Review: Vomo Island Resort, Fiji

There’s fun and sun enough for the whole family on the luxe Fijian island resort of Vomo.

We see them at shore’s edge, watching as our six-seater seaplane swoops down from the sky for a watery landing in crystal-clear shallows.

The thatched Royal Villa at Vomo Island Resort. — Vomo’s accommodation is scattered along the beach with the thatched Royal Villa in the foreground.

Arrival

Stepping out of the aircraft and onto soft sand, a line-up of smiling faces greets us – within seconds, we are surrounded by a swirl of shell garlands, melodic singing voices and strumming guitars.

“Bula, welcome home," they chorus.

A home away from home, albeit a slower and decidedly superior version, is indeed what a stay at Vomo Island Resort feels like.

Part of Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, Vomo is a private island only a 15-minute flight from Nadi airport.

And with just 28 villas and two residences, the resort will appeal to couples and families seeking a low-key luxury getaway within easy transit from most Australian destinations.

The reception we receive from the staff sets the tone for our visit: warm, friendly and informal.

The view into the master bedroom of The Residence. — The clean wooden lines of The Residence, which sleeps eight guests.

The room

We are staying in the Royal Villa, a three-bedroom abode of exposed wood, thatched roofs and traditional prints, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and footsteps away from a calm ocean, shimmering like marbled turquoise.

The residence is spacious and all the expected mod-cons, a private pool and ample al fresco areas for relaxing keep our party of five adults and two toddlers happy.

Bedrooms have en suites with L’Occitane toiletries and power showers – the master bedroom also boasts a full-sized bath – and the fridge is replenished every day with complimentary bottles of water and soft drinks.

Storage is slightly limited and we find the entertainment system tricky to operate, but free wi-fi means that the digitally reliant among us can stay connected to the outside world (phew).

There’s twice-daily housekeeping and a courtesy laundry service eliminates mundane chores, while affable ‘baby butlers’ and an extensive Kids’ Village help with child-minding duties.

Atmosphere

Having reopened in March 2015 after a mega-dollar renovation, the resort feels immaculate (think pared-back aesthetic with local design touches) yet organic and unspoilt.

The Royal Villa at Vomo Island Resort. — The beachside pool of the Royal Villa.

Paths meander past hibiscus bushes and palms, accompanied by a hypnotic soundtrack of chirping birds and gently lapping waves.

A central hub houses the Reef Restaurant, where most meals are served, and a bar facing the main pool, an inviting rectangle of blue fringed by sunlounges and beach umbrellas.

Villas are discreetly tucked hillside or scattered beachfront, and perched on the western tip of the island is the Rocks Bar with uninterrupted views of sand, sea and sky; sunset drinks are a must-do here.

There’s a ‘barefoot luxe’ ethos evident throughout the resort: starched cloths over tabletops conceal toes wedged in sand underneath, and glasses of champagne are delivered to hammocks swinging from coconut trees.

But Vomo is more than hedonistic. It is committed to conservation through several eco-initiatives. We support its involvement in the ‘Pack for a Purpose’ community program by bringing stationery supplies for neighbouring villages.

This ‘commitment to care’ extends to cuisine.

Food and drink

Meals (included in the daily rate) are light, fresh and delicious.

Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options are on every menu. At breakfast, cold-pressed green juices and organic eggs – squeezed and cooked to order respectively – ensure mornings are off to a wholesome start.

Kids are catered for with separate menus, while the kitchen will happily make up mini meals on request.

Things to do

A myriad of health and wellness activities is on offer at Vomo, with something to suit all three generations of our group: siblings discover underwater treasures together on guided snorkelling excursions; a husband-versus-wife challenge takes place at mini golf; mother and daughter indulge in spa sessions; and moments splashing with our little ones in the ocean make for the happiest memories of the holiday.

On our last night at Vomo, there is a full moon.

Under a lunar glow and an inky sheet of twinkling stars, we feast on Yasawa lobster and grilled fish skewers, before my two-year-old and I get up to dance to the guitar quartet playing pool-side.

As we sway to harmonious tunes, it truly feels like a place of belonging, where we have returned home.

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Details

Vomo Island Resort

Vomo Island, Fiji

+679 666 7955

vomofiji.com

The IT verdict

A private island escape that is exclusive yet accessible and providing ‘together time’ options to suit everyone from parents to teens, granny to baby.

Vomo is the perfect place for a family holiday, where no one need miss out on anything.

Location = 9/10
Vomo is only a short hop by air from Nadi International Airport, yet it feels a world apart.

Style/character = 9.5/10
Lovely, laid-back island living at its best.

Service = 8.5/10
A little forgetful and slow at times, but always so obliging, cheerful and charming that all is forgiven.

Rooms = 8/10
Simple, stylish furnishings and comfy beds for lazy morning lie-ins.

Food and drink = 8.5/10
Everything, from sashimi to steaks, pasta to paella is executed with flair. Coffee is semi-decent.

Value for money = 8/10
We paid $23,699 for five adults and two toddlers on a ‘pay for five nights, stay for seven’ offer, which was worth it, as the mostly inclusive resort rate meant we didn’t have to worry about many incidentals. Expect to pay premium prices for alcohol.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

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meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

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In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

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Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

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4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

There’s fun and sun enough for the whole family on the luxe Fijian island resort of Vomo.

Arrival

The room

Atmosphere

Food and drink

Things to do

Details

The IT verdict

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