Reviews
John & Helen - Australia 23rd visit
RETURNING TO PARADISE
My wife Helen and I returned to Tokoriki Island Resort for our 23rd visit in May. "Why 23 times?" you might ask. We travel a lot all over the world and some years ago we happened upon Tokoriki Island Resort and just fell in love with it. I remember sitting outside our beachfront bure on our first night enjoying a cocktail and looking out across the sea at the sunset and saying "This is Paradise". Since then the resort has continually been improved, upgraded and made even more beautiful. But it has never lost it incomparable friendliness and welcome - as the locals say "Welcome home" - and it truly is our home away from home and our chance to veg out in luxurious surrounding every year - sometimes more.
I have to admit we are particularly choosy abut where we stay when away from home and always stay at 5 star hotels. But in a place like Fiji, we want the mix of quality but also want to be in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the famous Fijian hospitality. Tokoriki has been able to find that balance perfectly.
The accommodation is Fijian style and quite luxurious. We usually stay in one of the Beachfront Pool Villas which are fabulous with separate bedroom and living room, large deck with a day bed and plunge pool right on the beach overlooking the sea.
The staff, many of whom reside on the neighboring island of Yanuya are so welcoming and friendly, and nothing is too much trouble. We are terribly spoilt.
The Resort is set amongst spectacular gardens and beautiful white sand beaches. The food is excellent under the direction of Chef Thomas and his team.
We have certainly visited other luxury island resorts in the region and around the world, but nothing can match the Tokoriki atmosphere and warmth. The owners the Turnbull family, and managers Robert and Patrice are incredibly attentive and committed to maintaining high standards and making sure that guests enjoy a memorable experience at the resort.
I enjoy scuba diving and have dived at various places around Fiji and elsewhere. But I do most of my diving at Tokoriki Resort where the Dive shop operated by Will Wragg and Alex Garland is as good as it gets. Their attention to detail, organisation and planning is meticulous. The dive equipment is first class and regularly renewed. Their team of dive masters and drivers etc are fantastic and a lot of fun - Kale, Save, Sam, Epeli and Joe are all very professional and make for a fun and safe diving experience. The diving is relaxed an easy due to the professionalism of the Tokoriki dive team. There are many spectacular dive sights close by and always plenty to see.
No question - we will be returning to Tokoriki Island Resort for our 24th visit very soon!
Diana & Jim Brown - USA
NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECT
From our warm welcome by Niu, through to our departure, everyone and everything was fantastic. The grounds of the resort are beautiful for meandering and the people we met that helped us during our stay were warm and welcoming beyond measure. My husband and I were sad to leave, not because of the beautiful island, but because we genuinely miss the beautiful people we met during our stay. I remember reading that visitors may arrive as strangers but depart as friends - and it could not be more true. The Tokoriki Island Resort is clearly built from a place of love and family, and that positive warmth is felt by anyone lucky enough to visit. I genuinely feel honored to have been to such an incredibly special place.
I’d like to yell from the rooftops of the wonderful people that are Tokoriki Island Resort! Our stay was so memorable because of all the special people we met. Allow me to give you examples:
Niu - Upon meeting us at reception - he was always greeting us warmly and asking after our comfort. He shared stories with us and was most helpful anytime we needed questions answered. He helped arrange everything regarding transportation to our anniversary dinner. He truly went out of his way to make us feel welcome from our very first step on the island.
Kiti at the reception desk was always happy to book arrangements for dinner and engage in small conversation. Not sure we ever passed reception without a warm “Bula” to welcome us.
Joanna: Always, always quick with a smile and a warm “Bula”. She is just walking sunshine and our too brief chats were a welcome part of nearly every day.
Kiti at dining - I cannot say enough nice things about this lovely young lady. She was there for us during our anniversary dinner by the ocean and lent her beautiful voice in song for our anniversary song. She showed me how to use Instagram a bit and was even willing to take a selfie with us for the occasion. She thoughtfully, and patiently, tried to teach me a few words of Fijian - which I was terrible with, but persisted nonetheless. She is truly a gem.
Band boys each night: Cannot say enough good things about these gentlemen. Again, they sang to us along with Kiti during our anniversary dinner, and they honestly brought us to tears with their talent and touching performance. Every night, they brought a wonderful ambiance to the evening dinners that made dining that much more special.
Jane at the shop: Jane went out of her way to know a little bit about our life. We chatted like old friends would chat, and she was always warm and welcoming. She has such an infectious enthusiasm!
Queen V : She runs dining like a well oiled machine with the most positive energy I have ever encountered. She is completely unflappable and so cheerful under pressure. We were witness to another guest party asking for a different dining table than had been assigned to them - and although things were super busy, and the table that had been requested had been reserved for another guest - she deftly set them up at another table that the guests were super happy with - all in the span of maybe three minutes. We watched as the guests went from irritable to overjoyed with a pivot from Queen V. Honestly - it was magical to see. (Note: there is not a bad table at dining, not sure what the guests were after, but from my perspective, all tables are great.)
Lia: We really only saw Lea at dining, but she was always so nice and full of grace. Her attention to detail is very appreciated and she was happy to answer questions about the menu or offer up suggestions.
Patrice: Literally nearly bumped into her in the reception area and just struck up a conversation. She is such a joy to chat with and she helped us to get information regarding carrying salt into Australia (we wanted to be sure it was okay). Again, her openness and friendliness are downright infectious.
