Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center: Where to Relax + Refresh During a Layover in Fiji
If you find yourself with a long layover at the Nadi International Airport in Fiji with nothing to do, consider a visit to The Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center (or the Fiji Transit Lounge & Spa).
Perhaps you’ve just arrived for a beach holiday but you have to wait to check into your hotel. Or like me, you have a layover (of 4+ hours) before your onward flight to New Zealand or another country.
Aside from a small fast food counter and several tour companies, there isn’t much to do while you wait at the Nadi airport, so getting out and about the town is a good idea to help time pass more enjoyably. Since I was on a long layover in Fiji (a 17-hour layover!), I combined a local excursion with time at the Transit Center to break up my day.
The Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center (Transit Center or Lounge) is literally a one-stop shop for everything you’d need for a relaxing day in transit.
In this post, I’ll tell you what is included in the day pass and what you can expect at the Transit Center.
The Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center
This full-service transit lounge is a place for travelers to eat, sleep, exercise, and relax all under one roof.
I spent the second half of my long layover at the Transit Center after taking the Discover Nadi Tour in the morning. The guide and driver I was with on the tour dropped me off at the transit lounge on their way back to the airport.
I was greeted at the door by many friendly employees with a booming “Bula!” Almost immediately upon walking in the door, I was ushered to a waiting area and presented with a beautiful tray with a cool wet cloth, a glass of fresh tropical juice and the greatest candied ginger I have ever tasted.
Then I spent the next 8 hours relaxing and enjoying some quiet downtime after a week of traveling in the U.S. First, I flew from Massachusetts to California with a layover in Las Vegas. Then I spent a week traveling between San Francisco and Humboldt County. After the 10-hour flight to Fiji and the early morning Discover Nadi Tour, I was ready for some relaxation.
While at Transit Center, I took full advantage of everything included in the Transit Pass. When I caught my ride back to the airport, I felt refreshed and ready to take on New Zealand.
The Transit Pass
I bought my pass at the airport while making arrangements with Great Sights Fiji for the Discover Nadi Tour. Ligairi, the tour guide, suggested the Transit Center when he learned the length of my layover. For that, I am so grateful!
The Transit Pass is $38 FJ (about $19 USD) and includes:
- a welcome beverage with a piece of candied ginger
- a relaxing foot massage
- unlimited free WiFi
- access to the movie room
- shower facilities and amenities
- luggage storage
Plus, you get a free shuttle ride to and from the Nadi International Airport only a 5-minute drive from the center.
What To Do at the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center
The following is all included in the Transit Pass.
Enjoy a Complimentary Foot Massage
A spa specialist brought me into a private room for a 15-20 minute foot massage. They told me about all the other spa services they offer for an additional cost. I didn’t partake, opting to save my money, but it all seemed affordable.
Take a Shower
After my foot massage, I chose to take a quick shower. Since they were available, why not!? The heat and humidity during the Discover Nadi Tour got me feeling sticky and gross.
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and towels are all provided. The showers are clean, bright, and private.
I only wish I had the forethought to bring a change of clothes. After I dried off (which is hard to do in humid climates!) I had to put the same clothes on. It still felt good to be clean, though.
Watch a Movie – in Air Conditioning!
The movie room is cool, dark, and quiet. Bean bags and blankets are strewn about and there was one proper couch in the room. A projector is set up with a laptop jammed with movies from which to choose.
After my shower, I grabbed a blanket and a bean bag and got comfortable. I was one of two people in the room, the other girl was wrapped up in a blanket on the couch taking a nap.
I watched one movie then decided to put another one on but take a nap while it was playing.
Have a Meal or a Snack
You have to pay for the food but access to the Essence Cafe is included in your day pass. There are several hot and cold dishes to choose from including sandwiches and salads. They make smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, coffee, iced teas, etc.
I arrived just in time for lunch and had ravioli with pesto sauce and a salad for $15 FJD (about $7.50 USD). Then I enjoyed a refreshing local beer while reading a book. Later, I ordered some tea that came in its own pot (I was expecting a single cup) and was served with scones, jam, and cream for $6 FJD (about $3 USD).
Check Your Email
I took advantage of the free WiFi to check my email and check in with friends and family back home. It was at this moment when I realized that a mistake was made with my first two nights of accommodation in Auckland. A mini panic attack ensued but I was able to quickly recover.
The internet was slow but it was nice to connect for just a few minutes, even just to fix the accommodation mistake.
Shop for Souvenirs
While at the rejuvenation center, shop for Fiji-made products to bring home as a souvenir. Locally designed clothing and artwork by locals are for sale, as well. If anything you buy is too large to carry home in your luggage, they can arrange to ship for you.
Upgrades and additional services
These are available at an additional cost. I did not partake in any of these upgrades but I can see great value in these services for weary travelers.
Private rooms. Take a nap before or after your flight in the privacy of your own room. You can opt to receive spa treatments or meals in your room, too. Prices vary.
Spa treatments. Treat yo’self to a facial, massage, or other spa and beauty services. Prices vary.
Yoga classes. Stretch those muscles after being cooped up on a plane for 10 hours. $15 per person.
Gym day pass. Get your body moving pre or post-flight. $15 per person.
Learn more about the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center on their new website.
SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!
