De extended long weekend in Denaru

[Lynda2475]

In January I snaped up some nice J sale fares to Nadi, Fiji over the Anzac Day long weekend, using my Amex Travel Credit it made for a relatively inexpensive way to earn 160 SCs for the return journey.

With some advice from AFF members and reading of reviews from the unlucky Aussies who tested positive in Fiji over Christmas, I decided to stick to Viti Levu for the ease of complying with covid testing and chose the Softel Fiji Resort & Spa in Denaru as they allow you to stay in the room you booked if you get covid.

Whilst Australia no longer requires pre-departure test, Fiji still does. Got a supervised RAT at Chemist Warehouse the day before for $35 which included a spare test to take with me.

Day 1 - Friday 22nd April

Arrived at SYD at 5:15am for an 8:30am flight as online check-in said to arrive 3 hours before departure, and we had all seen the Easter coverage re check in chaos. However, I could have easily slept for another hour or two!

There was no queue whatsoever for J (only 2 counters open for J and F), a handful of Y passengers at the self-serve check-in (3 staff wandering to assist).

Check-in was quick and fuss free, took less than a minute to have paperwork verified (Vax cert, negative RAT, pre-booked arrival RAT and proof of insurance that has unlimited covid medical coverage), agent said I was a dream passenger for having everything ready.

We had a chat re travel and best way to get SCs atm, then she warned me the gate is a good 10min walk from lounge and said she’d see me there.

Strolled over to departures, zero queue at passport control, 1 person ahead of me at security, there were only 2 lanes open but plenty of staff around to open more if needed.

As it was so early duty-free was closed (actually everything except McDonalds), I was in the QF J lounge a minute later, got a real coffee straight away but had til wait until 6:30am for the bacon, eggs and hash browns to make an appearance.

Headed to the gate once flight was showing as boarding, when I arrived boarding had not commenced. A few minutes later they called for priority agent who had checked me in called me over in front of them and I was on first onboard.

QF101 (737-800)



737-800 feeling tired but fine for 3.5hr flight. Only 12 J seats, 11 occupied. I was in 2C. 1D&F were occupied by a man and his 2-3 year old daughter who coughed the entire flight, yet her mum who was in 2F with newborn baby boy (who never made a sound) confidently declared on entry form none of the family had any symptoms.

No PBD drinks offered, but green juice, water or sparkling wine were as soon as seatbelt sign was off.



No printed menu, 3 Breakfast choices on offer; Leek Quiche or Bacon, mushroom & potato omelette or muesli.

I had the omelette, it came with a blueberry muffin, grain soughdough with frozen pepe sayer butter you couldn't spread, strawberry jam, fruit salad and a mango yoghurt.



Quite a bit of turbelence after meal was done, seatbelt sign on for good 40 mins. Cabin crew policed the J toliet sending Y passengers to the back of the plane on multiple occasions.

Had to complete the usual entry card (why is the print so tiny, I struggled to read it even with glasses on), as well as a second red form re covid test, vaccinationa nd symptoms (larger print), Was simple as I had all the data at hand from check-in process.

On landing I was 4th off the plane but first to immigration. I was asked verbally if I had pre-booked my arrival test, I saif yes (they never checked paperwork, had thermoter gun pointed at my forehead and waive on to counter, where my passport was stamped and I was waved on wihout any check of my vacination status, negative test or insurance papework.

First at baggage carosuel, mine was 8th bag off, through the ex-ray machine at customs, quick stop at ATM for some emmergency cash and was in my private transfer to the hotel within 2 minutes.

 

[Lynda2475]

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Just shy of 20 minutes later I was at the foyer of my hotel, all the concierges were busy so i walked past and to the check-in counter. Upon giving my name, the staff member was "oh no miss Lynda, you should have been escorted straight to the Waitui Beach Club for a personalised check-in", she insisted in taking my bag, marched back to the concierge and demanded he drive me in the golf buggy immediatey to the correct reception.

