Escape to Paradise: Serenity Island Resort, Fiji - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Serenity Island Resort, Fiji - Your Dream Vacation Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm back from Escape to Paradise: Serenity Island Resort in Fiji, and I’m here to spill the kava (hopefully not on my laptop). Forget those polished travel brochures; this is the real deal, warts and all, because let's be honest, paradise ain't perfect, and frankly, I think it's all the more charming for it.
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Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Serenity Island Resort in Fiji! Is it truly paradise? I dive deep into accessibility, dining, activities, and the inevitable hiccups, sharing my real experiences with the good, the bad, and the slightly-burnt-by-the-sun-afternoon-cocktail moments. Prepare for a rollercoaster!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (And a Few Staircases to Contend With)
Right off the bat, let's tackle the elephant in the room: accessibility. "Wheelchair accessible" is a phrase that can mean anything from "a ramp exists somewhere" to "you can practically water-ski through the lobby." Serenity Island falls somewhere in the middle. The main areas – the lobby, a handful of the restaurants, and the main pool – were accessible, thankfully. BUT! There are noticeable stairs to some of the restaurants. Now, the staff, bless their beautiful Fijian hearts, were incredibly helpful. They’d practically carry you if needed, but let's be real, it's not ideal, and they need to REALLY work on this. So, for folks with serious mobility issues, call ahead. RATING: 6/10 (Great staff, but more ramp action needed!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Delicious, Occasionally Questionable)
Oh boy, the food. Where do I even begin? The variety was… impressive. They’ve got the basics covered, for sure. Asian, Western, and International cuisine. And the restaurants! Let's start with the… um… Buffet. Breakfast, the buffet was a solid choice, I will admit, with your typical Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast and a good selection of coffee/tea in restaurant. Okay, time for some truth bombs- the food there was tasty, but nothing really stood out. I mean, are they going to put some sort of Soup in restaurant and Salad in restaurant options? It was a bit of a messy morning, and I felt the food was a bit uninspired.
The A La Carte Restaurant: The chef here was the star! I had the most amazing salad in restaurant and the international cuisine in restaurant was exceptional. The vegetarian restaurant served a solid selection of dishes. Definitely worth a visit!
The Poolside Bar: Ah, the Poolside bar, my home away from home. Happy hour was essential (and frequent). I tried the Desserts in restaurant and was not impressed, it was the only bad dish/dessert i tried. The cocktails were divine, and the location… heavenly. The convenience of having a Snack bar nearby was a lifesaver. I mean imagine ordering your Bottle of water and some snacks, while sunbathing. Poolside bar perfection! RATING: 8/10 (Great variety, some dishes missed the mark, but the poolside bar saved the day!)
Things To Do: Relax, Relax, and… Did I Mention Relax?
Okay, so you're in Fiji, right? You're supposed to relax. And Serenity Island makes it damn easy. I am not going to lie, Body wrap and Body scrub were the best investments that I have ever made. The spa here is top notch. And the best of all, the steam room, and the sauna! Perfection!
- Spa & Relaxation: The Spa experience? Pure bliss. The massage therapists worked magic. The Steamroom was a sanctuary. I had a Foot bath. Highly recommend a visit. Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor] were fantastic as well.
- Fitness: Gym/fitness center was there, I didn't use it (shame on me), I was too busy trying out the bars.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to be Safe (But it's a Tourist Spot, After all)
Let's address the elephant in the room, COVID. The resort is trying, I give them that. They offer Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Breakfast takeaway service, Daily disinfection in common areas and some staff Trained in safety protocol. I gotta admit, it felt safe, most of the time. They had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciate. But…look, it's a resort. I didn't see much Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. But whatever, I didn't catch anything so it's good.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Helpful and… Not So Much
- Conveniences: Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, all that good stuff. They even have a Gift/souvenir shop. Concierge was helpful for a bit, which was a bonus.
- Less Helpful: Invoice provided was a mess (long story involving miscommunications with accounting, not fun), but the staff did try to do what the could for me.
Available in All Rooms: Comforts of Home… And Then Some
- The Good: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free].
- The… Less Fabulous: The Internet access – LAN was spotty, and the Internet access – wireless was better but still not stellar. The extra-long bed, was not.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes (But Check the Babysitting First!)
The Kids facilities looked good. Family/child friendly feels, and some kids meal options. Babysitting service is offered, but book well in advance!
Getting Around: Airport Transfer
Ah, yes, the Airport transfer was smooth.
Final Verdict: Paradise with a Punch of Reality
So, is Serenity Island Resort a dream vacation? Mostly, YES. It's got the stunning scenery, the relaxation factor down pat, and the staff's genuine friendliness is infectious. It's a solid choice. It's just not flawless. The accessibility could be much better, and the internet situation could be more consistent. HOWEVER, the good outweighs the bad. I rate this place a 8/10. Overall.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Probably with a slightly firmer grip on my wallet and a pre-booked spa appointment. Fiji, you beauty!
