crystal clear azure water and breathtaking natural beauty along with its rich culture and friendly people. Fiji Airways’ brand new nonstop service between Dallas Fort Worth and Fiji that launched last December makes it easier than ever to travel to the beautiful locale. This first ever-direct service operates Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Dallas will be the fifth North American destination serviced by the airline, along with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver.

The carrier’s new membership in oneworld Alliance, allows guests with American Airlines AAdvantage® and Alaska Airlines Mileage PlanTM members to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles traveling on Fiji Airways. Expect impressive service and warm Fijian hospitality on the airline’s state-of-the-art modern Airbus A350. Their Business Class experience includes use of Fiji Airways’ Premier Lounge in Nadi and an affiliate lounge in Dallas Fort Worth. Onboard, guests enjoy spacious leather Collins Aerospace Super Diamond, fully lie-flat seats with plush duvets, 17- inch personal entertainment screens, generous storage space and 3-course dining with fine wine, cocktails and liqueurs. My dinner of grilled prawns with pineapple salsa spiced coconut, Fijian Chicken, cassava croquettes, broccolini followed by a dessert of pineapple and mango sorbet with Chantilly cream was excellent. With all the comforts provided, it was easy to drift off to dreamland and wake up refreshed in the Land of Happiness. www.fijiairways.com. With many luxe options in this enchanting paradise, here are 2 standouts.

Fiji Marriot Resort Momi Bay, 5-Star Stunner
Marriot Resort Momi Bay nestled on the west coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu and just a 45-minute drive from Nadi airport, offers a true immersion into Fiji’s beauty and tranquility. This Fijian owned 5 star premier waterfront resort has activities for all ages and is perfect for a family or friend vacation or a romantic getaway. A collection of 250 luxurious accommodations arranged around a gorgeous lagoon includes stunning beach bungalows with patios, deluxe rooms offering oceanfront or lagoon views and outdoor seating areas along with stylish overwater bungalows with scenic decks and stairs for plunging directly into the lagoon. The resort has a beautiful beach, complimentary cabanas and guests enjoy aquatic sports with the numerous pools including the coveted sunset infinity, and sheltered lagoon.

Culinary Delights
Dining options include all day dining at waterfront Goji Kitchen serving tastiest authentic local specialties and international dishes. I loved their fantastic breakfast buffet with offerings like crab omelettes, noodle soups, dumplings, fresh fruits and juices along with lovely lagoon views. Lagoon House Restaurant & Bar delivers classic Mediterranean fare. Dining at elegant Fish Bar perched over the ocean – at sunset, was spectacular. The Salt Menu which pairs their renowned seafood dishes and land specialties with a selection of sea salts infused with vibrant flavors crafted by Chef Ritesh, was a sublime sensory delight.

Activities and Adventures
In addition to a host of daily complimentary activities ranging from pilates, tennis, hiking, garland making, board games to fantastic fire shows and Fijian ceremonies, the hotel can arrange activities such as canoeing, bamboo rafting, waterfall visits, stand up paddle board, surfing, fishing, boating, kayaking and numerous other adventure and cultural experiences. My guided snorkeling trip to Momi Sand Bar, just minutes away by boat and teeming with colorful fish and vivid coral was a highlight of my stay. Don’t miss Quan Spa featuring a full menu of pampering and rejuvenating treatments for the ultimate relaxation and true Fiji Bliss.
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nanmc-fiji-marriott-resort-momi-bay

Luxurious Likuliku Lagoon Resort Re-Opens April 30 After A Major Re-Do
If you’re looking to get away from it all and relax in style at a secluded, adult-only tropical oasis, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, located in the beautiful Mamanuca Islands should be at the top of your list. This Fijian owned gem, a wilderness island retreat set amidst a pristine locale with a natural cerulean lagoon surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary – is a perfect synthesis of barefoot luxury and nature’s splendor. Likuliku makes an idyllic luxe escape for couples, friends and singles alike.

Glamorous Sanctuary
Accommodations include gorgeous over water bungalows with glass floor-panels for aqua gazing, freestanding tubs and every amenity. After morning coffee on the lounger strewn deck of my overwater bungalow, down the ladder to the water below to snorkel with turtles and fish– what a way to start the day! The magnificent beach bungalows are spacious and glamorous, many with private plunge pools, gardens and striking sea views, set right on the sand.

Gourmet Dining
Guests dine alfresco at Fijiana Restaurant with live, music and beautiful views over Likuliku Lagoon. Chef Llewellyn showcases his outstanding gastronomic cuisine with exquisite dishes such as local reef fish, prawns, tuna, lamb, duck, sirloin, kingfish, scallops and handmade pasta accompanied by the freshest produce and luscious tropical fruits, creating a foodie paradise.

Curated Experiences
In addition to the beautiful lagoon, aqua lovers enjoy the stylish infinity pool with ocean views and lots of loungers for lolling. Some of the many activities include a fire and dance ceremony, sunset cocktails at scenic oceanfront Masima Bar, iguana sanctuary and garden tour, night snorkeling, sunset cruise, dolphin safari, visit to Yaro village to meet the locals, island hopping by boat stopping at Monu Riki where Tom Hank’s ‘Castaway’ was filmed and snorkeling amid the spectacular underwater kingdom along with a fabulously pampering massage at the resort’s Tatadra Spa.

Likuliku closed Feb.1 for a major refurbishment and will open April 30. The revamp includes: A refurbishment and refresh of all Bures including adding private plunge pools to 11 beachfront bures, refurbishing the pool, adding Saluwaki Restaurant with Pan-Asian cuisine and the new Na Vanua Conservation Hub. www.likulikulagoon.com