At Waitui I was welcomed and told there was some very important business to take care of before we proceeed any further, I was thinking I would be asked to show vaccine certificate or something, but no he just wanted to know what coughtail I wanted for my welcome drink (see below), so it could be made while i checked in.



Staff all wore masks but i didnt see a single hotel guest or tourist at the hotel or anywhere else wear a mask except at the airport and on the plane.

I had booked a Luxury Room (Kingsize bed) with Waitui Beach Club Access, Oceanside. It was in the adults only area of the resort and included complimentary: breakfast (choice of ala carte at Waitui or the BUffet at Bazaar), free minibar replenished daily, unlimited movies, Wi-Fi, non-motorised water sports, coughtail hour, canapes, free laundry and ironing, and daily activities.

I stayed in room 304 on the top floor, I had a view over the beach club towards the beach:



My room:



Bed was super comfy, i like that the duvet has proper cover none of that quilt between two sheets nonsense.



Huge Shower with great water pressure



Minbar had fijian beer, juice, soffdrinks, cadbury chocolate bars and chips/crisps.

 

[mrsterryn]

Just curious why you needed another RAT ?
Looks like a nice quick trip lol. I did a similar one before .

 

[Lynda2475]

After unpacking and changing into some more weather appropriate clothing (it was a perfect 29C), I headed down to the pool area to relax, and finally start reading the book Id lugged on last 4 trips but not opened.



Before long it was happy hour where drinks (coughtail of the day, beer, sparkling wine or softdrinks) are free flowing and there is a constantly circulating choice of 3 canapes.

Fridays coughtail was a Waitui Sunset (I think I had 4)



Canapes were mini beef pies, prawn and guacamole and spiced cauliflower (not pictured).



After sunset, there was a live 4 piece band playing a mix of fijian and popular music, which I enjoyed before heading up to my room. I was really tired as had only had 3 hours sleep the night before so decided to order room service and have an early night.

Dinner was spiced fried chicken with chipotle mayo, coleslaw and fries. Delivered promptly to my door in a covid safe bag, uber eats style.

I slept really well.

 

[Lynda2475]

Just curious why you needed another RAT ?
Looks like a nice quick trip lol. I did a similar one before .

Fiji government requirement to get a supervised RAT between 48 and 72 hours after arrival. You need to pre-book and pay for it before you arrive in Fiji, test is done at resort if you stay at one of the majors FJD$48.

I didnt need to bring a RAT with me, but did just in case.

 

[Lynda2475]

Day 2 - Saturday 23rd of April

Had a lovely breakfast at the Waitui Beach Club which is all outdoor seating. Coffee order taken before I reached my table which was looking onto the beach.



Once seated I was asked if I wanted the juice of the day (some weird cocotion including watermelon which I passed on as am allergic) or the smoothie of the day which I also passed, a mimosa, fresh cocout or champers, I opted for an orange juice.

I was then presented with a choice of pastries - croissants, chocolate croissants or danish plus a variety of fresh tropical fruit whilst waiting for my main breakfast choice to be prepared.




The coffee was good



I had the coconut pancakes with maple syrup and a side of bacon



I didnt want to over indulge as I was heading out for a snorkel trip.

 

[Lynda2475]

I had pre-booked a day of snorkelling in the Mamanuca islands with Home - Cruisin Fiji They are a small family owned business who offer a friendly no frills adventure.

I made a new friend (another solo traveller staying at the Softel) waiting for our pick-up which was included in the tour price. Hotel was about a 3 min drive formt he marina, but we had to make a pick-up stop at the Hilton next door first.

Unlike snorkel and dve trips on the GBR or in Ningaloo, there was no real safety briefing (just a we have life jackets if needed), no paperwork to fill out.

Weather was picture perfect, warm sunny and no breeze, ocean flat and calm. Morning tea of banana bread served and wasnt long before our first snorkel stop which included a guided snorkel over the reef then a visit to a sand bar.







