For a long time, European fantasies were the stuff of romantic honeymoons, but for the well-travelled newlywed who’s probably been there and done that, nothing’s more exciting than venturing to fresh destinations to celebrate their union. 

One increasingly popular honeymoon location is Fiji. With its private hideaways where you can have the whole island to yourselves, glittering adults-only resorts with the beach at your doorstep, lush natural beauty and the smorgasbord of activities to bond over, from snorkelling and parasailing to world-class diving where you’ll swim alongside dolphins, manta rays and turtles and encounter sea caves and ship wrecks, the 333-island archipelago (notably, just 101 of these are inhabited while the rest are nature reserves) promises a heavenly experience.

Here, our top reasons why Fiji should be on every couple’s travel list—whether they’re about to walk down the aisle or have been married for 40 years!

(Related: The Tatler Guide to Tulum, Mexico)

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Nature Paradise

Lomani Island Resort

The numbers and visuals wow! Imagine more than 10,000sqkm of coral reef, some 400 coral species, about 385sqkm of mangrove, and more than 1,000 varieties of reef fish. Plus multiple invertebrates and seabirds, migratory whales, and rare dugongs. Against all this, verdant green mountains and aqua blue waters... 

Live Over Water 

Overwater bure at Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Overwater bungalows started in French Polynesia, with the first resort offering built in the early 1960s.  Generally found within 20 degrees of the equator, they are built on atolls, and within island bays and lagoons, surrounded by coral reefs. Naturally, the water views are stunning! Just check out Likuliku Lagoon Resort's offerings on Malolo Island.

Private Island

Dolphin Island Resort

Fiji has 333 sun-soaked islands, of which only 110 are inhabited, while the rest are nature reserves. Within this lush tropical cluster, one can really savour private island living. Dolphin Island, for instance, offers a truly memorable experience. Not only does it proffer luxuriant lodgings, it also indulges guests with customised dining, rejuvenating spa treatments and a wide range of aquatic activities.

Time Travel

Plantation Island Resort

Technically speaking, of course. The International Dateline traversing Taveuni Island in the north of Fiji makes the tropical paradise a timely one as well—it straddles both yesterday and today. Plus it's one of the first places on Earth to welcome a new day!

Fiji Crested Iguana

Fijian crested iguana at Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Vividly green, this critically endangered lizard is native to the north-western Fijian islands. Its future survival is ensured with such laudable efforts such as Likuliku Lagoon Resorts' splendid conservation programme. Guests get to view the adorable critters up close and personal too. 

Find out more about why Fiji is a honeymooning couple’s dream in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of Tatler Weddings.