The Lowdown

With just four villas fronting a private beach, the Tides Reach Resort is an all-inclusive retreat on the Fijian island of Taveuni, a lush volcanic enclave with a rugged coastline close to some of the country’s best dive sites. Opened in December 2013, the spacious beachfront villas are modern and minimalist and offer unobstructed ocean views from large teak decks. The open-plan living/sleeping areas are done in soothing cream/putty tones, with stone floors, natural wood furniture and Fijian artwork. The bathrooms feature carved-stone wash basins and deep egg-shaped tubs. The linens are imported from Belgium, but the bathroom amenities are made locally from Fijian coconut oil and flower extracts. The open-air bure (dining pavilion) serves a seasonal menu using local ingredients, and there’s a weekly lovo (a traditional barbecue using an underground grill) accompanied by a Fijian dance performance. The rate includes all non-motorized activities, including kayaking, snorkeling and sailing, and you can explore the dazzling coral and marine life by heading out to a number of dive sites nearby; the resort is close to the famous Somosomo Strait.

In the Area

Taveuni is Fiji’s third-largest island and is dubbed the “garden island” for its lush carpet of green palms and tropical wildflowers. The resort is within easy reach of Bouma Falls, a scenic waterfall in Bouma National Heritage Park, and Lake Tagimaucia, which sits in an old volcanic crater in the mountains above Somosomo. Take a guided coastal walk from Lavena Village and explore the island’s beautiful forests and black-sand beaches. The resort has its own 27-foot fishing boat; arrange a half- or full-day deep sea fishing excursion and the chef will prepare your catch for lunch or dinner.