Review: Getting Married at Lomani Island Resort in Fiji

If there was one thing my fiance, Robert, and I were sure of, it was that we didn’t want a traditional wedding. The time, effort and cost involved in planning a big shindig just didn’t appeal to us. That said, after 12 years together, we still wanted to do something special to celebrate the milestone. And that’s when we started thinking about eloping — in Fiji. 

A recommendation from Tourism Fiji led us to Lomani Island Resort, which stood out for a few key reasons: Located on a quiet stretch of Malolo Lailai Island (in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands), the property shares the entire island with just two other resorts, features a mere 30 accommodations set along a white-sand beach and — to seal the deal — is exclusively for adults.

Getting there required just a 50-minute ferry ride from Port Denarau Marina on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, not far from the international airport, making it a remote-feeling, yet convenient option. 

Better yet, the resort has created new packages focused on romance travel including weddings, vow renewals, honeymoons, proposals and anniversaries, which we knew would help streamline our planning process. 

Eloping at Lomani

Lomani has a group wedding sales coordinator who works with couples to plan their dream day. Our list of wants and needs was admittedly short, but we still hopped on a call to go over our vision. In the end, for our simple affair, the Lomani Wedding Package met — and exceeded — our expectations. 

At its base level, the package includes a celebrant, a wedding arch decorated with tropical flowers, the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s boutonniere, an acoustic guitarist, a 50-minute couple’s massage during the stay, breakfast in bed the day of the wedding, a private dinner setup for two and a welcome gift with in-room sparkling wine and fruit. 

Even here, couples have plenty of choices to make: Robert and I picked our ceremony location (on the beach, clearly), the style of our bouquet and boutonniere and the decorations for our wedding arch. (For all of these, Lomani provides a selection of options — including multiple locations, nine different arch setups and 12 bouquets.)

Couples can also add paid extras, including a choir, a wedding cake, flowers for bridesmaids and groomsmen, larger receptions for guests and even a bridal escort of Fijian warriors in traditional attire. (Photographers, videographers, hair and makeup and other optional vendors must be booked separately, though Lomani can provide recommendations.)

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The resort team can walk clients through the process of getting legally married in Fiji, though to keep things simple, Robert and I decided to handle the legalities back at home just before arriving. Some confusion about the marriage license was the one hiccup in our experience, so I recommend that couples and planners double check the requirements and processes with the resort ahead of time, regardless of which option they choose. 

Otherwise, the details of the event were exceptional, from my stunning bouquet of trailing plumeria to the talented acoustic guitarist playing as I walked down the aisle, barefoot, to the sandy stretch of beach at the far end of the resort. With no guests in attendance, a small gathering of staff members served as our witnesses, giving us warm hugs and hearty handshakes after the ceremony — a characteristic display of the warmth of the Fijian people.

Accommodations: Bures and Suites 

Before and after our wedding, Robert and I found plenty more to love around the resort, starting with our room. Lomani’s 30 accommodations come in three categories: Deluxe Suites with separate living and sleeping areas and a private patio or balcony; standalone Beachfront Bures steps from the sand; and Beachfront Pool Bures which add on a private plunge pool. 

This being our wedding, we went right to the top, and had no regrets. Our Beachfront Pool Bure had modern comforts (including air conditioning) alongside Fijian decor. The spacious bathroom also provided access to a small private courtyard with an outdoor shower and a laundry line for hanging wet bathing suits. Out back, the bure featured a sun deck with two chairs and our plunge pool, complete with a plush lounge area. Beyond that, a semi-private stretch of lawn led directly to the beach, with two more loungers and an umbrella positioned for ocean views. (Beachfront Bures offer the same setup, minus the plunge pool.) 

Amenities and Dining

As a small property, Lomani’s other offerings are limited, but ideal for travelers seeking relaxation above all else.

The pool is a popular gathering spot, thanks to palm-tree-studded views of the ocean and a handful of covered cabanas that are free to use. Dotted around the lushly landscaped grounds are hammocks (which Robert made liberal use of each afternoon) and bowl-shaped lounge chairs designed for two (our other favorite hangout). 

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Dining takes place at the Flame Tree Restaurant, an outdoor eatery on a wood deck overlooking the pool. Breakfast (included for all guests) features both a continental buffet and made-to-order dishes such as eggs Benedict, pancakes, avocado toast and more. The lunch menu ranges from burgers, sandwiches and salads to international fare including nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), honey sesame chicken and a vegetable curry of the day. Pro tip: Lunch can also be ordered at the pool for maximum vacation vibes, our go-to move almost every day. 

Dinner options are more elevated, from line-caught fresh fish to steaks, lamb, pastas and more. While there is always a special of the day, guests should note that the menu doesn’t change much beyond that — and I often found the very best dishes to be those that lean into Fijian culture and ingredients, such as the outstanding kokoda (a kind of Fijian ceviche swimming in fresh coconut milk) and the curries, influenced by Fiji’s population of Indian immigrants.

In-room dining is also available, and a small bar next to the restaurant offers daily happy-hour specials. (If guests are so inclined, they can wander over to the neighboring Plantation Island Resort for more dining options, so long as they’re willing to mix with families.)

Spa and Activities 

Another perk of a Lomani stay is that the resort offers a variety of complimentary activities for guests. Robert and I frequently enjoyed spur-of-the-moment kayaking when the mood struck us; stand-up paddleboards, windsurfing, catamarans and snorkel gear are also available. 

Even better are the complimentary snorkeling excursions offered many mornings. Though guests need to sign up in advance for these outings, they then simply show up at the beach before boarding a small boat for a ride out to reef spots that teem with vibrant tropical fish. 

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Cultural activities, such as kava (a traditional Fijian drink) tasting and a guided village tour, are also free to guests. Additional excursions are available for a fee, such as sunset cruises, diving, boat charters, fishing and surfing.

And after all those physical activities, what could be better than a soothing massage? I’m not ashamed to say that Robert and I enjoyed multiple spa sessions during our stay, once we found out there was an option for beachside massages. Facials, body wraps, scrubs, manicures, pedicures and other treatments are also available (appointments do fill up, so advise clients to book in advance).

Soon, the resort’s wellness offerings will be even more extensive: Lomani is in the midst of building a new spa, which it claims will be the biggest in all of Fiji. Slated to open this October, it will feature treatment rooms for individuals and couples, a manicure and pedicure room, an ice bath, a sauna and a relaxation area with its own pool. 

I feel confident in saying it’ll be the cherry on top for travelers enjoying the exclusivity and romance of a Lomani escape.