Sheraton Golf & Beach Resort

The Sheraton sparkled like new from the moment we arrived…. Only just reopening after a 2 year long hiatus,  while a 48 million dollar lavish renovation took place.

The beautiful entrance and lobby draws you in to where the modern lighting and the water features complete stunning reflections and  lead you back outside to the sparkling pools and the breath-taking ocean views.

Adults Only Pool

The pools are surrounded by palms giving them a tropical feel.  There are 3 pools, one adults only, the middle larger pool and third lagoon style pool where the younger children love to splash around. The pool can be so cool and  refreshing that they can take a while before are happy to dive under.

Under normal circumstances we would able to use the facilities at both the neighbouring Sheraton Villa’s and Westin Resorts, but the Weston is currently closed for it’s major renovation.  The Sheratons Villa’s has a lovely walk in pool with an infinity outlook and of course the very popular swim up bar.

Thanks to the mangroves that surround Denarau, the beaches have dark sand and the water is rather murky…. The warm waters are still swimmable but not as inviting as the crystal clear waters that surround the outer islands.

Currently on site dining is limited to Tatavu Bar & Grill, Island 619 (Buffet ) and 28g for Coffee and pastries.  There is also a restaurant at the Wet Edge Bar which we can use. In our personal opinion the one thing that let the resort down were the dining options….

Breakfast is served in the Island 619 restaurant, the options are about on par with what you find at most hotel breakfasts.  Eggs made to order, Bain maries full of bacon, sausages and hash browns.  Curries and a noodle bar are also available.  Also as part of our package we had one evening meal included in this restaurant.  Once again typical buffet style, no major standout and reinforced our decision  not to purchase the all inclusive meal package and have limited ourselves to this restaurant.

Tatavu Bar & Grill is the priciest of all options available, and once again we found the menu choices a little underwhelming....  on offer were several cuts of meat, lobster and fish grilled to your liking.  A random pasta dish thrown in if any of the above were not to your choice…  On saying that the pasta marinara was delicious, but the entrée size at main meal prices made it one of our more expensive light meals….  It does feel that if you return from a big day and want something light, you are better off either staying at the marina or heading over to the Radisson or the Wyndam restuarants.

Amazingly enough I don't have one photo of the restaurants ... that should tell you something... so instead here is a nice evening shot.

Lunch is no different, although you have a lighter menu pool side, with limited choices the menus still feel a little heavy with no real fresh options.  

We did use the bar and grill tables to catch up on emails and upload our photographs.

Another nice feature at the Sheraton is the Chapel by beach... a lovely venue for those who choose this resort for their nuptials

Where Ever I lay my hat, that’s my home!

Well at least for the next 10 nights….  As mentioned before although our room is little set back, we still have a nice view of the ocean and being on the ground floor makes it even more appealing. Light, spacious and modern describes it well and if anything, a few more drawers and larger hanging space would make it perfect.  

The corner windows are fine until you try to pull the curtains shut. On the straight they glide easily,  but it seems to keep getting stuck as you tried to pull around the corner.  We had Maintenance in once as we couldn’t bare another night with a light pole beaming straight into our room, so all was good. 

Strategically keeping them closed just enough that the corner would not be a problem again, room service thought they do us a favour and opened them back up completely, Ugg … once again we tried to close them …. Just one more tug should do …. “Bugger” was the only word that came to mind as Garry stood there with the curtain rod in his hand,  but was attached to nothing.

The beds are large and comfy with pillows I wish I could take home with me…  TV can be used to stream Netflix , Hulu and a few more internet Channels. 

Huge bathrooms and rain shower fittings add to the luxury of the room….  Rooms are service daily but alas not until 4.30pm and on occasion as late as 5pm…..  Seems we have been spoilt on our cruises as there is nothing like returning to our room mid morning to find your room refreshed and welcoming.

Overall,,, more than happy.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

 It was an early morning, really early when the alarm went off at 4.30am.  That gave us time to shower, re pack and head down to catch the airport shuttle which left at 5.30am.  Quick, easy and only $8.50 pp.  This shuttle services the hotels that surround the airport and with only a couple of stops it didn’t take long at all.

It was one of the quietest and easiest check in’s we have ever had…

Though there was a little de ja vu, and for those who know what my job was down at the cruise terminal, you will understand why the interaction between the Virgin agent and the older couple in front of us brought a smile to my face.

Virgin Agent : “Can I see your international Vaccine Certificate”

Older couple pull out a couple of bits of paper.

Virgin Agent : “No I need the International certificate, it has to have the QR code on it”

Older couple give a her a vague look

Virgin Agent: “ have you got a Medicare account “

Older couple : “ yes, my wife has it on her phone “

Virgin Agent: “ great, we can download it ”

Older couple: “Oh but her phone is at home”                                                                    

this is when I felt the agents pain....

Virgin Agent: “ you will need to step this way “

We left whilst they were desperately searching his phone, but all worked out as we later saw them when it came time to board the plane.

The flight was uneventful, although our departure time seemed to be following Fiji time, we were nearly an hour late taking off..

The flight it self was fairly uneventful,  nothing flash with Virgin, basically user pays or should I say consumer pays.....  they will give you coffee & water, but anything else you pay for... So for 4 hours it wasn't such a drama.

The best inflight entertainment was watch the D**kh**d in row across from us trying to avoid having to put on his mask.  The flight attendants tried in all manner to get him to put it on.  Personally I would have been happy if the Captain announce that if the fellow in 19C didn't put his mask off he would be banned from further flying.