Kelera: Again, so kind and helpful in dining. She is always welcoming and prompt, and quick with a smile. We often saw her at breakfast and she is always helpful with any request.
Reavi at the bar area is welcoming and with a quick but warm “Bula”. I was so happy to learn from her that Tokoriki offered Lyres London “Gin” as I do not drink alcohol, but I like the “non alcoholic” cocktails.
Teba (not sure I spelled that correctly, and I’m sorry!). He was super helpful when I was looking for the hiking trail up to the tower. When I was a bit confused regarding directions, he took the time to walk me to the trail head so I was clear. (I had missed the signage) He was very kind.
Kris, Dee and Luke were often helping us and making sure we had what we needed.
There are so many people I met who were so helpful, and I am sorry I did not get everyone’s name, because they *all* deserve a shout out. Our villa was attended by two lovely ladies whose names I didn’t get. They were so kind and honestly, nearly invisible! We would go to dinner and come back to a spotless and lovingly prepared villa, with lots of little touches such as flower petals, fresh greenery in vases and cookies. I honestly regret not chatting with them a bit more - I just didn’t want to take up too much of anyone’s time.
We never met the chef or the cooks, but to say that the food is phenomenal doesn’t cover it. The food is so fresh and flavorful. *Every single meal* was memorable and the wine that was poured for my husband as pairings were perfect, which is something he truly appreciates.
My husband and I came to Tokoriki to relax and enjoy the sand, water and sun - but our experience turned out to be so much more than that - it became very introspective and restorative of our mind and spirit. The island itself is a paradise, but the people that live there and tend to to it are absolutely the heart and soul of Tokoriki. It really has been our honor to experience the special family of Tokoriki Island Resort.
Between Us:
We truly appreciated having insect repellent in the villa for our use. I don’t think we’ve ever encountered such persistent pests, and I know there isn’t a lot you can do about them, but wanted you to know we appreciate the effort!
Jim and I cannot thank you enough for sharing your hospitality, we have yet to stop thinking about how we can manage another trip to visit you again. Hopefully, you’ll have availability, as I know you’ve earned another top ranking from Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast! You have all earned the kudos and so much more! We wish you every continued success and we will do our best to visit again.
A most sincere and heartfelt
Vinaka Vakalevu,
Your grateful friends, Diana and Jim Brown
Glen - Australia
FIJI INDULGENCE
A perfect stay in the most beautiful place.
We have discovered a most lovely gem in Fiji after many Fijian holidays.
We could not have asked for anything more for an idyllic stay, Bure was perfect, service faultless and always very welcoming.
Food and drink were top notch.
Already thinking of going back!
Natalie - New Zealand
TOKORIKI ISLAND RESORT IS #1 IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC FOR MANY REASONS! IT'S TRULY PARADISE.
If you are looking for a personalized, luxurious, amazing vacation...Tokoriki is your best bet. The diving was divine, the food was absolutely amazing, the snorkeling off the shore was fabulous, the bures were completely comfortable and private, and the guest services staff was absolutely the best.
We are senior divers, and our dive staff was excellent. Will's Dive Shop responded to all of my pre-trip requests, and the dive staff provided us with personalized diving agendas. Save (pronounced Sah'-vey) made sure we were safe, comfortable, and that we had excellent new equipment for each of our dives. They worked with us to have a dive schedule/profile that we were very comfortable with. For many of our dives we had our own divemaster. The reefs are so healthy - you won't believe the colors of the coral - and we enjoyed morning diving and the afternoon snorkeling boat trips. My husband requested the larger tanks for our dives and the dive shop was able to provide him with those. You must see the giant clams!!
We opted for the speedboat transfers to Tokoriki Island rather than the helicopter transfers. The food was amazing. The menus featured fresh island fare and the flavors were so good. I never knew I loved fresh carrot and turmeric breakfast juice!
The infinity pool provided incredible sunset views. Our bure had a private plunge pool and a wonderful private outdoor shower. We loved the private hammock under the trees and our private path to the beach! The beds and pillows were perfect!
If you are looking for the number one destination in the South Pacific, you are looking for Tokoriki Island Resort. You'll be greeted by name when you arrive, and you'll be greeted by name throughout your stay. Vincent was an excellent host, and the rest of the attendants provided all the personalized treatment we could have imagined. The entire resort has only 36 bures, so the resort never has more than 72 guests. We most highly recommend Tokoriki Island Resort, and we are already planning our next trip!
Paul - New Zealand 2nd visit
BEAUTIFULLY RELAXING AND INDULGENT
Our second time at Tokoriki and it was just as special as the first. Can't fault this place - absolutely stunning staff, great food, some really well designed short excursions and lots and lots of relaxation. Their first words are "welcome home" and it really feels like home - minus the chores, work and stress. Just lovely, lovely people.
Claire - Australia
PERFECT HONEYMOON CHOICE
Just magical. We booked Tokoriki Island Resort for our honeymoon as we wanted a bit of luxury, a lot of relaxation and adults only, Tokoriki resort did not let us down. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such a personalised service. The service throughout was exceptional and the attention to detail second to none. All the wonderful staff knew our names, dietaries were remembered and catered for without question, overall we felt very special. Plus the food was amazing, a good variety to choose from each day and so delicious. I cannot recommend Tokoriki Island Resort enough.