Resort Report: Sonaisali Island Resort, Fiji

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Hotel Name: Sonaisali Island Resort
Address: Nadi, Viti Levu Fiji
Phone Number: (679) 670 6011
Fax Number: (679) 670 6092
Web Address: http://www.sonaisali.com
Email Address: info@sonaisali.com

Total Number of Rooms: 123
Rates: Standard Room Min to Max in FJD: 445.00 – 582.00
Rates: Suite Min to Max in FJD: 818.00 – 1066.00
Star Classification: 4.5

Review: Billed as a Fijian island resort, which technically it is as it’s separated from mainland Vitu Levu by a narrow channel, Sonaisali has all the appeal of an island without the long pesky boat ride of say, the Yasawas or Manauca Islands. It’s particularly handy if your flight into Nadi arrives late at night, being a 20 minute drive south of Nadi International Airport. The two minute boat transfer operates 24 hours a day and is complimentary for all guests.

A four and a half star aging resort with hotel style rooms and free standing well appointed bures, Sonasaili comfortably caters for family groups as well as travellers who don’t require too many challenges. Popular with Australian and New Zealand holiday makers, it’s a sure sign they know what their guests want when Vegemite is found among the condiments on the breakfast buffet.

Sonasaili sits on a 105 acre private island, with much of that space given over to lushly landscaped gardens. Surrounded by tidal mangrove wetlands which protect the beachfront from erosion, the west facing beach at the front of the resort is fairly typical of the black sand beaches found on this part of the coast. A large lagoon style pool beachside, with obligatory swim-up bar is the preferred swimming option. The sun lounges dotted along the white sand just beyond the natural beachfront are the ideal spot to view the blazing orange sunsets Fiji is famous for.

Undoubtedly the room of choice is the Beachfront Spa Bure, with a vaulted ceiling and plenty of room for lounging inside, plus a large alfresco deck with inbuilt spa tub. It’s just the place to share a champagne at sunset with your loved one. For families, one of the two bedroom Beachfront Family Bures, located adjacent to the open air Kids Club, offer plenty of space for the kids to run around, with good access to the pool area and beachfront. The other room choices are Oceanview Bures, which are similar to Beachfront Spa Bures except that the ocean view is slightly obscured by the bures in front.

Hotel rooms are in the process of being totally refurbished with new bathrooms and furnishings. If you want to save money take a Standard Hotel (non-refurbished) Room but if you prefer a modern room with more funk, you’ll pay a little more for the deluxe Beachfront Hotel Rooms. All are located in the two story hotel blocks adjacent to the central resort hub with sunset views across the ocean.

Plantation Fine Dining, air conditioned and decorated with historical black and white images along the walls, offers a la carte dining as well as a degustation menu. It’s a sort of special occasion restaurant, well worth the splurge. Though most guests choose to dine in the open-sided Terrace Restaurant that looks out over the lagoon pool and the ocean beyond. With choice of a la carte or buffet, the resort also offers pre-paid meal packages in the Terrace Restaurant.

Activities on offer include scuba diving, horseriding, hobie cats, kayaks, tennis, waterskiing, and spa treatments at Frangipani Spa. Additionally, there are a range of Fijian cultural activities such as Fire Walking demonstrations, sulu tying, storytelling and palm leaf weaving. Fitness buffs should be aware that there is no gym facility.

Verdict: Highly Recommended for families and small groups looking for an island experience close to mainland Vitu Levu & Fiji International Airport

Fiona Harper was a guest of Sonaisali Island Resort