hero media

This over-water Fijian resort might be Fiji’s best escape

No need to fly to a private island; one of Fiji’s finest resorts is also its most accessible.

Overwater bungalows hovering above turquoise lagoons, fresh seafood under fiery skies and the soundtrack of swaying palms; checking into Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay feels like a dream. It almost certainly sounds like a remote island fantasy. Yet the opportunity to unwind and draw breath (preferably while enjoying a spa treatment or exploring a private sand cay) is nestled on the western coast of Viti Levu, just a 45-minute drive from Nadi International Airport.

You’ll come for Fiji’s picturesque sanctuary but will leave with so much more.

A community feel

staff memeber by the pool at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Feel the heart and soul of Fiji.

Spend a few hours at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay and one thing becomes clear: the property serves as not just a holiday destination, but a true immersion into the heart and soul of Fijian culture and community.

Leaning on the resort’s long-established relationships with land-owning communities around the property, guests can get involved with initiatives such as the UN Markets for Change, UNICEF’s Check Out for Children, village tours and craft markets. You don’t have to go far; just take a leisurely stroll to Voi Voi, the resort’s al fresco dining outlet, and you’ll find local artisans selling their handicrafts. It’s the best way to shop for souvenirs while giving back to the locals.

An overwater escape

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Enjoy direct access to the lagoon.

Stress‑free location aside, there are countless reasons to choose the Fijian‑owned Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. Chief among them are the adults‑only overwater bures – private sanctuaries perched above a tranquil lagoon, each with a staircase that leads directly into turquoise water alive with tropical fish. Inspired by traditional Fijian architecture, the bures feature wide doors that invite the cooling lagoon breeze, blurring the line between indoors and out.

Afternoons bring a playful twist: happy hour arrives by boat, delivering icy beverages straight to your deck as you soak in the serenity.

Families are equally at home here. Spacious interconnecting rooms, thoughtfully positioned near resort facilities, reflect Fiji’s family‑first design ethos. Children of all ages are welcomed with warmth, while parents enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is within easy reach.

And for those who crave adventure beyond the lagoon, the world‑famous surf break Cloudbreak lies just 20 minutes away.

Authentic (and atmospheric) dining

seafood at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Delight in Fiji’s flavours and charm.

Picture five distinct dining experiences celebrating Fijian produce and ocean bounty, and Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay has them all. Try the international buffet at Goji Kitchen & Bar, ocean-to-plate dining at Fish Bar, grab-and-go options at Fiji Baking Co, Fijian barbecue at Voi Voi, light bites at Lagoon Lounge and tasty Mediterranean dishes at Lagoon House.

Fancy a meal to go? While in-room and private cabana dining is always an option, so too is a private picnic experience. You can either have a gourmet basket delivered to your chosen spot within the resort, or be whisked away to a secluded sandbar for the most romantic picnic of your life.

What really sets the resort apart, however, isn’t the wealth of options or the views, but the onsite organic garden. It provides fresh ingredients to each of its restaurants and bars (yep, even for those home-grown fruit juices and cocktails crafted by resident mixologist Rikki Handoko). Book a garden tour to explore the property’s sustainable agricultural practices.

Relaxation and rejuvination

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay spa
Settle into the spa for a blissful afternoon.

Little compares to the signature treatments at the property’s award-winning Quan Spa, which specialises in rejuvenating therapies designed to hydrate and detoxify skin. Choose from a menu of restorative massages, body treatments, scrubs, wraps and beauty services. You’ll melt under the touch of Nama Fiji, a research-driven thalassotherapy skincare brand that’s rooted in the unique properties of nama (Caulerpa racemosa – also known as the sea grape) and time-honoured sea minerals.

The spa is not only for adults, as the Giggles & Glam kids’ spa and wellness program is also on offer for young guests. And everyone who books a treatment receives a complimentary foot ritual, too. The challenge? To stay awake for the duration of your spa visit.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers,
and more.

Something for everyone

A woman planting mangroves.
Give back through meaningful mangrove planting.

All guests can give back to our planet by way of the property’s many environmental initiatives, like mangrove planting. These small habits and new lessons will keep Fiji just as beautiful for generations to come.

And, of course, there’s no shortage of things for younger guests to do at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. They can join the popular Momi Marine Biologist, Momi Eco Warrior and Momi Art & Wellness programs, which offer activities such as coral planting and bird nest building. Traditional options are available too, including kids’ club, pizza making classes, an indoor playground and a children’s pool. And Momi Warriors, a program which tracks kids’ eco adventures around the resort through the inventive M Passport, is sure to be a winner.

While the kids make a splash in the shallow pool, non-supervising adults can find serenity at the Sunset Infinity Pool, home to some of the best sunsets in Fiji.

Book your stay with Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay marriott.com.

Want to see more stories from International Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set International Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "International Traveller". That's it.
hero media

This cruise through the Pacific is the perfect way to lean into slow travel

    Slow travel is encouraging us all to take our time and truly experience our journeys, and cruising has always been the perfect way to do just that.