View from the Sand Bar

 

[Lynda2475]

Second snorkel stop was off the coast of Modriki Island (owned by grand mother of our captain), where the movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks was filmed.

Had fun playing with some moon jellyfish (they dont sting) but needed to be positioned by hand to photograph properly

 

[Lynda2475]

Next we went to the other side of the island for our lunch stop, a rustic buffet of bbq chicken, grilled fish, salad and breadrolls. Went of a guided nature walk and then more tme to explore and snorkel offshore.

They are currently filming latests season of Survibor US on part of the Island so we were restricted as to where we could wander.

Help Sign form Castaway



Also found Wilson LOL (and you can see the Cruisin Fiji boat in the background)



At 3:30pm we swam back to the boat (some people opted to take the dingy), and headed back to Denaru. Included Beer, White Wine (undrinkable) and Softdrink alonmg with an Afternoon tea of chocolate brownsies serveed on return journey.

Got back to hotel at 5:05pm in time for Happy hour - a new coughtail and new canapes (fish bites, mini bruschetta and chicken sausage rolls) to try:

 

[Lynda2475]

I had dinner at Solis restuarnt which is the most expensive restuarnt at the resort and is in the general part of the resort as opposed to the Adults only area.

For entree I had the Pork Belly and Scallops with Apple - it was delicious but there was disappointingly only 1 scallop.



For main I had the steak and beef cheek. I ordered my steak medium however it was blue and inedible (good thing Id had those canapes earlier). Staff were great however, offered to prepare something else, but I didnt fancy anything so they did not charge me for the main.



Dessert was Apple and Vanilla Panacotta



I would not recommend Solis, was over priced and average food. I enjoyed the dinners at Waitui Beach Club more (and they were less expensive) and also meals had at the Marina.

I never did brave the Bazaar Buffet.

 

[Lynda2475]

Day 3 - Sunday 24th April

Breakfast at Waitui again, chose the Smashed Avo with a side of bacon



It was overcast but luckily the rain stayedaway all day.

Then off for another adventure this time with South Sea Sailing onboard the Sabre catamaran. This trip was positively luxurious compared with the previous day (also cost FJD $70 more), however if you booked direct or via your hotel they were giving away a free half day visit to Malamala Beach Club valued at $70.

Mimosa's on baording, morning tea of muffins and fresh tropical fruit. Serious buffet lunch prepared by chef on board with wine (which was drinkable) or beer, unlimited drinks on the return and brownies for arvo tea.

Whilst this trip was also to the Mamanuca Islands it went to different parts and we never actually set foot on an island. Were lucky only 25 passengers onboard istead of the usual 50 so plenty of room to stetch out and relax.






Blue star fish





Found nemo and friends



Stopped at a partially submerged sandbar, where we could stand-up paddle board and have drinks serverd via Kayak!



The crew who serenaded everyone farewell at the end of the day

 

[Lynda2475]

Lunch served on the Sabre:

 

[Lynda2475]

Back intime for happy hour again!



Whilst enjoying a drink and a canape I was approached by a charming french man, turned out to be Vincent who is the MD of the hotel. He was asking me about my stay, what i thought of the rooms, resort in general etc. I happened ti mention how I dont drink beer at all and am not a fan of soft drink and how it was a shame the mini bar didnt have sparkling water. He said they had bene having supply issues, asked for my room number.

Then dinner at Waitui



The J Moreau Rose dÁnjou was so good (am on the look out for it locally).

Prawn & Squid Karage with Yuzu mayo for entree

Main was a Steak (cooked properly this time) with Parisian butter and side of onion rings, broccoli & green beans with feta



I was too full for dessert!

But when I got back to my room I found 4 * 1 litre bottles of Santa Victoria sparkling mineral water had been delivered with compliments of Vincent. Which was greatly appreciated.

