By Kim WardITWPA Member
From the moment we set foot on the adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji we prepared to be unplugged. It was the quietly perfect tonic for a busy life and work schedule.
The resort is palm-fringed luxury with the only sounds the wind in the palm trees, gentle shore waves, or a serenade with acoustic guitar. It is an irresistible blend of luxury and barefoot Bohemia.
On arrival we were welcomed in traditional style with islander voices joining together with genuine smiles to welcome us ‘home.’ The resort’s gorgeously secluded thatched bures, complete with wooden shutters, open out to views of the Pacific and feel private and secluded. Our bure was surrounded with lush vegetation. Indoor and outdoor showers and luxury amenities and furnishings complete this idyllic beach hideaway. A few steps away we had our toes in the sand and were swimming in the tropical water.
There is no TV, no phone, and intentionally no Wi-Fi except in the lounge and bar areas. So take the plunge with less screen time. Embrace the digital detox; it’s bliss.
Our hammock was waiting beside our personal plunge pool with champagne already on ice and chilled glasses with tropical fruits ready to relax us into our stay. Ahhh… we had arrived in Tokoriki.
Tropical colors of hibiscus, orchids, and waterlilies color the resort, while the subtle fragrance of frangipani wafts through the open spaces. The colors continue underwater along with a thousand flashes of silver as you open the window to a magical underwater world of corals, sea grasses, and tropical sea life. The light reflecting through the sea grasses in the home lagoon is not to be missed!
To finish our days were the most spectacular sunsets enjoyed with our favorite cocktails. Our biggest decision of the day was whether to read under a palm tree, enjoy our hammock or a beach walk, snorkel, or dive.
Dining is outdoors unless rain sends everyone inside. The gardens and beach are lit with lamps, which gives a fairy garden atmosphere. The island cuisine is plentiful, at times sophisticated, and always delicious. After dinner we enjoyed a crab race, dancing under the stars, listening to the unplugged musicians, or heading back to the bure for a night swim in our plunge pool.
Excursions are possible to visit local beaches, villages, or the daily free snorkeling option. We had a castaway experience on a deserted island complete with a bottle of Moët and a picnic basket with perfect food for the day for just Mr. and Mrs. Crusoe.
Best of all, though, is the faultless staff who did everything to make our stay perfect. It’s exceptional hospitality that’s always genuine, warm, and smiling.
If thumping bass, exciting nightclubs, and amplified nightlife are your travel musts, then Tokoriki is not for you. Take the plunge in Tokoriki waters. It’s quietly perfect.
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