The property was handcrafted from local materials and accommodations include such touches as rock-garden showers, matted walls, private decks overlooking the ocean, gossamer window and bed curtains, patio daybeds and candlelight aplenty. Spa bures complete the sensuality of this place with open-air treatment huts surrounded by rainforest and flowers.
“This is a small island, only 250 acres and very private—at its maximum only 24 guests will be at this resort at one time,” says Debora Roberts, manager, North America, World Resorts of Distinction. “You have three very romantic tree houses with day beds, outdoor stone showers and spa tubs, and you have some beautiful and private dining options such as picnics and dinners on the beach. Agents love Fiji and Matangi because it is a high yield market—the average booking we see is $7,000 to $10,000.
Roberts also recommends Vatulele Island Resort for romancers. Managed by Six Senses Resorts & Spas, it is its own island accessed by a 25-minute light aircraft flight from Nadi. It’s an all-inclusive set-up for a maximum of 19 couples under total pampering care by the staff. Set back from a blinding littoral of white sand, luxurious bures open to an expansive private terrace and pool. Oversized villa options provide commanding views of the entire beach and lagoon, with private pool and full-time butler service.
Dining receives an Asian fusion emphasis with a seafood focus, enjoyed under the stars and lit by lanterns and candles.
A Honeymoon package at Vatulele in a deluxe bure with private pool starts at $5,032 for two for three nights, including airport transfers, all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, champagne, one massage pp per stay, a keepsake gift, excursions and most activities. Roundtrip inter-island air adds $500 pp.
temptations in tahiti Tahiti’s potential for romance hits you the minute you arrive on the French archipelago to see the clear blue-green waters and palm trees swaying in breezes that carry the heady aromas of frangipani and tiara buds.
Within these islands, St. Regis Bora Bora stands out as one of the most romantic “it” spots for having a “Tahiti-moon.” Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban had their honeymoon there and with 30 bungalows and 70 overwater villas hugging this private island retreat, it’s hard to find a spot that is simply ordinary. Even standard overwater bungalows start at 1,550 sq. ft. All amenities are top-notch—from the full-sized Acqua di Parma bath products to the Miri Miri Spa pavilion to the overwater Lagoon Restaurant overseen by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and overlooking powerful Mount Otemanu. Honeymooners may enjoy the premier overwater 1-bedroom villa for its private terrace with jacuzzi; covered gazebo with daybed; private pontoon and outdoor shower.
Or, you can suggest the oceanfront 1-bedroom pool villa, one of seven on the property. Each has a private plunge pool, an outdoor garden, an outdoor shower and pontoon area. And each pool villa has direct access to a virtually private beach. All accommodations come with plasma TVs, iPod adapters, DVD players and butler service. There is free WiFi in the library. Decor combines Balinese and Thai influences with an easy beach vibe.
The property offers a 5-night Honeymoon Perfected package that includes champagne upon arrival, a 50-minute couples’ massage, a private romantic dinner for two, a canoe-delivery breakfast, and romantic flower turndown.
