Matamanoa Island Resort

Matamanoa Island Resort is a small, secluded resort in the Mamanuca Islands, about 30 kilometers west of Nadi International Airport. The island is a volcanic cone covered in dense bush and palms, rising above a curve of white sand and clear coral reefs. Guests reach it from Port Denarau Marina by catamaran or by a direct speedboat that takes about 75 minutes, or by helicopter from Nadi.

With only 47 rooms and a year-round adults-only policy for guests 16 and older, Matamanoa is made for couples. It suits honeymooners who want a private plunge pool, a good reef on the doorstep and very little else to think about.

Matamanoa Island Resort has three categories: 10 Oceanfront Pool Villas, 24 Beachfront Pool Bures and 13 Island Rooms. Every villa and bure is free-standing and has its own plunge pool and an outdoor thatched gazebo with a daybed. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.

The Island Rooms have a garden view, a king split bed and a covered veranda, and are only steps from the beach and the main infinity pool. They sleep two adults, while villas and bures take up to three. For a honeymoon, we recommend:

•  Oceanfront Pool Villa – Set directly on a private, north-facing beach, with a plunge pool, an outdoor shower, a gazebo with a daybed and a split-level interior.

•  Beachfront Pool Bure – A few meters from the ocean, with a plunge pool and gazebo. Eight face east for the sunrise and sixteen face west for the sunset, so tell us which you prefer.

The resort’s restaurant is Vale Ni Blau, which means House of Waves. It serves international and Fijian-inspired dishes with a view over the ocean and the neighboring islands. Dinner is à la carte and the menu changes every night, while lunch features daily blackboard specials. The bar overlooks the infinity pool and the Pacific.

Every booking includes a full American breakfast. Lunch and dinner can be paid for as you go, or covered by a meal plan: Half Board adds a three-course dinner each night, and Full Board adds a two-course lunch as well. Ask us to add either plan to your quote.

The infinity pool looks straight out to sea, and the beach and reef are a few steps away. Guests have complimentary use of all non-motorized activities, including snorkeling, kayaking over the reef, beach volleyball, guided mountain hikes, tennis, table tennis and an outdoor calisthenics gym.

Purple Turtle, a PADI 5 Star operator based at the resort, runs scuba diving at more than 30 sites in the Mamanuca Islands, along with freediving, fishing trips and a daily guided snorkel safari. Excursions include Monuriki Island, where the film Cast Away was made, and a local village visit. The resort also hosts kava ceremonies, Fijian cooking lessons and a Polynesian fire dance.

Spa

Spa Matamanoa offers a full range of treatments built around Nama, or sea grapes, a seaweed harvested in the Yasawa Islands. The signature treatment is the Hammam Nama Nurture, and couples can book the Nama Twilight, a massage for two at sunrise or sunset.

Weddings

Couples can marry on the beach at sunset or anywhere on the island, under an arch draped in voile and flowers. Two Fijian warriors and a bridesmaid in traditional costume escort the bride. A tropical orchid bouquet, a staff choir, a photographer, video, and a champagne dinner for two are part of the day, and the resort’s wedding coordinator handles the arrangements.

Children

Matamanoa Island Resort is adults-only all year. Guests must be 16 or older.

Matamanoa Island Resort is not all-inclusive. The nightly rate includes:

•  Breakfast – A full American breakfast each morning, cooked to order.

•  Activities – All non-motorized activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, tennis and guided hikes.

•  Wi-Fi – High-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms.

Honeymooners are welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and a fruit platter.

Lunch and dinner are extra unless you add the Half Board or Full Board meal plan. Drinks, spa treatments, scuba diving, fishing, excursions, and boat or helicopter transfers to the island are also charged separately.