The very best of resort hospitality has always involved strong storytelling wherein guests are invited to participate in experiences they wouldn’t be able to enjoy quite the same way anywhere else. While this may be obvious, in practice the development and maintenance of the programming that underpins this sense of place requires a ton of work and a passion for continuous property evolution.
In this case, we turn to the archipelago nation of Fiji where the OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort on Viti Levu Island is making incredible strides to deliver upon the promise of sense of place with localized activities, new types of guestrooms to appeal to the modern demand for flexible spaces and full-fledged environmental action that’s embedded into the brand DNA.
Our journey brought us in contact with General Manager Darren Shaw who explains all this in far better detail than we can as mere passersby. Before diving into the interview, our time together highlighted several notable worldwide trends that everyone should be cognizant of.
Multigenerational travel: Having children-oriented facilities and amenities – as commonly ascribed to a ‘Kids Club’ – is becoming a central element to attract young families. But the word ‘multigenerational’ also implies grandparents or extended family gatherings or other small social groups that all want private spaces to experience some moments – like a private chef dinner – only to themselves. With the example here being the new Plantation Pool Bures, hotels are responding with multi-bedroom cottages, bungalows and villas as well as private landscaped pools, butler services, private gardens, connecting rooms and sleeper sofas.
Biophilic design: With the concept of ‘nature therapy’ – also known as forest bathing or shinrin-yoku in Japanese – becoming table stakes, guests want to be immersed in sights, sounds and smells of the tropics, a forest, the desert or practically anywhere else unencumbered by the angular, claustrophobic manifestations of modern civilization. At OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, the new Resort View Courtyards have been constructed to contain a peaceful sanctuary with cultivated indigenous plants, glass-covered extensions and lounge areas to restore a sense of calm by soaking in the greens and versicolor flowers while birdsongs flitter through the ears.
Cultural Immersion: As the very name ‘Outrigger’ suggests, guests to these properties are metaphorically canoed off to a distant land where the hurried urban life takes a backseat to learning about the Melanesian and Polynesian peoples that first traversed the mighty Pacific. This again reflects and reinforces the concept of sense of place through authentic local activities that allow families to share in said experiences and form memories together.
With this as a preamble, here’s our interview that gets in the details of how the property has worked to bring these three trends to life.
Fiji has such a strong sense of place. How do you immerse guests into the local story from arrival to departure to fulfill OUTRIGGER’s ‘Come Be Here’ promise?
From the moment guests arrive at OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, they’re immersed in heartfelt Fijian hospitality that reflects our ‘Come Be Here’ promise. They are greeted with a traditional bula welcome, harmonious singing, warm smiles, chilled iced tea and a refreshing lemongrass-scented towel, which sets the tone for the days ahead.
During their stay, guests engage in a deeply authentic cultural journey with experiences like kava ceremonies, meke performances, fire walking and storytelling. We also offer immersive workshops in weaving, kokoda preparation and even language lessons led by our Talai Butlers
Beyond the resort, curated tours to local villages, pottery centers and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes provide connection to Fiji’s land and people. Our OZONE coral planting initiative invites guests to contribute to reef conservation, while daily rituals like our torch lighting ceremony underscore the island’s enduring traditions.
As guests depart, we send them off with the emotional ‘Isa Lei’ farewell song and warm personal goodbyes, often creating lifelong bonds.
Pool villas are trending as they offer the best of both worlds: privacy and all the amenities one can want in the room, with full service and a walk away from great facilities elsewhere on premises. How did you guide the team with the development of the Plantation Pool Bures?
Our Plantation Pool Bures draw inspiration from traditional Fijian bures. These villas blend modern luxury with indigenous charm, featuring handcrafted local art, natural materials and lush tropical gardens. Each bure has its own private pool and spacious outdoor living area, creating a serene retreat just steps from the beach and resort amenities.
We elevated the guest experience further with Talai Butler service, which includes everything from welcome cocktails and daily canapés to personalized unpacking service and cultural touchpoints. Guests can enjoy floating breakfasts or private balcony dining, all while soaking in the unique spirit of Fiji.
