Traditional wedding at Vatulele Resort, Fiji
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Since its opening in 1990, most visitors to Vatulele, one of Fiji’s most exclusive private-island resorts, thought it was a small piece of perfection in the South Pacific—and a glorious spot for an elopement. Nonetheless, the owners of the island recently finished a $30 million renovation of the hideaway, and it seems as if paradise just got a little more heavenly.
Renovations were meant to preserve the South Pacific spirit while introducing more than a few 21st century comforts. There’s a new communal pool and deck, gym, a new restaurant (in a neat bit of recycling, its floor-to-ceiling windows were resurrected from a cruise ship) and a fresh bar and lounge. If you’re tying the knot a second time, or decided to have the kids and do the marriage thing later, you’ll be delighted to learn that there’s also a new kids club.
The 19 private bures (Fijian cottages) are placed along the island’s south coast and feature palapa (thatched) ceilings covered in local tapa cloth. You can order in a massage, ask your butler to organize drinks and snacks, and have dinner set up on your private terrace—all while staying connected to the world, as there’s Wi-Fi access everywhere.
There are all the expected South Pacific pleasures at Vatulele —superb diving, in addition to kayaking, sailing, and swimming—but if we’re being completely honest, most people find the most memorable part of their stay is their arrival, as the seaplane bounces to a stop in the shallow aquamarine water, and you wade barefoot to shore, Fantasy Island style.
Of course for couples marrying here, there’s another even more unforgettable experience, as traditionally dressed Fijian warriors accompany the bride to the beach, a village choir sings, and children toss flower petals in the sand. Exchanging vows in a setting like this raises only one dilemma: How are you ever going to come back to earth? — Sally Kilbridge
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Want to know more about planning destination wedding travel for Vatulele? Our travel partners at Coastline Travel Advisors, a Virtuoso agency, are ready to help.
