Tokoriki Island Resort Review: A Romantic Fiji Retreat
Image: Pool Villa at Tokoriki Island Resort, Fiji, Image Courtesy of Expedia
Tokoriki Island Resort Review - Affordable 5-star Luxury in Fiji
The Tokoriki Islands Resort in Fiji is a world-renowned beachfront retreat. Located on a private island in the Mamanuca's, this exclusive resort accepts a limited number of guests, creating a secluded haven in the tropics. The intimate boutique hideaway is discrete, personalized, and largely unspoiled by the outside world, making it the perfect place for a quiet escape.
Tokoriki Island Resort has been privately operated for over 25 years, and in 2021, they were awarded a place in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 15 Resorts worldwide. Among other accolades, they were Fiji’s only resort listed in the 2021 TripAdvisor “Best of the Best” Top 25 Hotels worldwide.
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Image: Arrival at Tokoriki Island by Helicopter, Image Courtesy of Expedia
What to Expect Arriving at Tokoriki Island Resort
Our helicopter touched down lightly on the helipad, and the blades began to slow, we disembarked onto the stunning island of Tokoriki. The lush vegetation and tranquil atmosphere felt like paradise compared to the hustle and heat of the Fijian International Airport.
The gentle crashing of waves against the shore could be heard in the distance as friendly staff welcomed you with a warm, open-armed hug. The sound of the Fijian singing, faint but melodious, could be heard over the gentle strumming of the ukelele. “Welcome home”, the team at Tokoriki said while grabbing our bags, and from that moment on, we knew we had arrived somewhere special. While only 15 minutes away from the airport, it felt worlds apart.
Image: Tokoriki Island Chapel, Image Courtesy of Expedia
Fiji Tokoriki Island Resort Settings
Slow-paced and serene, Tokoriki is a romantic destination for adults only. Set amongst luscious tropical orchid-filled gardens and overlooking an expansive coral reef. With its calming setting and luxurious amenities, Tokoriki is an idyllic location to relax and rejuvenate.
This is why you’ll find yourself poolside amongst lovers on honeymoons, and couples celebrating their anniversaries. The team at Tokoriki seems to revel in the romantic bliss they’ve designed, if you’ve had a breakup, this might not be the place for you. Romantic sunset dinners, couples massages, and reminders of gone-by wedding celebrations can be found all around you.
The property runs along the beachfront on one side of Tokoriki Island, with bungalows and villas spaced out along the front coastline, taking advantage of sunset views.
There is nothing on the remote island of Tokoriki aside from one other resort, The Sheraton Tokoriki resort & spa. Although they are located beside each other, you'd seldom realize the SheratonTokoriki Resort was there. A large path and wooden fence along the back of the property split up the island, maintaining Tokoriki resort's isolation amongst the tropical jungle and towering hillside. Both resorts have a private beach, separated by a large cliff face.
Image: Tokoriki Resort Pool, Image Courtesy of Expedia
Tokoriki Resort Map versus Sheraton Tokoriki Resort Map
Image: Tokoriki Island Resort Villa, Image Courtesy of Expedia
The Resort Rooms
At Tokoriki the design aesthetic is inspired by traditional Fijian culture with a fusion of contemporary style to deliver the perfect surrounds for your tropical island holiday. The villas offer all the amenities and comforts you could desire, set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
Purposefully void of any internet, television, or phones, the bungalows allow you to completely immerse yourself in the island lifestyle and disconnect from the outside world. A unique concept in current times, the lack of digital devices adds to the appeal of this sleepy oasis.
While the designers have carefully selected a few modern comforts to leave out of the rooms, the most essential amenities are included. All bungalows are equipt with large soft king beds, are well air-conditioned, and appointed with modern furnishings. The detailed design elements of the room inspire guests to connect with the beautiful nature surrounding them. Outdoor showers allow guests to hear the sound of the waves and the birds while enveloped by flowers & limestone.
All rooms include a wooden balcony with outdoor sun loungers, and a hammock to lazily watch the days go by from the comfort of your deck. For those who want to indulge in a dip, pool villas and beachfront bures with pools are available on request. These include cold plunge pools that offer a respite from the hot humid weather.
