Malamala Beach Club Fiji is the world’s first island beach club, situated just 30 minutes from Port Denarau.
As part of our trip to Fiji, Nick and I spend a day at Malamala, surrounded by Fiji’s famous crystal-clear waters – and trying pretty much every cocktail on the menu, haha!
TEST REPORT: MALAMALA ISLAND BEACH CLUB
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WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE?
Malamala Beach Club is located on its very own island, which you can enjoy with a day or half day pass. Here you can experience not only the island’s white sand beaches, but also beachside Cabanas, a restaurant and a resort-style infinity-edge pool with views across the Mamanuca Islands. Yes, that is in real life just as good as that sounds!
With an all-day Pacific-inspired à-la-carte menu, an array of hand-crafted cocktails, water activities, massage options and a club-like atmosphere, Malamala Beach Club almost offers an escape within an escape destination – we didn’t know a person could get so relaxed, to be honest!
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Arriving at Malamala Fiji, the first thing we see is the long jetty connecting the transfer boat with the island. It’s like walking into paradise!
The island is adorable, and you can walk around it in about 20 minutes. We did’t found it too busy when we were there, so there was enough space for us to enjoy some peace and quiet. With incredible views!
And can we talk about those views! We scored a poolside daybed next to the infinity-edged pool in the “Main Hub” of the island and just saw blue water upon blue water, upon blue skies. So dreamy!
Since our visit, there have been several upgrades to Malamala island, including a new private space (called “The Venue” – for weddings/events, etc.) and a new infinity-edged pool right in front of it. A stand-alone bar and additional restrooms are also added to this part of the island. On days when there is no private function in this space, the Venue is open as an adults-only oasis.
TIP – On arrival, you find yourself a spot to base for the day. You can reserve a Poolside Daybed (for 1-2 people, FJ$60), a Beachside Cabana (1-2 people, FJ$119), Grand Cabana (3-8 people, FJ$249), or a Grand Deluxe Cabana (8-20 people, FJ$499). These Cabanas are all located on the other side of the island and come complete with butler service, lounging mattresses, bean bags, and beach chairs. It’s best to book these in advance as last-minute bookings (on arrival) are subject to availability.
WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?
Besides lying next to the pool all day sipping cocktails, we also visited the open-air restaurant for some tasty food. The kitchen and bar are open from the first to the last ferry. It is not allowed to bring your own food or drinks.
TIP: The beach club operates a system where you charge anything you buy to a TAB card which you settle at the end of the day with either cash or credit card.
The menu in the restaurant is inspired by the South Pacific. On the à-la-carte menu you will find anything from light bites to full meals. There is also an extensive beverage menu with an international wine list, beers, and handcrafted tropical cocktails.
We ordered a selection of starters and while I enjoyed the Fish Tacos, Nick went for the Malamala Fish & Chips option. Both scrumptious!
TIP: There is a discount deal for the cocktails! When we were there, it was 7 cocktails for 165FJ$ (one cocktail was 28FJ$), nowadays it’s 5 cocktails for 99FJ$ (one for 22-25FJ$)
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?
There are basically two ways to enjoy Malamala Beach Club: filled with water activities, or filled with doing absolutely nothing at all. We chose option number two and didn’t regret a second of it!
Our day at Malamala felt like a holiday within a holiday, to be honest! We visited after our multiple-day island hopping adventure in the Yasawa island group and our day trip with South Sea Cruises, so all we wanted to do is stay in one spot and not move, haha!
The small island is the perfect place to just spend the day beneath the shade of a swaying palm, listening to up-beat tunes, or hanging out chatting with friends.
But of course, there is much more to do on the island. For example, you get complimentary access to all non-motorised watersports equipment, such as kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear. This island in Fiji has crystal-clear waters – perfect for underwater exploring.
TIP: Another fun thing to do is jumping off the end of the jetty! This is possible between 11am and 4pm, you just have to keep an eye out for boats and helicopters and jump only in the direction of the mainland. Bring a buddy to be extra safe!
WHAT DOES IT SMELL LIKE?
