The skies have a thousand tales to tell. Learn how they’re interpreted in Fiji during this after-dark experience.

There are many reasons to come to Fiji, and several reasons to stay at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. But sitting here on my beanbag bed listening as my guide, Aborisio Liga (aka Abo), talks about the history, myths and legends of the skies while the Milky Way floats above us, I know that this is the very best one.

With the convenience of being on the main island of Viti Levu, and the island feel of being built around a man-made lagoon, the Momi Bay resort offers a Fijian getaway spent relaxing on the beach, indulging in a little with a signature cocktail at the resort’s swim-up bar and incredible sunset views from an adults-only infinity pool. And while it does offer adult-only spaces, this is really a family- or at least group-centric holiday.

After-dark experiences

To bring colder nights to life, Marriott Bonvoy launched a curated new collection of after-dark experiences across its hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Each designed to turn winter travel into a joy of its own, the experiences invite local discovery and immersive, experience-led stays.

Think intimate dining under the night sky and private harbourside cinema moments, to wellness rituals and stargazing domes. It’s all about discovering something unexpected after dark.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay’s Stargazing Dome

At the North Point of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, I sat down with Abo to talk about the night sky above us and Fijian storytelling. We started the night inside a private glass dome, where I was served a fruit plate and sparkling wine while waiting for the clouds to part. It was a great place to get acquainted with Abo, who assured me the skies would clear in about half an hour.

In the meantime, I was told about the use of the night skies by Fijians, even today.

“Our ancestors used the stars to navigate," Abo shared. “Even now in the outer islands, they still use the Southern Cross and other stars to navigate and move from one island to another. It’s very helpful because they won’t always have access to a proper compass."

“Another way the skies were used was to indicate the different seasons: the season for planting, the season for harvesting, the season for germinating the seedlings. They all depended on the position of the stars, the moon and nature to let them know, instead of a calendar."

And not just seasons. Nature was an essential early indicator of upcoming weather – especially to prepare for weather anomalies like tropical cyclones.

“We were taught that when birds nested on the ground and flew inland, it was a sign they were escaping strong winds. Trees would also start to bear more than the usual amount of fruit: the tree was telling us we should store more food because in the next few days or weeks there would be a cyclone coming. Just a few days later, all the fruit and leaves would drop, ready for the cyclone."

About this time, as Abo predicted, the night skies opened up. We moved outside the dome for a better view of the stars, now twinkling above us. As the sounds of The Macarena washed over us from a wedding reception held at the hotel, we spotted the Iribuli (hand fan). And the Scorpio. And the third brightest star. But it’s the sparkly blanket of the Milky Way that, as always, steals the show.

“The Milky Way is the road to the afterlife," Abo added.

The details

Availability: Available year-round, with winter (May to October) offering optimal stargazing conditions.

Booking: Reservations required, minimum 24 hours in advance, confirmed four hours prior and subject to weather conditions.

Price: From around $95 per experience, with optional premium beverage add-ons available.

How to book: Available exclusively to in-house guests via the resort team prior to arrival or during their stay.