A great story angle, meeting a true Valentine on Valentines Day, what are the odds? Is it a coincidence, a fluke, a chance occurrence or a twist of fate? Well certainly a coincidence.
Vivienne Valentine (a romantic name!!) the Director of Sales welcomed me for a night’s stay at the sprawling 16 hectare, 207 room,47 bure, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort on the Coral Coast 56 k’s from the main Fijian Airport hub, Nadi.
The property has a number of points of difference not the least of which is the popularity of the staff. Research shows guests either return or recommend the property because of the friendly and professional staff from all sectors of the resort. Staff number a huge 509 and with the policy of hiring and training the locals in the hospitality industry there are only three ex pats on the team. Pat from Melbourne has visited the resort 34 times and plans to keep on coming back
Accolades also come tumbling in for the kitchen staff. Executive Chef Priya Darshani, Outriggers first female Executive Chef, and two junior Chefs, both winners in an international competition that will send them on an exciting journey to St Petersburg in Russia representing Australia and the South Pacific for the next round of the competition.
Priya has a staff of 75 to service the six restaurants and four casual dining outlets. She concentrates her talents on Pacific Island influences like seafood with island spices. More than 90% of the wide variety of menus are produced in house like the piquant buffalo sauce which would win over the spice enthusiasts among us. Priya says “Inventing recipes and cooking should be a feel good activity.” Having food tested some of the dining options the feel good activity translates to a taste good activity as well. Whilst the executive chef role is traditionally dominated by male chefs, Priya has worked hard over her 17-year career to prove that kitchen management in a top resort is not gender-specific.
Whilst families are welcomed with a kiddies section where nannies take care of the children the adults can enjoy several adult only areas including the Vahavu Pool, the adjacent adults only breakfast venue Vale Ni Kana Restaurant, the recently opened Star Bar with arguably the best view in Fiji overlooking the resort and the Pacific Ocean where Tapas is served between 1 and 8 pm. The same venue is also home to the very popular Bebe Spa. The height above sea level and the treatment is like being in heaven. The Managers cocktails are served here and each of the department heads inform guests about the various resort activities, anniversaries, birthdays and the like are also celebrated here.
Executive Chef Priya Darshani and Vivienne Valentine
The resort is ideal for keen walkers and those not so energetic can ring for a mobile cart.
Award-winning premium Fijian resorts, Castaway Island, Fiji and Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort have both just released their best value offers for travel in 2020 including a range of accommodation discounts, complimentary WIFI, meals deals and spa treatments when you book before March 31, 2020.
The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort located along the coral coast on the main island of Viti Levu, has something for everyone, whether it’s a family holiday or a romantic getaway.
Staying a minimum of four nights, guests will save up to 40 per cent on accommodation and can choose the ‘Romantic Getaway’ which includes two 60 minute spa treatments, a Pure Fiji Gift Pack, two complimentary cocktails at Kalokalo Bar or the ‘Family Escape which includes a Meimei nanny for four days, a Pure Fiji survivor kids pack, and a free t-shirt per child. Both packages include one-way shared airport transfer per room per stay, complimentary, Wi-Fi for duration of the stay and free meals for up to two children 12 years and younger per room.
This special four-night package is priced from AUD $167 + tax (FJ$250+ tax) per room per night and is valid for travel until March 31 2021 –blackout periods may apply.
For those looking for a pure Fiji Island escape, Castaway Island, Fiji is offering a free nights accommodation with its ‘Stay five Pay four’ deal including all meals for two adults and two children, plus a special indulgent high tea for two adults. Extra guests will receive 50% discount on the meal plan. Priced from AUD$529 + tax (FJ$790+ tax) per room per night it is valid for travel until March 31, 2021. Free nights may not be available for certain travel periods and some blackout periods may apply.
For more information and for reservations, visit www.outrigger.com/specials/for/bula-sale
The Outrigger is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) which has 550 hotels in 80 countries and has a shared loyalty program.
The resort was recently purchased by the Singha Corporation well known for its Thai beer
Written by John Savage
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