Nature forms a major part of Fiji’s tourism offering. At Fiji Airways’ Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport, it’s no different, as Mark Harada discovers.
The last time I was in this Fiji Airways lounge, it was undergoing a refurb. Some seven years later, the hoardings have long been replaced with tasteful timber edges, an almost floor-to-ceiling video wall, a starlit ceiling (representing the Fijian skies) and most impressively, vertical gardens, which are the first thing you see as you arrive at reception. More on those later…
Fiji’s national airline recently returned to full, pre-pandemic capacity, and is about to expand significantly beyond even that. With these advancements, it’s important the carrier has a flagship lounge to reflect its growth.
Is the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge up to the task? Quite simply, yes. But considering the size of FJ, which still only comprises roughly 20 aircraft, I’d say it punches well above its weight.
Form and function
The facility, which is located a short escalator ride down from the departure gates zone, isn’t enormous. But it’s still larger than I’m expecting, with a nice mix of individual and group seating.
Just past reception, there’s a business zone with several Apple desktops, a printer and even a shoe shine machine.
Beyond that is the main lounge area, which includes various types and configurations of comfy-looking armchairs and side tables, partitioned by rows of white orchids and other pretty panels.
Along the far end of the lounge, another area fuses business and leisure, evidenced by the mix of holidaymakers and travellers plugging away on devices atop high marble-clad benches that boast all of the charging outlets and free wifi they’d need.
In contrast to the muted colours of the rest of the Fiji Airways lounge, there’s also a bright kids’ play centre called ‘Lailai Land’, which a few families are utilising this evening.
Elsewhere, showers are available but need to be booked, with locally-made Pure Fiji amenities guaranteeing you’ll leave the country smelling a little like Fiji.
Green and clean
But the lounge’s illuminated green walls are my favourite thing in the lounge.
Aesthetically pleasing, the gardens bring part of the beautiful Fijian outdoors indoors. But they’re also helping purify the air, acting as a natural air-conditioner, and just give my well-being an overall boost (or at least the sense they’re doing that).
Another major feature is the massive video wall adjacent to the dining area. Hard to ignore, tonight it’s showing images of Fiji and football.
Wining & dining
It’s busy, but not crowded, before my flight to Sydney, with the clinking of cutlery the most audible sound as patrons enjoy the superb Fiji Airways food and beverage service.
On offer tonight is a selection of cold dishes, including some healthy-looking and delicious salads, and hot items like a cilantro and chilli lime bbq chicken (served with tortillas and pineapple salsa), a chimichurri beef casserole, and char-grilled veggies.
There’s also a “Fiji bean cart”, where guests can stock up on Bhuja mix, warmed nuts and other tasty morsels.
Desserts include small chocolate tarts and of course plenty of tropical fruit, among other sweet treats.
Meanwhile, guests can take their pick of any number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from multiple self-service fridges or a well-stocked bar, where staff will prepare your favourite mixed drink with aplomb.
You can also order barista coffee – in my case, a very good soy cappuccino – which comes with a warm Fijian smile. And naturally, there’s plenty of Fiji Water.
And when it’s announced my flight is delayed a short time, I’m smiling too, happy to spend a little extra time in this lovely lounge.
The details:
- Location: Airside, Ground Floor, Nadi International Airport Departures Terminal (down the escalators from the departure gates)
- Hours: 5am – 11pm daily (or according to flight times)
- Capacity: 200 seats
- Access: Fiji Airways Business Class guests, Tabua Club and Tabua Club Plus members, and premier guests of partner carriers including Qantas and Air New Zealand.
Visit the Fiji Airways website for more information.
The writer was a guest of Tourism Fiji.
