Escape to Paradise: Fiji's InterContinental Luxury Awaits

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa By IHG Fiji

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa By IHG Fiji

Escape to Paradise: Fiji's InterContinental Luxury Awaits

Escape to Paradise: Fiji's InterContinental - My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the InterContinental Fiji, and let me tell you, it's an experience. This isn't your perfectly curated influencer-style review, this is the raw, unedited truth, sprinkled with some serious Fiji vibes. Prepare for tangents, because trust me, there were plenty.

First Impressions and Accessibility (Messy Start = Real Life!)

So, the arrival. Jet lag was hitting me hard. I was a sweaty, crumpled mess. From the moment I stumbled out of the airport transfer (airport transfer – easy peasy!), that familiar Fijian Bula spirit washed over me. The staff? Honestly, angels. They practically carried my suitcase (and my weary soul) through the lobby.

Accessibility? I didn't need a wheelchair this trip, but I did take note. This place is definitely catering. Elevators everywhere, ramps, and I saw several families with mobility needs navigating the resort with what seemed like ease. They're really thinking about everyone, and that’s a huge win. Accessibility Score: 4.5 out of 5 (just because I didn't live it, I can't give it a full 5, but from what I saw, it's top-notch).

Speaking of angels…and Food (Because, Priorities!)

Okay, let’s talk food. Because Fiji food, people! It's… chefs kiss. The InterContinental knows their stuff.

  • Restaurants? Plural! We're talking a range from casual poolside bites (more on that later) to fancy-pants dining. A la carte restaurant? Oh yes! You can get your fancy on. They got: Western Cuisine, Asian Cuisine, International cuisine, they even had a Vegetarian restaurant.
  • Breakfast? Buffet in restaurant? Yes! The Asian breakfast was a glorious thing to wake up to. They also had a Western breakfast, because, well, options. I'm a sucker for a good buffet, and this one didn’t disappoint. Think fresh fruit (the mangoes were like sunshine in my mouth!), pastries, and everything in between. They offered a Breakfast takeaway service for those lazy mornings. Also a coffee shop for coffee refills.
  • Room Service? 24-hour Room Service? You better believe it! Perfect for those moments when you're hiding from the sun (or the kids) and craving a burger at 3 AM.
  • Drinks? Poolside bar? Absolutely. Happy Hour? Naturally. I'm pretty certain I spent a significant portion of my time camped out at the poolside bar, sipping on cocktails. Bottle of water? They kept me hydrated. Bless them.
  • Snack Bar? Right there for a quick bite.
  • Desserts in restaurant? The desserts were deadly. Deliciously so. I may or may not have eaten my weight in chocolate lava cake. Don't judge me.
  • Alternative meal arrangement For anyone with a food intolerance or just wants something a little different, you won't struggle.

Dining, drinking, and snacking Score: 4.7 out of 5 (deducting those extra .3 points for my waistline).

The Room: My Personal Oasis…Maybe?

Alright, let's get real. I'm picky about rooms. I'm very picky. I need quiet, darkness, and a place to collapse after a day of sun and cocktails.

  • Cleanliness? Spotless. I mean, gleaming. Thank goodness for that. Anti-viral cleaning products? Yeah, they're on it. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is cool. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely.
  • Available in all rooms? Air conditioning? Yes. Air conditioning in public area? Also yes! Alarm clock? Yep. Bathrobes? They’re fluffy. Bathtub? Big enough to chill in, with a view. Blackout curtains? YES! Crucial for jet lag survival. Coffee/tea maker? Essentials. Desk? For any work-related emails I had to pretend to address. Extra long bed? Comfy, which isn’t always a given. Free bottled water? Gotta stay hydrated. Hair dryer? A lifesaver. In-room safe box? Checked. Internet access – LAN? If you’re into that, but who needs it with the Wi-Fi [free]? Ironing facilities? Thank you, Jesus. Laptop workspace? Useful. Mini bar? Dangerously good. Non-smoking? Naturally. On-demand movies? For rainy days. Private bathroom? Of course. Reading light? Important. Refrigerator? Essential. Satellite/cable channels? Some trashy TV, yes. Seating area? Perfect for chilling. Separate shower/bathtub? Luxury. Shower? Did its job. Slippers? Nice touch. Smoke detector? Hopefully did its job (none of us tested it). Soundproofing? Excellent, I needed that! Telephone? Haven't used one in ages, but it was there. Toiletries? Decent. Towels? Plentiful. Wake-up service? Thanks but no thanks, I have an alarm. Window that opens? Nope!
  • Additional toilet? Some have it, which is amazing.

