Six Senses Fiji

'Do you like rollercoasters?' our helicopter pilot quipped and, following Mr Smith's vehement nod of approval, he proceeded in a thrilling little mid-air dip, before smoothly navigating a mountaintop and landing on Six Senses’ private helipad in Malolo Island. We were glad to have opted for the 10-minute scenic ride from Nadi International Airport, which gave us a remarkable view of the crystal-clear water and the sugar-white sandbanks that awaited us below. Messi, our guest experience manager (GEM in Six Senses lingo), was born ready for our arrival and swiftly brought us by buggy to our pool-enhanced villa. He handed Mr Smith a new pair of slippers, noticing he had snapped one on the way in, and promised to return after fixing the broken pair. An instant slam dunk for service!

You can trust your senses that you are at a Six Senses property. Simply breathe in after stepping through its doors — the sweet smell of aromatherapy oils will set you far, far apart from the rest of the world in a very satisfying state of calm. Everything in the villa is set to Level Zen — the soft lighting, the dark wood tones, the billowing curtains that cradle an impossibly plush bed covered in a million-thread-count sheets. I slid the glass doors that opened onto a deck complete with sunloungers and an outdoor dining table. A sizable lap pool was glistening in the sun, its privacy ensured by foliage. Mr Smith looked very pleased.

The resort's Tropicsurf surf centre — with its inviting signage stating 'The only vitamin you need is vitamin sea' — would delight all water babies, especially the surfers. It provides professional coaching for all skill levels. The resort is in close proximity to a world-class surfing break that attracts enthusiasts from around the world. Although the affable lot there promised regular and low waves for us, we decided that these Smiths only surf the internet and settled on a lazy kayak ride on the aquamarine waters, plotting to come back for some snorkelling and a closer look at the colourful coral and pretty fish that swam beneath us.

The next day, a chilli-infused egg-white omelette (healthy and delicious does co-exist!) had me wide awake for a morning hike up to the island's highest peak. The rewarding 360-degree view was exhilarating and almost made me forget how hot and bothered I actually was. By the time I climbed down and was sprawled out on a massage bed at the spa, where a therapist named Maria soothed me with hot lava shells and expert strokes, there were no traces of that climb in my mind or body.

To continue our journey of too-much-relaxation, the staff encouraged us to create our own Fijian art guided by the in-house artist. I was chuffed with my effort, created using keen strokes and bright colours, even if it was a copy of the motif on the studio wall. Mr Smith, meanwhile, had created something completely original, causing a twinkle in his eye, as he decided he dared not call me out.

Whether you are a vegan yogi sugar-Nazi or an over-indulgent pizza-popping-carboholic, dining in Six Senses is a treat for the palate. Needless to say our favourite meal involved the open-air pizzeria with a stone over, where we created our own topping combinations, and ate them washed down with home-made kombucha under the shade of a massive tree overlooking the lake. How’s that for an authentic Mr & Mrs Smith lunch date? It gets even better on balmy evenings. The adjoining outdoor cinema is the perfect venue for snuggling up on bean bags under a starry sky, with a slice in hand of course. Smith date gold, we think.

Between the resort's curry nights and Fijian lovo feasts, the gourmet deli provides yet another excuse for cheat days. Here, it's melt-in-your-mouth chocolate muffins and complimentary ice-cream all day long. Thanks to the fully-equipped indoor gym and the outdoor jungle gym, this pair of Smiths managed to reduce the guilt (and girths) somewhat.

During the cultural evenings on the island, guests are invited to be immersed in Fijian traditions. Mr Smith was a most willing participant. Sitting in a circle around the communal bowl, he exclaimed 'Vinaka!' to express gratitude and accepted the coconut shell filled with kava, clapping three times as instructed. Kava is a root crop that is the traditional drink of Fiji and is effectively grog. It strangely numbs your lips and tongue, and leaves you all mellowed out, although it is non-alcoholic. Gulping it down in one smooth go, he shouted, 'Bula! Bula! Bula!' (a term of greeting and good health) and passed the coconut shell along. They say you haven’t visited Fiji if you haven’t tasted the kava. Phew! Not a problem. These two Smiths visited Fiji in every sense.