Vomo Island Day Club Fiji

I’ve got a confession to make. I’ve never holidayed in the South Pacific. As an ex-expat, I spent nearly 20 years living in the Pacific so holidays were always north of the equator. But lately, every time I’m in the islands for work I have a pang to stay and actually enjoy the place. Pull up a sun lounger, order that cocktail, read a book, graze on the delicious food.

Recently a friend and I got the opportunity to do that for a day at Vomo Island Resort’s new Rocks Beach Club. I’d been to Vomo before, another rushed work trip where I got a glimpse of what it would be like to be a guest. The clientele is very eastern suburbs Sydney and Melbourne, families and couples enjoying a break from the stress of jobs, traffic and day-to-day life in the city.

There’s something special about Vomo. It starts with the location – right between the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands groups in Fiji. Stunning crystal clear waters surround the lush mountainous island. White sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and magical sunsets. It’s postcard perfect. Impeccably styled, the main resort area is understated and elegant. About a dozen sun lounges either side of the pool beckon guests to simply relax. Attentive staff offers drinks and snacks and the nannies quietly play with the kids. There is someone on hand to pander to your every need.

A couple of years ago the owners of Vomo thought whilst they’d nailed the families market, an adults-only area would add another dimension to the resort. Meticulous planning followed and last year The Rocks Bar was opened.

The area took advantage of Vomo’s best sunset views and again, had that winning Vomo decor – natural colours and elegant stripes. Guests could enjoy sunset drinks, a light meal and mingle child-free with other guests. The timber decking, built-in day beds and open air bar and restaurant area ensured a cool afternoon or evening, with warm breezes, cool cocktails and great canapés.

But as Vomo does, they knew they could do better. Not content with being one of Fiji’s leading five star island resorts, they decided to extend The Rocks and build an exclusive day club.

The addition of a gorgeous infinity pool, oversized day beds and cabanas and a full grazing menu transformed The Rocks in to an area to completely unwind. Chill-out tunes, Vomo’s signature cocktails and an Asian-fusion light menu ensured this was the area guests would flock to.

With just 28 villas and four residences on the island, The Rocks was never going to be crowded. The decking area surrounding the 25m infinity pool could easily accommodate 100 guests – but that’s not Vomo’s style. Intimacy is key.

So with that in mind, the resort has opened The Rocks Beach Club to a select few day guests for the ultimate, intimate beach club experience. Up to 12 visitors can spend a day lapping up luxury.

For us it started with helicopter transfers with Island Hoppers from Denarau Island with Vomo’s ‘Rocks Stars’ on hand to provide cold towels and serve you delicious Rocktails or champagne throughout the day.

For lunch we shared plates of lort cha meon – chicken stir fry with rice noodles, spring onion, cabbage and bean sprouts, a crispy rice salad – lettuce, fresh herbs from the Vomo garden, shallots, peanuts, chilli and nuoc cham chay dressing. That could have filled us, however we were encouraged to graze more, so after a quick swim we continued with the bahn mi tom – lemongrass marinated prawns served with a baguette, mayo, coriander, pickled carrot, onion and daikon.

Other options on the day included mu ping – pork skewers with kaffir lime and a daily sushi. We certainly didn’t leave hungry.

As day guests, all non-alcoholic drinks are included in the day pass along with the all day lunch. We ordered cocktails of course and a delicious rosé – both were on par with pricing at the Denarau marina, which really surprised us.

The Ginger Mule was my pick – vodka, ginger beer, limejuice, mint and angostura bitter. But I also enjoyed the Frosty Lemon Martini and the Mango and Basil Fizz. What can I say? It was that kind of day.

The Resort provides towels and snorkelling equipment should you wish to dip your toes in the ocean. We chose to hang by the pool for the afternoon, but having snorkelled at Vomo in the past, I can assure you it’s stunning. Colourful reefs and plentiful fish.

As the day was drawing to a close we thought we’d go the whole way and have something sweet before our flight home. The kanom tuay – a steamed coconut and pandan pudding was served with salted coconut cream, pineapple toffee and a lemongrass sorbet. Simply, it was perfect.

If you’re visiting Fiji on a yacht, or staying at a nearby resort, you too can experience the heaven that is The Rocks Beach Club for $FJD375 per person inclusive of taxes.

Reservations may be made up to 24 hours in advance and will be subject to the availability of the transfers. Enquire via email at welcome@vomo.com.fj or call (679) 666 7955.

Transfer options:
• Awesome Adventures Yasawa Flyer ex Port Denarau – $410 return per person in Captains Lounge

• Island Blu VOMO Speedboat – $700 return per person ex Vuda Point or Port Denarau (min 2 people)

• Island Hoppers helicopter ex Nadi Airport or Port Denarau – $1100 return per person (min 2 people)∞