Talk about how you’re addressing the growth of family or multigenerational travel.
Our Resort View Courtyards are thoughtfully designed with families in mind. These ground-floor units offer interconnecting rooms, ideal for multigenerational stays. With generous 47-square-meter interiors and an added 19-square-meter private courtyard and lawn, there’s ample space for both relaxation and play. Configurable bedding options – like king beds with sofa beds or two double beds – comfortably accommodate families with children. Plus, their convenient location near the pool, restaurants and kids’ club means everything is within easy reach, ensuring both kids and adults can enjoy a stress-free vacation.
We often forget how important engaging kids is for both influencing booking decisions and nurturing lifelong loyalty. Tell us about amenities like the property’s floating playground.
Our floating playground and three-loop water slide are favorites, while the OUTRIGGER Adventure Park offers paintball, archery and a golf driving range. Younger children enjoy creative and educational activities at our kids’ club, and teens have their own dedicated programs.
For downtime or rainy days, the Virtual Mindflight VR zone offers immersive digital exploration. We also introduce younger guests to Fijian culture through craftmaking, coral planting, storytelling and cooking classes with our chefs – helping them connect with the island in fun and lasting ways.
While island resorts cater to couples with serene seclusion, they also excel at growing a community amongst their guests. Can you describe some programming that helps facilitate these connections?
Especially among solo travelers, who now make up a rising segment, we love fostering connections. Our weekly VIP Cocktail Party on Thursdays is a relaxed, sociable gathering where guests mingle over tropical cocktails, often accompanied by live entertainment. Cultural excursions – like village visits and our coral planting program – create shared experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.
Fiji is becoming world-renowned for its climate action, centered around the Loloma Hour with its diverse array of environmental and cultural preservation activities. Tell us a bit about the resort’s sustainability programs.
Sustainability is not just a responsibility; it’s a way of life and core commitment at OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort. Through our OZONE initiative, guests actively participate in coral planting and marine education, helping to restore the surrounding reef.
Our weekly ‘Loloma Hour’ is a blend of environmental and cultural stewardship, including tree planting, beach cleanups and storytelling. We’ve eliminated single-use plastics, replaced amenity bottles with refillable options, and installed an in-house water bottling plant. We also prioritize local sourcing and support community projects. One standout effort is our mangrove restoration in partnership with UNA Fiji. Over 10,000 mangroves have been planted in two years, directly helping to protect coastal ecosystems.
What’s the resort’s approach to wellness?
Our Bebe Spa Sanctuary offers signature treatments rooted in Fijian healing practices, including the popular Romantic Discovery Package for couples, which features a Pure Fiji bath, massages and indulgent touches like champagne and fruit served with sweeping ocean views. Guests can also take part in outdoor yoga, torch lighting ceremonies and cultural experiences like kokoda-making and basket weaving. For couples tying the knot, our hilltop chapel, Bure Ni Loloma, provides a stunning setting for ceremonies and renewal. Wellness here is about restoring balance – physically, emotionally and culturally.
How do you coordinate operations as well as sales and marketing efforts with both Castaway Island also in Fiji and the rest of the international brand portfolio?
Our alignment with Castaway Island and the global OUTRIGGER brand is seamless. We share a centralized sales and marketing strategy, ensuring consistent brand messaging while tailoring local campaigns. Together, we participate in global roadshows, digital promotions and trade shows. Operationally, we exchange best practices, training and sustainability initiatives across properties. We also offer multi-resort packages that encourage travelers to explore both OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island – delivering a well-rounded experience that embodies the spirit of the OUTRIGGER brand.
Any final words before we say aloha?
Guided by ‘The OUTRIGGER Way’, our philosophy of caring for our hosts, guests and the places we call home, every detail is crafted to foster a deep sense of connection. From our heartfelt welcomes and culturally rich experiences to our community outreach and environmental stewardship, we deliver a meaningful sense of place. It’s this spirit of genuine hospitality that ensures our guests leave not only relaxed, but enriched; carrying with them the warmth, culture and aloha of Fiji long after their journey ends.
