Sofitel Fiji and ALL+ Explorer - best value for 5 nights?

[daft009]

Yeah not much to do in Denarau, we went in March 2020 just as covid was kicking off.

We stayed at the Hilton next door to the Sofitel at that time

You could do some day trips from the Denarau marina

 

[Jimbo98]

Hi, can anyone with A+ please see if there are any stay plus nights at Sofitel Fiji 19/8-4/9? Any screenshots of prices for base flex room with breakfast also appreciated. Thanks

 

[lovestotravel]

I'd love to know how you find it. Are you staying at the Sofitel the whole time? I've booked for the first week of August and was going to head to some islands after 2-3 nights in a club room, but the adults-only resorts are approximately $2000 a night, so I'm considering just staying at the Sofitel for 7 nights.

Just not sure if we'd be bored or if there is enough to do. People I've spoken to seem to be a bit disparaging about the main island.

Couldn't think of anything worse than more than 2 days at a Denarau resort - Yes it's tropical feel and has a pool, but it's busy and you could be anywhere really. A few day trips are possible, mud, ecotrax and a village but apart from that it's boring. Beaches are basically mud/rock so can't even sit on the beach.

We used to stop for a day/two each way to help with the kids/flights times, but now we just stay on an island such as Castaway or Vomo.

The coral coast is nicer and I've spent a week a Nanuku which was great, the beach was better but still not amazing but it was quiet and far more relaxing and boutique.

Get to an island, that's all I can say

 

[markis10]

Bit of work happening
Photo credit Log in to Facebook

 

[lovestotravel]

View attachment 490797

Bit of work happening
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Lots, and meant to be open in 9-12 months........ LOL

 

[daft009]

We are doing 4 nights at the Hilton Double tree and 5 nights at the Sofitel this time.

I have 2 little ones (9 & 4) so a pool, a buffet and kids club keeps them entertained

Hilton Double tree done.. really enjoyed the relaxed and slightly exclusive feel. Food options are a bit limited as it is an island sort of

Currently at Sofitel Denarau and a few things to do with kids but I think 5 is too much unless you love reading by the pool and sipping coughtails all day.

Lounge is decent with high tea every day. Haven't made it to coughtail hour or digestive drinks hour.

Can jump on the bula bus and go to the other resorts to try the restaurants if you want

 

[QfHrGr]

This is the welcome amentiy for Accor+ Platinum.
The Pure Fiji gift packs (according to the packaging) contains 30ml body lotion, 15ml body butter, 15ml body mist and 5ml lip balm. I was pleasantly surprised to see a Sofitel Fiji polo shirt in the mix, shirt size can be changed at the Accor Limitless desk in the lobby.
Don't think the towel art is for taking though.

At 6:40am, The Bazaar Kitchen breakfast was already quite busy and relied on fans to keep cool. Had a look at the air conditioned Journal Lounge. It was quiet and dignified and had what I needed (had chia pudding which Bazaar K didn't) and more. Will opt for the Journal Lounge breakfast going forward.
Barista coffee is available at both venues.

 

[daft009]

This is the welcome amentiy for Accor+ Platinum.
The Pure Fiji gift packs (according to the packaging) contains 30ml body lotion, 15ml body butter, 15ml body mist and 5ml lip balm. I was pleasantly surprised to see a Sofitel Fiji polo shirt in the mix, shirt size can be changed at the Accor Limitless desk in the lobby.
Don't think the towel art is for taking though.

At 6:40am, The Bazaar Kitchen breakfast was already quite busy and relied on fans to keep cool. Had a look at the air conditioned Journal Lounge. It was quiet and dignified and had what I needed (had chia pudding which Bazaar K didn't) and more. Will opt for the Journal Lounge breakfast going forward.
Barista coffee is available at both venues.

We also received the same and 2 pairs of kids sunnies for our 2 kids

 

[QfHrGr]

View attachment 490797

Bit of work happening
Photo credit Log in to Facebook

This is the latest regarding this construction work, coming into the Sofitel driveway it sits to the left. It's a new resort. Will not be a new Sofitel wing.
The luxury resort will be called Vatu Talei (The Jewel) apparently still be Accor managed and expected to open by year's end.
There is also a second resort being built, coming into the Sofitel driveway, sitting to the right. It is not visible yet. This will be a resort catering to the conference market. It's apparently going to be named after a Fijian mountain (the name slips my mind).

Vatu Talei - Vatu Talei

Fiji Resort - Discover Vatu Talei, Fiji’s newest luxury resort. An exclusive Fiji holiday, blending tranquility with unparalleled elegance.

vatutalei.com

 

[Aeryn]

Early rumour was that it would be adults only, but I see a water slide so that wouldnt appear to be the case.

 

[daft009]

I heard they are going to have a wave pool in the new section. The French GM was there overlooking the project when we were there.

Also the main pool closed for refurbs on 2nd Feb, saw some Aussie tradies at breakfast about to start work..

 

[QfHrGr]

Also the main pool closed for refurbs on 2nd Feb, saw some Aussie tradies at breakfast about to start work..

Yes there are quite a few Aussie tradies. I watched two of them doing the sealing on the kiddies section of the pool. They seemed to be doing the more specialised work.
From the number of them at breakfast and around La Parisienne at lunch time, I think most of them must be working on the new construct.