ESCAPE
NANUKU AUBERGE
PACIFIC HARBOUR, FIJIThe staff at Nanuku Auberge are all
smiles when the drum sounds for the
traditional kava-fuelled welcome.
Their radiant dispositions are typical
of Fiji but, in retrospect, also reveal
something of the onslaught of surprises
intended to usher guests deep into
the holiday zone.
Nanuku Auberge is an all-villa
boutique resort in the Pacific Harbour
precinct on the main island. It’s about
two hours by car from Nadi Airport,
but there’s also a private airstrip if you
prefer to arrive in style via private
plane or helicopter. Touring the lush
beachfront resort, the thatched-roof
villas are equal parts island fantasy
and contemporary chic, successfully
letting the tropical setting shine.
After the initial shock of the room
reveal – the size, style and plunge pool
overhanging Beqa Lagoon – the
personal butlers wait for their guests
to regather long enough for the other
shoe to drop. Not only is the room
stocked with chilled coconuts, fruit and
personalised notes, they’ve decked it
with photos from their guests’ Instagram
feeds, which feels more homely than
stalker-ish in execution.
From day one, the staff know all
their guests by name. Then the holiday
settles into a rhythm of swims, private
island picnics, snorkelling, massages,
cooking lessons and top-shelf meals
all handmade using sustainable, local
ingredients. Visit aubergeresorts.comSensi Studio hat, $269,
at matchesfashion.comLucy Folk
sunglasses, $395,
lucyfolk.comLee Mathews dress, $727,
at matchesfashion.comMara Hoffman
swimsuit, $430, at
matchesfashion.comPrimavera
necklace, $109, at
theiconic.com.auSUITCASE
ESSENTIALS
Get into the
holiday spirit with
sunset hues and a
luxe beach vibe.Situated among palm trees,
Nanuku Auberge combines
fresh seafood, snorkelling
and private pool dips.
Chan Luu earrings,
$164, at
net-a-porter.com
marieclaire.com.au (^) | 177