Mana Island Resort, Selena Cove, Mana Island, Fiji | (888) 905-8267
Chic, adult-only boutique property with personalized service
All-inclusive premium food and drink with flexible meal times
Secluded beaches and a stunning infinity pool
Villas have soaking tubs, plunge pools, espresso machines, and minibars
Guests receive a bottle of Moet champagne on arrival
Spa treatments, water sports, and boat excursions available
Mana Island has a great hiking trail and sandbar for picnics
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Arrival and departure times by boat may be iffy due to weather and tides
Environment may feel too secluded for some
Though contemporary, bedroom decor feels a little bland
This luxurious five-villa Tadrai Island Resort (managed by Hilton) has a stunning natural location in the Mamanucas Islands -- 15 miles off of Fiji's mainland. Opened in 2014, the adult-only hotel attracts honeymooners and couples with big budgets who want a quiet, personalized stay. Rates include memorable meals and beverages at the stylish restaurant and bar, where guests will be taken care of by a small but doting staff. Villas are well-equipped with minibars, iPads, and plunge pools, plus have stunning ocean vistas. There are a number of free activities such as kayaking, hiking, fishing, snorkeling, sailing, and island excursions -- or guests can simply chill out on the beach with nary a soul in sight. Families should check out the Nanuku Auberge Resort, which is a similar intimate luxury option.
Scene
A laid-back yet sophisticated all-inclusive environment with just a handful of couples at a time
Construction of this adult-only, all-inclusive property was completed in 2014 with as little disturbance to the natural environment as possible. Every angle of Tadrai's design faces the stunning turquoise sea with only an occasional boat floating past in the distance. Four of the villas are located along the slightly rugged beach, while the fifth villa is high on a hill. The resort hub contains a gorgeous infinity pool adjacent to the restaurant and bar -- outfitted with chic decor and sexy lounge music. Travelers can also take a trail to the top of Mana's highest elevation point for unbeatable 360-degree views.
Because of the property's small size and level of luxury, guests can order cocktails and meals whenever they wish -- either to be enjoyed in the open-air restaurant or in the privacy of their villas. The staff work hard to personalize the stay for each couple so no one will have the same experience, and each day offers new surprises such as boat excursions, village visits, or sunset cocktails on a sandbar. This is one of the priciest hotels in Fiji, but guests will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime getaway.
Location
A 30-minute boat transfer from Tadrai's sister resort on Denarau Island
Tadrai is located on Mana Island in Fiji's Mamanuca chain, which can either be reached by boat or helicopter. Since the latter can get quite expensive (honeymooners are often the ones to splurge here), most choose to arrive by boat, which takes about a half hour depending on the tide (also expect to get a little wet getting in and out of the boat since there are no jetties). Guests will first need to arrive to the Hilton resort on Denarau Island, located a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport. Some travelers choose to stay overnight at the Hilton either before or after their stay at Tadrai. Note that arrival and departure times by boat may be iffy due to weather and tides
Mana Island is a stark contrast to the manicured resorts on Denarau Island, and is best suited for couples who seek more natural surroundings with far fewer crowds.
Rooms
All five villas have private terraces with small plunge pools facing the ocean
This intimate property has just five individual units that are elegant and contemporary, though feel a tad bland for a luxury property. The decor consists of neutral tones, hardwood floors, and white walls with black-and-white photos. Fresh flowers on the bed and Fijian sculptures along the wall help add local personality to the otherwise unembellished spaces. Each unit is equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Built-in closets offer a beach bag, slippers, and bathrobes, while the adjacent minibar has a range of Twinings tea, pod espresso machines, and minibars stocked with wine, soda, juice, mixers, Fijian beer, and a few snacks (all included).
Adjacent to the bedrooms are huge open-air bathrooms with trellis ceilings that let in sunshine and pretty bougainvillea. They are accented by a large piece of driftwood and come with Pure Fiji bath products, a deep soaking tub, double vanity sinks, and two rainfall showerheads. Both the bathroom and bedroom open to the private terrace where there is a table for two, a daybed, and plunge pool, plus scenic vistas of the ocean. All guests arrive to a chilled bottle of Moet with two champagne glasses and a tropical fruit plate.
Features
Public infinity pool, plus multiple activities included in the price
The resort's secluded beaches are for Tadrai guests only and each villa comes with two cushioned lounge chairs in the sand, which can be spread out for more isolation. Guests can hike, snorkel in the outer reef, kayak, use the Hobie catamarans, or request boating excursions to nearby islands (all included). Those interested in scuba diving can schedule private half-day charters and take PADI Learn to Dive Courses. Surfers can request a boat charter to famous spots in a nearby reef called Cloudbreak and Restaurants (advanced surfers only). Additional activities are also available at the family-friendly resort on the other side of Mana Island such as jet skiing, parasailing, and glass-bottom boat rides.
Tadrai has a small infinity pool next to the restaurant. It overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by daybeds and bean bag chairs. Wai Siliva Spa offers couples massages in a private hut or in villas. Facials, manicures, and pedicures are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
All-Inclusive / Food
Standout three-course meals
Rates for Tadrai are inclusive of food and beverage, and all three meals come from the restaurant, Na Vatu, adjacent to the infinity pool. The chef is constantly changing his daily three-course menus, which focus on Pacific Rim cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood (though plenty of meat and veggie options are available, as well.) There are no set meal times and items are tailored to individuals, so guests with dietary restrictions are cared for. The attached bar offers bottled beer, premium wines, and champagne, and the bartender on duty will mix signature cocktails based on the guests request. Couples sometimes mingle with other couples or they can request a more romantic table setup in the privacy of their own villa. Staff also arrange private picnics on the beach or at a local sandbar with lounge chairs, an umbrella, and a stocked cooler.