The always rather gorgeous Pullman brand has now made its debut in Fiji on 19 April 2019 with the launch of the Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa.
The multi-million-dollar property sits directly on its own secluded corner of local favourite Wailoaloa Beach, a largely unexplored stretch of shore on Nadi Bay. That means 180-degree, uninterrupted ocean views, bookended by vistas of Fiji’s most recognised mountain, The Sleeping Giant.
If you’re looking for a good spot for a ‘fly in/fly out’ destination, the location is literally as central as it gets – 10 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes from Port Denarau – which translates to less travel time, more ‘unravel’ time (and the compulsory spa, bar and pool are set to help with that).
1. Where you’ll stay
You’re looking at 236 rooms and suites, including 36 deluxe interconnecting rooms and 4 accessible rooms, good for families. All rooms have balconies or patios and feature premium bedding, Pure Fiji toiletries and high-speed wi-fi (OMG thank gods for that).
Cash-splashers and honeymooners can get into Pullman’s 12 stunning direct-beachfront suites; open the doors direct to Wailoaloa beach every morning with a coffee in hand (made from the in-room Nespresso coffee machine – a standard in all suites and an inclusion we always totally pay in good hotels).
2. The cuisine scene
The PR’s tell us that “Pullman’s eclectic bar and dining scene takes inspiration from big city cuisine and cocktail trends, reinterpreting them for resort life”. Take from that what you will but it sounds like a fully stocked bar to us. Tick. You’ve got four signature restaurants and three bars, all of which cover between them all-day, casual or fancier dining options. Pullman’s own mobile herb gardens ensure your muddled cocktails and mocktails are fresh and fancy too.
For guests without crotch-fruit, there’s an exclusive ‘adults-only’ bar and dining venue Kah, which caters for up to 40 guests, and features a beachfront deck with direct access to Wailoaloa Beach. The concept is simple – premium Thai-inspired dining accompanied by stunning sunsets over the ocean. We like this concept too.
3. The G-rated kind of watersports
If you have a resort in Fiji without a beachfront watersports centre, we think they throw you out of the country. Luckily, Pullman has got the full suite of watery fun such as hobie-cats, jet skis, quad-biking and a whole bunch of other stuff available onsite. Seaplanes, for day trips, island hopping and just generally feeling cool as shit, fly in and out less than 500 metres down the beachfront. There is also a dedicated Kids Club and separate Teens Retreat for those with mini me’s.
4. The day spa because yasssssssss
Pullman’s on-site day-spa, Veikau features six bures that radiate from a central wellness zone, each room named to represent its own Fijian flora totem – a botanic philosophy that flows through every spa experience via a plant-based menu of holistic treatments. I never, ever want to write the words ‘wellness zone’ again, but that’s the deal here. Guests who prefer to raise their heartbeat can get into the fully equipped gym, which offers both indoor and outdoor workout spaces, and two tennis courts located onsite.
5. It’s art, baby
Pullman’s newest property is going for decadent and design-heavy; it’s been crafted under the careful eye of not one, but two architects – one Fijian and one Singaporean – so the end result is a cosmopolitan coastal resort complete with Fijian hospitality, subtle Asian flavours and a dash of Palm Springs-style design ‘cool’.
It’s got a suitably dramatic arrival area governed by a towering cathedral-style bure and striking art installations, but the sunny piazza-style bit at the heart of the resort is where guests will really want to be. Pullman’s palm-lined hub is designed around four pools – an adults-only pool, a separate children’s pool and two family pools.
Accommodation bookings at Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa are now available on accorhotels.com and pullmanhotels.com for stays commencing 19 April 2019. Opening rates start from FJD$390 per room per night for a Superior Garden View King Room (including levies and taxes).