Dolphin Island, Fiji – a little island that is jam packed with all the good things for the soul!
Next month (June) marks my 19th year of selling holidays to Fiji. This of course begs the question ‘what is it about Fiji that continues to peak my interest after all these years?’ Indeed, I ask myself that very question some days. But then I visit somewhere I haven’t been before – somewhere unique and exquisite like Dolphin Island – and my love and enthusiasm for this fabulous country is renewed!
Will catch you by surprise
I admit, Dolphin caught me a little by surprise. I knew it was the private island retreat of Dutch national, Alex van Heeran (owner of Huka Lodge, New Zealand and Grand Provence, South Africa) and because of the calibre and wonderful reputation of its sister lodges I expected it to be beautiful. Being an ‘exclusive use’ island I knew that we would be the only guests so it would be quiet and restful, and I consequently anticipated an incredibly high level of customer service and care.
Instant Holiday Relaxation
What I didn’t anticipate or expect was Dawn, (left in above picture) this private little 14 acre island’s Caretaker and chef. Within 20 seconds of our arrival I knew we had come to visit somewhere pretty special. As we stepped off the boat she embraced me in a big hug, a huge smile and an affectionate ‘Bula Darling – welcome home’. Immediately I relax. She links her arm through mine and chats to me like an old friend as we wander up the pier, past the little sandy swimming lagoon with its inviting sun lounges and day beds, and up to our suite.
Stunning Fijian Accommodation
The guest suites (there are 4 in total accommodating a max of 8 people in any one group) are as stunning as expected – potentially even more so. I could wax lyrical about their beautiful interior design complete with enormous dressing area and expansive outdoor shower, but you can get all of that from the pictures on the website. Suffice to say that if I had a holiday house in the tropics I would like to hope it looked as beautiful as Dolphin.
The main bure is an artistically eclectic mash of comfy lounges to snuggle into, dining tables to chat around and quirky artefacts to admire. Located adjacent to the resort’s pool, it is the hub where food is consumed, drinks sipped, hours spent with your favourite people, and days are wiled away.
Dawn – The Perfect Holiday Host
But back to Dawn for she encapsulates everything this little island is. Dolphin is Dawn’s home of 12 years and her welcoming spirit encourages it to become yours….albeit briefly. She and her fabulous little team look after you with a level of quiet attention that is so subtle you almost take it for granted. Food is lovingly prepared and beautifully presented alfresco in the main bure in your time. She’ll make things happen if you want something to or she’ll give you all the space you need to relax. Running into us as we return from a morning walk around the island’s trail, she extolls a huge good morning followed by a ‘how about a cup of coffee before you settle in for a lazy breakfast.’ Ahh Dawney, you read our minds!
Dolphin Island was OUR private island home for the duration of our incredibly relaxing stay and Dawn our newest ‘old’ friend! Visually stunning, Dolphin’s embracing warmth rejuvenated me again…19 years and still loving it.