Image: Tokoriki Island Resort Restaurant and Bar, Image Courtesy of Expedia
Tokoriki Island Fiji Resort Facilities
Spa
What island vacation is complete without a day at the spa? Tokoriki Resort's spa is a rejuvenating, calm space for relaxation. With its tranquil setting and expert staff, the spa offers the perfect environment to restore your body and mind. From the moment you step inside, you'll feel your stress melting away. Whether you're enjoying a massage, facial, or other treatment, you'll be pampered and cared for, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Restaurant
Tokoriki Island Resort boasts two main dining options for guests to enjoy. The first restaurant, Taste of the Islands, offers a delicious and ever-changing menu for both lunch and dinner. The chefs use local produce and ingredients to create dishes inspired by the South Pacific. Here you can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the island. The second restaurant at Tokoriki is the more formal dining option, Oishii Teppanyaki. At Oishii couples can enjoy a refined dining experience with a Japanese menu that features seasonal ingredients in a teppanyaki setting, surrounding the chefs' table. The food is outstanding at both locations, as is the atmosphere. Guests have the option to include a meal plan in their booking, which we highly recommend.
Image: Pool Bar Area Tokoriki Resort
Pool
Tokoriki's main infinity pool is the hotel's heart, a beautiful spot to take in the stunning ocean views. The pool faces the ocean, with the reef and islands dotting the horizon. The pool sunsets are truly magical, with the orange sun setting against the blue ombre of the ocean. The pool catches the reflection of the palm trees that line the area making for a picturesque scene. The drinks by the pool are refreshing too, and they arrive accompanied by a smile from Mita, Tokoriki's cocktail specialist. Some say the drinks are so good, that you'd be perfectly happy spending your entire vacation poolside on a lounger chatting to the endlessly entertaining Mita.
Behind Tokoriki resort's infinity pool is their second pool. A shady sanctuary that's located beside the reading bure. The area is a peaceful refuge from the sun, and the ideal spot for a game of chess or a good book while cooling down.
Watersports & Fitness
The Mamanuca Islands in Fiji boast some of the world's most beautiful dive sites and soft coral gardens - so it's only fitting that Tokoriki Island Resort offers a world-class dive facility. Tokoriki is a Gold Palm PADI Dive Facility, their expert instructors will guide you to the best dive spots around the islands, to marvel at the colorful corals and abundant marine life. Not certified? The snorkeling excursions are an easy way to discover the magic underwater world of the Mamanuca. One of our favorite snorkeling sites during our trip was right in front of Tokoriki Resort. The reef drop-off surrounding the island is spectacular and only 5 minutes offshore.
And for those who prefer to stay above the water, the resort also has paddleboards, Hobie cat for sailing, and kayaks.
If you are interested in fitness, the resort has mountain hikes, tennis facilities, table tennis, and a limited outdoor gym where you can do some bodyweight exercises. If not having a gym is a big concern for you, there is a small air-conditioned gym at the Sheraton Tokoriki that you can pay to use. This gym has a few weight machines, bikes, and weights available.
Cultural Activities
One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Fiji is the culture and the sincerity of Fijians. It would be amiss to travel to Fiji and not learn about the traditions and heritage of the Fijian people. At Tokoriki it is a privilege, the kind and loving nature of the locals who work at Tokoriki share their cultural traditions with a passion that will move you. Learn about local medicine on a nature walk, go to a local village at Yanuya island or try kava with the team.
Tokoriki Island Resort is not only a place of unparalleled natural beauty but also a place where guests can enjoy a sense of community and tradition. We love the daily traditions and games that give the Tokoriki a sense of home, like the daily torch lighting ceremony and storytelling and music nights. These activities helped us to feel connected to the island's history and culture, and the other guests and staff.
Image: Sunset Fire Lighting Ceremony at Tokoriki Island Resort
Excursions
The resort can also organize a range of excursions for special occasions. If you are looking to organize a romantic proposal or evening, the team can set up a private island beach picnic, complete with a bottle of champagne and strawberries. Or, for a truly unique experience, they can arrange a tour to the private island where Cast Away was filmed. Whichever you choose, your special someone is sure to be impressed.
For those looking to up the ante on their vacation, private half-day fishing tours and snorkel and diving trips can be easily arranged. And while it's not technically considered an "excursion," one of the most impressive experiences we had during our stay was the helicopter flight to the resort.
The views from up above are simply magnificent. The flight in gives you a real sense of how secluded and naturally spectacular Tokoriki Island is. The sunrises and sunsets are something special, as is all of the wildlife that surrounds Tokoriki Island.
Final Note
While Tokoriki might seem like one of many luxury resorts available in Fiji, it's the staff here that make it a uniquely special location. It's no wonder they limit the number of guests at Tokoriki, as guest flock back to relive the wonderful experience they had time and time again. At dinner, you'll hear couples celebrating their 15th trip, as we left, we began to understand why.
During your stay, staff will go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful stay and truly make you feel like you are family. As you depart, you feel a sense of sadness leaving, there is a feeling of connection, and a bond to Tokoriki, that's hard to define.
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