Review: Fiji Airways Premier Lounge, Nadi International Airport

Introduction

Fiji is synonymous with ‘island time’ and tropical vibes, making it a tough act to follow when your resort holiday inevitably comes to an end. That said, the Fiji Airways’ Premier Lounge at Nadi Airport does an admirable job at extending that feeling just a little bit longer.

From varied seating zones and a kids club staffed by qualified nannies, showers and a wide mix of meals and drinks, the lounge helps make those last couple of hours almost as relaxed as the holiday itself.

If only there was a view and natural light.

Location & Impressions

To access the lounge, follow the stream of passengers heading up the stairs into the departures hall after passport control. You’ll find an escalator back down to the lounge level on the far side of Tappoo duty free. 

A small metal sign guides the way from the departures hall.

A lush green wall at the entrance – reminiscent of those at the Qantas First Lounges – sets the tone for what awaits inside the Premier Lounge; a frosted glass door slides open to reveal a space where natural finishes abound.

The green wall continues into the lounge, adding to the relaxed feel.

Immediately to your left is a business centre housing iMacs and a printer, as well as a shelf lined with powerpoints and USB outlets to charge up your devices on the go. WiFi speed is a rather average 4Mbps download during my visit.

There’s also a shoeshine machine that’ll leave your black or brown leather shoes gleaming.

On the right is a small storage area featuring timber racks, meaning you can leave your carry-on bags while exploring the terminal (and picking up a few souvenirs to take back home).

A passenger-friendly mix of seating follows, divided into zones for work, dining and relaxation.

The relaxation zone includes low-set lounges perfect for sinking into, armchairs angled for quiet conversation, plus a variety of cosy wall nooks. Amusingly, the latter feature rather bright downlights, making those seated in them resemble art pieces on display.

Power outlets are in reach from most lounges.

Beyond the tables and chairs of the dining area (more on this shortly) are yet more lounging options – this time in the form of private chairs cocooned within high cloth walls, in addition to an upright workbench and a VIP hangout in a separate room.

Privacy lounges with the VIP area behind.

Though the various zones are all quite different, recurring use of timber ties them all together, be it the snaking divider walls inset with a tribal motif that line the walkways and dining area or the vertical timber panels inset into the walls and poles.

Designers have also done well to hide the fact there’s no natural light, though I can’t help but wonder what it’d be like with a view out to the tarmac and iconic ‘Sleeping Giant’ mountain range beyond.

Access

With seating for up to 200, the Premier Lounge’s guest list not only includes Fiji Airways and Oneworld business class passengers, but extends to cover Priority Pass, Lounge Key and Dragon Pass members, as well as Qantas Gold and Platinum frequent flyers.

The full entry list is as below:

• Fiji Airways business class passengers travelling internationally, including when booked on a Qantas (QF) codeshare flight number.
• Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge frequent flyers travelling on a Fiji Airways or Qantas flight.
• Fiji Airways Tabua Club and Tabua Club Plus members travelling with Fiji Airways on an FJ flight number.
• Priority Pass cardholders travelling with any airline, subject to their normal membership plan.
• Business class passengers of partner airlines, including Air New Zealand,  Solomon Airlines and Korean Air (Premium Class and Elite Plus cardholders are also welcome), as well as Air Nuigini Hong Kong Airlines and AirCalin.
• Paying guests who part with FJD$99 (AUD$66) at reception for access when travelling with any airline.

Dining

My morning visit sees breakfast in full swing with travellers eagerly tucking into pastries, waffles, cut fruit and yoghurt displayed on a central island table, as well as hot items on an L-shaped bench along the back wall.

Fresh pastries, cereals, yoghurts and fruit round out the continental breakfast choices.

The usual suspects of eggs, sausages and beans are present, alongside hash browns, grilled tomatoes and creamed spinach. The latter piques my interest purely as something outside the lounge norm, but is sadly rather underwhelming in flavour.

The hot buffet selection includes all the favourites, plus a couple of extras.

A more appealing addition is the make-your-own juice station, with carrots, celery, apples, watermelon, and pineapple all sliced and ready to be popped in the stainless steel juicer. 

Ready-juiced options are available too, while soft drinks and other juices are available nearby.

Those in the mood for a light graze will find a ‘bean cart’ with sweet and savoury snacks.

inside the cart are snacks such as deep fried and spiced peas, as well as sweet Penda.

Barista-made coffee of your choice can be whipped up on request, while alcoholic drinks including beer, predominantly-Australian wine and spirits are also available all day from the staffed bar counter.

[Update - Fiji Airways has since introduced a new four-course Chef’s Table dining experience at its Nadi Lounge.]

Relax

Parents needing a moment to themselves prior to the flight will appreciate the Lailai Land kids area, which is housed within a glass-walled space and contains a basic mix of play equipment and kid-friendly television content and is staffed by nannies.

Younger kids will be well looked after in Lailai Land.

Shower facilities stocked with fragrant Pure Fiji amenities – the same coconut-scented variety so often found at resorts throughout the country – can be booked by speaking with bar staff.

Toiletries are towels are supplied.

Aside from that, there’s not really much to report in terms of relaxation, unless you count the lounges; a previously-offered spa providing manicures and 10-minute neck and shoulder massages for a small fee sadly hasn’t returned following the pandemic.

Verdict

Fiji Airways’ Premier Lounge is a great retreat away from the always-busy departure hall, with a decent selection of food and drinks, in addition to a relaxing atmosphere. The tropical house soundtrack gliding throughout only adds to its on-holiday feel.

The writer visited as a guest of Fiji Airways.