Hiapo Cockett's 2009 Fiji Trip
Qamea Resort & Spa

What would possess a sane person to do the following: travel 10 ½ hours from Loa Angeles (hours more from most US cities), fly another hour and a half on a third-world country, 20 passenger prop plane, then take a 30+ minute drive down a dirt road that was last graded decades ago, and finally take a 20-30 minute ride across an open ocean channel in a small, aluminum, and open air boat. Those that have taken the trip to Qamea know the destination is the reason for the journey.
The sole resort on a large island, this resort has less than 20 bures, no kids, an amazing little beach running the length of the resort, and more Fijian smiles than should be legally allowed. Meandering though the resort is a new sand path lined with little stone bures that are your nightlights (complimented by tiki torches). This path is a great way to explore the resort’s jungle, wetlands, river stone swimming pool, gigantic chess set, and their greatest addition, their jungle spa.


Built deep in the Qamea jungle, set into a hillside, is their Jungle Spa. Comprised of several mini bures, every type of spa treatment from facials, to scrubs, to waxing, to massages to their ultimate treatment: the “Qamea Night of Decadence”. This over the top experience starts with a Fijian warrior in full battle dress, complete with war clubs, who then escorts you to the spa, which had been emptied of all other guests. There you are first introduced to your Guinot, Paris trained therapist, given a treat of fruit and champagne, then given a full body scrub, followed by a candlelit outdoor shower, and topping it all off with a 75 minute couples massage (or facial). Normally, this would be enough to send you to heaven, but this is not just another 4 star tropical resort, this is Qamea. Your Warrior escorts return to guide you back “unharmed” to your bure where you are greeted by your own Fijian Band (voices gifted by God), a lobster dinner (or one of several other choices), more champagne and candlelight to set a mood that will live in your memories forever.


I can go on and on about the contemporary and artistic décor, the superb owners Ron and Bryce (who are often at the resort), and a staff that makes most other Fijian staff seem a little rude by comparison. The biggest testament you will find is “cocktail hour” when staff and guests gather by the bar and share the day’s stories. The gigantic grins, the coy giggles, and the infectious joy coming from what were yesterday’s strangers, give pure pleasure to be shared with your new friends.

Hiapo Cockett

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