Vomo Fiji: Inside the private island waiting for Kiwis – Stuff

I've been waiting two years to tell you about this place, and I'm so excited I finally can. I can still picture the rustling coconut trees as we watched the sunset from the infinity pool. The hugs from the staff members, who treated us like family. And the food that was so good it temporarily distracted from the view.

I also vividly remember being curled up in the oversized sunlounger after night fell, gazing at the stars. Picking up my phone, I opened Stuff and read more about this unusual virus called Covid-19 that was spreading around the world. The latest story was speculation our border could close. Surely that couldn't happen, I thought, as I put my phone down and took another sip of my coconut. I didn't give it another thought because Fiji is a place where you don't worry about things.

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The view of Vomo from a helicopter, approaching the island.

We all know what happened next. Covid-19 caused travel chaos, killed millions, destroyed livelihoods, and changed our way of life. But, the world is now reopening (and fingers crossed) the worst of the pandemic is about to pass.

If you've missed celebrating a special occasion, or want to create one, there is one private island paradise you need to visit. Its open and waiting for Kiwis. Let me take you to Vomo Island.

READ MORE:* Five Fiji resorts we've been dreaming about* Vomo Island, Fiji: Proof that tropical fantasy islands really do exist* Malamala Beach Club: Fiji's new private island paradise

An excellent question, because location is everything in Fiji. Vomo sits on an extinct volcano in the Mamanuca Islands, a stunning collection of golden isles to the northwest of Nadi.

Vomo is the jewel in the crown because of its formation: with golden beaches and a towering hill, it almost looks like it was created in Photoshop.

What's even better is that the luxury begins before you even get there. You can jump straight off your flight, then into a helicopter, and you'll be at the resort in just 15 minutes. You'll even do a quick sweep of the island just before you arrive, which leaves you with no doubt that you chose the best place for your once-in-a-lifetime escape.

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Vomos incredible pool in the adults-only zone.

Let's get to the pointy end of things. And that's precisely where you'll find Vomo's pice de rsistance at the pointy end of the island. This is home to an area known as The Rocks, and is strictly an adults-only zone with a sprawling infinity pool and bar, specially designed for maximising sunsets.

Walking in here is like visiting an open-air spa. There are myriad relaxation zones with enormous day beds overlooking the pool. A waiter is in a constant orbit, ready to serve whatever your heart desires.

As evening falls, complimentary canaps are rolled out, as guests gather in the pool and on loungers to watch the sun paint the sky red.

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Vomo has six exclusive Private Residences.

Despite the private island being 87 hectares, it's only home to 28 villas most of which are only a few metres from the sea. There are also six huge Private Residences, the kind of place that often attracts celebrities.

The most popular option for the rest of us is beachfront villas, which sit so close to the beach, you'll fall asleep to the lapping waves.

The spacious rooms come complete with his and her vanities, a freestanding bath, and lots of freebies, such as a laundry service, drinks, and guided snorkel safari.

Best of all, Vomo's prices are all-inclusive, meaning meals and non-alcoholic drinks are all taken care of.

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Vomos yoga platform is in a spectacular location.

I am one of those holidaymakers who love to do nothing. But for those who like to keep active, the island has an impressive yoga platform at the peak of the old volcano.

You'll be whisked up to the summit in a golf buggy in time for sunrise, where an expert teacher will take you through the motions as the first rays of sun reach the island. It'd be hard to find a more idyllic yoga location anywhere in the world.

This is an easy one. There is a deserted island a few kilometres off the end of the infinity pool known as Vomo Lailai, or Little Vomo. Its perfectly formed, with a jungle-clad centre and long beach extending from one end. And you can have it all to yourself.

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Vomo Lailai, or Little Vomo, can be rented for a private picnic.

Book a boat trip to the tiny island, where a romantic picnic will be waiting under an umbrella. You can then unwind on the beach, or head out snorkelling. The island is yours, so you make up the rules. You'll be given a two-way radio in case of an SOS situation (such as running out of Champagne).

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Snorkelling at a secret spot near Vomo.

There is good snorkelling straight off the island's main beaches, but if you're keen for the best experience, join a daily snorkel excursion to several nearby secret spots. You'll soon be surrounded by colourful fish and coral, and won't be disappointed.

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The Kids Village at Vomo is impressive.

Leave them with mum and dad back home (bless you) or bring them the choice is yours. Vomo has won multiple awards for its family-friendly Kids Village, which is so cool, I almost wish I was young again.

The complimentary service for kids 3 to 12 years old sees them embark on an exciting selection of adventures like kayaking, hermit crab hunting, beach bonfires, face painting and cooking lessons to name a few.

Parents can even head for their own dinner at the adults-only pool, while children are served at the Kids Village with a specially designed menu. I saw it first hand: most kids dont want to leave.

The island also has Baby Butlers for those under 3, and each family is offered four hours free a day.

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Vomos adults-only zone is known as The Rocks.

Travelling to Fiji is about to get much easier. From April 7, vaccinated tourists who produce a supervised negative test result and have travel insurance covering Covid-19 will be free to enter. Youll need to do a rapid test 24 hours after arriving, which VOMO can organise.

If you get Covid-19 on the island, Vomo has a resident doctor, and given Covid-19 insurance is compulsory, it should help cover some if not all costs. The resort has put aside dedicated villas for isolation, or you have the option to return to a resort with isolation rooms on the mainland.

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Vomo has one of the most photographed pools in Fiji.

Staying there: A night at Vomo starts around $1600 a night, including all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, among many other amenities. Packages are also available. See: vomofiji.com

Getting there: The island can arrange airport pickup, either by road and speed boat (which takes around an hour) or helicopter, which takes 15-minutes. Fiji Airways has started regular flights from Auckland, and will also commence flights from Wellington and Christchurch later this year. See: fijiairways.com

Border rules: Travel rules change often, so you must check fiji.travel for the latest Fiji entry requirements, and covid19.govt.nz for the latest requirements when returning home.

The writer travelled to Fiji before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic courtesy of Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways. This story was produced as a part of an editorial partnership with Tourism Fiji. Read more about our partnership content here.

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Vomo Fiji: Inside the private island waiting for Kiwis - Stuff