After five years of parenting two young kids without a solo break, my partner and I finally did something we had been dreaming about for ages—we escaped. We left our kids in the care of their obliging auntie and headed to the InterContinental Fiji Resort at Natadola Bay for four blissful nights. Our only goal was to unwind and reconnect, something that we’d transparently lost amid the chaos of everyday life.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear we’d made the right call. The entrance to the resort is something special—traditional Fijian drummers greeted us with vibrant beats that echoed around the open-air lobby, signalling that we were far, far away from our regular lives. As we were handed welcome drinks, we took a moment to take in the view. The resort sits on a hill, offering an expansive panorama of the Pacific Ocean.
When we got to our room, we were met with another thoughtful touch. The word “Bula,” meaning hello, had been spelled out in flowers on our bed. The room itself was beautifully designed, with a large, comfortable king bed and a balcony that featured a big bath overlooking the pool. After the chaos of family life, and a bath at home that features several thousand plastic toys, it felt like a private haven.
We spent the first few days doing as little as possible. Lounging by the pool, reading books and devouring poolside pizza. Time slowed down, and for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to genuinely relax. The resort was just the right blend of laid-back and luxurious, offering all the amenities of a five-star hotel while still feeling casual enough that we could walk around in fishermen pants without feeling out of place.
While I was doing my best to let the control freak in me simmer down, on one of the days, I had to take an important meeting. The in-room setup worked perfectly to do this. The Wi-Fi was fast, and the desk in our room was comfortable. The resort also offers a business centre, so for anyone who finds it impossible to fully disconnect, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to stay on top of things at work.
One of the real highlights of our trip was the wedding we attended on the Saturday. One of my best friends was getting married, and the ceremony was held on the resort’s immaculate lawns, overlooking the ocean. It was intimate, with two incredible singers from the resort adding a touch of magic to the already beautiful setting. As I sat there, watching my friend say her vows against the backdrop of the setting sun, I was reminded of how important it is to carve out these moments in life, especially when the day-to-day grind can feel so overwhelming.
This year has been one of the busiest and most challenging yet, both personally and professionally. In a small business, there’s always something that needs attention, someone who needs help, and a never-ending list of tasks that seem to multiply overnight. The pressure can build to the point where even a short break feels impossible. But taking these four days to escape reminded me just how important it is to step away occasionally. Not just for myself, but for my family, my business, and my overall wellbeing.
The InterContinental Fiji Resort offered the perfect environment for that kind of rejuvenation. It wasn’t overly extravagant or flashy; instead, it was a place where we could unwind in comfort, surrounded by natural beauty. It allowed us to pause, to breathe, and to remember that life isn’t just about the rush—it’s also about the moments in between. It allowed me and my partner to finally have a real conversation without interruption!
As we packed our bags to leave, I felt a renewed sense of energy, ready to return to the real world, even if only slightly reluctantly. If you’ve been feeling the weight of a fast-paced life, I can’t recommend taking a proper break enough. It certainly helps to clear your mind, and that’s more valuable than we often give it credit for.
The author received a discounted rate for their stay at The Intercontinental Resort Fiji in order to facilitate this review. However, all opinions expressed in this article are entirely their own and based on their personal experience.