Escape to Paradise: Hampton by Hilton Antalya Airport Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is real life, in the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji, and let me tell you, it's gonna be a ride. Serenity Island Resort, you say? More like "Serenity Maybe Island Resort." Just kidding (mostly).
Day 1: Arrival and Tidal Wave of "OMG, I'M IN PARADISE"
Morning (aka, "The Flight from Hell… with Perks"): Oh god, that flight. Cramped, crying babies, and the guy next to me who thought it was okay to clip his nails. (Seriously, people?!) But then… we landed. And the air? Pristine. That humid, floral-tinged air that slaps you in the face and screams, “YOU ESCAPED!” A speedboat zipped us across those turquoise waters, and BAM! Serenity Island.
Afternoon (aka, "Bungalow Bliss and Near-Disaster"): Okay, the bungalow? Utterly Instagram-worthy. Overwater, thatched roof, the whole shebang. I spent a solid hour on the deck, just staring at the water. It’s that unbelievably clear, you can see EVERYTHING. Then I dropped my phone. Into the ocean. Cue the inner meltdown. Luckily, this resort is not only beautiful but also amazing and the staff member grabbed the phone within minutes! Disaster averted. Lesson learned: waterproof cases are your friends.
Evening (aka, "Sunset, Seafood, and the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship"): The sunset. Honestly, I lost track of time. The sky was on fire – oranges, pinks, purples. Dinner was at the restaurant, it was the first time I had ever eaten this much amazing seafood in one sitting. The local beer, Fiji Gold, went down a little…too easily. Then, at the bar, I met a woman named Brenda. Sweet, hilarious, and a fellow solo traveler also escaping her life (we won't bore you with the details). We spent hours laughing, trading travel horror stories, and plotting our next adventure. Friendship forged!
Day 2: Scuba Diving Debacle (and Unexpected Brilliance)
Morning (aka, “The Fear Factor Activated”): Okay, I signed up for a scuba diving lesson. BIG MISTAKE. I'm a fish out of water, literally. The instructor was patient (bless his soul), but I spent most of the lesson hyperventilating and convinced I was going to drown. It was a comedy of errors. My flippers kept falling off. I swallowed half the ocean. I think I even cried a little. Not my finest moment.
Afternoon (aka, "Redemption!"): I almost gave up. But Brenda, my new best friend, convinced me to stick with it. Turns out the reef around Serenity Island is absolutely breathtaking - clownfish, coral, the whole shabang! The view of it all made my heart skip a beat.
Evening (aka, "Post-Diving Revelations and Stargazing"): Sun kissed and tired, we sprawled out on the beach with a bottle of wine. The stars! Oh, the stars! The Milky Way just splashed across the sky, brighter than anything I'd ever seen. With the wine and the vastness of space, this was pure bliss.
Day 3: Island Hopping and the Price of Paradise
Morning (aka, "The Island Hopper's Lament"): They organized a boat trip to a nearby island. The other resorts have big catamarans that are quite exciting. And what would I do alone on a catamaran? So, it was a small boat, so a small group. It was a gorgeous little island. I did some snorkeling, saw some sharks (a bit scary at first but they were just very very small), and laid on the beach.
Afternoon (aka, "The Price of Freedom"): The cost of food and drinks on the island resort is a bit ridiculous. Like, "sell-a-kidney" ridiculous. I might be eating instant noodles for a week when I get home.
Evening (aka, "Embracing the Slow Life"): Another amazing sunset. I’m starting to think every sunset here is a masterpiece. Brenda and I made a plan for a night snorkel. We would have to organize it with the resort staff.
Day 4: The Night Snorkel and a Fishy Tale
Morning (aka, "Sleepy head"): I feel my body is finally adjusting to island time. I woke up late, had breakfast on my deck and took a big nap after.
Afternoon (aka, "Preparing for Adventure"): I have had lunch and prepared myself. The night Snorkel is coming!
Evening (aka, "The most amazing night!" We met the team. They had torches and other equipment. We stepped into the water and the view was amazing. The coral became a very new world! And the fish were out and about, and that included big sharks! The most amazing experience I've ever had.
Day 5: Farewell (and a Vow to Return)
Morning (aka, "The Bitter-Sweet Departure"): It's time to go. I spent my final hours saying goodbye to the ocean and all its beauties.
Afternoon (aka, "Homeward Bound, but Changed"): Back on the plane. I’m tired, sun-kissed, and completely content. My phone in my hand. I’m a little emotional. Did I really need to leave?
Evening (aka, "Dreaming of Fiji"): I know I'll be back. With a waterproof phone case, and a better handle on scuba diving. (And maybe a larger bank account.) Fiji, you were everything I hoped for and so much more. Goodbye, Serenity Island (maybe). Until next time…
Escape to Paradise: Serenity Island Resort, Fiji - Your Dream Vacation Awaits! (But, Seriously, What's It REALLY Like?)
So, is this "Serenity Island" place *actually* serene? I need a break from the chaos of… well, everything.
