Perched on the exquisite Natadola Beach, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa stands as a pinnacle of luxury amidst 35 acres of tropical gardens. With its award-winning spa, diverse dining options and an array of family-friendly activities, it’s no surprise that parent company IHG Hotels plugs this venue as the ultimate blend of relaxation and adventure. Its formidable reputation as one of Fiji’s best luxury resorts led me to choose InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa as the destination for a recent family vacation.
With my partner and our two-year-old son in tow, our high expectations were met and exceeded from the moment we were greeted with the traditional Lali drum upon arrival.
Convenient Location
Contrary to the common belief that Fiji’s best resorts are all located off the mainland, InterContinental Fiji is located just a 55-minute drive from Nadi International Airport and provides a secluded haven on the main island. The easily accessible location, while feeling worlds away in a tranquil paradise, was a major win for me, particularly when travelling with a toddler.
Club InterContinental: Exclusive Luxury
Club InterContinental represents the resort’s most premium offering giving guests access to personalised service and premium amenities. Set on a semi-private hilltop with sweeping views of Natadola Bay, it provides an exclusive retreat that blends privacy and elegance. Being transported from the main resort to Club Intercontinental in a chauffeured golf buggy felt like journeying into a private sanctuary, distinctly separate from the rest of the resort.
My experience here was exceptional in every sense. For travellers looking to make a special vacation even more memorable, an upgrade to Club InterContinental is well worth considering for its range of exclusive benefits.
Our Room: One Bedroom Suite with Plunge Pool
Our welcome to Club InterContinental began with a private check-in leading us to our One Bedroom Suite with Plunge Pool. This suite was more than just a place to stay; it was a tranquil retreat in its own right.
Surrounded by lush, tropical gardens, the suite was impressively spacious, which was a luxury we particularly appreciated while travelling with our child. Other features of the suite include a garden courtyard and outdoor bath, which added a sense of tranquillity, not to mention our very own private plunge pool.
Club Lounge Access
Club Lounge access is offered exclusively to Club InterContinental guests. In the architecturally stunning Club Lounge, guests are treated to a range of food and beverage privileges, as well as premium amenities including a stunning infinity pool overlooking the bay. Lounging by the Club Lounge pool was one of the most spectacular highlights of our visit.
Sunset Canapes and Cocktails
An evening highlight was the sunset canapés and cocktails offered at the Club Lounge. Set against the stunning backdrop of a Fijian sunset, the experience was magical, complemented by a cold drink while enjoying an acoustic performance from local musicians.
Accommodation and Room Options
The resort provides a diverse range of accommodation. While we enjoyed the Club InterContinental Suite, other options include Beachfront View Suites, Lagoon View Suites, Pool View Rooms, and tranquil Garden View Rooms, each promising a unique experience in harmony with Fiji’s natural beauty.
Dining and Bars
The dining experience at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa caters to a range of tastes, balancing international favourites with traditional Fijian cuisine. Navo Specialty-Dining stood out with its unique fusion of flavours, while Sanasana Restaurant offered diverse a la carte and buffet options.
Toba Bar & Grill’s relaxed atmosphere and casual dining menu quickly became our go-to favourite. While at Kama Lounge bar, we enjoyed drinks while watching traditional Fijian ceremonies and performances with an epic beachfront backdrop.
An unexpected highlight during our dining experiences was the multiple impromptu choir performances by the waitstaff, showcasing their incredible vocal talents and adding a genuine touch of Fijian culture to our dining experience.
Recreation and Activities
I found the sheer volume of activities at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa truly impressive. The resort consistently provides an array of exciting options, ensuring there’s always something to capture the interest of every guest.
Reef Safari: Snorkelling, Scuba or Shark Diving
The guided Reef Safari snorkelling session was a standout experience. After a short boat ride, we jumped out at an outer reef and explored vibrant coral and marine life. We were even lucky enough to swim with sea turtles.
Spa InterContinental
A sanctuary of relaxation was the award-winning Spa InterContinental, offering indulgent treatments and therapies, even incorporating the use of native herbs grown on-site. I experienced the Natadola Bay Honey Retreat treatment, which was the ultimate pampering experience. Involving a scrub, yoghurt-honey wrap and massage.
Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course
This breathtaking 18-hole par 72 course combines challenging golf with scenic ocean views, making for a spectacular golfing experience.
Hydro Sports Fiji
For those seeking adventure, Hydro Sports Fiji offers thrilling water sports like jet skiing, tubing and wakeboarding, providing fun ways to enjoy Fiji’s waters.
Cultural Activities
The resort’s cultural activities offer a deep dive into Fijian traditions and crafts, providing guests with an insight into and appreciation of local culture.
Leisure Concierge
The Leisure Concierge service assists guests in planning the perfect day, from booking activities to arranging dining and tours.
Resort Facilities for Families
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa excels at creating an enjoyable family experience through facilities like the Planet Trekkers Kids Club and Nanny Service. We particularly appreciated the Nanny Service as it provided us with a much-needed date night with the assurance that our child was in caring and capable hands.
Additionally, the kids pool area was a hub of excitement, with activities like hermit crab racing that were just as enjoyable for the parents as it was for younger guests. The staff’s commitment to family-friendly service was evident throughout the resort, particularly in thoughtful gestures like remembering our toddler’s name everywhere we went, adding a personal touch to our stay.
Should You Stay? The Verdict
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is an exceptional choice for a luxury family vacation, however, the resort is not just about family appeal. Its spacious layout, adults-only areas and diverse activities also ensure a balanced experience for couples and child-free groups. A stay here is characterised by exceptional hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and sophisticated architecture. Moreover, the resort’s self-contained nature offers top-tier amenities and recreational activities ensuring that every need is met within its premises.
The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa represents the epitome of luxury resort living, catering to a wide spectrum of vacationers. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this resort is an ideal choice, promising an unforgettable stay.
Disclaimer: The author of this article, Frank Arthur, was invited to stay at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa as a guest of IHG Hotels & Resorts for the purpose of this review.
