Dolphin Island

A short speedboat ride away from Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island.

The palm-thatched roofs, sky-blue and white interiors and local materials in the guest bures at Dolphin Island are true to their South Pacific roots, while the contemporary styling and plush furnishings are understated and luxurious. We’re particularly fond of the hilltop bure, an indoor-outdoor lantern-lit den where the floaty four-poster bed is perfectly positioned to see the sunrise tint the sky lilac and gold. Central to the four villas stands the main plantation-style bure, where you can chill out poolside during the day, curl up with a book from its thoughtfully-curated selection or settle in with a cocktail as the night draws in.

Fresh fish and Fijian flavours dominate the menu on Dolphin Island, where you can take your pick from just-caught snapper and cod as fishermen dock to drop off their day’s catch. Mealtimes fit around your hectic schedule of snorkelling and sunbathing, and the bounty of tropical mangoes, papaya and pineapple is on hand to keep you refreshed throughout the day.

Soft coral and schools of multi-coloured fish make the surrounding seas paradise for water-babies, whether you snorkel, dive or simply swim; pack a picnic and paddle out in one of the kayaks to explore the numerous neighbouring islands or learn to fish like a local with a visit to the reef to hand-line some sea trout for lunch. In the know Interiors at Dolphin Island were designed by the renowned Virginia Fisher, who has decorated some of New Zealand's leading hotels and lodges.