If you ask me, all of Malamala Beach Resort smells like luxury! And besides the inclusions we already mentioned, there are a few more:
- All guests receive one complimentary towel to use on the island. Additional towels are available to rent for 5FJ$ per towel.
- Within the entry passes to the island, you get complimentary return coach connections and vessel transfers. The tranfers are done by high-speed catamaran, which only takes about 30 minutes! Departures are at 09:30 AM (half-day tours from 12:00 PM) from Port Denarau and returns at either 4:15 PM (if you have a return coach transfer, you have to leave at this time) or 5: 15 PM.
Since we visited, the beach club has completed a number of upgrades and expansions, one of which is the launch of a massage facility on the island. It was such a huge success, that they are expanding the current massage area.
The massage area is set amidst lush tropical gardens, so you can enjoy the unforgettable experience of an open-air massage treatment, cooled by the amazingly smelling ocean breeze.
INFO – The massages at Malamala beach club prices range from 45FJ$ for a 15 minute head massage to 115FJ$ for an hour-long deep tissue massage, and anything in between. You can even get your hair braided for 45FJ$!
MALAMALA BEACH CLUB REVIEW TEST RESULTS
APPROVED!
We had such a fun day out at Malamala Beach Club. While this probably wouldn’t have been something that we’d book for ourselves, we were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was for us to relax doing nothing and simply recharge in the sun, the pool and with some great food & cocktails. I could definitely get used to this as a lifestyle, haha!
Accessibility: 3/10 (no accommodation for those in a wheelchair or with mobility issues due to the inability to transfer people safely from the vessels to the island in all weather conditions)
Tour Guide: N/A
Uniqueness of Activity: 10/10
Contribution to Self-Development: 7/10 (good for wellness and personal care!)
Value for Money: 9/10
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WHICH ACTIVITIES TO DO ON YOUR TRIP?
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MALAMALA BEACH CLUB FAQ
Return coach transfers from most Nadi, Wailoaloa, Denarau, Momi Bay, Natadola, and Coral Coast hotels/resorts, Return transfers to and from Malamala Beach Club via high-speed catamaran, Towel service (one complimentary per person), Complimentary Wifi and Use of non-motorised water sports equipment such as snorkelling gear, kayaks, paddle boards and more.
Upon check-in you will be given a TAB card. Place all purchases on the card throughout the day and ensure you leave enough time before you depart to settle tab with either cash, debit, or credit card.
No. The menu has a range of options to suit varying budgets, including vegetarian options. Malamala Beach Club is a licensed venue, so please note that no personal food or alcohol is permitted. The kitchen and bar are open all day long.
When you book online, just click the required seating option when you are booking your Day Pass. Poolside Daybed (for 1-2 people), Beachside Cabana with butler service (for 1-2 people), Grand Cabana with butler service (for 3-8 people).
Bring swimwear, footwear for on the beach, a hat, and sunscreen. There are items such as hats and sulu’s (sarongs) and T-shirts available on the island for purchase.
Yes. Wifi is available free of charge to all guests at Malamala Beach Club. Being in close proximity to the mainland, most phones still work well while on the island.
No. Malamala Beach Club is family friendly but not family focused. While children are allowed, there is no child’s menu or specific areas for children. As such, there is no child’s rate for the beach club, but children under 3 are free of charge.
Transfers are done with high-speed catamaran and only take 30 minutes. Take a seat in the air-conditioned lounge or head up to the open-air top deck to take in the views on the way there.
FJ$179. Departures from Denarau, Nadi, or Wailoaloa (9.30 PM Departure from Port Denarau) or from Momi Bay & Sonaisali (10.00 AM departure from Port Denarau). 4.15PM or 5.15PM return departure from Malamala. Includes return coach transfers from most hotels/resorts, complimentary wifi, complimentary towel and use of non-motorised sports equipment on the island.
FJ$159. Departures from Denarau, Nadi, or Wailoaloa only. 12.00PM Departure from Port Denarau. 4.15PM or 5.15PM return departure from Malamala. Includes return coach transfers from most hotels/resorts, complimentary wifi, complimentary towel and use of non-motorised sports equipment on the island.
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