The ultimate honeymoon destination on the edge of the glittering Koro Sea

The remote Lewa Downs, at the foothills of Mount Kenya, was the setting for the proposal. By the time the strings of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance resonate through the 13th-Century Gothic Westminster Abbey on April 29, the guest list will no longer be a state secret, the much speculated-about dress would have been seen, and inexpensive reproductions would already be on factory production lines, and the jewellery and finery of all the royal ladies and distinguished guests in attendance would be perused and critiqued. The only mystery left unsolved, well for the public anyway, is where they’ll be going on their honeymoon. Now it isn’t as though the House of Windsor leaves anything to chance, so this detail would have long been discussed, analysed, approved and planned meticulously, double-, triple- and quadruple-checked.

But just in case the newlyweds are still on the lookout for that perfect honeymoon destination, they need not look any further. I have found just the place for them. I even went as far as going there myself to ensure its suitability for Royal patronage, and to say that I was not disappointed would be an arrant understatement.

Fiji was one of my stops on a South Pacific odyssey 18 months ago. After lunch with the King of Tonga and a firm royal recommendation, I made my way to Namale in my quest to experience the best of what Fiji had to offer. Located about 11km (about a one-hour drive) from Savusavu on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, Namale, is nestled amongst lava pinnacles, vast expanses of lush rainforest foliage, cascading waterfalls and mature trees dating back centuries. It is quite appropriate that the resort derives its name from the Fijian word na-vuni-male – male being a type of tree that was indigenous to the property and in abundance over 40 years ago. The 525-acre private peninsula is perched majestically on volcanic rocks, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise Koro Sea below and the South Pacific Ocean beyond. Namale Resort and Spa is Fiji’s leading five-star boutique resort, a haven of peace and tranquillity for the more discerning traveller who is used to the finer things in life. It provides the idyllic backdrop for endless expressions, sensory satisfactions and private passions. Offering an exclusive and authentic Fijian experience, it is a place where dreams become magnified, romance ignited, and the natural balance of mind, body and soul rejuvenated and restored. Forgive me if I am somewhat effusive with my prose, but it really is that good. So good that I don’t think that mere words, no matter how eloquent, do it justice; it has to be seen and experienced to be believed.

If ever I was to conjure up a place I would call paradise, it would most certainly be Namale. It has been lauded by many, and won numerous accolades and awards, including the #1 Honeymoon Suite in Fiji and #5 in the world, as well as being recognised as having the sexiest villas in the South Pacific. Of course, its remoteness and exclusivity make it a favourite of A-list celebrities such as the very private Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan and of course, the ubiquitous Oprah Winfrey. The Namale philosophy, though, is that everyone is treated like a celebrity, and they don’t just pay lip service to that philosophy.

I arrived at Namale somewhat travel-weary, haven taken a boat ride, four flights and a car ride to get there from Mounui Island in Tonga, a soul-destroying journey that took over 14 hours. By the time I arrived at the unassuming stone pillars that mark the entrance to the resort, I was in need of some pampering. I had no idea of the bliss that awaited me beyond. From the moment I drove through the 15-ft-high gates I was transported to another place and time. A traditional Fijian welcome awaited me, and as I thirstily drank in the exotic surroundings and the tropical infusion of juices which was the welcome cocktail, I could feel my weariness beginning to ebb. The formalities over, I was whisked away in a golf cart to what could only be described as my own private slice of heaven. Attention to detail is everything at Namale, and nowhere was that more evident than when I arrived at my exclusive hideaway for the next three days, Villa Duavata. Hand-carved on my door was a plaque with my name – this is done for every guest, a memento that you take away with you as a reminder of your visit, and one which surely every time you see it not only brings back fond memories, but encourages you to, one day, return.

Duavata is a palatial two-storey villa, built in traditional Fijian style, with every modern convenience you could hope for and expansive views over the Koro Sea below from every aspect of the airy villa. It is divided into two wings with a private infinity edge pool in the middle. The West Wing, as I liked to call it, surpassed the presidential suite in any luxury five-star hotel, and included the bedroom with the most comfortable king-size bed I think I have ever slept in – and bearing in mind that travel is an integral part of my life, I have slept in a few – a large walk-in/through dressing area, that could comfortably house my entire 300+ collection of Jimmy Choos and Louboutins, a private outdoor shower, and an indoor bathroom, with a spa bath for two in front of an enormous floor-to-ceiling picture window, ideal for appreciating those fiery Fijian sunsets, or a romantic interlude and martini before dinner. And whilst there is no TV (why would you want or need one in such spectacular surroundings?), for the IT junkies amongst us, each villa is equipped with BOSE surround sound systems, high definition projectors, DVD player and Apple entertainment system with over 1000 songs of various genres and some 570 movies on demand, from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Sex and the City, with the popcorn being just a phone call away.

The East Wing provided another 500 sq feet of living space, a lounge with a full-length deck that wraps around the villa, a formal dining area, where your meals can be taken if a trip to the restaurant Bure is a journey too far, and another secluded outdoor shower. Upstairs was the piece de resistance – an indoor/outdoor lounge with picturesque views of the peninsula below.

