FJ2009 - Tokoriki Island: Day 1

After spending two backpacker-style Christmases in New Zealand (2007/2008), we decided to spend it in a luxury Fijian style this year. After several weeks of searching and planning, we decided to give Tokoriki Island a visit.

 

Aerial view of Tokoriki Island

 

Settled within the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji in the South Pacific, Tokoriki Island is home to only two resorts, Tokoriki Island Resort, which is an adults only luxury resort, and Amunuca Island Resort, a family holiday resort. Since its better to be alone than to see children running around, or worst, listening to the parents yelling at their kids, we opted for Tokoriki Island Resort.

 

Our travel route

 

As our flight was scheduled for 8.15am on the 25th with Pacific Blue, we had to catch the 4am train from Fairy Meadow to the Sydney International terminal. Interestingly, they have converted gates 50 and 51 of the terminal to cater for budget airlines. As a result, we had to go round and round until we reach the ground floor for boarding (via the tarmac).

 

The new budget conscious gate 50

 

After four hours of suffering, enduring the long flight time without entertainment or food, we were glad that we finally touched down at Nadi International Airport. Here, we were greeted by Island Hopper’s shuttle …

 

Island Hoppers’ shuttle

 

… that brought us directly to the helipad.

 

Helipad

 

While waiting for the paperwork and luggage loading, we were given a selection of complimentary drinks (ranging from juices to beers), and one of them was the famous Fiji mineral water.

 

Fiji Water, maybe Australia should introduce Australia water as well …

 

Soon, we were given a safety briefing, had our life jackets put on and off we go, …

 

 

… on a scenic 15 minutes helicopter flight over to Tokoriki.

 

Spectacular views on our way to Tokoriki

 

Arriving into Tokoriki Island Resort

 

 

Our helicopter arrival into Tokoriki Island Resort

 

Upon arrival, …

 

Luggage unloading

 

 

… we were escorted to the main bure of the resort for check in. We were also served a glass of fruit punch each …

 

Fruit punch

 

… in addition to the welcome song.

 

Tokoriki’s welcome song

 

As soon as we got everything settled, we were given a quick introduction to the facilities around the resort and was shown to our bure.

 

Along the way to our bure

 

The bure was florally decorated around the table, …

 

 

… around the bathroom sink …

 

 

… and on the bed.

 

 

The interior of the bure is generally spacious …

 

Simple and nice design

 

… and is only steps away from the beach.

 

 

They also offer a large bathroom that is appointed with mahogany counters, double vanities, an indoor shower and a tropical outdoor shower.

 

Vanity

 

Indoor and outdoor shower

 

Shampoo and conditioner … not salt and … chilli? cinnamon?

 

Within minutes, our gift basket was also delivered, which includes a bottle of Moet and Chandon champagne ...

 

 

… and a gift pack with body scrub, body lotion, coconut soap and two resort sulus.

 

Gifts

 

Outside the bure, …

 

 

… there are two loungers and a coffee table …

 

 

… plus a hammock hanging between two coconut trees.

 

Pray hard that coconuts won’t fall on your head while sleeping

 

Although our bure provides a front row seat for the romantic South Pacific sunset, the beach in front of our bure was a little disappointing, with two huge rocks.

 

Rocky beach

 

 

Luckily, there is a great stretch of sandy beach just a few metres away.

 

 

We then proceeded to check out some of the other buildings around the resort, such as the activities and dive bure, which also acts as an entrance for guests arriving by seaplane or boat.

 

 

It seems that the beaches around Tokoriki are mostly rocky

 

Behind the dive bure …

 

 

… is the library (that is full of books that are not in English) …

 

 

… and the infinity pool.

 

Infinity pool

 

Further down the road are the Senikai Spas Fiji …

 

 

… tennis court ….

 

 

… beach volleyball court …

 

 

… and the resort chapel.

 

 

Water features are also abundant in and around the resort.

 

 

After all the exploration, we went back to the main bure …

 

 

… to relax at the bar and lounge, …

 

Wine list and drinks menu

 

… looking out towards the infinity pool.

 

A very relaxing view

 

Guests are generally welcomed to try some snacks at the bar, such as the roasted coconuts …

 

 

… and some crackers.

 

 

And since its Christmas, …

 

 

… everyone was served a complimentary Christmas drink, the Papaya Bellini (champagne with blended papaya and honey) …

 

 

… while enjoying the live music …

 

 

… and the beautiful sunset.

 

 

We also managed to book the outdoor deck dining table for our final two nights at the resort.

 

Outdoor private dining decks

 

As dinner time approaches, we head over to the restaurant for our Christmas dinner, Tokoriki-style.

 

Dining at the terrace

 

Besides the fine dining, …

     

Our table setting and Christmas menu for the night

 

Bread roll to start off with

 

Chilled watermelon and mint soup

 

Crumbed chicken breast …

 

… and steamed squid for entree

 

Roast turkey …

 

… and seafood platter for our mains

 

And lastly, Christmas pudding …

 

… and berry meringue for dessert

 

… we also get to enjoy the carols sung by the Sunday School Choir from the nearby Yanuya Village …

 

Sunday School choir

 

… and a visit from Tokoriki’s own Bula santa.

 

 

During dinner, the friendly staffs (Joshua and Jerry) also go around from table to table to serenade songs with their guitars.

 

Live entertainment while you dine

 

As we head back to our bure, we were glad that it had been turned-down with the unmaking of the bed, turning on lights to a low level, and turning on the air-conditioner.

 

In the future, they should consider leaving a few chocolates on the bed as well!!

 

Tokoriki’s own in-house Tokoriki Herald was also placed on the bed to inform us the upcoming activities for the next day.

 

 

All in all, our first day at Tokoriki fun and relaxing, except for the few mosquito bites.