Built on a former coconut plantation and spearheaded by the world’s most famous motivational speaker, Namale Resort and Spa is the most luxurious getaway Fiji has to offer. Bula…
Spread over 525 acres on the pristine island of Vanua Levu, Namale is Fiji’s ultimate five-star, all-inclusive resort, with all the comforts of an intimate, exclusive and adults-only environment. You only have to browse the hundreds of five-star reviews on Trip Advisor, who also bestowed Namale with its coveted Traveller’s Choice award for 2019, to know that this place is the real deal. It’s only the latest accolade given to the property, which also picked up top marks in Condé Nast Traveller’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards as well as this year being voted among the best All Inclusive Resorts by Islands Magazine. Widely considered one of the most luxurious resorts in the entire South Pacific Namale’s breath-taking views and unparalleled amenities make this destination a once in a lifetime holiday experience.
Nestled amid the cliffs, each of the resort’s 19 Bures and Villas boast unbeatable views of the Koro Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Due to the unique volcanic composition of the soils, the grounds feature remarkable biodiversity – and it’s the nature which takes centre stage at Namale. Built on a former coconut plantation, Namale was the brainchild of motivational speaker Tony Robbins – yes, that Tony Robbins – and Texan architect Robert Trown. Robbins, whose private holiday home is located within the resort, envisioned Namale as a place for meditation, where guests can fully embrace the Fiji lifestyle in a wholly serene environment.
The result is a luxurious fusion of traditional Fijian architecture equipped with all the comforts of a state-of-the-art resort. Set among private waterfalls and secret stairways to the sea caves, Trown’s layout emphasises the lush Fijian landscape and each villa blends into the surrounding rainforests. Likewise, interiors seamlessly flow into the outdoors and at some points into even the ocean itself. It’s quintessential Fiji – all thatched roofs and glistening waterfalls. Truly spectacular.
While the villas are a feat of architectural harmony, another part of the resort’s appeal lies in its commitment to ensuring each guest receives bespoke service from staff and a truly immersive getaway – indeed, no child under 16 is allowed into Namale (sorry, kids). Despite the sprawling resort grounds, Namale strictly caters to a maximum of 44 guests at any given time – upholding the tranquillity of the surroundings and guaranteeing visitors the full attention of the 200 on-site staff. This type of discrete and intimate setting is ideal for the ultimate romantic getaway, private weddings or the prefect honeymoon.
At 525 acres, the resort grounds are larger than the entire Country of Monaco but still small enough to be easily navigated via golf buggy. Guests can dine at two restaurants, or choose from six private dining locations – ranging from poolside to cave side. Why not try sipping a cocktail on the Veidomoni deck? Overlooking the Koro sea, this split-level deck etched into the cliffs boasts spectacular ocean views and even a heart-shaped hot tub. Or you can also try the blowhole deck overlooking – you guessed it – the resort’s own ocean blowhole. By day, guests can enjoy guided hikes through the pristine rainforests or explore the countless coastal tide pools and reefs. For diving enthusiasts, visitors receive exclusive access to two diving sites – the Namena Reserve and the world-famous Somosomo straight, voted by Dive magazine as the world’s best soft coral reef.
Interspersed are all the familiar resort amenities – two full-size swimming pools, tennis courts, an indoor basketball court and a nine-hole private golf course. Then there’s the world renowned on-site spa, where guests can receive all the usual massage and beauty treatments, or try out the legendary hydrotherapy room. In the evenings, Namale truly captures the Bula spirit with its weekly cultural nights. From traditional song and dance performances to local ceremonies and rituals, guests can expect a fully-immersive cultural experience all within the resort grounds.
Unsurprisingly, the breath-taking Namale is a regular haunt for the rich and famous, and has been immortalised in many a TV travel program. Most recently, the resort’s stunning grounds played host to our very own 2020 MAXIM calendar shoot (see page 34 for more information), so take our word for it – Namale Resort is the ultimate Fijian holiday and it’s all less than a five-hour flight from Sydney. ■
For more info on the Namale Resort go to www.namalefiji.com
BY REILLY SULLIVAN
For the full article grab the January 2020 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
