This adults-only resort in Fiji will make you believe in paradise

A stay at this romantic adults-only oasis in the South Pacific is cause for celebration. 

The private, reef-fringed island looks uninhabited at first; nothing but a jumble of palms and a strip of sand. It’s a testament to the thoughtful design that blends Royal Davui Island Resort seamlessly into its surrounds. Thatched roofs come into view as the boat inches closer, and I spot owner and operator Christopher Southwick waving from the jetty. He and his partner Grant Seylhouwer personally welcome and farewell every guest to the island.  

Witness paradise at Royal Davui Island Resort.

It’s this genuine warm welcome and attention to detail that makes the Fijian resort stand out in a sea of others vying for attention. The premier adults-only retreat is no stranger to accolades. Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards placed the resort third best in Australia/South Pacific, the third consecutive year they’ve been included on the prestigious list. 

Moored in the deep blue waters of Beqa Lagoon, the secluded island hosts a maximum of 32 guests in 16 private pool villas and bungalows across four hectares. After the 30-minute boat ride (or private helicopter transfer for those in the mood to splurge), the arrival feels like a momentous celebration.  

The resort pool affords ocean views. (Image: Katie Carlin)

As one of several newcomers, we’re greeted with a song from the team as curious guests gather to see who is joining the tight-knit resort community today. Every person I meet is here in celebration of a milestone: the newlyweds from Texas, the first-time empty-nesters from California and the Atlanta couple toasting 25 years of marriage. The sense of occasion is palpable. 

The recently completed multimillion-dollar refurbishment of the restaurant, bar, villas and resort pool is just one more reason to celebrate. As a fifth-generation Fijian, Christopher has been very intentional in weaving the rich cultural heritage of his homeland into the transformation.  

Al fresco dining at Banyan Bar & Restaurant. (Image: Katie Carlin)

From the striking 3D artwork of local frigate birds and cascading rattan chandeliers that he designed himself in the Banyan Bar & Restaurant to the modern Pacific dishes on the menu – think fresh kokoda (Fiji’s version of ceviche) made with local coconuts, seasonal produce and yellowfin tuna. 

The restaurant serves Pacific dishes made with local produce.

Each private villa features an air-conditioned sleeping pavilion with an oversized bathtub and shower. Bifold doors open onto a sundeck, but you can soak up those lagoon views from the comfort of your bed, outdoor sun lounger or plunge pool. The living area features a fully stocked wet bar and in-villa dining is available for that extra level of privacy for couples. 

An aerial view of the adults-only island resort.

Romance is woven into just about every guest experience – the pinnacle of which has to be the private sand cay beach picnic. A seven-minute boat ride delivers couples to a tidal islet of snow-white sand lapped by aquamarine waters.   

Sea views from the villa. (Image: Rob Rickman)

Christopher and Grant share that it’s also a spot they escape to when they need some off-island time; apparently even paradise has its limits. When my husband and I pass them on the way to the jetty the next morning, they announce they’ve slipped in a bottle of sparkling for the occasion. 

As the tiny patch of sand appears, I’m reminded of Tom Hanks in Cast Away (which was actually filmed in Fiji), but thankfully I’m passed a mobile phone to contact reception in case of emergency. Sun loungers and umbrellas are quickly assembled by our captain.  

Croissants, warm banana bread and bowls of fresh fruit and muesli are spread on a picnic table. They wave us off as we pour a chilled berry smoothie into wine glasses. Time is spent between ocean dips, following cautious crabs scrambling sideways across the sand and reading under the shade of an umbrella, the hours passing by at a blissful pace.  

Enjoy your breakfast picnic on a private sand cay. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Trading one slice of paradise for another, I watch the sun set from the plunge pool of our bungalow. I pour the last of the sparkling from earlier that day into our glasses and soak up the feeling of being a million miles away from the demands of everyday life. Fiji wastes no time in casting its carefree magic on me. I’ll gladly toast to that. 

A cocktail by the resort pool.