My room was spacious, luxurious, and most importantly, dark. I was in heaven. Room Score: 4.8 out of 5 (that 0.2 is because I'm always looking for perfection).

Things to Do… Or Not Do (Because Relaxation is Key)

Okay, the real question: What did I actually do?

  • Swimming Pool? Glorious. Swimming pool [outdoor] There are several of them. The Pool with view? Absolutely. I’m talking infinity pools that merge with the ocean. Insta-worthy AF.
  • Ways to relax? Spa? Yes, please. I highly recommend it. Massage? Even better. I got a deep tissue massage that practically melted my stress away. (They got a Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap too, if you're into that whole pampering thing.)
  • Fitness center? Yes. I saw it. I didn’t use it. (Priorities, people!)
  • Babysitting service? If you're bringing the little ones.

Getting Around and Other Essentials (The Boring Bits, But Important!)

  • Airport transfer? Easy.
  • Car park [free of charge]? Always appreciated.
  • Car park [on-site]? Yep.
  • Internet? Yup! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank God!
  • Laundry service? Thank God again.
  • Cash withdrawal? Easy.
  • Doctor/nurse on call? Peace of mind.
  • Facilities for disabled guests? They're there.

Things to Do Score: 4.6 out of 5 (because I’m not a gym bunny).

Cleanliness and safety: Super Important!

  • Daily disinfection in common areas? Yes!
  • Hand sanitizer? Everywhere.
  • Hygiene certification? Check!
  • Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely.
  • Safe dining setup? Yes!
  • Professional-grade sanitizing services? YES.
  • CCTV in common areas? Yes. CCTV outside property? Yes.
  • Fire extinguisher? Yes.
  • Front desk [24-hour]? Always there.
  • Smoke alarms? Yes.
  • Safety/security feature? Always present.
  • Staff trained in safety protocol? Yes!

Cleanliness and safety Score: 5/5 (because they nailed it, and that's important!)

Now for the Stream-of-Consciousness Rambling…

Okay, I'm gonna get a little weird here. One thing, though, that really stood out? The vibe. This place isn’t stuffy. It’s luxurious, yes, but it’s also relaxed. The staff genuinely seem happy to be there. They're friendly, they're helpful, and they make you feel like you’re visiting long-lost friends.

This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a total reset. I came back a new woman. (Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but I definitely left feeling refreshed!)

The Quirks and Imperfections? (Because Life Isn't Perfect!)

Okay, let’s talk about the quirks. Nothing major – just the little things. The occasional hiccup with service (mostly minor delays, nothing that ruined my day) but handled with sincere apologies and smiles. The air

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InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa By IHG Fiji

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your sanitized brochure-speak itinerary. We’re going to the InterContinental Fiji, and trust me, you’re in for a ride. I’m talking sunburnt shoulders, questionable decisions fuelled by fruity cocktails, and enough sand in places you don't want sand to make you feel truly alive. Here we GO!

Day 1: Arrival & Jet Lagged Bliss (and possibly a near-disaster)

