The Coral Coast (at the bottom left of Fiji) has the best of both worlds. It's a combination of the finer things in life coupled with the real Fiji (minus the plastic coating).
The Outrigger is Fiji's first five-star resort. But that doesn't mean it's old and run-down. It's recently undergone a huge revamp, not only of the grounds and facilities but also management and staffing.
The team has more than doubled in the past year, from about 600 workers to about 1300 - taking the level of service to beyond impressive.
There are two styles of accommodation over the expansive 16ha property - including 207 flash and roomy hotel suites and 47 free-standing thatched bures.
One of the coolest things about the resort is the young man who is employed to stand at the end of the resort's driveway and greet everyone as they head up to the main entrance.
His loud and welcoming voice sings "Bula, bulaaaaaaaa!" I truly thought he was there just to welcome us, but it turned out that's what he does all day.
As we arrived, the excited staff swarmed around us like royalty. Do all guests get the same treatment? Turns out they do.
What a way to start a break.
FIVE TOP EXPERIENCES
The Coral Coast Fiji 7s
The purpose of our trip was to experience the Coral Coast Fiji 7s. The relatively new tournament is building each year, with teams coming from the surrounding islands, New Zealand and Australia. The goal is for the tournament to gain International Rugby Board status.
Fiji is ready for this and deserves the exposure, plus it gives one of the world's most successful teams a chance to shine. The tournament is truly electric. Although still on a relatively small scale, the atmosphere and excitement at the grounds is fitting for a 7s tournament.
The highlight of last year's tournament (for me at least) was having Jonah Lomu as a guest.
Sigatoka River Safari
I have travelled to many countries and have experienced many great adventures, but I can't remember enjoying anything more than this. This is where you truly meet the real Fiji. The warmth and hospitality of the locals will blow you away.
You board one of the jet boats and are taken on a trip of the river before arriving at one of the living villages, where you experience a day in the life of the Fijian people.
There's singing, dancing, an amazing lunch and, of course, a kava session. Leaving this amazing experience is only slightly easier when you know your witty jet-boat driver is there to pick you up and take you on a thrill-seeking ride, which wraps up the experience perfectly.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes
Who knew such a breathtaking sight existed in Fiji - desert-like mounds of sand right next to the beautiful coast? For those wanting a bit of exercise amid all the resort's cocktails, you can't go past the sand dunes.
They are rich in archaeological history and one of Fiji's earliest recorded prehistoric sites. Covering 650ha, the dunes are a great spot for a relaxing stroll or a more vigorous workout. Turns out, this is the spot where the Fijian rugby teams do their training.
I'd recommend a guided two-hour walk, which is what we did, to ensure you learn about your surroundings and not take a wrong turn.
Bebe Spa Sanctuary
I did say I was a travel snob.
Thus, no trip to a luxury resort is complete without a spa treatment, and the Outrigger's Bebe Spa Sanctuary is among the best in the world.
The feeling of being pampered begins as you leave your room - you are driven up the hill in a little cart to the highest point of the resort to see the breathtaking views.
As you lounge around in your robe, admiring the facilities, it's almost a shame to begin the treatment.
During my stay I experienced two treatments, a two-person massage and a body scrub and massage. Both were amazing.
What about the food?
I picked a bad week to watch what I ate. Although Fiji is renowned for its amazing fruits and vegetables, don't go holding back sampling the outstanding cuisine at the Outrigger on the Lagoon.
The resort boasts four main restaurants, all with different menus and price ranges. We were lucky enough to sample all of them. But it was Ivi Restaurant that stole the show, with its fine dining and service to match. It's no wonder this restaurant is the most awarded in Fiji.
One of the highlights for me was hearing the sounds of live musicians sprinkled amid the restaurants and bars. The resort employs a team of musicians who chop and change their line-up according to what is required, from a seven-piece dance band to a soloist on acoustic guitar.
