The Fiji Orchid

Once the private home of Canadian-American actor, Raymond Burr, The Fiji Orchid still feels like an exclusive residence. Set amidst acres of tropical foliage, the hotel is a secluded oasis with a tranquil atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long international flight, but it’s probably not the place you’d want to spend your entire Fiji vacation. The Orchid isn’t on or near the beach, there isn’t anything exciting within walking distance, and there aren’t a ton of amenities on-site. The hotel markets itself as a stopover accommodation, and that’s exactly where it excels. The majority of Orchid guests stay one or two nights, or even a few hours, since the hotel offers discounted day-room rates. Many are in-route to Nukubati Private Island — the Orchid’s sister property on Vanua Levu or elsewhere in Fiji. It should be noted that The Fiji Orchid is an adult-only property.  

The Fiji Orchid is located midway between Nadi and Lautoka, and is about a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport. The hotel offers free transportation to and from the airport or Lautoka Wharf. There isn’t much to see or do in the immediate area, so guests who plan to stay for an extended period will want to rent a car.  

The Fiji Orchid has six rooms, all of which are housed in unique glass structures with tented roofs. These ultra-modern rooms are aesthetically stunning, but also comfortable and well-equipped with nice amenities. The bed is the focal point of each room. Dressed in white and topped with tapa-print pillows, the bed keeps with the room’s simple contemporary look. A rounded bench at the foot of each bed adds a much needed circular element in a room full of straight lines and square edges. Next to the bed is a fold-down desk and the room’s central switch board for lighting and temperature control. It’s also where guests can access the password to their room’s individual Wi-Fi router. Opposite the bed are two wicker arm chairs and a wooden console that holds a mini-fridge, electric kettle, and a French press. Though tap water is safe to drink nearly everywhere in Fiji, the hotel provides guests with bottles of purified drinking water. Each room’s glass doors are retractable, and can be opened up to create an indoor-outdoor living space. 

Bathrooms are cool contemporary spaces as well. The water closet and the shower are housed in glass enclosures that flank either side of the large wood vanity. Gorgeous stone counters complement bathrooms’ wood and glass elements, and give bathrooms an elegant natural look. Across from the vanity is a large open closet, equipped with fluffy bathrobes, a luggage rack, and an electronic safe.  

Since The Fiji Orchid is considered a stopover hotel, it isn’t overloaded with amenities, but it does have a beautiful pool, a large communal lounge, and an on-site restaurant. Unfortunately, during our visit, the hotel’s former massage room was being reconstructed after the original one was blown away during Cyclone Winston in 2016. 

The large kidney-shaped pool is a property highlight. Surrounded by lush foliage, cushioned lounge chairs, and umbrellas, the pool area feels like a tropical oasis. The calming rippling sound from the pool’s water feature also adds to the ambience. Plenty of guests spend their short time at the hotel around the pool. 

The restaurant and the communal living room are housed in the property’s main building. Known as “The Lodge,” the large building was once the private home of Raymond Burr — of Perry Mason and Ironside fame. Now, the Lodge is where guests hang out at night, both before and after dinner. The Lodge’s living room is a bright, airy space with arched wood-beam ceilings and travertine floors. Big leather chairs, chesterfield sofas, and Oriental rugs give the space a homey feel, and coffee tables are topped with Fiji guide books — so guests can do some light research for their vacations. The Lodge is also the only spot on property with a TV. Outside, a covered patio serves as the hotel’s restaurant. Menus change daily, but typically include local ingredients and lots of fresh seafood. Like nearly every upscale hotel in Fiji, the on-site dining at the Orchid is excellent. Breakfast is included in all nightly room rates.