Places We Love – Magic Stays in the Pacific

Five of our favourite resorts across the Pacific. Stay for a week, a month or a lifetime.

Nanuka Auberge Resort

The Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji – the Coral Coast’s boutique hotel that has won accolades from the likes of TripAdvisor (#1 resort on Fiji), Condé Nast Johansen’s awards for excellence, and Andrew Harper – has just released its first villa ownership offering: The Auberge Beach Villas. And just like that, owning a home in this island paradise has become as effortless as it is luxurious.
How effortless? The Auberge Beach Villas are turnkey, freehold properties. Unlike fractionals, they’re yours – all yours. And they’re located on the most accessible island of Fiji’s 333 specks of paradise – Viti Levu, with its international airport, an easy hop from Nanuku’s private airstrip.
The villas are woven into three kilometres of beachfront in Pacific Harbour, on a wide arc of soft, inviting sand with clear water that is swimmable year-round. Pacific Harbour is known as Fiji’s Adventure Capital – enticing you with excursions on, around, and under the water: from surfing, scuba, and snorkeling to waterfall hikes, river rafting, and food safaris. Just to name a few!
Steps to the north of the villas is the holiday bure of Fiji’s president. Yes, the beach is that good, while to the south is the Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji. Owners at The Auberge Beach Villas enjoy five-star resort amenities and services, including the oceanfront infinity pool (though all the villas also have their own plunge pool!), the award-winning Clubhouse restaurant (in collaboration with famous Chef Jacques Reymond), the soothing Lomana spa, a multitude of activities for toddlers to teens, and even excursions to a private island. Your family will meet, and doubtless fall in love with, the Villa Mamas and Buddies who quickly become like extended family anticipating your every need.
The villas and resort are part of Auberge Resorts Collection, California-based hoteliers who already bring a unique sense of place and high touch service to spectacular properties in the USA, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Which means as a villa owner, you’ll enjoy reciprocal privileges at six of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
The Auberge Beach Villas are designed by Perth-based Grounds Kent Architects. The villas pair Fijian craftsmanship with a fresh, modern lightness. There’s seamless indoor-outdoor living and generous gathering places inside and out.
There are only a handful of these turnkey one and two bedroom homes available. You can reserve one solely for the use of you and your family, or place it in the resort’s rental program, for potential return on your investment.
Starting at just US$495K. www.nanukufiji.com

Heritage Park Hotel

From Prince William and Duchess Kate to prime ministers and an array of Pacific officials, it is with due reason the Heritage Park Hotel claims the reputation of being Honiara’s best hotel. Spanning over five acres on the former Governor General residence, the grounds of the Heritage Park Hotel are tropical green and inviting with 48 hotel rooms and 39 apartments.
The lead-in rooms are tastefully furnished with a comfortable queen bed or twin beds, a well-appointed ensuite, wardrobe, tea and coffee facilities and private balcony with lounge and dining area and free wifi access during your stay.
The executive suits have a Studio layout and all the facilities of a serviced apartment, with stunning views of the lush landscaped gardens and a vista of the sea. The suites are fully furnished with kitchenette, laundry facilities, bathroom and wardrobe, tea/coffee making facilities and free wifi access during your stay. Ideal for short to medium term stay.
The pool area is particularly inviting, with an open-air bar and causal dining area. There is also an air conditioned restaurant and undercover restaurant and bar area close to the impressive reception area.
The Heritage Park Hotel offers both short and long stay rates, is centrally located in downtown Honiara but enjoys sweeping views across Iron Bottom Sound. For information and bookings see: www.heritageparkhotel.com.sb

Tamanu on the Beach

If you ask any local or long term expat in Vanuatu, they’ll tell you their favourite place for lunch was always Tamanu. A gorgeous five-fare private resort, Tamanu was renowned for its restaurant for over 15 years.
Sadly, when cyclone Pam struck Port Vila in March 2015, Tamanu was forced to close while the owners worked out what to do next.
Eighteen months on and to the delight of its former clientele, Tamanu has been sold and has undergone a massive refurbishment and extension, including additional fares, a larger bar and restaurant area, swimming pool and plunge pools and even a wedding chapel.
The resort will be a little different than before, with new furnishings and fittings, taking it up a notch in the star ratings. But, the owners promise, it will still have the same Tamanu feel – the same breathtaking setting on White Sands beach and the same terrific, loyal staff.
Tamanu is due to open this month – if you’re thinking about a Vanuatu holiday or you’re in Vanuatu, do call out for lunch – it will be one of those days you remember forever, because there’s a long tradition of lunches stretching into the evening and expanding to accommodate ‘extras’ at your table. Trust me, no one ever goes to Tamanu just once. www.tamanuonthebeach.com

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort

Wake up to the sound of the crashing waves and feel the tropical breeze come through the windows. Take in views of the shimmering Pacific Ocean and the blue waters washing up to the beautiful island from your private balcony or patio.
From the Ocean View Rooms to the One Bedroom Suites, guest rooms at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort provide you with the perfect start to a luxurious and relaxing holiday with family or friends.
Experience Samoan Culture with Fia Fia Polynesian Show Every Friday night, the Apolima Fale comes alive for Fia Fia – Aggie Grey’s Polynesian cultural show. Experience the vibrant and exotic Samoan history and culture through the art of song and dance performed by local Samoan dancers.
Most magnificent is the Samoan fire dance performance, where you will witness the skilled dancers light up the night sky with their torches, leaving you awestruck.
Accompanying these performances is a delicious feast for you to indulge in. Featuring traditional favourites and international cuisine, the feast is not to be missed.
www.sheratonsamoaaggiegreyresort.com

Vuda Marina

Vuda Marina Fiji is a family-owned operation with an award-winning restaurant situated only 15 minutes from Nadi Airport, but best of all is its proximity to some of Fiji’s most stunning islands in the Mamanuca group and slightly further west, the Yasawas.
The marina’s achievements in hospitality have been recognised recently by several awards, including – winner of the 2015 AON Excellence in Tourism award for Best Restaurant in Fiji and winner of TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the past three years in a row.
The Boatshed Restaurant and Sunset Bar is the perfect place to enjoy great food and while away a bit of sunset drinking time before dinner. Here you’ll have a live band on Friday nights from 6pm to 9pm and on Sundays from 2pm to 7pm, weekly specials including a half-price pizza night (Tuesdays), Winey Wednesdays and Happy Hour on Thursdays as well as some signature food choices like: Tomahawk Steak, Kokoda, Coconut Crusted Walu, Seafood Linguini and Lobster Pizza.
If you’d prefer to step out and amuse yourself with some local attractions Vuda is close to the Zipline Adventure, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Abaca Hike and the Mudpools and also in close proximity to the First Landing Resort and the Anchorage Resort. More info at: vudamarinafiji.com.fj.