Amidst this 1,000 sq feet of air-conditioned luxury, my personal favourite, though, was a simple pleasure: freshly baked cookies (an entire jar of them) baked fresh and delivered inconspicuously twice a day. I was home, and I never wanted to leave. The three days would fly past in a flash. It’s true the old saying that time flies when you are having fun…

Namale is one of those places that you can either do nothing or do everything. Even though it is an all-inclusive resort, this is not ‘all-inclusive’ as I had ever known it. This is all about luxury and service all the way. The staff-to-guest ratio is 3:1, just to give you an idea of the personal attention that is lavished on each visitor. The ever-helpful staff unobtrusively caters to your every desire, as though they were permanently hovering above you on a magic carpet and anticipating your needs, satisfying them before you even realise there is a need. Yet you never see them, for that matter you never see anyone, unless you absolutely want to. Offering a pristine sanctuary of peaceful seclusion, there are only 19 bures and private villas on the 525 acres, and because Namale has taken a greener approach to the construction of bures, it is important to note that no two bures or villas are the same.

Here, time is never measured by clocks. Days begin with the gentle hum of the native Lali drum. From its echo, resonating and rapturous, you design your day as you wish; you may want to contemplate life and just relax on the private beach or retreat for an afternoon nap or read in a rocking chair on your own private deck, free from the daily stresses of responsibilities. For the less sedentary amongst us, activities and adventure abound; one can explore the island and the beaches on horseback or on foot, or go off-piste and visit the nearby villages of Savusavu and Labasa. If you really want to get immersed in the local culture you can attend a Fijian church service on Sundays or participate in a traditional Meke or Kava ceremony. There is also a variety of incredible hikes around the resort, as well as tennis, mountain biking, volleyball, croquet, indoor gym, a full-size bowling alley, and much more. In the water you can dive with the experienced Namale team of PADI dive masters to wall, drift and pinnacle dives, or simply snorkel on the island’s surrounding reef. You can try your luck at sport fishing or enjoy kayaking, water-skiing, reef walks, or simply fish for fun.

If none of the above takes your fancy, there is always the Namale Spa, a 10,000-square foot sanctuary of pampered bliss to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. The expansive interior features shining wood floors, exposed beams, lush native flora, and walls of glass that look out onto the sea. The focal point of the building is a central hydrotherapy/aromatherapy room, the only one of its kind in Fiji and the greater South Pacific. Regardless of what your treatment option is, the Namale spa experience begins with the ritual of having your feet washed in jasmine water. The spa menu is extensive and you can experience indulgent treatments from around the world. Ancient aromas and soothing rhythms will envelope you while gentle hands lead you on a journey of rediscovery. The large private treatment rooms feature comfortable spa beds that may also be moved onto the adjoining open air decks for a different kind of a spa experience. There is nothing else quite like this in Fiji – I want to say, in the world – not that I have experienced, anyway.

With everything on offer, not to be overlooked is Namale’s signature cuisine, which is positively exquisite: an eclectic mix of International dishes with a gourmet tropical flair, an adventurous vegetarian selection, and a healthy Spa Cuisine menu for the body-conscious. Only the best local seafood and meats are used in their kitchens and the majority of vegetables served to guests are grown on premises in their organic greenhouse. A taste sensation to be savoured. In addition to the plethora of meal choices, their chefs also specialise in desserts and pastries. However, if your appetite calls for flexibility and/or specific dietary requirements, or even just a whim, the kitchen can cater to that as well. One day, I expressed a desire for a Fijian curry, and even though it wasn’t on the menu, one magically appeared for me at lunch. And when I expressed a desire o have the same for dinner again that night, I was not disappointed. For that matter, on the day that I left for New Zealand, the chefs had prepared a “curry picnic” for me to sustain me on my long journey.

Even though there are two designated Restaurant Bure in different parts of the island – one for breakfasts and lunches, and one for dinner – you are not compelled to dine in these areas. If you want to be alone with that special person, the Fijian staff will deposit you and a gourmet picnic near a secluded waterfall or the location of your choice, where the stunning beauty will set the stage, and you can create the rest. Namale is also an enchanting place at night, where, by candlelight, you can enjoy an intimate dining experience. No matter where you choose to dine, you’ll appreciate the stunning views and soothing atmosphere. And after dinner you may want to grab a flashlight and meander throughout the forest to the deck perched on an overhang, within feet of a roaring blowhole, and count the shooting stars glowing across the sky. Make a wish for your future!

I was stunned at the majesty of the traditional Fijian craftsmanship of this resort, complemented by the comfortable and luxurious decor and the superior service. You can’t help but relax and reflect while at this peaceful sanctuary of seclusion and solitude lulled by the sounds of the ocean in the distance, enjoying moments when time seems to just stand still. Even though I went on my own to escape the hustle and bustle that is my everyday life, to me this is a honeymooner’s absolute paradise: everything is thought of and nothing left to chance. What a perfect way to begin that long journey that is a life together… and even though I wasn’t royalty, I was sure made to feel like a queen. So imagine what would happen if the real deal showed up!