Castaway Island Resort Fiji: why it still charms after six decades

Fiji's OG resort is turning 60 - here's why it's still the ultimate escape

Like your favourite aunt, it's hard to believe Castaway Island Resort Fiji is turning 60, as it still brims with the vim and vigour with which it placed island resorts firmly on the Fijian map.. Traditional owners called it Qalito, a name which stood until the 1960s when Australian adventurer Dick Smith (not the electronics guy) started bringing day trippers here.. In 1966, Smith secured a lease, built four beachfront bures and renamed it Castaway Island..

Several owners and decades later, it is now part of the Outrigger Resorts and Hotel group.. Perched in Fiji's idyllic Mamanuca island group, Castaway touts itself as barefoot luxury, something I encounter the moment I step from the boat and onto its silky, white sand to be greeted by crooning Fijians.. Situated on 70 hectares, this private island is framed by aqua reef and emerald rainforest..

Despite its impressive age, Castaway has retained a tropical luxe yet laidback vibe.. Its 65 traditional thatched-roof bures have been well maintained against the rigours of the South Pacific's sometimes brutal weather, as have its other buildings, pavements and outdoor areas such as its two pools, tennis court and day spa.. There are seven bure types from which to choose on both the north and south side of the island..

My north beachfront bure's ceiling is adorned with traditional Fijian tapa design, while the room itself is divided into three:. a sitting area with plush day beds (ideal for my afternoon nap) which can be converted into two single beds;. an elegant bedroom (with vanity and stool cleverly concealed in the cupboard);.

and a large bathroom stocked with Pacifics pina colada-scented toiletries which leaves me smelling like a delicious cocktail.. There's deliberately no Wi-Fi or TV in the rooms to encourage guests to embrace Fiji time, which I do with gusto.. Offering four restaurants and bars, there's ample choice for beachfront dining, including daily buffets and its famed Fiji Cultural Day each Wednesday, where a traditional feast is cooked in a lovo (earth oven)..

A true tastebud treat is Restaurant 1808, named after the year the first Chinese settlers arrived in Fiji.. My Asian-fusion dinner under the stars is served with a South Pacific twist with the likes of smoky coconut kokoda;. barbecue tamarind fish;.

and lemongrass mango brulee.. Decent Aussie and Kiwi wine labels dominate the drinks' list.. From banana boating to bush walks, boredom is not an option..

Try the new inflatable waterpark or snorkel and dive a new coral gene bank designed to regenerate marine life.. Indulge in a traditional massage in the award-winning Vale ni Veibobo spa bures.. Take a half-day trip to nearby Modriki Island where the Tom Hanks-starrer Cast Away was filmed..

The Cast Away movie island tour, home to the "Help Me" SOS Hanks' character made from coconut shells in the sand;. the sharp rock on which he smashed coconuts for water;. and a large boulder where he buried the dead pilot..

This tour also takes in the nearby Blue Cave swimming hole.. Back at Castaway Resort, Hanks' raft paddle hangs over the main bar.. The writer was a guest of the hotel.