 

[Lynda2475]

Day 4 - Monday 25th April

Awoke to find that it was bucketing with rain, seriously pouring and blowing a gale. I didnt have any plans and had a bit of sleep in which was a good thing as breaky was less busy than previous days meaning I managed to score a table one of the 9 tables inside or on the verandah of the bar.



After breakfast I wandered over to main recption to get my post arrival covid test. Had to show booking number and passport, results are sent to you and the Fiji govt. It was pure theatre, inserted the swab about 1mm inside my nose, barely made contact and told me i was fine to go after about 1-2 minutes. 5 mins later my phone beeped, it was the email with the official clearance certificate.

Upon exist of the test room, I noticed that there was a fiji airways desk, no one was there so I had a chat and found out I could check in for my return flight at the hotel provided I did so by 2pm.

Because it was so wet, the hotel had turned main conference room into a cinema and were playing kids movies and providing free popcorn all day. I found a comfy lounge away fromt he kids and spent some time editing photos and reading my book over looking the storm outside.

I also popped over to Waitui reception to ask about check-out and luggage storage. I was asked what time my flight was and what time I planned to head to the airport. I said leaving at 3:30pm for 7pm flight, and was instatntly given a 3pm late check-out despite having no All Accor status.

Then I headed back to my room to contemplate a nanna nap, when there was a knock on the door. Because it was too wet to hang out at the pool the lovely Waitui staff were delivering the usual poolside freebies to the door of any beach club guest who was home.

I missed the 11am mocktail as was getting my test, but did get the 12pm canape of kokoda, the 1pm coughtail and the 2pm pizza.



At 4:30pm I went to the day spa for a 90 minute full body massage, which meant i missed happy hour, although there was a free coughtail at the spa ater my massage.



Afterwards I met up with new friend from Saturday's Snorkelling trip and we caught a cab ($7 the only time I needed cash) to the Marina, we would have walked (about 15 mins) if it wasnt pouring rain and based on recommendation of the recptionist had dinner at Nadina Authentic Fijian Resturant.

The food was very delicious and reasonbly priced but I failed to take photos of everything entree was Kokoda (Fijian Ceviche with coconut lime marinade) and prawn cutlets. We also had braised pork belly, a beef dish and coughtails.



Waked around the marina and had an ice cream before heading back to resort by taxi again (it was still raining!). Had a coughtail with some of the friendly staff.

I then went to bed, my new friend however ended up going to a local club with two of the staff and drinking kava until 4am!

 

[Lynda2475]

Day 5 - Tuesday 26th April

It was overcast but not raining.

Tried the eggs benedict at breaky and finally had a coconut



Spent the morning readng by the beach, then when the sun came out moved to the pool



Then since it had cleared up, I decided to use the free half day visit to Malamala Beach Club I got with my South Sea Sailing trip earlier. Didnt take my phone or camera because I didnt want to leave valueables on the beach/chair whilst snorkeling (they dont offer lockers). But you can check out what it is like here: Malamala Beach Club | South Sea Cruises

Dinner at Waitui again. Had Mahi Mahi with a side of delphinoise potato



and for desert 50 Shades of Chocolate

 

[Lynda2475]

Day 6 - Wednesday 27th April (Last Day)

I was having a resort day and planned to take full advantage of the late check-out. Slept in, had a leisurely breakfast.

Then spent the morning in and by the pool.



At about 12:30pm headed up to my room to shower, chnage and pack my bag. At 2pm I went to the Fiji Airways check in desk at the hotel, showed my vax cert (for first time) and Digital Passenger Declaration (which I completed on the rainy day), dropped off bag and got my boarding pass.

Then headed back to the Beach club for a late lunch of soft shell crab, before checking out at Waitui with the lovely Solomon, before walking to main recption to get my provate transfer to the airport.

Put a mask on for the first time since arriving, entered the airport, straight through security (as bags were delivered earlier) and into the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge.