    The slow travel trend isn’t going anywhere. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, travellers are opting for extended travel, allowing for a more immersive experience – as well as the time to actually feel reset and rested at the end of the journey. Part of that travel style is choosing the best method of travel. With none of the hassle, plenty to enjoy between ports, and port stops that allow time spent in a new place with a new culture, cruising may just be the slow travel answer.

    And Royal Caribbean‘s new 16-night Long Adventure cruise itinerary from Sydney to Honolulu might just be the perfect slow adventure to get you started. After all, nothing says slow travel like getting on island time.

    Immersive travel itinerary

    moorea lagoon Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish
    Dive into underwater worlds. (Credit: Getty/ Global Pics)

    On this journey connecting Australia to Hawaiʻi, guests have a chance to experience destinations and culture that typically aren’t combined into one leisurely-paced trip. From tropical South Pacific islands to the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi, each port offers its own rewards. Not to mention sea days in between to rest and reflect.

    Stop in Papeete, Tahiti, to watch waves roll over black and white sand beaches. Or wander through tropical beauty at Paofai Gardens. While in French Polynesia, gaze on the jagged green peaks of Moorea. Here, snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish in the Lagoonarium. Later, experience the lesser-travelled Raiatea – where coral gardens practically explode with marine life and inland hiking trails lead to waterfalls. End the journey with the golden beaches and rich culture of Honolulu.

    More time to connect

    wave rider on anthem of the seas royal caribbean
    Use sea days to make new memories together.

    The essential factor that makes cruising the ultimate form of slow travel? Time on board is never wasted. On Anthem of the Seas® during your Long Adventure cruise, that could look like booking a seat for world-class theatre productions and live shows. Or spending time together in one of the many pools, bars and lounges for all moods.

    Head to the adults-only Solarium, an indoor-outdoor retreat sitting right at the front of the ship for epic views from the swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area. With something on every night, take in the onboard entertainment and nightlife. Like We Will Rock You – the West End musical featuring the legendary hits of Queen.

    Built-in pauses

    RCI Vitality℠ Spa
    Enjoy a spa treatment at Vitality Spa.

    We so often forget to factor in time to pause and reflect when we travel, but sea days are a built-in deep breath. Take advantage of resort-style living at sea to disconnect and avoid the trap of a frantic holiday schedule.

    On Anthem of the Seas, expansive spaces have been designed specifically to help guests relax, reset and enjoy the journey. Spend time together enjoying onboard entertainment, dining, or lounging by the pool. Head to the observatory to check out an unpolluted night sky. Or, for something truly special, book a restorative massage or rejuvenating facial at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Remove travel hassle

    royal caribbean anthem of the seas royal loft balcony room
    Unpack once, and return to your own comfortable room every night.

    Instead of sweating as you run from one airport gate to another, getting grumpy because everyone is sleep-deprived or having to unpack and pack over and over again, travel time is spent creating new memories together. Simply depart from Sydney and let the rest be taken care of for you.

    Unpack once, and return to the same comfortable room every night. This all-inclusive cruise brings together accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport in one seamless experience. It’s a more considered way to travel, offering exceptional value and removing logistics.

    Dine at your leisure

    Izumi Sashimi
    Dine on flavours from around the world.

    With world-class dining and a choice of over 18 dining options on board Anthem of the Seas, indulge your senses at any time (and never feel rushed). Take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining concept, allowing guests to choose from multiple complimentary restaurants, each with its own distinct style.

    Or, book in for an elevated experience at specialty dining venues, with flavours from around the world. Tuck into Jamie’s Italian, led by the celebrated British chef Jamie Oliver. Enjoy Japanese delicacies at Izumi. For something really special, join the Chef’s Table, where up to 14 guests can indulge in a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier.

    And with 11 bars and lounges to choose from, there’s always a new spot to enjoy a tipple. Like the unique mixology experience at Bionic Bar, or caipirinhas at the ship’s Latin-themed club, Boleros.

    A taste of diverse cultures

    Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea
    See Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea.

    Let Anthem of the Seas transport you overnight between diverse international ports. With cruising, there’s no need to pick just one destination. The longer, more immersive Transpacific cruise itinerary allows travellers to experience a range of destinations and cultures all across Oceania.

    Head inland at Papeete to discover the story behind one of Tahiti’s most iconic treasures at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Visit the sacred Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaning into the relaxed local rhythm in Uturoa commune. And delve into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.

    The luxury of time

    royal caribbean solarium
    Relax in adult-only areas of the ship.

    The greatest luxury that cruising provides is that of time. More time to disconnect, more time to explore, and more time to enjoy the journey at your own pace. This Long Adventure voyage isn’t just about racing from destination to destination; it’s about how you get there. Taking your own time, both on sea days and during days on land.

    Start planning your Long Adventure at royalcaribbean.com.au.

    Why Marriott Resort Momi Bay Is One of Fiji’s Best Resorts