My most recent pre-COVID journey was significant. Not only was it the biggest trip of the year, and also the most over-budget one — thanks to the costly mistake I made twice! Looking back, I can’t believe I traveled 50,233 butt-in-seat miles to be exact, just in 16 days.
Source: Great Circle Mapper
In this series:
- Introduction: New Year 2020 In The South Pacific
- Turkish Airlines Business Class 777-300ER Los Angeles to Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Class 777-300ER Istanbul to Manila
- Malaysia Airlines Business Class 737-800 Manila to Singapore via Kuala Lumpur
- Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge Satellite Terminal – Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL)
- Jewel Changi Airport
- Qantas International First Lounge – Singapore Changi (SIN)
- Qantas First Class A380 Singapore to Melbourne
- Qantas International First Lounge – Melbourne (MEL)
- Qantas Business Class 737-800 Melbourne to Christchurch
- Doubletree Chateau on the Park – Christchurch, New Zealand
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Tour Around the City
- Getting Lost in the Countryside: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge – Christchurch (CHC)
- Air New Zealand (Premium) Economy 787-9 Christchurch to Auckland
- My First Impression of Auckland, New Zealand
- Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart, New Zealand
- The North Island Must Do: Hobbiton and Rotorua
- Fiji Airways Business Class A350-900XWB Auckland to Nadi
- Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa – Nadi, Fiji
- Fiji Airways Business Class A330-200 Nadi to Singapore
- Malaysia Airlines Business Class 737-800 Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
- Malindo Air Business Class 737-900 Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu
- Shopping Spree in Thamel – Kathmandu, Nepal
- Cathay Dragon Business Class A330-300 Kathmandu to Hong Kong
- 16-Hour Delay on my American Airlines, with a Happy Ending
- Cathay Pacific First Class 777-300ER Hong Kong to Los Angeles
- Fin: Final Flights and My Closure with American Airlines – It was Good While It Lasted
After flying on a Brand New Fiji Airways A350, I stayed for a night in Nadi. I had a fantastic time there — Hilton brand hotels really grow on me, and I love the Hilton Honors Gold perks such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrade, and late checkout. All in all, I think Hilton does a great job, especially being the first hotel brand that offered the status extension due to COVID-19.
I arrived in Nadi in the afternoon. Keep in mind that ride-sharing service is not available in Fiji, so either you reserve a private shuttle from the hotel, or take a cab — I did the latter. You don’t need to worry about black market taxis or scam because the fare was regulated, and the whole process was painless — it cost me FJD 30. Now here is the strange part: it costs more from the hotel back to the airport. If you are comfortable enough, ask the driver if you can hire him again on the way back to the airport. In my case, he offered me the same fare and gave me his WhatsApp number. All you need to do is text a day before to confirm — easy!
Upon arriving at the hotel, I got leid a friendly Fijian. You know — the lei made of seashells! 😉
At check-in, I was informed that I had been upgraded from garden view to beachfront! To get to my room, I took a quick, fun golf cart ride.
I absolutely adored the room! It was a lot more spacious than I expected, and the view was just incredible!
There was an open bathroom with a soaking tub, double vanity, a separate show, and washer and dryer!
Waiting on my bed was a cute towel-art puppy holding a flower.
Next to the bedroom was the dining room and kitchenette combo, along with a refrigerator with Fiji Water.
There was also a fruit plate and a welcome note, which was a nice touch.
The living room was adjacent to the dining room, consisting of a sofa and a large screen TV.
There was a set of glass sliding doors from the living room, leading to a magnificent ocean view.
There was also a bistro set and gas grill at the patio.
Once settled in, I quickly changed and walked around the hotel.
I also walked around the beach, enjoying a gorgeous South Pacific sunset.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to relax since I had to rush going downtown for souvenir shopping. The shopping center itself wasn’t very far, so you could walk. Alternatively, you could also either take a cab or purchase a Bula Bus ticket sold at the convenience store. The ticket cost FJD 8 per adult per day or FJD 24 for a four-day pass.
I came back to the hotel around 10 PM, and at this point, I was utterly exhausted. Before walking back to my room, I decided to walk and snapped a couple of pictures around the property.
Before bed, I decided to soak in the hot tub while waiting for my laundry to finish.
I woke up at a decent hour the next morning. I took a quick shower, got ready, and headed to the restaurant for breakfast that was included as part of the Hilton Honors Gold benefits.
The restaurant was spacious and could accommodate many guests.
The food choices were also excellent.
I decided to sit outside, enjoying the ocean breeze while having my breakfast. Seriously, the weather couldn’t be better — it was sunny, warm, and not too hot!
Once done with breakfast, I checked out one of the swimming pool, getting some sun, and took a quick dip before finally packing and getting ready.
Conclusion
Despite a short visit, I had a fantastic stay. I’d say by far it was one of the best Hilton property I’ve stayed at. I paid around $270 for the entire stay — it wasn’t cheap, but for a resort during peak season, I think it was a bargain.
The room upgrade and complimentary breakfast were excellent, as I mentioned before, even though the Hilton currency isn’t the most lucrative loyalty program currency out there. Over time, the hotel brand has grown on me — I love how generous the loyalty program is.
If I had the opportunity to revisit the island, I would do it in a heartbeat and stay at the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa again.
Credit:
Map generated by Great Circle Mapper – copyright © Karl L. Swartz
When I think about it again, I was like what the hell I was doing?! Lol.. I didn’t realize that.. but no regret! 🙂
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50k++ miles in 16 days is pretty insane, no? What a thrilling life you seem to have got 🙂 I just hit follow!
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