Inside the Fijian resort that moonlights as a surfer’s paradise
Fiji is as beautiful as it is lush, but beyond the shores lies its true lifeblood – the water. And for a surfing fan like me, there is simply no better destination.
On a visit to Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, the official accommodation partner of the World Surf League (WSL) for the Fiji Pro, I was given a front-row seat to see just how spectacular a trip here can be.
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is a surf-lovers dream stay. Marriott
Just a short boat ride off the coast lies a one-way express to Cloudbreak, one of the planet’s most revered surfing waves.
Both tranquil and incredibly fierce, this shallow coral reef break is a breathtaking natural spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
I was lucky enough to get out there with the WSL team and marvel at the famous break first hand, with the colourful judges’ tower jutting out of the open ocean and absolutely nothing else in sight.
WSL has a deep connection with the area, with most surfers staying at the resort while competing.
The daily outlook at the Momi Bay Resort. Supplied/Sophie Wisely
Cloudbreak has lifted competitors on the tour to legend status, just three kilometres from the very resort I was staying at. Just ask Aussie surfer Molly Picklum.
Going back to the resort, my water action was a little more… serene, you could say.
Each morning, I was greeted by the stunning lagoon that wraps around the rooms – the perfect place for a wake-up dip before grabbing a coffee and hitting the breakfast buffet.
Cloudbreak is one of the world’s most famous surfing destinations. Supplied/Sophie Wisely
With a stand-up paddleboard waiting right outside my door, I could effortlessly transition from relaxing to exploring.
Gliding across the clear waters toward the lagoon's scattered islands quickly became my daily highlight.
The convenience of Momi Bay Resort makes balancing downtime and adventure a breeze.
Whether I decided to take a gentle stroll under the palms to my next event or catching a ride on one of the resort’s zippy buggies, navigating between activities was completely seamless.
In the evenings, we would head up to the Sunset Bar, perched on the edge of the resort with sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean.
The daily fire-lighting ceremony. Supplied/Sophie Wisely
Watching the vast horizon turn to gold as the sun dipped below our eye line was mesmerising.
Just as the last rays of light would disappear, a beautiful traditional fire-lighting ceremony illuminated the waterfront, keeping the evening’s warmth alive.
The night wrapped up at Fish Bar, where a brilliant gin degustation menu was paired flawlessly with the most incredible fresh, locally caught seafood – the ideal way to cap off a big day on the water.
The connection to the ocean is a constant in the area.
In fact, every time I dined, I was sitting either right next to the water or suspended directly over it.
Such is the beauty of Fiji.
On our day off due to the swell being a little too quiet for our liking, the resort showed us how to spend a day on the island.
The view for dinner at Fish Bar was unforgettable. Supplied/Sophie Wisely
As someone who usually struggles to switch off, a restorative massage was exactly what I needed to finally unwind, followed by an afternoon stretched out on the plush loungers bordering the water.
Fiji turned out to be the ultimate destination to both unwind and witness world-class surfing.
It was the holiday that perfectly straddled the gap between a high-octane lifestyle and some much-needed, unapologetic relaxation.
Water views whereever you are in the resort. Marriott
Things to do in Momi Bay
Join in on one of the resort’s many activities
The resort is full of activities to do on the stretching lawns that border the resort, from morning pilates and yoga to some HIIT class and Tabata training.
Learn about Fijian culture
The resort has many ways that visitors can tap into the Fijian culture that surrounds them and learn a new skill.
The Momi Bay resort staff hold cooking classes, cocktail classes and even fish house building for everyone to learn about the coral reed conservation that the resort is embarking on.
The clear blue water borders the resort. Supplied/Sophie Wisely
Head to one of the world-class dining areas
After a day lounging in the sun, nothing is better than going back to your room and leisurely heading to a chill dinner as the sun dips below the horizon.
Fish Bar and Goji Bar on the island are the places for food – with a variety enough for every visitor. Goji has buffet style breakfast and dinner and has speciality themed nights including Fijian BBQ while Fish Bar (as the name says) taps into the island’s connection with fresh seafood.
The writer travelled as a guest of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.
