Review: Malolo Island Resort Fiji

I found paradise a short hop from home (and I promise to bring the kids next time).

My driver Mesulame calls me “family” from the moment he greets me at Nadi airport, placing a lei around my neck. This personal welcome extends to every greeting over the next few days at Malolo Island Resort. Indeed, I do feel like family, and like every family deserves some time out in a place like this.

Location

Malolo Island Resort sits on its namesake isle in the Mamanuca Islands – the closest group to Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu. The wind’s up when I arrive at Port Denarau Marina after a 20-minute transfer from Nadi International Airport, and I sign a waiver for a bumpy 45-minute speedboat ride ahead. With Fijian beats pumping, we roar into the setting sun. I arrive to a chorus of “Bula”s at the resort's dock at nightfall and wake to see Wadigi island – owned by Google co-founder Larry Page – a seemingly short paddle away. Cloudbreak's famous surf is 45 minutes by boat across the lagoon. A trio of surfing guests come back full of stoke after sharing waves with Steph Gilmore and Tom Carroll.

The vibe

Like you're part of an extended family reunion, in the best possible way. Everyone is relaxed, the kids are thriving – I don’t hear a single meltdown – and days revolve around a simple, blissful routine. Swim, eat, snooze, repeat. It doesn’t surprise me to learn the resort receives 35-40 per cent return bookings. 

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