South Pacific Sanctuaries – Andrew Harper’s Hideaway

Tropical hardwoods thrive in the volcanic soil, while commonplace houseplants such as variegated crotons grow into towering Technicolor shrubbery. At times, Fiji is reminiscent of an upscale flower shop. And simply inhaling the air feels restorative. Most international flights arrive in Nadi on Viti Levu, the largest island. It is best to escape this area as soon as possible. The city of Nadi has few charms, and the large resorts on man-made Denarau Island — while adequate for an overnight stay should your flight schedule require it — have little sense of place. Fiji is at its most magical in the outer islands, which, until now, have been home to all of my recommended resorts: Laucala Island, Yasawa Island and The Wakaya Club. However, Auberge Resorts recently opened a property on the south coast of Viti Levu. Curious to see whether Fiji’s main island had finally acquired a hideaway worthy of consideration, I flew for 30 minutes across the emerald interior to the resort’s airstrip.