by Gigi Bors-Koefoed
Experience the Momi Bay Mood at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, the Uninhabited Islands and Secluded Beaches of Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, and World-Class Cuisine at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Denarau Island
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Fiji has long occupied a place on many travelers’ someday list, as the ultimate tropical escape. It was for me, so when the opportunity arose for me to visit Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay and its sister properties, it was a resounding ‘yes.’ A honeymoon experience in the land of my dreams is now easily accessible with the recent addition of a direct flight from Dallas, TX, to Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu. The flights are conveniently scheduled overnight, with soft Fijian tunes welcoming passengers aboard and setting the tone for the experience of a lifetime.
The ride to the resort began along a winding road through rolling hills, with grazing ponies dotting the landscape. The resort sits on a secluded corner of the island, welcoming guests with a long curved driveway where anticipation builds around each turn before the open-air lobby finally reveals sweeping views of the much-adored bures (overwater bungalows). It is postcard perfect. Whether you choose a private villa or a hotel room, the experience is equally memorable, as the views are simply exquisite from every corner of the resort. We were provided a beach villa overlooking the bay and the bures, the million-dollar South Pacific view. The resort is strategically laid out with villas along the path between the bay and the ocean for adults/honeymoon couples, while the family section is set across the bay.
Beach Villa
Fish Bar
Though married for a number of years, my husband and I missed having a honeymoon. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay provided us the opportunity to experience it with their thoughtfully designed itinerary of leisure and learning. During the day, we enjoyed kayaking on the bay, discovering marine life and indulging in fresh papayas. We learned how to make a fish house out of rocks that would be placed in the bay, and assisted in planting 300 mangrove trees with a few volunteers, a feat that placed us in the local newspaper. I absolutely loved the idea that guests can contribute and leave a positive mark on Momi Bay’s ecosystem.
The evenings were curated with romance in mind while showcasing the culture and delicacies of Fiji. The renowned Fish Bar, rated 4.9/5 on Trip Advisor, offers a rare hospitality experience where, at 6 p.m. each evening, a Fijian warrior blows the conch and lights the fire pits, signaling the end of the day and easing guests into a tranquil evening. Though primarily a seafood restaurant, Fish Bar consciously caters to all dietary preferences with a full menu option rather than last-minute substitutions. As a vegetarian, I was able to partake in the Salt Menu dinner, where guests are provided with small dishes of flavored salts (lime, chili, hibiscus) paired with each course. The salt is harvested locally from the ocean just outside the resort and seasoned in-house.
Fish Bar private dinner
Honeymooners are not the only romantics who can enjoy the resort, as full-service wedding packages are available for everything from intimate elopements to large celebrations with a Fijian touch. Couples can enjoy a private beach picnic on Vonu Beach, a sunset ceremony at North Point, or private cabana dinners at Fish Bar complete with butler service. Getting married in Fiji would not require honeymoon travel as one is already in paradise.
Vonu Beach picnic
Since the nation is a secluded cluster of islands, many traditional practices remain preserved, creating a unique opportunity to experience native Fijian culture. Food is sourced locally and seasonally, while cultural traditions are maintained through native Fijian tribal systems. In this globalized world, I found this highly refreshing. Only a fifteen-minute drive from the resort is the village of Tau, where my husband and I were greeted by village elders with a traditional kava ceremony, the national drink made from crushed kava root. A village elder guided us through the lush community, teaching us about its communal systems and rich history before ending with a visit to an elementary school in session. It was an experience I will treasure forever. The warmth and hospitality of the Fijian people is truly one of a kind.
After the village tour, we spoke with our taxi driver Jitendra Sami about the delicious native fruit trees sprouting throughout the island. He invited us to his home, where his wife prepared fresh papaya juice from fruit grown on their property. That experience alone was worth the trip to Fiji.
Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island
From the tranquil shores of Momi Bay, we set off on a private speedboat, feeling the salt breeze as we skimmed across the blue water toward Tokoriki Island, nestled within the Mamanuca archipelago. As we arrived, cheerful staff welcomed us ashore with a heartfelt local song, making us feel instantly at home. We were guided to our private villa, perched above the ocean and surrounded by lush greenery. The resort, one of just two on the island, is designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings, creating an intimate, peaceful escape. At Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, time is not measured but enjoyed. A soft reminder why we came there in the first place.
Views of the neighboring islands
Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island strikes a perfect balance between adventure and serenity. The lazy days spent in shaded beach cabanas can be balanced with water adventures. We had the opportunity to experience jet ski snorkeling with the KaiWai Watersports Fiji, where a guide led us a few minutes from the resort to crystal clear waters to snorkel. From there, we kicked our jet skis in the gear and cruised around the neighboring islands, stopping at Modriki island, the location of the movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks. Jet skiing is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore the islands with your partner.
Stay at the Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island provides the best escape from the busy world where the couples can truly take the time to experience each other and enjoy the remote islands of the South Pacific, their ‘someday’ vacation.
SHERATON FIJI GOLF & BEACH RESORT, DENARAU ISLAND
Our last stop was the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Denarau Island in Nadi. This five-star award-winning resort boasts luxury amenities and world-class dining. It was slightly jarring coming back to the busy port city after a week of tranquil Momi Bay and Tokoriki’s remoteness, but the resort’s location on the peninsula provides ample space for quiet island vibes. This resort is ideal for those who enjoy action and entertainment, with nightly fire dancers and live music.
Though family-friendly, romantics can still enjoy adult-only time, as the property offers several pools tucked away from the family areas, creating peaceful spaces to unwind. It is also an excellent choice for destination weddings with children in attendance.
Wedding planning is not all about the venue, food is at the forefront and this resort has absolutely wowed us with its culinary achievements. Fiji’s award-winning Tatavu Bar & Grill, named after the Fijian phrase for “open fire grill,” showcases flame-cooked dishes that blend island flavours and fresh coastal ingredients with subtle South American influences. It was absolutely excellent, and we dined there more than once during our stay.
Sheraton Denarau Villas
After dinner, we made our way to Cellar & Barrel, a tucked-away speakeasy that quickly became our favorite spot at the resort. The bar impresses with an extensive collection of over 300 wines, whiskies, and spirits lining its shelves, a serious spread for any
enthusiast. The whiskey room steals the show, with a wall of glass lockers where guests can store their purchased, engraved bottles for the next visit. This feature, along with their amazing high tea service, makes Cellar & Barrel a sophisticated venue for pre-wedding celebrations.
Cellar & Barrell
Fiji is a sustainable island. One of the resort’s unexpected highlights was a tour of its five-acre farm, located in the middle of the golf course to offset the environmental footprint. With farm Manager Shahil Ram leading the tour, we learned about the resort’s current farming practices of growing crops seasonally, cassava, soursop, guava, herbs and leafy greens, all while managing to supply food to all six of the resort’s restaurants. Guests have an opportunity to dine at the farm with the Farm to Fork dining experience. This was such a unique experience, I loved touring the farm in the hot sun with a fresh open coconut to sip on. Highly recommended. Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Denarau Island provides a vibrant experience, from entertainment and dining to farm tours and open-air massages at the elegant Westin next door. Honeymooners looking for an exciting destination will enjoy this world-class resort.
Farm Manager Shahil Ram
Fiji is a truly special place, where ancient traditions and modern comforts exist side by side in a way that just works. The commitment to sustainability, eco- tourism, and genuine, heartfelt hospitality leaves a lasting impression that is hard to put into words. We’re still in touch with the people we met along the way, and getting back to this incredible island nation can’t come soon enough.
Marriott Bonvoy marriott.com
Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort Wedding
Momi Bay Moon
photography credit:
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island
Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort
Bram Bors-Koefoed
