Page 36 - Explore Spring Summer 2019

UTOPIA AT

SHANGRI-LA'S FIJI

RESORT & SPA

There’s nothing imaginary about Shangri-La’s Fiji Resort & Spa on Fiji’s Coral
Shangri-la, [shang-gruh-lah], noun: Coast. It actually does exist, and it’s paradise within paradise. One of Fiji’s long-
• an imaginary paradise on earth, especially a remote time favourite holiday spots for couples, families and groups, the secluded resort
and exotic utopia, is a haven within itself and nestled on its own private island.
• a faraway haven or hideaway of idyllic beauty One of the earliest luxury hotels to be built in Fiji (in 1967 to be precise), the
and tranquillity Shangri-La is on Yanuca Island and is accessed from the mainland by a short
bridge. Crossing the causeway you enter a private sanctuary of overnight spas,
adults-only accommodation, a dedicated family wing, and a selection of bars and
restaurants all stretching around the island’s beachfront. The resort has recently
undergone a US$50 million refurbishment that has lifted this iconic landmark
to the next level of experience in accommodation, hospitality and dining, with a
particularly strong focus on the dining experience, which I must say is exceptional.
The hotel's Coral Coast location is also a long-time favourite with holidaymakers
who are not only spoilt for choice by the selection of beachfront resorts but also by
the sightseeing and activities in the area including the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, jetboat
safaris up the Sigatoka River, zip lining, diving and surfing.
My short break at the new-look Shangri-La began in the most relaxing way ever
with an overnight spa treatment, the only such treat on offer at a resort in Fiji.
Already checked into a luxurious beachfront villa, I walked a few steps along the
path to the overnight spa bure, also in an idyllic spot overlooking the lagoon. The
luxury spa experience began with a soak in a tropical flower-filled outdoor tub
while gazing out to sea, with waves crashing on the outer reef and birds flitting
amongst the trees my only company. A body scrub and massage completed
the pampering. Limbs relaxed and scrubbed to a glistening polish, I donned my
plush robe for dinner on the deck outside in the balmy evening air. Body and soul
revived and absolutely relaxed, bed beckoned me for the night, the combination
of peace, serenity and relaxation lulling me to sleep.

The new-look Shangri-La offers an overnight
spa treatment, the only such treat on offer at
a resort in Fiji.

The spa experience continued in the morning with breakfast in the fresh air
followed by another luxurious treatment, a facial. With my face revived and
nourished I reluctantly gathered myself together and prepared to depart
the sanctuary of the spa bure via a cup of warming ginger tea and a gradual
transition back into the real world – well, at least a few steps out into the
Shangri-La of the resort.
I then headed back to the sanctuary of my villa ready to do some resort exploring.
The villas come with a golf cart to get around in, especially welcome when weary
legs won’t oblige in the heat. The expansiveness of the Shangri-La didn’t strike me
until my friend Janetta and I settled ourselves into the cart for some exploring.
Our first stop was the adults-only wing around the corner. Here the infinity pool
takes centre stage, sitting between curved accommodation wings on either side.
In this particular part of the Shangri-La sanctuary the package includes a daily
buffet breakfast, sparking wine on arrival, nightly poolside cocktails and canapés
and more. And don’t forget the golf.
Back behind the wheel of the buggy we headed for dinner – the question was
where. For the next few nights we dined our way around the resort, each venue as
flavoursome as the last. First it was Takali Asian Kitchen, an Asian fusion-concept

34 HELLOWORLD TRAVEL : EXPLORE : SPRING/SUMMER EDITION