  • 6:00 AM (Fiji Time – which, let’s be honest, is more of a suggestion): Landed in Nadi. The air hit me like a warm, humid hug. Beautiful, but I immediately regretted not packing a proper hat. And sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen.
  • 7:00 AM: Smugglers Cove Beach Resort bus transfer to the InterContinental. The driver was hilariously laid-back. “Fiji Time,” he kept saying, as we meandered through adorable villages and a slightly-too-close-for-comfort encounter with a wandering cow. I was beginning to understand. My luggage, on the other hand, was not on Fiji time. It was nowhere to be found. Cue mini-meltdown number one.
  • 9:00 AM: Finally! Arrived at the resort. The lobby… wow. Instagram-perfect, obviously. But the sheer size of the place was intimidating. Trying to navigate felt like you were attending college again. Check-in was a breeze (thanks to the incredible staff!), and thankfully, my luggage eventually showed up. Turns out my suitcase took a detour to… well, who knows where.
  • 10:00 AM: Got to the room. Seriously. The views! Ocean, palm trees, the whole shebang. Tried and failed miserably to assemble my own sense of casual elegance. The bed was ridiculously comfortable. Immediately wanted a nap.
  • 11:00 AM: Lunch at Toba Bar & Grill. Fish tacos. The best I’ve ever had. Maybe it was the jet lag, maybe it was the salt in the air, but I inhaled them. Then, made the questionable mistake of ordering a Mai Tai. Don't judge me, it's Fiji!
  • 1:00 PM: Naptime! I mean, who wouldn't want a siesta after a long journey, the best tacos of their life, and the intoxicating power of a Mai Tai? Woke up. Felt like a new human.
  • 3:00 PM: Beach time. Okay, it was already getting late, I got only some minutes. Walked along the beach, got sand between my toes. The water was so clear! Actually got some sand for my shoes. It's the only way to make it a trip!
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Sanasana (Italian) Restaurant. Pasta. Wine. Bliss. Still feeling the effects of that Mai Tai, I realized I was talking very loud and laughing more than I thought was necessary. But the food was divine!
  • 8:00 PM: Stumbled to bed. Passed out. Blissful.

Day 2: Embracing the Ocean & Questionable Decisions

  • 7:00 AM Wake up with a view! I might have gone to sleep with the window open, I'm not sure.
  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Sanasana. I need to go back again!
  • 9:00 AM: Water activities time! I decided to try paddleboarding. Let's just say my grace and balance are questionable. Actually, I spent more time in the water than on the board. But it was hilarious. Also, the water was perfect, so who’s complaining?
  • 11:00 AM: Back to the pool! This time, I decided to book into the Adults-Only pool. Much more my pace.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at the pool bar. More fish tacos. Am I predictable? Maybe. Do I care? Absolutely not.
  • 3:00 PM: Massage at Spa InterContinental. Pure. Heaven. The therapist had hands of pure magic. I think I actually drifted off to sleep. It was exactly what I needed.
  • 5:00 PM: Sunset cocktails at that lobby bar. More Mai Tais? Definitely. The view of the sunset was absolutely breathtaking. I swear, I was staring at it without blinking. I'm sure I looked like a lovesick puppy.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Navo Restaurant. Upscale dining, stunning views. This is what you call paradise. The food was sublime. The company? Fantastic, probably. Although, I'm a little hazy on the details… might have had one too many cocktails.
  • 9:00 PM: Bedtime! I actually went to sleep early, I was tired, but happy.

Day 3: Exploring & Last-Minute Panic

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast. I woke up on time! It's something.
  • 9:00 AM: I booked a day trip to the Mamanuca Islands. Snorkelling. Sunshine. Island hopping. It was beautiful, definitely. The boat ride was a little longer than expected, and the sea was a bit choppier than I'd anticipated. But the snorkelling was amazing. So many colourful fish! Felt like I was in a real-life aquarium.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch on a deserted island. It sounds romantic. It was. Until I realised I’d forgotten my sunscreen. Cue more panicking.
  • 4:00 PM: Back to the resort. Exhausted but happy.
  • 5:00 PM: A mad dash to find the gift shop for sunscreen and souvenirs. I'm always the type of person who spends all the trip and almost forgets to buy souvenirs.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Golden Cowrie Coastal Italian for the last time. This is the last night!
  • 8:00 PM: Stroll along the beach. Watched the stars. Realized I didn't want to leave.

Day 4: Departure (and Emotional Goodbye)

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Eating slowly, savoring every last bite.
  • 9:00 AM: Pack up. This is when reality hits. I don't want to go!
  • 10:00 AM: Last swim. Last walk on the beach. Last deep breath of that glorious air.
  • 12:00 PM: Check out – with a heavy heart.
  • 1:00 PM: Saying goodbye to this incredible resort. This trip was the best I've ever had.
  • 2:00 PM: Transfer to Nadi Airport.
  • 4:00 PM: Departure. Looking out the plane window… I have to come back.

