Articles > Namale Resort & Spa

Confession time - I’m a sucker for celebrity gossip. I know it’s rotting my brain, and an appalling example for my 15 year-old daughter, but I can’t get enough of Brad and Angelina, Russell Crowe’s fist fights and the skanky behaviour of Paris Hilton and her skinny cohorts. I devour gossip magazines, watch ‘E News’ religiously and fantasise about the not-so-distant future when my own genius is discovered and I too am elevated into the realm of the fabulously wealthy and overrated.

In the meantime, I can always visit Namale, a Fijian resort where every guest is treated like a celebrity.

Namale is a boutique spa resort located on the lush northern island of Vanua Levu, perched on a clifftop overlooking the Koro Sea. Consistently rated one of the top five resorts in Fiji, Namale exemplifies exclusivity, style and luxury, offering a South Seas getaway like no other. With just 16 bures and villas nestled in a 325 acre Garden of Eden, privacy is guaranteed for honeymooners, serenity-seekers and, yes, celebrities in search of a private indulgence.

It’s no surprise that this exquisite resort attracts the rich and famous. It’s owned by the squillionaire peak performance coach and author, Anthony Robbins, who uses it as his own personal retreat during annual three-monthly visits. His stamp is on the architecture, the interior design and the philosophy of the resort, with the emphasis on total relaxation in Paradise. As much as a Robbins lecture is designed to inspire and motivate, so Namale Resort is a passport to rejuvenation of the mind and body.

Says Robbins, “The untouched beauty of Fiji and the heartfelt spirit of its people reflect the inspiration behind the story of Namale. More than a resort and spa, Namale is a sanctuary for transformation, a magical place to help rejuvenate your spirit and awaken your soul.”

Aesthetically, Robbins’ vision is spot-on. Each bure is camouflaged in tropical landscape gardens, ensuring utmost privacy. Even the simplest of its traditionally-inspired bures features hardwood floors, soaring cathedral ceilings and king-sized four-poster beds, along with private decks which maximise beach and reef views. All have fully-stocked mini bars (the resort is all-inclusive, so alcohol is included in the price).

The crème de la crème at Namale are its two over-sized villas, named Bula and Tatadra House, which translates as ‘Dream House’. An appropriate name – this 2000 square foot mansion features two master suites, 20ft vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen and a massive living area leading onto a large private deck complete with hammock, outdoor shower and infinity pool - truly a place you’d love to call home.

Bula House – where I had the delightful honour of staying – is an absolute revelation. Larger than my own apartment, this incredible villa features a king-size bed, split level living areas, a full kitchen, bathroom with spa bath, its own billiard table, a full hi-fi system and a mini-theatrette. Outside, a walkway leads to a private deck with a Jacuzzi and plunge pool; walk a little further and you reach your own private beach. Oh, and there is exclusive guest accommodation next door in case you want to bring along your entourage.

I must confess to being totally gobsmacked when I first stepped into Bula House. After opening the front door (decorated with my personally carved name-plate – a simple, but highly effective touch!) I couldn’t decide what to do first – throw on a CD, open a bottle of chilled white wine, jump in the Jacuzzi or bounce on the dreamy high-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets (so terribly wasted on a travel journalist travelling alone!) Instead, I chose just to sit and stare at the amazing ocean view, lulled by the whisper of the breeze wafting through the glass-slatted windows. As usual in the most exclusive resorts, the best things are always free…

This is the sort of place you never want to leave. In fact, one rather famous guest actually refused to leave the sanctuary of Bula House during his visit, choosing to have all his meals brought to him or personally created in his private kitchen. And why would you NEED to leave when everything you ever wanted – from stunning vistas, the world’s most comfortable lounges, a well-stocked library and a fridge full of fine Australian and New Zealand wines – is on hand?

The celebrity treatment continues outside the confines of the bures, however. Every staff member (whether by instruction, training or unadulterated Fijian hospitality) – greets guests by name, bellowing the most genuine “Bula” you’ll ever hear. Transportation in the resort golf-cart is almost obligatory – you need never walk a step if you choose not to. Activities are on a “as you like” basis. Want to go diving? Just ask. Feel like a horse ride along the beach? Just ask. And with all the activities included (except for the aforementioned diving), your day can be as lazy or as invigorating as you desire.

A unique touch at Namale is its games room – the cleverly named Kava Bowl. Why? Because it’s a bowling alley, of course! As well as a fussball table, air hockey, a golf simulator and computer room, this cool retreat features a two-lane fully-automated bowling alley, complete with classic red and black bowling shoes, scoreboard, country music and beer. If ever you doubted that Tony Robbins is just another American good ol’ boy looking for fun, this is the proof you need!

For those who prefer to just lie in the sun and relax, Namale features three swimming pools as well as a large beach shaded by coconut palms. Overlooking a reef (which offers great snorkelling opportunities), the beach does not have the finest sand or the best swimming in Fiji, but what it lacks in comfort it more than makes up for in beauty. Three hammocks slung between palm trees add to the intoxicating tropical ambience.

At Namale, it is always Fiji time, and the schedule is as relaxed as its staff. Meals – announced by the beat of a traditional lali drum - are served in the main bure, or on numerous private decks overlooking the Koro Sea. Cocktails are served in a comfy bar and lounge area, though most guests choose to start the evening meal with a traditional kava ceremony, sitting cross-legged on a pandanus mat alongside local villagers. Relaxation guaranteed, and a wonderful chance for interaction, Fijian-style.

If sublime views, private beaches and satisfying meals are not enough to de-stress the most high-powered executive or Hollywood star, then the pleasures waiting at the Namale Spa should do the trick. This 10,000-square-foot haven, opened in 2003, elevates Namale one notch above its five-star Fijian competitors, being the first and most sophisticated spa in the islands. Set on a cliff-top overlooking a rock platform and a dramatic blowhole, this is the perfect backdrop for treatments ranging from vigorous Fijian Bobo massage to soothing facials. Each treatment – performed by local Fijian therapists trained by an American spa manager – begins with a coconut foot and lower-leg scrub, easing guests into the philosophy of total pampering. Guests also have unlimited use of a hydrotherapy room, featuring a Jacuzzi and steam room, an invigorating indoor waterfall and soothing aromatherapy pools.

Spa treatments are an extra expense – and with rates starting at $1214 per bure per night, Namale Resort is definitely in the realm of a luxury indulgence. Most of its guests are honeymooners – and who can blame them? And then there are those globetrotting celebrities…

After much cajoling, I finally convinced a staff member to name names of the rich and famous who had stayed at Namale. I was chuffed to hear that my own Bula House was the favourite haunt of actor Anthony Hopkins; while Adam Sandler had charmed the local Fijians during his stay at the Dream House. And that elusive celebrity who had chosen to make his presence scarce beyond the tantalising walls of Bula House? No other than Russell Crowe. Nice choice, Rusty!

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