Sheraton Beach And Golf Resort review: Fijian island's first resort gets a $73 million facelift

THE LOOK

Completely refurbished, the resort's understated, elegant feel is introduced in the open-air, covered lobby, which stretches towards the ocean with a muted colour palette, water features and cosy seating areas to create intimacy. The resort's central pool faces the beachfront with the requisite number of shady palm trees, beach chairs and a swim-up bar. Rather than hiding the kids' club away like many resorts, Sheraton takes a more integrated approach; there's a shared pool for kids and adults, and an elevated dining area overlooking the gated toddler playground. Under the resort's "Side by Side" program, families undertake activities from cooking to fishing together rather than these being aimed exclusively at kids. The hotel grounds are complemented by well-established tropical gardens. Mouse-sized red and green finches hop between branches of frangipani trees and hibiscus bushes each morning. At sunset, a warrior in full traditional dress lights flaming torches along the waterfront.

THE ROOM

I spend two nights in a ground level ocean view suite. Rooms have been extensively renovated with some interesting design choices. Blue chrome lamps and an electric-blue leather bedhead are bold statements, but are balanced by more conservative abstract artwork that adorns the walls. Thankfully, the light switches and air-conditioning system do not require an advanced engineering degree to be used; they're easily adjustable and located right by the bed. There's a full bath and shower, but the best feature is the daybed on the patio, allowing me to catch the sunset directly over the Mamanucas each afternoon.

THE FOOD

The Sheraton has five food outlets including the main restaurant Six-One-Nine which operates as a series of live stations; we enjoy freshly-made sushi, a charcuterie bar and breakfast with all the trimmings. 28g cafe in the lobby has exceptionally good coffee (try the signature espresso tonic on ice), while Tatavu, the elevated beachfront grill restaurant serves fresh lobster, fish and crab over a wood fire each evening. Cooking and coffee demonstrations are held regularly for guests, traditional dishes like kokoda are integrated into menus, and a farm-to- table tour at the resort's farm shows how food waste is composted.

STEPPING OUT

The Port Denarau Marina retail area contains several shopping and dining options, and is the departure point for day trips to the Mamanuca Islands. Nadi town is a 20-minute drive (don't miss the markets on Saturday). For a change of scenery, head to Wailoaloa's beach bars at sunset.

THE VERDICT

A hotel as big as this could easily feel impersonal, but the Sheraton manages to create a warm atmosphere. Despite boasting more than 300 rooms, the grounds are surprisingly spacious and the biggest win for guests is the diversity of experiences and culinary options on offer. It's clear the Sheraton can conveniently cater to varying interests, while offering enough physical space for resort guests to enjoy.

THE ESSENTIALS

From $398 ($255) a night. See marriott.com/nansi fiji.travel myfiji.com

HIGHLIGHT

The phenomenal staff who are refreshingly unpretentious in their hospitality and have a sense of fun that is infectious.

LOWLIGHT

It's disappointing to see plastic straws being used in some food and beverage outlets.

The writer stayed as a guest of Sheraton Golf and Beach Resort and Tourism Fiji.