If you’re looking to get married in an exotic, tropical locale dripping with romance, consider Fiji. This archipelago of over 300 islands in the South Pacific has palm-fringed beaches, misty jungles filled with sweet frangipani and some of the most beautiful retreats in the world. Here, you can kick back while soaking up the indigenous culture.

At Nanuku Auberge Resort, which has its own airstrip and helicopter pad, you can tie the knot on your own private island, then spend the night nestled under the mangroves after a candlelit, Champagne dinner for two. Staff will stay on a small boat anchored far enough away to ensure your privacy, yet accessible enough to zip you back to the resort any time you wish.

Nanuku also has its own two-mile beach with crystalline waters, a gorgeous infinity pool and private, thatched villas set in gardens and appointed with polished wood floors, canopy beds and bathrooms featuring outdoor rain showers.

The spa has traditional Fijian treatments, like the Fijian Bobo Massage, which employs deep pressure and unique strokes, while the restaurant offers Fijian specialties ranging from coconut milk ceviche to lovo, a luscious feast for special occasions (like your rehearsal dinner) cooked underground in banana leaves and featuring smoky, juicy pork shoulder, white fish, sweet potatoes and taro.

For a memorable excursion, visit Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, where after some pampering body treatments using indigenous botanicals, you can visit a local, Fijian village. The Shangri-La works with Sigatoka River Safari outfitter, which will transport you via jet boat up the Sigatoka River to a local village, where you’ll partake in a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony (everyone in Fiji speaks English) by drinking the famous kava, a mild-tasting tea made from the dried, powdered root of a plant in the pepper family. Next, you’ll savor a bountiful lunch made with village-grown vegetables, followed by musical entertainment and dancing. Then, it’s back to the resort to relax as you wish.

Many couples save Fiji for their honeymoon. But, by marrying on this slice of paradise, you can celebrate your new union in another exotic locale, thus doubling your pleasure, romance and fun.

This article can be found on page 70 of the Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Destination I Do.
 
Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Nanuku Auberge Resort (1st-6th) & Shangri-La Image Library (7th-10th).