Photo from Jessica and Lance’s collection
Lance and I had never been overseas before, so when considering where to honeymoon you would be right to say that we were amateurs. We knew our budget ($7000), we knew that we wanted a tropical paradise and privacy, but we didn’t know just how hard that would be to find. After searching through the countless travel magazines which covered the floor to no avail, suddenly, tucked away on the corner of a page we saw it, the perfect place for us to begin our marriage together. We booked 10 nights with full board (all meals included) in a premium bure at the stunning Toberua Island Resort.
Getting to our honeymoon was a little complicated. Due to rising flood waters in South East Queensland, we were forced to leave our wedding night accommodation at the stunning Glass on Glasshouse and spent our second night together as husband and wife in Lance’s uncle’s home after he kindly and bravely rescued us in the middle of the night. We just made it to the airport and enjoyed free champagne and movies on the flight to tropical Fiji (it really pays to tell flight attendants that you’re on your honeymoon).
As amateur travellers, we never reviewed our itinerary and ended up flying to Nadi then enduring a four hour drive in a taxi to another airport in Nausori. There, we were met by another taxi who drove us another 20 minutes to the island’s boat which finally took us safely to Toberua. To avoid the four hour drive, book a 20 minute flight from Nadi Airport to Nausori Airport. Driving through Fijian villages, however, taught me a lot about the Fijian way of life.
When we arrived at the Island it was late, we were tired and hungry but what we were about to experience would deliver us straight into honeymoon paradise. Pulling up at the dock, my eyes filled with tears, as I could see the beautiful glow of the lit pathways and the sounds of acoustic guitars and serenading voices which were carried through the warm air to greet us. We were guided to our room and enjoyed a gorgeous berry and coconut cream mocktail (I purchased dozens of these during our stay). We then enjoyed a private dinner where beautiful, live music continued playing.
Photo from Jessica and Lance’s collection
During our ten night stay, Lance and I loved lazing by the pool, soaking up the sun on our own private beach and receiving complimentary champagne, fruit and a massage each. Once we mustered up enough energy we enjoyed kayaking, playing games on the island such as pool, volleyball and mini golf (fishing is also an option, the chef may even prepare your prized catch for lunch). On Sunday we experienced Fijian church and traveled to a local village where we were genuinely immersed in the Fijian culture.
Photo from Jessica and Lance’s collection
We went snorkelling three times which was offered complimentary every day (weather permitting) on the island. Another couple with us on the island who were quite well travelled commented that the snorkelling was of the best that they had ever experienced. The wildlife and variety of living coral was breathtaking.
Photo from Jessica and Lance’s collection
The food was fresh and prepared at a very high standard; we couldn’t get enough of the three course lunches and four course dinners!
Photo from Jessica and Lance’s collection
Photo from Jessica and Lance’s collection
Photo from Jessica and Lance’s collection
Did I mention that at one point during our stay we were the only couple on the entire Island?
I completely underestimated the importance of taking a honeymoon after the wedding. Lance and I found it to be so valuable to have time together away from the world to reflect on and absorb the events passed.
Our experience at Toberua Island was incredible and I hope to return again in the future, I would like to encourage couples to consider booking their honeymoon at Toberua Island Resort, Fiji.
Photography by Toberua Island Resort, Fiji.
Ms Gingham says: Looks like that four hour taxi ride was worth it! This Fiji honeymoon looks so beautiful. Only danger is that they’d have to roll me out with all that food available!
Jessica says: “Our wedding day was the most incredible day, I will carry those memories with me for the rest of our lives! It really was perfect and I feel so much joy in being able to share this with you on Polka Dot Bride.”
Read about Jessica and Lance’s gorgeous wedding here.
Would love to go there for my honeymoon. It looks like such a beautiful destination.