They were on before us so I assumed that he had already been warned.  First sign was when the flight attendant came up with 3 boarding passes and asked if they were these passengers.  Back again and asked him to put his mask on "Oh I am drinking my water" he said as he scramble to get a bottle of water out, which after a sip he held in his hand.  Back again they came " I'm still drinking" ... third  time the attendant must of have had sterner words and he said "My mask is in the overhead" ..."get it out" she said.....  Yay he got his mask out..... So yes he masked up, but wore it tucked under his chin....  What makes masking more important now is that you don't have to test before boarding, but you do after you arrive .... if we test positive... let me tell you Virgin will be getting one dirty email.....

  

When entering  Nadi airport we were ushered by the Myfiji agent into the fast track lane which got us through customs a little faster than the rest who had to join the regular line…. 

Once we collected our bags and exited the customs hall we were greeted by representatives from  Rosies Tours. who must represent My Fiji …. they were our ride to the resort.

As we pulled into the resort we heard the beating of the drum welcoming us and letting everyone know new guests had arrived.

Check in at the hotel was also seamless and it was not long before we were escorted to our room.

We have an Ocean View which has a distant view of the sea and not a complete ocean front. The room is light and fresh, with that brand new feel to it.  Pretty much the whole resort does as it has just come out of a year long refurbishment.

After unpacking we walked to the restaurant called The Waters Edge.  It is situated in front of the Sheraton Villa’s which is the resort next to ours, but with shared facilities.

That first Cocktail marked the start of our holiday, and here we enjoyed a delicious Mud crab soup and BBQ ribs. 

Tip if staying at the Sheraton that falls under the Marriott banner, ensure you become a member of the Bonvoyage loyalty scheme as it gets you 10% off all food and drinks.

Wanting to  absorb just a little more of the resort before heading to bed we found another bar and over a couple more drinks we listened to sounds of their resident band.

Ready Set, Lets Go!

 Although the supervised Rapid Antigen Tests were no longer a requirement to fly to Fiji, we decided to do one anyway.  If they are going to make us test on day 2 of our holiday, we might as well know now if we are positive, rather than once we were there.  

Anxiously we waited as the solution slowly made it’s way along the strip hoping like hell is would stay clear until it reached that letter C.  Phew …. Done … we are good to go …. 

Our biggest risk factor will be our flight over.

As we had to be at the airport so early, we decided to start our holiday with a hotel stay close by.  As far as hotels go, the Pullman has turned out to be very nice.  It probably helps that we have been upgraded to the Executive rooms, but alas there was no invitation to visit the Executive Lounge.

The room is spacious and tastefully decorated with a warm comfortable feel. 

Boasting floor to ceiling windows that overlook the airport and beyond to Botany Bay.  It doesn’t matter that the flight path runs straight pass our window, as the double glazing ensures that we are not troubled by the roar of the jet engines.

Always nice to find a little surprise in your room, I assume is thanks to the newly reached gold status on my Accor card.

Cashing in on the benefits of our card, we had dinner at Mobius Bar & Grill, the inhouse restaurant.  Even though we had to wait for over 20 minutes for my cocktail to be made, the night overall was enjoyable.

Out of large window it was a lovely sunset... the first of many I hope, made even more exciting as the planes passed by.

Another Adventure Begins

After nearly booking a few new adventures, we bit the bullet and committed ourselves to an overseas adventure now that the covid restrictions are starting to ease...

Although Omicron is more transmissible and thankfully it seems to be less severe,  they say everyone will eventually get it...   For me yes, I can tick that box, but alas Garry with his super dooper immunity, it yet to fall victim.  

Of course this has us nervous, for the next week we are trying to lay low enough to make it to Fiji.

As of tomorrow we no longer have to produce a negative test to enter Fiji,  but we still run the risk of testing positive on our mandatory test we need to complete on day 2 of our holiday...  This means that our flight will be our biggest exposure risk.  

But lets move on and be positive....

Our Bula Bubble package is with Myfiji, but booked through our local Flight Centre.  But alas this experience has reminded me why we never use them.  They are not big on after sales service, so after unanswered emails, we stood in a queue for over an hour out front of their office, only to be told to come back tomorrow as they hadn't printed off our paperwork.  Never again! 

Oops we strayed from positive.....

Back to our package....

We booked to stay 10 Nights at the Sheraton Fiji Resort at Port Denarau.  The resort has just undergone a 12 month refurbishment so we are very excited to see what it is like.  By staying at the Sheraton we can also use the facilities at the neighbouring Sheraton Villas and Westin, but alas the Westin is closed for its year long refurbishment.

Other inclusions are:

$500fjd to spend at the resort

1 dinner at the resort restaurant

Dinner at Lulu's restaurant in Port Denarau

Half Day tour on South Sea Island

Day tour on Malamala beach resort

An evening Cultural show

and a couple of other minor things.

We hope to take it easy on this trip, so there hasn't been alot of pre planning.... So the only real ducks I have had to get in a row, is the documentation that will get us on the plane.

We have Tickets 👍

We have Vaccination Certificates 👍

We have pre booked our 48 hr Covid Tests in Fiji  👍

We have travel insurance but still investigating how we will prove it , although we have met the criteria for activation, there is no specific certificate to show....

All that is left to do now is finalise the packing list and not catch covid!!