Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

If you’ve just arrived from a long-haul flight from North America or Europe, there’s nothing more welcoming than a quiet oasis to refresh and catch up in with some great sleeps.

The Fiji Orchid is nestled just 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from Nadi International Airport, yet it feels worlds away.

We discovered the Fiji Orchid while researching our recent Fiji trip, and with six tented garden bures, five acres of tropical gardens, a large swimming pool, a gourmet restaurant and bar/lounge area, this proved just the ticket for a few days of relaxation before heading home.

The adults-only resort is based at the foothills of the volcanic Nausori Highlands, near Saweni Beach. You can choose to simply relax with a book by the pool, wander the gardens, or take a day trip to explore the sights in and around Nadi Town.

Your Own Private Oasis

Each air-conditioned, 860-square foot private tented bure includes a king-size bed, sitting area, a wrap-around terrace plus an en-suite bathroom (including a large open closet space for luggage and clothing) with a glass-enclosed rainfall shower right next to nature!

Lots of wood and wicker surround us, while at the working desk, a panel of light switches and a cool retro main console (not for guest use, just a nice touch) add to the vibe of the room.

Located within the closet is an electronic safe and a pair of bathrobes.

The songbirds, gorgeous tropical foliage, and seasonal rain falling on the roof really give the impression of being in the middle of a rainforest.

At turndown, blackout curtains surround our sleep space and a suspended mosquito net is wrapped around the bed. It’s cozy and romantic and sets the tone for a relaxing night of rest.

[Raymond’s]

Dining at Raymond’s

Raymond’s is named after New Westminster, BC-born actor Raymond Burr, who purchased a 4,000-acre private island in Fiji back in the 1960’s, and later a secondary residence on Viti Levu, which he later transformed into the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and The Fiji Orchid (back then a guesthouse).

Burr had planned to retire in Fiji permanently, however medical problems cut that dream short and he sold the property in 1983.

[Spinach and fish dumplings in orange sauce, veggie tempura]

Seafood is flown in from Macuata Province and paired with locally-sourced produce, plus tropical fruits and vegetables, some of which are grown in Fiji Orchid’s own gardens. Open to non-guests (with advanced booking), the menu features traditional South Pacific recipes. Dishes are simply prepared and presented, and are delicious.

An à la carte breakfast is included each morning, as well as a complimentary transfer to/from Nadi Airport, so you can rest up until it’s time to get to the airport (or following arrival), roughly 20 minutes by transfer. You can also book the Fiji Orchid on a day room basis.

[Just a few of the stunning orchids to be found at Garden of the Sleeping Giant]

Local Excursions

The resort offers a customizable three- to five-hour tour of Nadi that includes a visit to Veiseisei (a Fijian village), the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, mud pools, Hindu temple, plus shopping in Nadi Town for local produce, snacks at the supermarket, and handicrafts.

[Rise Beyond the Reef products]

The above can also be booked as separate visits. For an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, Sleeping Giant Zipline has partial or full-day zipline tours (price varies per tour duration). Other options include a whale-watching tour with Whales Tale Cruises, a Tivua Island trip with Captain Cook Cruises, and a Malamala Beach Club visit with South Sea Cruises (all can be arranged via The Fiji Orchid).

The Fiji Orchid is located on Saweni Beach Road in Lautoka, Fiji.

We were graciously hosted by The Fiji Orchid for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain our own.