Okay, let's be honest. "Serenity" is a strong word. Picture this: I arrive, jet-lagged, slightly grumpy, and expecting… well, silence. Think tranquil waterfalls of peace. I get off the boat (more on that later, the boat *situation*…), and… the first thing I hear? A gaggle of children chasing a rogue coconut. And you know what? It was *perfect*. The chaos, in a beautiful, lush, island way, was actually… calming. Yes, it's serene-ish. Sometimes. Mostly. Definitely not like, library-on-Mars serene. But the *vibe*? The gentle hum of island life? Yeah, mostly delightful. Just prepare for the occasional rogue coconut (and the sheer joy of watching someone else stumble and fall over it). And the kids. They're everywhere, surprisingly.
The boat! You mentioned… spill the tea. What's the deal with the boat to the island? Does it sink? Is it a death trap disguised as a ferry?
Alright, buckle up. The boat ride... It's… an experience. Let me paint you a picture. We're talking a *small* boat. Like, "how many people are realistically supposed to fit on this thing?" small. My inner monologue was a non-stop loop of "Is this the end? Am I going to be eaten by a giant clam?" (irrational, I know, but the open ocean does that to you). The actual boat ride itself? Rough. Really rough. The waves? They have no respect for your delicate stomach. I might have – *might* have – spent a good portion of the journey hugging the side, contemplating my life choices. But the views? Stunning. Unbelievably stunning. So, yeah, it's a gamble. Bring dramamine. And maybe a prayer or two. But oh, the reward…
What about the food? Because vacations are all about the food, right? Is it all just bland resort fare?
Food, glorious food! Okay, the food… it's pretty spectacular. I went in expecting the usual bland, buffet-style vacation food. WRONG! They have everything. Local specialties. Fresh seafood (that you *know* just hopped out of the ocean an hour ago). Wonderful, rich, creamy curries that made my tastebuds sing. I'm not even a huge curry person, but oh, the curries! The fruit? Sweet, juicy, and the best I've ever tasted. There was even a little cafe with fresh coconuts. *Chef's kiss*. Now, the occasional burnt edge on a piece of toast? Sure. That happens. But overall? Seriously good. I ate so much I nearly needed a crane to get out of my hammock. And I regret nothing. Not. A. Thing.
Okay, snorkeling. Is the coral reef genuinely beautiful? Or is it just… seaweed and disappointment?
The snorkeling! Prepare to be amazed. It’s… well, it’s why you go, isn’t it? Honestly? Mind-blowing. I'm not kidding. I mean, at times, I literally gasped into my snorkel (which, I wouldn't recommend, it gets a bit salty). The colors! The fish! The sheer vibrant *life* down there! It's like swimming in a giant, shimmering aquarium. I saw so many fish! Parrotfish, clownfish (yes, like Nemo!), and even a sea turtle. (Okay, the sea turtle was a *highlight*. I nearly cried). It's like diving into a magical underwater world. Even with a mask that kept fogging up (my fault, obviously, not the equipment's). Don't miss it, even if you hate water. You have to. Seriously, you *have* to.
What's the vibe like at the resort itself? Loud party central? Quiet sanctuary? Somewhere in between?
The vibe? Ah, the vibe. Depends on what you’re after. It leans towards chillaxed. There's a bar, yes, and they do have happy hour. There's music, but it's generally kept at a level where you can still hear the waves (which is important). Think more sun-drenched relaxation than anything that would get you a noise complaint. There's a good mix of people. Couples, families, solo travelers… It's friendly. Everyone’s there to relax, to escape. I made friends with a couple from New Zealand who shared their amazing stories. Also, they shared their rum (which, thank you, New Zealanders!). I’d describe it as "blissfully lazy" is the best description. Blissfully lazy.
Are there any hidden costs? I hate getting blindsided by extra charges.
Alright, let's talk about the financial side of things. Nothing ruins a perfect vacation like a surprise bill. They do try to be upfront, thankfully. But, yes, there are some hidden-ish costs. Drinks at the bar aren't dirt cheap. The excursions, like the deep-sea fishing trip I totally wanted to do but chickened out of, cost extra. And the spa? Oh, the spa is glorious, heavenly… and not included. So, factor that in. The gift shop – yeah, you'll probably buy *something* there, even if it's just another ridiculously overpriced bottle of sunscreen because you forgot to pack enough. Overall? Be smart. Budget. And remember: Paradise comes at a price. (But it's worth it, okay? Totally worth it.)
What was the BEST part of the trip? Quick! Spill!
Okay, the BEST part? That's a tough one. The sunsets were epic. The snorkeling *was* out of this world. The food was… I've already talked about the food. But... Okay, I'll go with this: *Waking up*. Seriously. Waking up. Every morning, you open your eyes, and you're there. In paradise. Surrounded by that blue. The warmth. The sound of the waves. And you think: "This is real." Pure, unadulterated joy. That feeling, that instant of pure, unadulterated happiness, is something you don't get every day. And that's what I'll never forget. That and the curry. The curry was amazing.
Are there any downsides? Be brutally honest!
Brutally honest? Okay. The boat ride (already covered, yes, still traumatized). The occasional mosquito (bringEscape to Big Bear Lake: Your Hampton Inn Awaits!