So, there you have it. My wonderfully imperfect, slightly messy, and completely honest account of my time at the InterContinental Fiji. Fiji Time? It's real, alright. And it's magical. Go. Live it. Love it. And don't forget the sunscreen. Seriously.

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Escape to Paradise: Fiji's InterContinental Luxury Awaits - (Uh... Maybe?)

Alright, let's be real. You're thinking Fiji. InterContinental. Luxury. My credit card's already sweating. But is it ALL sunshine and rainbows? Let's find out, shall we?

So, "Luxury"? Seriously? Is it REALLY all that and a bag of chips?

Okay, okay, confession time. I went in expecting... well, the brochure. You know, the one with the impossibly smooth skin, the perfectly manicured lawns, and the cocktails that practically serve themselves? And, yeah, parts were AMAZING. Like, jaw-dropping, “send-a-postcard-to-everyone-I-know” amazing. My villa? Private plunge pool staring out at THAT turquoise water… it was heaven. You could legitimately float in there, sipping a passionfruit something-or-other for, like, a whole afternoon. The staff? Impeccably polite. Always a smile, a "Bula!" (the Fijian greeting, FYI, remember to say it, it's polite). Truly felt pampered. But... and there's always a "but," right? The price tag made my wallet weep. Seriously, I'm eating ramen for a month to recover.

**The Verdict:** Luxury? Yes. But bring a VERY healthy bank balance… or maybe skip a few meals beforehand. Just kidding... (mostly)

About those "Impeccably Polite" Staff... Did you feel like they ACTUALLY cared, or just that they were good at their jobs? (The REAL tea spill.)

Okay, this is a tough one. Because, honestly? They were *amazing*. Went above and beyond. Remember my "passionfruit something-or-other"? I, uh, may have accidentally spilled a giant, bright orange splash of it *all over* my pristine white kaftan (don't judge, it was hot!) They not only cleaned it up without a flicker of judgment, but they also brought me a *new* one… *and* a mini-sized bottle of the cleaning product, "just in case the next one has a similar accidental mishap". Talk about going the extra mile!

But… there were moments. Little things. Like, sometimes, you could *feel* a slight stiffness. Like, they were perfectly programmed to be charming and helpful, but maybe not necessarily *genuinely* connecting? It's a subtle thing, and maybe I'm overthinking it, but... maybe. I guess that’s part of that whole “luxury” thing - the expectation of perfection. And, sometimes, perfection can feel… a little sterile, if you know what I mean.

**The Verdict:** Mostly amazing. Prepare to be fawned over. But keep an eye out for the subtle disconnect. It’s a tricky balance.

Let's talk FOOD. Is it all just fancy-pants plates, or can you get a decent burger (or, you know, something REAL)?

Oh, the food! Okay, the restaurants. There's the fancy one, the one on the beach, the one overlooking the pool... They're all beautiful, and the presentation is absolutely Instagrammable. Expect dishes with creative names and teeny, tiny portions (don't go there hungry). I had a fish that I swear was *smiling* at me. Probably before they cooked it. It was delicious. But... and here's where my inner comfort-food-loving self squeals with delight... they have a casual bar/restaurant, too! And the burgers? Glorious. Seriously, juicy, perfect, with fries that were crispy and salty and everything I needed after a day of pretending to be a sophisticated traveler. Thank the heavens for those Burgers. They saved me.

**The Verdict:** Something For everyone, including your inner slob.

Did you actually DO anything while you were there? Or did you just float in your plunge pool and drink cocktails all day? (Be honest!)

Okay, okay, I'll own it. A *lot* of time was spent floating in that pool. Judge all you like. But I *did* drag myself out for a few things. Snorkeling! The coral reefs are AMAZING! I saw… a fish. A really colorful one! And some others. And, okay, I might have gotten a little freaked out when something… *big*… swam past me. But still, AMAZING! The spa was also incredible. Massages! Which I *really* needed after all that... vigorous floating. And, oh! I took a cooking class! Learned how to make a Fijian dish. Which I can now proudly say I *almost* managed to recreate at home. (Let's just say it looked a little… rustic.)

**The Verdict:** Mix of lazy and a sprinkling of adventure. Basically, the perfect holiday balance.

The Rooms: Worth the Hype? Tell me EVERYTHING!

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InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa By IHG Fiji

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa By IHG Fiji