As I sit and sip my spicy sweet ginger tea, having just had one of the most sensational massages of my life, my foodwriter brain is working out if they will share the recipe and my rational side realises there is no point asking as making it at home is not what this is about. It is as much about the mouthfuls of fabulously spicy ginger sweetness as it is about the total Vomo experience.
Moments of perfection are rare, yet here at Vomo Island I experience many flashes of total overwhelming happiness and one that even brings me to tears.
As a passionate snorkeller but less than confident swimmer, I am in heaven snorkelling along a reef that fringes the island. We are quickly enamoured with the boys in the boat who skilfully guide us to the best snorkelling spots and kindly prepare our masks and snorkels. We are extra happy when they find us a huge turtle within seconds of hitting the water. The sea is as soft as silk, no scary currents and is teaming with hundreds, if not thousands of fish, quietly drifting amongst the coral gardens. The colours are amazing and I am bubbling with excitement to find not just one but entire families (well schools) of cheeky little clownfish aka Nemo. Everything is gentle and silent, other than that funny little crackling noise of fish nibbling on coral. This is my snorkelling nirvana and a great private place to let some happy tears flow.
The sun is shining in a cornflower blue sky and as the warm breeze dries our hair and the boat cuts ripples through the water, it is a reminder of how good life can be.
Vomo island is small, perfectly accessible to circumnavigate by foot at low tide but also has a peak in the middle so those who feel the need to blow some air on a daily basis can head up the hill for an invigorating morning walk. The views are outstanding, sunrise worth capturing, and due to the restricted number of guests on the island you really can feel that you are quite alone on top of the world.
Vomo caters for a maximum of 70 (ish) guests at any one time and unless you opt to bask poolside, you really don’t have to spend much time with anyone else – unless you choose to.
I have never quite understood the logic of being on a white sand beach with postcard perfect water and opting to swim in a pool, I am so completely happy luxuriating in one of the beachside hammocks right outside our private villa, with gentle sea breezes and the clear turquoise water only a few metres away. Baby (and I mean truly baby) reef sharks glide by, their tiny black pointed fins creating ripples as they cruise the knee deep shallows foraging for food.
For those wanting a bit more action the golf course looks pretty swish and tennis is an option as well. Paddle boards, kayaks and other water sports are all on hand, but for me this is an opportunity to truly relax, kick back and nibble on treats such as Fiji chocolate, tropical fruit and crisps that have been kindly placed in our fridge.
Meals are price included at Vomo, and reflect both the nature of the resort and environment. Menus are planned with consideration to their particular clientele with plenty of choices for everyone.
Breakfast is always one of my favourite meals and the Vomo breakfast is up there with the best. I LOVE the continental buffet of gorgeous juices, fruit, yoghurts and pastries and also the ability to order coffee just as good as I get at home. Those needing a savoury protein kick will be more than happy with the extensive list of cooked breakfast offerings.
Vomo welcomes kids (yes to a kids club) which is worth taking into consideration as to when and where you eat. For those travelling without, a table under the stars at night gives you plenty of peace and privacy and the Rocks bar (child free) is a great place to settle in for a sunset cocktail and watch the occasional bat fly over in their search of an evening meal. Non alcoholic drinks are complimentary and the wine list boasts a carefully considered selection of wine and a fabulous choice of champagne available to purchase.
The Fiji coconut rum liqueur makes a deliciously indulgent end to a meal.
Cyclone Winston packed a big punch to Vomo and while the rooms, bar and restaurant are back up to their usual impeccable standard, the gardens need time to grow. The reliance of fruit trees and vegetable gardens has had to be put on hold temporarily, until nature has time to regenerate.
With regular boats and flights in and out of the island fresh produce arrives daily from nearby Viti Levu.
Guests can choose their mode of transport to and from Vomo with choices of float plane, helicopter or boat. Sitting alongside the pilot in our float plane was another of those huge happiness moments and aside from feeling like a celebrity (I wish), the view from the helicopter glass bubble to tiny islands and reefs is extraordinary. The boat trip is also easy as Vomo is really only a whisper away from Port Denerau.
Vomo is one of those very special places that is built and managed by the owners with care and love and this is reflected by the warm and engaging staff and the total attention to detail.
Extra Highlights:
*Laundry service delivered to your door, wrapped in tissue with a lovely lavender fragrance.
*Super comfortable beds, quality cotton sheets and perfect pillows.
*Stylish furniture throughout (think Dedon).
*L’Occitane bath products and my outdoor bath
*Private island picnic by arrangement at Vomo lailai
*Gorgeous staff
*A choice of beachfront, hillside or luxurious large villas.
*No television but yes to wifi
Accommodation details and pricing here – Vomofiji.com
Helen travelled as a guest of Tourism Fiji and Vomo island.