Lounge was pretty standard, unfortunately its in the basemesnt so no windows or view of the planes. It does have plenty of seating and a dedicated childrens playroom.





Boarding stared an hour before departure and was completed within 20 mins, with everyone on board we took off 30 mins early, meanwhile the inbound MEL flight which was supposed to depart again at 6:30pm had yet to arrive.

 

[Lynda2475]

FJ915 (737-Max 8) / QF 3862

My return flight was on Fiji Airways (a first for me) and I was a bit worried to be flying the B38M. Only 8 * J seats in this aircraft and it was full.

There was a priority lane, but after scanning boarding pass it merged as there is a secondary bag check as you walk to the jetway and I didnt get priority boarding as I didnt rush from the lounge when it was announced.

Picture of 2 D&F (I was in 2C but coudnt get a clean unoccupied shot), great leg room (those are my feet).



Pre boarding drink of Sparkling wine or sparkling water offered as well as a hot towel. There were printed menus (forgot to take pic of drinks menu, there was no Rose unfortunately and the Sav Blanc was yuck, so I asked for a sparkling water) and the meal orders taken before take-off.




Mine was first order taken, but the FA failed to keep proper track and so when service started from the front, she had run out of my choice (beef) and i had to settle for the chicken which i didnt not like and did not end up eating. I was miffed because the 19yo man child next to me (who gave his arrivals card to his Mum in front to fill in for him) got the last beef despite being the last to make up his mind and order; and the beef looked delcious.




Seats recline but you cant lay flat not that it matters on a sub 4hr flight. I do like that you can hang your tablet to watch your own content (whereas on QF I had to use the tray table). Water bottles were under the centre armrest, pillow, blanket, a fly well kit (alcohol wipes and a mask) and a separate bottle of hand sanitizer provided.




Curtain was closed however, FAs did let a few kids from Y use the J toilet much to the chargrin of the older lady in 1D because they didnt close the curtain between J and the galley letting light through which kept waking her up.

About an hour out of SYD they asked if there was a Doctor or anyone with medical training on board. A grabbed the defiberlator and walked back into Y, but there was no medical team waiting on arrival in SYD so I assume it turned out to be nothing major.

Smooth landing in SYD 1 hr and 20 mins ahead of schedule. Quick walk to immigration, used egate and got to bagagge claim before our flight was even listed as landed and hadnt been assigned a carosel. The bagagge handlersd must have all been on smoko because despite being the only flight at that time, we waited 40 mins for bags. MIne was 6th bag out, walked straight out, inot a can and home within 20 mins.

I would fly FJ again, but aim to get in row 1 so I can have the beef!

 

[Lynda2475]

Overall it was just the mini break i needed to recharge, I would definitely stay at the Sofitel again, but likley also spend some time in the Yasawa islands next time too. I was glad I didnt stay at the IC, the transfer cost alone would have been $300!

I qualified for All Accor silver due to my stay (and would have based on spend even without the Qantas promo). I had prepaid for my room but on check-in a FJD $500 hold was put on my Macquarie Bank Debit Card for incidentals. At check-out I had charges FJD $650 to my room for Spa treatments and meals and settled this with the same card (as no forign currency fees).

At the airport i checked the MB app and both the $500 hold and the $650 were showing as pending charges. Ive had a hectic work life since getting back just over a week agao and hadnt had time to check internet banking until tonight. Well to my surprise neither charge is now on the account i.e. both pending charges disappeared and 'not actual charge. Wondering if this means I wont end up paying for those meals and the massage?

Im not sure if it is a stuff up or Sofitel's bank took too long to process the pending charge. If it posts I should get additional all accor status points getting me closer to gold, if it doesnt makes the holiday even more of a bargain!

 

[bam71]

Thanks for putting in the effort for this one! Great report!

 

[craven morehead]

Really enjoyed your TR This hotel definitely looks like it's worth giving a run Which was the better flight, Over or Back ?