiji’s number one rated resort on TA – Tokoriki Island Resort. Four years in a row it has won TA reviewers’ accolades and I wanted to know why.

All about the details

“We just make sure our guests feel like they’re the only ones here. It’s all about the details – nothing is too much trouble and we don’t want them to have to ask for anything,” Tokoriki’s director of sales and marketing Patrice Belle tells me.

The ‘details’ at Tokoriki incude poolside butler service where at 11am and 3pm guests receives a cold towel, sunscreen, icypoles and mini cocktails (3pm only) – and can even get their sunnies polished too.
Ten minutes after my arrival I’ve already watched Patrice get up from the table three times to chat with guests or organise something special.

“Yesterday a couple got engaged by the pool – we didn’t know it was about to happen but arranged for their room to have a bottle of champagne and flowers by the time they got back there. That’s Tokoriki.”

Indeed from my arrival Tokoriki felt different. The boat captain took his time to welcome everyone individually – you could see the look of anticipation on all the guests’ faces, some after long flights from the U.S. yet he managed to bring a certain calm to everyone.

No one was getting on that island until he knew their names and where they were from. Once at the jetty the staff greeted all the new guests like old friends, that Fijian charm on overdrive as the day time resort staff performed the welcome song like a well tuned choir.

Your own private resort

Tokoriki is not a huge resort, it’s not even big by Fiji standards. Each of the 36 villas is oversized however and all fabulously appointed. The furnishings were hand picked by the owner and the attention to detail is obvious.

Poolside at Tokoriki is the heart of the resort. The infinity pool is bordered by coconut trees and the stunning blue green hues of the Mamanucas as the backdrop. Teak and rattan furniture is complemented with gorgous cushions and stunning Fijian carvings.

There is no real lobby as such, just casual sofas and chairs, a central bar and restaurant all under the one leaf roof. You’re encouraged to feel at home Fiji style after arriving on the island which is about an hour’s ferry ride with South Sea Cruises from Port Denarau – or private speed boat and helicopter transfers are available from Denarau or Nadi airport.

It’s all about style and romance here.The resort does not cater to groups and is adults only. But you don’t have to be a honeymooner, I’m assured, and they’re not overly big on weddings either.

“We do a lot of elopments, but being such an intimate resort, we don’t cater for large weddings – we want to keep the ambience and romance.”

All bures and villas are air-conditioned, with lush landscaped gardens and feature both indoor and outdoor showers. The spacious Beachfront Pool Villas boast a separate living area, a 70sqm deck with private infinity edge pool, cabana and double day bed. Tokoriki offers you the rare chance to completely unwind and disconnect from the real world and to make this easier, all of the bures and villas are without televisions, telephones and internet access.

Tokoriki offers guests an ‘in villa experience’ which includes a couples’ massage, three course dinner and bottle of champange. Dessert is accompanied by the resort’s serenaders to ensure the ulitmate romantic evening or perfect proposal.

The resort offers a couple of different dining options, including oceanfront à la carte, dining on the terrace and in the main restaurant. The food is simply delicious, testament to the fabulous kitchen team lead by Fijian chef Ashim Singh.

50 times a charm

It doesn’t take long to work out why Tokoriki has received the accolades it does. The service is second to none, the ambience calm and tranquil. It is the perfect escape and ultimate romantic resort destination. And Trip Advisor is not the only way to sing Tokoriki’s praises – a Kiwi couple in their 80s recently returned to Tokoriki for their 50th – yes 50th visit to the resort! See the gorgeous video on Tokoriki’s website www.tokoriki.com