Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay review

Cara Wagstaff experiences the warmth of Fijian hospitality with a side of culture at the secluded and stunning Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.

The Facts

Traveller: Cara Wagstaff
Room: Duplex Lagoon Bure
Address: Savusavu Road, Momi Bay, Fiji
Date: May 2024
Best for: Families seeking warm Fijian hospitality with a side of culture in a secluded and stunning location.

The Signature Factor 

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is the only mainland resort with overwater bungalows. Take in sprawling lagoon views from your deck and use your private staircase to dive into the cerulean water.

First impressions

“Welcome home, family,” a concierge greets us as we arrive in the open-air lobby. A cool glass of orange juice is placed in my hand as we drop our luggage, succumbing to the relaxing atmosphere of the five-star Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. We are travelling as a family to celebrate my Mother-in-law’s birthday and will be calling this resort home for the next seven nights.

The concept

Just under an hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport, yet still close enough to Denarau and the Coral Coast for day trips, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay’s private location at a secluded bay on the western coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, is peacefully sublime. The resort offers three styles of accommodation: a string of luxurious overwater bungalows, lagoon or oceanfront bures or hotel style rooms.

All-inclusive dining and beverage options are available or you choose to pay as you go. We select a rate inclusive of breakfast and can choose when and where we would like to eat for the rest of the day.

Keep reading: If you’re after a kid-free Fijian resort, check out list of adults only Fiji resorts you will never want to leave

The room

We are travelling with our toddler so unfortunately the overwater bungalows are not available as these are for guests aged 18 and over. We opt for a duplex bure for a more traditional experience. Inside it’s loftily spacious with a curved ceiling, rich wood panelling accents and rattan lamp shades. The open-plan layout features a freestanding bathtub, a plush king bed, and a lounge suite, all perfectly positioned to take in the views of the cerulean blue lagoon. A cot has also been set up for our toddler, Poppy. But it is the deck of our bure that becomes our favourite place to relax. Watching swimmers bob in the lagoon and mullet fish leaping out of it, is quite the show for our entranced toddler.

Top suite

The adults-only Royal Over Water Bure is 75sqm of pure lushness.

On my plate

This luxury resort boasts multiple eateries to cater to diverse palates. Goji Kitchen & Bar offers buffet breakfast and dinners with Fijian and Indian flare. Fish Bar, set on a cliff overlooking the ocean, serves a menu of freshly caught seafood and is a favourite spot for sunset. Voi Voi Bar dishes up traditional Fijian cuisine, and the weekly buffet featuring a kava ceremony and cultural dance is not to be missed. And families seeking comfort foods such as pizza and pasta will find them at the Mediterranean-inspired Lagoon House & Bar.

Alternatively, guests can book a romantic Oceanside Cabana dinner overlooking the ocean with magnificent sunset views.

Staying in

The resort boasts three swimming pools: the main family-friendly pool featuring a swim-up bar, while just over a bridge lies the kids’ shallow swimming pool. Here, water fountains, a sand pit, and a plethora of toys await. An adults-only pool is located on the other side of the resort; it’s perched on the ocean edge and perfect for soaking up stunning sunsets with a cocktail in hand while the kids are at Turtles Kids Club.Guests can also swim in the saltwater lagoon, accessible from a sandy beach or directly from lagoon-facing bures.

Navigating the palm tree-dotted resort is a breeze. While everything is within walking distance, guests can also take advantage of a 24-hour buggy service and the Bula Bus, making it even easier to get around, whether it’s to one of the swimming pools, tennis courts or the blissfully serene Quan Spa for a moment of relaxation.

The resort also offers an action-packed daily program with activities ranging from trivia quizzes to tiara-making workshops using local plants, and even coconut-throwing competitions. In the evening, we relish the entertainment, which includes choir performances, fire shows and cultural ceremonies.

Quan Spa

I was able to steal a couple of hours away from the family and made a beeline to the onsite Quan Spa. I was able to book in the same day, but they do recommend booking ahead of time. I enjoyed a one-hour full body massage which lulled me into a meditative state before I emerged and sipped warm tea in the relaxation lounge.

Final verdict

When visiting a new country, I relish the opportunity to experience the local food and culture. However, with a toddler in tow, getting out and about isn’t as easy as it used to be. Combining that with our remote location, one of the things I enjoyed the most about the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay was its cultural offerings and the opportunity to try local cuisine. A luxury resort with multiple pools, dining, and accommodation options that brings the Fijian culture to you? This one ticks all the boxes for Aussie families.

Where to find Fiji Marriott Momi Bay