Review: laidback luxury at Vomo Island Fiji’s new Reef House

Clear waves lapping lazily against a shell-lined shore, a string hammock tied between two palms, and a freshly-opened coconut resting in the sand alongside, ready to be scooped up and enjoyed.

This quintessential tropical scene may sound like a phone wallpaper, or perhaps the photo of the month on a calendar, but it’s actually the view from the breakfast table at Vomo Island – an all-inclusive Fijian hideaway which has welcomed travellers for almost 30 years.

The view is mesmerising.

Only 45 minutes by boat from Denarau Marina, the primary jump-off point for the Yasawa and Mamanuca chains leading west from the main island of Viti Levu, Vomo proudly ranks among the most luxurious resorts in the country.

As anyone who’s visited the islands of Fiji can attest, their enduring appeal is more than just skin deep. The warm and genuine spirit of its people, not to mention the opportunities to learn from and meaningfully engage with those you meet, are its greatest treasure. Vomo is no exception.

Island arrivals, Fijian style.

From the minute your boat idles up to the shore and guitar playing staff greet you with a lei and the words ‘Bula, welcome home’ to waving a tearful final goodbye to the people you’ve quickly formed a bond with, you become part of the extended family.

Ocean Play is the resort's watersports centre, home to kayaks, snorkelling gear and more.

Set your watch to Fiji Time

With no schedules beyond those dictated by your stomach, guests are free to do as they please.

Reef House butler, Vani; the Rocks adults only pool; and a tropical snack.

Kids club is free of charge, giving adults a well-earned chance to relax and unwind, whether it’s finding a hammock to finally finish that book, heading out for a snorkel or dive, or simply exploring the 225 acres that make up the island.

Vomo boasts a gym, tennis court, spa and nine-hole pitch and putt golf course.

The latter can be done foot, by kayak or via stand up paddle board, or aboard the frond-roofed ‘Bula bus’, for those looking to get around a little quicker. Fliteboards are available too.

From your initial arrival point at Ocean Play, the resort’s watersports centre, 28 one-bedroom beach and hillside villas fan out to the left, each angled for privacy and furnished in a contemporary coastal style. Two-bedroom villas are in the works as well.

Villas are dotted amid the palm-filled gardens.

Beyond are two restaurants helmed by Australian Executive Chef Iain Todd (including the one with that aforementioned hammock), plus a cliffside adults-only pool bar and pampering day spa, all linked by winding palm and hibiscus-lined paths.

Reef Restaurant is also home to one of the resort's two main pools.

There are also six one-of-a-kind residences enjoying full access to the resort, the newest of which, Reef House, has arguably set a new benchmark for luxury and quality in Fiji.

Reef House: the experience

Completed in December 2022, Reef House is palatial in fit-out and scale, welcoming 10 guests and staffed by a dedicated butler to ensure every holiday is as memorable as possible.

Bluetooth audio allows you to set the mood throughout the house.

Within the sprawling 100-metre-long footprint are five elegantly-furnished guest rooms – a spacious master at one end and four overlooking lush greenery at the other. 

No expense has been spared in creating something as enchanting to look at as it is to spend time in. 

Rooms all follow a similar minimalist aesthetic of clean lines and natural finishes.

Divided between two freestanding buildings, the four guest rooms at the far side of the pool each feature a separate entrance, ensuite and outdoor day bed tailor-made for soaking up the sunshine. 

Sliding doors allow you to bring the outside in.

Inside you’ll find a comfortable king-size bed taking pride of place at its centre, a day lounge laden with pillows flanking one wall and a stunning indoor and outdoor bathroom housing a deep soaking tub and rain shower. 

Shower time has never looked so good.

At the heart of the residence is a full kitchen, butler’s pantry and dining room, separated from an entertainment room by a large undercover lounge. Don’t let the kitchen worry you though – guests aren’t expected to BYO.

Snacks are freely available throughout the day.

Full resort access is all part of the deal, including all-inclusive meals at restaurants, plus a well stocked fridge of soft drinks and water. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased also.

In-residence dining can also be arranged by your dedicated butler, be it a la carte breakfast, a delicious cheese platter, freshly-cut fruit or a charcuterie board to graze on by the pool.

There's no jostling for pool lounges here, with plenty to go around.

But the star of the show has to be the 25-metre infinity edge swimming pool. It’s gorgeous, particularly in the late afternoon when the setting sun sets the area ablaze in golden light.

Lush gardens anchor the property into its surroundings.

Lined with gleaming-white beach umbrellas and reclining sun lounges, and affording a dazzling view across the sea to Yasawa islands beyond, it’s the social heart and soul of the residence, and a perfect spot for sunset drinks.

Absolute beachfront.

Of course, this particular residence does come at a premium though – FJD$20,700 (AUD$14,014) per night, for up to 10 guests. But it’s worth it. An extra four can be accommodated for an additional fee.

If travelling with the extended family or a group of friends, perhaps celebrating a milestone birthday or special occasion, it makes for a truly spectacular setting. 

Tropical flavours with a multicultural twist

As expected from a resort of this calibre, dining is worth relishing, whether it’s the all-day Reef or over at Rocks, which is only open for lunch and dinner. The latter is home to an adults-only bar and pool, gazing out to uninhabited sister island Vomo Lailai.

Breakfast with a view.

Each venue boasts an impressive 14 rotating menus meaning you’re unlikely to encounter the same dish twice (aside from perennial favourites) during a stay of one week or more.

On the cards at Rocks are mouth-watering dishes like sushi and sashimi (paired perfectly with the sunshine), plus an intoxicating journey into Fijian Indian cuisine on ‘spice night’.

Over at Reef, you’ll find plenty of à la carte breakfast choices, together with lunch and dinner menus featuring Asian-influenced fare and Western classics.  

Rocks restaurant plates up fresh, flavoursome dishes from lunch till long after dusk.

For something a little more special, private island and beach picnics can be arranged, while the Executive Chef can also stop by to create a show-stopping five-course degustation dinner in your kitchen from only FJD$175 (AUD$117) per head.

Menus include a fine dining take on Fijian cuisine, which reimagines local favourites kokoda and rourou (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk), as well as a bountiful seafood feast.

Island vibes in no time

Strolling along the beach from Reef House to the main resort, warm waves occasionally lapping your feet and the gentle breeze gliding over your skin, it’s impossible not to feel relaxed – or start to wonder how you can keep this feeling going even longer.

Waving a final farewell to Reef House as the boat returns to the mainland.

Because Fiji is more than just a beautiful destination – it’s a state of mind. It’s slowing down and living in the moment, sharing stories and belly laughs with locals, and embracing whatever opportunities may come. Vomo is your ticket to experience it all. 

Given the ease of access to Fiji from Australia’s east coast, a mere four hours from Sydney or three hours from Brisbane via Fiji Airways or Virgin Australia, the barefoot indulgence of Reef House is also closer than you think.

The writer travelled as a guest of Vomo Island Resort and Tourism Fiji.