Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay wasn’t just our accommodation. It was THE destination.
At least, for our last two days in the country.
The only resort on Fiji’s main island Viti Levu to offer overwater bungalows (within a man-made lagoon), it sits on a vast secluded property in Momi Bay about 45 minutes from Nadi Intermational Airport. A relatively young resort having just opened in 2017. I vividly remember stumbling upon an aerial image of these overwater bungalows that run like a spine across the blue lagoon as I was constructing our Fiji itinerary. A feature that is the resort’s backbone, a distinct character that sets them apart from all the others.
The hospitality shown, typically Fijian. Overwhelmingly friendly. A metaphoric, Covid-safe embrace welcoming you to a temporary home.
CHECKING IN
As we stepped out of our run-down taxi, “Bula!” came from all directions, and shell necklaces were hung. A lady from the concierge fished out our toddler from the backseat without any worries even when she felt her hot temp from a slight fever.
Our luggage were taken out of the boot, off our hands and put aside as someone ushered us to the lobby for check in. The open-air lobby, designed after a bure—a traditional Fijian cottage with a steep thatched roof—was quite a sight itself, and gives guests their first glimpse of the postcard-perfect overwater bungalows.
We were told to take our seats while waiting for our turn and were handed welcome drinks and cold face towels. We waited and waited, and wondered if we were to simply walk up to an available receptionist or wait for someone to call us. At that point, there were two.
I approached one, who happily accommodated me. Which meant, we could have possibly checked in earlier had we been informed we could just rock up whenever.
We were told our room was ready. And my little disappointment easily dissipated in the humid air.
Our home for a night, one of the Lagoon View rooms (overwater bures are for adults only and ocean front ones have a maximum occupancy of 2 adults and one child or 3 adults), wasn’t a far walk from the reception yet we were taken to it via golf cart just cause it’s a 5-star-hotel thing to do.
The room had 2 double beds, and quite spacious for a family of 4. It was spotless. Its balcony overlooks a lagoon (hence the name) except it was a lagoon I had never seen in any of the pictures across various booking sites. With a price tag of AU$700+ at peak season (not to mention the 3-year-wait to travel overseas again), our expectations were high, and this was a major let-down.
DINING
Prior to arrival, we had planned on having lunch at Lagoon House & Bar in case we had to wait for our room at 3pm check in time. It’s casual dining offering quick bites and cocktails, also offers a view of the palm-fringed lagoon.
Dinner was at Goji Kitchen & Bar where we had a buffet dinner as part of our accommodation package with Marriott Bonvoy (book direct and you might find great specials). Dinners are themed. The spread was lavish, the Indo-Fijian offerings that night were the tastiest. Best roasted lamb chops I had thus far! Service was attentive and one of the staff went out of his way to arrange for my youngest to have ice cream even if it wasn’t on the menu.
Breakfast included in our stay was also at Goji Kitchen & Bar. Same as our dinner, there was a plethora of choices. There was even a noodle bar.
We also had a chance to try Fish Bar on the far end of the property (a sweaty stroll under the hot Fijian sun to get there) next to the adults-only pool after checking out. Its interior design transported us to the Greek Islands.
It was a wise decision to while the afternoon there (waiting for our cab to take us to the airport at 5:30PM), we were the only diners at 4 in the arvo. There was a singer on keyboards, mainly to entertain the pool populace but the music can be heard throughout the restaurant. My partner ordered a Prawn Salad, and I ordered a Tempura Seafood. Both tasty, except the tempura mussels in mine were a little chewy (I noticed a lot of battered and fried seafood in Fiji are cooked like this).
Unfortunately we did not get to try Voi Voi Bar, which was actually the closest to our room. It’s only open from 11AM to 4:30PM.
AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES
As other resorts in Fiji catered to families, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay offer a lot of activities for the guests of any age.
The Turtles Kids’ Club has separate programs for kids aged 4-7 years and 8-12 years. Some of the sessions offered are basket-weaving, crab races, and coconut-husking. Late in the afternoon, kids interested in joining the torch-lighting ceremony can be dropped off there to be dressed up.
Jetskis, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks can be hired. There’s a gym, tennis courts, and soccer nets on a field.
Three pools sound sufficient but it didn’t seem so (if you’re unbothered swimming in the lagoon, this is also an option) when the hotel’s running on full capacity. The family pool is right next to the lagoon in the heart of the resort. For such humongous property, you’d think there’d be a lot of space for loungers around the pool but it felt pretty cramped. It has a swim-up bar, however, maybe a drink or two can make one better tolerate it. Not far is the small kids’ lagoon pool that has water cannons for added fun (but only one properly worked).
Perched on a cliff is the adults-only infinity pool that has a jacuzzi attached to it. View of the sunset from here is just stunning.
There’s firedancing some nights, and other nights Meke (traditional Fijian dance). If you’re lucky like us, we were there to witness both in just one night. Spectators were invited to join in the Meke fun.
Nightly entertainment at Lagoon Lounge too, where I got to watch one of the better bands in Fiji, a member of which does a very good impression of Shaggy. The toddler cried in protest when I put her down to boogie “It Wasn’t Me”.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
The beautiful property that is Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay can effortlessly take one’s breath away that we quickly put our rocky start behind our sunburnt shoulders. Backed up by exceptional hospitality, it felt almost unfair to blame any faults on anyone.
We hung and wandered around after check out as we waited for our ride to the airport at 5, and being able to use the facilities ’til then made it feel that we got our money’s worth all the more.
