Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, Yanuca is a luxury resort in the heart of the stunning Coral Coast of Fiji, and Travel Weekly was lucky enough to stay at the recently renovated property.
Located on spectacular Yanuca Island, the resort boasts two distinct offerings: the first is firmly targeted at families looking for a destination where everything is on offer in one spectacular location; and one that focuses on the adults-only experience, full of options for private dinners, extravagant spa treatments for two, and complimentary cocktails and canapés by the pool at sunset.
With a stunning white wedding chapel with direct views of the coral coast, a nine-hole golf course with vistas of the ocean and a health centre perched right on the water, one never feels far from the sea.
The resort is vast but never feels crowded, and with over 440 rooms, there is plenty of variety on offer.
The adults-only wing of the resort features large, beautifully decorated rooms with generous bathrooms, modern interiors, exceptionally comfortable bedding, and oversized balconies all overlooking the water.
In the child-friendly section of the resort, there are a number of pools, bars and restaurants which focus on family-style dining, entertainment and fun. With a world-famous kids club, property is a no brainer for families.
There are both motorised and non-motorised water sports available to all, a magnificent and protected lagoon for snorkelling, kayaking and swimming, and a huge inflatable water park which proves immensely popular with all ages.
Dining options are plentiful and cater to all tastes; however, there are two standout restaurants that put some of Australia’s five-star institutions to shame.
Takali is the Shangri-La’s Asian-fusion dining destination. Perched right on the sparkling lagoon with an exquisite-open plan design, the restaurant is second to none in Fiji. With an extensive cocktail list, solid wine menu and incredible array of fresh Asian dishes prepared with over 70 per cent local ingredients, it is worth a visit even if your clients aren’t staying at the resort.
The Golden Cowrie Coastal Italian restaurant specialises in traditional Italian fare and the executive chef prepares the pasta fresh onsite each day. With a Hamptons-style fit-out, one could be eating quality European food anywhere on the med.
For a local rum-based cocktail, there’s no going past the Black Marlin bar, offering live music and a serious drinks menu seven nights a week.
Finally, the Chi spa, which specialises in deep tissue and traditional Fijian massage, luxurious facials and many more treatments, is an experience at the resort not to be missed. Set in spectacularly refurbished bures that face the lagoon or the rainforest, the spa features some of Fiji’s most healing hands.
Verdict: 10/10
For travellers looking for accommodation that provides five-star luxury, an unmatched location and endless dining options right in the heart of the Coral Coast, Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort, Yanuca is just the ticket.
