In Fiji, so they say, there are many paradises but only one utopia. “They” in this particular case are the authors of the online brochure for Namale Resort & Spa. You have to love the audacious confidence of that tag line. If I execute my assignment properly, by the time you finish reading this post that claim will sound less like hyperbolic exaggeration and more like honest evaluation.
One of the chief frustrations of writing about some of the world’s most breathtaking hotels and resorts is that there is never time to give them their full due. That is particularly true here. Elizabeth Barret Browning’s most famous sonnet is #43, admittedly better known as “How Do I Love Thee?”. You recall that those opening words are followed by “Let Me Count The Ways.”
With that bit of literary inspiration, I offer my humble (or as close to humility as I ever get) version of “Namale, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Let’s begin with a spectacular setting because absent that any resort is 
immediately disqualified from a serious traveler’s short list. Setting encompasses beauty and atmosphere of course but, if you are like me (heaven help you), you would likely add serenity as well. This picture to the right suggests about as much separation from the maddening crowds as one can imagine. If you are desperately seeking seclusion, this warm handshake between the emerald rainforest and the azure sea is the perfect rendezvous.
In addition to the setting, this resort is world-famous for its discriminating service. I say discriminating because the true art of gracious service is unfailingly finding that thin line between a trifle neglectful and a tad too intrusive. Try these numbers on for size: the property hosts only 44 guests at any one time so that their needs may be anticipated and their wishes fulfilled by their staff of 140. I suppose you could argue that the service pictured below is slightly over that line but I beg to differ. After being a little over served, you have to get back to your villa somehow, right?
In general, I have next to no use for the muddled opinions of the celebrity set with one exception: I do value their seemingly natural instinct for sating their self-indulgence. They say when driving through the mid-west, always choose a diner with lots of cars in the parking lot. A corollary would be, when seeking a great resort, find out where the stars congregate.
So for what it’s worth, I am given to understand that the likes of NBA coach Pat Riley, actors Russell Crowe, Edward Norton (wasn’t he one of the characters with Jackie Gleason on The Honeymooners?), Meg Ryan and Mike Myers, and musician and producer Quincy Jones have found their way here, as well as many more “A listers”. Donna Karen, who I am told has some fleeting familiarity with fashion, has said, “Namale is an ultimate escape . . experience its bliss!”
Namale, how else do I love thee? Ah, there is always your sumptuous dining. As the aforementioned brochure explains, “Private three-course lunches and five-course 
dinners can be enjoyed anywhere you like — be it the twinkling main bure, your private bure or villa, in a romantic, seaside cave, or on the beach at sunset.”
Decisions, decisions! I think tonight I want to have my five course gourmet dinner in this exact spot to the left! Should the gentle ocean breeze grow a bit nippy, I have no doubt that another glass of vintage Cabernet will suffice to warm me from the inside out. In case you are wondering, I am sadly not at Namale as I pen these words. That was a momentary flight of literary, not to mention holiday, fantasy. Dreammakers are allowed to dream too!
Namale, I love thy refined accommodations. Since we are running short of time, I will refer you to the online brochure for an explanation of the room distinctions between Bures, Garden Tropical, Ocean Tropical, Villas, Bula House, etc. I shall also let the picture below do the job of a thousand words which, yikes, according to my word calculator, we are rapidly approaching. I must scurry on!
Last, but certainly not least is the exposure one gains to authentic Fijian culture. Below is a picture of a troupe of tribal dancers telling a traditional story through age old movements. I 
know. to the uninitiated, i.e., folks like me, it looks a little like the Hokey Pokey but rest assured it is not. (Speaking of which, as a quick nod to the philosophically inclined, what if the Hokey Pokey really is what it’s all about? Hmmm.)
OK, I have managed to count down five ways I love the Namale Resort & Spa. I have yet to mention the bowling alley and indoor golf (seriously), the incredible snorkeling, and the magnificent spa. See why this is frustrating?
I think we can all agree that it would be more than a little cruel to tantalize you with this exquisite haven of happiness without presenting a way to experience it for yourself. As I check my back pocket, it just so happens . . . imagine that . . . I have a great offer from our partners at Travel2 for an all-inclusive 9 night stay. Let’s leave the more mundane matters like price to a future conversation. But if this post has whetted your appetite to know more about Namale Resort & Spa and how you too can experience its wonders, reach out to us through our website. And if you are still not convinced, take a look at this video!
Travel By Terry 