Tulum’s turquoise beaches and archaic Mayan ruins are enchanting. The breathtaking beauty of Florence’s vineyards. Majestic cliffs and world-famous sunsets in Santorini. All of these places are undoubtedly unforgettable and popular among couples for a reason. But nothing beats the romantic charm of a private island, and none are as legendary – or exclusive – as Turtle Island Fiji.
For 50 years, this secluded little atoll, accessible from Fiji’s main island by plane or ferry, has been fundamentally built and designed with connection and a true escape from the stagnant noise and distractions of everyday life in mind. (Its secluded splendor even led to it being chosen as the setting for the 1978 cult film blue Lagoonstarring teenage Brooke Shields.) Each villa, or Bur, is quietly tucked away and protected by coconut trees and local foliage. Wi-Fi is only available in the property’s gift shop and business center. Oh, and there are 12 private beaches surrounding the 500-acre resort that can be booked for the day, so couples are completely immersed in nature, without a single human or technological device in sight. Really, if you’re looking for romance and one-on-one time during your summer getaway, this resort has you covered.
In fact, thanks to its luxurious accommodations and steadfast commitment to privacy, Turtle Island has become a popular destination for celebrity couples over the past few decades. Particularly at the beginning of the year, there was an boost in A-list newlyweds, including Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, and Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson. Sure, all those couples have gone their separate ways, but we can credit those early golden years to Turtle Island, right?
I recently had the opportunity to visit the mecca of romance as a solo traveler. As you can imagine, solo events are uncommon on Turtle Island, so I was curious to see how the couple-focused amenities and experiences would translate to little aged me. I’m cheerful to report that they didn’t disappoint, even if I didn’t have a significant other to share my time with. In fact, I came back slightly more rested and well-fed, with three books read in seven days, and with a handful of novel friends with whom I continue to communicate and check in. Read on for my seven-day stay on Turtle Island in all its sensual, romantic glory.
Accommodation
Each private villa is decorated with local decor and furnishings, so you can instantly immerse yourself in the island’s culture. That said, nature is a key element of said punctuation, with local potted plants scattered throughout, as well as woven baskets and artisan vases. But don’t worry, up-to-date luxuries are plentiful too. Many villas include indoor spas, outdoor showers, king-size beds, and bars that are pre-stocked (and replenished daily) with your favorite drinks and snacks. What you won’t find is a TV or phone in sight. Communication with the personal concierge and island staff is via walkie-talkie. While it may seem strange to some, disconnecting from our devices has been refreshing.
Food
I must say that the meals were my favorite part of my stay on the island. Unless you have booked a private beach for the day or night, dinner on the pontoon (more on that later), or have opted for a private meal at your villa, all three meal times at Turtle Island are observed communally at one immense table where all guests share they gather for a meal. Starting times for breakfast and lunch are versatile, so couples tend to arrive and leave at different times, but you can be sure that at some point someone will join you as you enjoy a morning menu of fresh pastries, tropical fruits and farm produce eggs and a decadent cappuccino or latte.
Lunch and dinner include set menus with a variety of options to choose from, which change daily. You can often expect to see customary island cuisine such as lovo, an archaic Fijian method of cooking in an underground oven (lovo) created by a shallow hole in the sand filled with stones heated by a fire. Fresh fish, meat and vegetables are wrapped and cooked on the stones – it’s truly a sight worth seeing and experiencing for yourself. Specific days of the week will be tied to themes such as the aforementioned lovo, which usually takes place on Wednesday evenings, Mongolian barbecue, and hibachi nights, which feature live grilling by a local chef.
As mentioned earlier, couples and singles have the option to enjoy lunch and dinner solo at a picnic on the beach, at Cliff Point overlooking the lagoon, or on a floating pontoon at sunset. I was lucky enough to experience the latter and can report that a candlelit table, wine and a delicious meal in the setting of a Fijian twilight truly create a magical and special moment.
Experience
In addition to the varied meals, there are plenty of things to do or not do on Turtle Island. As I mentioned, I spent most of my time lounging on a lounger outside, reading fiction novels and snacking on Diet Cokes and fresh pineapple. But once I was able to break away from my little corner, I discovered that there was a lot to discover. One afternoon I booked a private beach for a few hours. After being dropped off at my secluded spot, I ate a lunch of wraps and fries while lazily swinging on the hammock. I also walked along the water and went for a long solo swim. Although I only opted for one day at the beach, guests have the option to book as many beaches as they want – you can go to a different beach every other day if you want.
As you can imagine, there’s a whole range of water sports at your fingertips, from snorkeling and diving to fishing and windsurfing. On parched land, horse riding, hiking and tours of the island’s extensive gardens and agricultural areas are available. You can also take a day trip to the village and shop from local vendors and artisans. This was another highlight for me as I enjoyed making handmade shell bracelets, printed sarongs, and woven baskets.
The island spa is a must on any visit. A Polynesian massage session helped me get rid of the stress of work and really immerse myself in the holiday atmosphere. If massages are not your thing, try a face or body peeling and treat yourself to some good care.
Fijian culture is celebrated and embraced on Turtle Island, and the weekly kava ceremony is a favorite among visitors. Kava is a customary drink made from water and ground pepper root, served at special occasions such as weddings, village council meetings and social events. The drink is served in a characteristic bowl called tanoa, i.e. a hand-carved turtle shell. As you can see, socializing and community are also deeply rooted in Fijian culture, so even nightly activities like karaoke night and dance parties are genuine to island life (and usually include kava!).
Even though I entered the island alone and didn’t know anyone, the staff and guests of Turtle Island immediately made me feel at ease – as if I was among family. As my comfort level increased, so did my desire to participate in activities and social events. And while this property is certainly designed to assist you connect with your partner and family, I believe it also helps you better connect with everyone else around you. In addition to much-needed time for myself, I also appreciated the moments where I could interact with the island staff and other guests. I looked forward to group cheerful hours and meals, and even cried when I celebrated the 30th anniversary of one of the invited couples. Being the only single woman among 12 couples may seem like a strange – even daunting – scenario to find yourself in. But I never felt alone or out of place on Turtle Island. Actually the opposite. I felt like I was at home.
