A new chapter in luxury island dining connects global culinary talent with Fiji’s rich hospitality culture, creating a quiet culinary icon in VOMO Island, Fiji.
VOMO Island, Fiji’s new Culinary Immersion Series is an ongoing programme welcoming internationally acclaimed chefs to the private island resort for a series of collaborative culinary experiences designed to inspire guests and elevate the resort’s evolving food philosophy.
Set against the backdrop of VOMO’s private island sanctuary, the series invites elite chefs from around the world to work alongside VOMO’s kitchen brigade in immersive residencies focused on creativity, technique, mentorship and cultural exchange.
More than a guest chef appearance, each Culinary Immersion is designed to leave a lasting legacy on the island.
At the centre of the programme is the new Showcase Menu, presented each Monday evening at VOMO’s adults-only restaurant, The Rocks. Inspired by the most recent Culinary Immersion, the menu remains available for three months, allowing guests to experience dishes, techniques and flavour profiles born from the collaboration before the next chef arrives to begin a new chapter.
The inaugural Culinary Immersion took place from 15–17 May 2026 and welcomed internationally renowned Sydney chef Nelly Robinson of NEL Restaurant.
Known for his imaginative storytelling approach to fine dining, Robinson collaborated closely with the VOMO culinary team to deliver three distinct experiences across the residency:
- The NEL Degustation — a signature tasting experience showcasing NEL’s acclaimed creative style and flavour-driven approach to modern dining.
- NEL Uncovered: A Masterclass — an intimate hands-on culinary masterclass offering insights into Robinson’s techniques, creative process and philosophy around flavour and presentation.
- The NEL Chapter: The Rocks — a collaborative degustation experience blending NEL’s signature style with VOMO’s island-inspired cuisine and local influences.
The partnership also inspired the first Showcase Menu to be served at The Rocks Restaurant over the coming months.
Chef Nelly Robinson said the experience was as much about collaboration and shared creativity as it was about the food itself.
“For me personally, the greatest enjoyment I had from the VOMO team was seeing them so excited to have something so new and unique for their island, and seeing ingredients which show them how we use the earth and surroundings around them,” Robinson said.
“Being able to show people a different way of cooking and using their mindsets in a different way really was the best thing I experienced on the trip.”
Robinson also reflected on the collaborative spirit of the VOMO team and the influence the island environment had on the culinary experience.
“What I learnt from the team is, you never stop learning. They taught me many different things — not just the way they do service but most importantly that teamwork is the best thing in the world. The way we all came together allowed us to create the best experience for the guests at VOMO.”
“The dishes were so special because the surroundings we were in became part of the presentation, the same way I do in Australia. Being able to use coral, fallen palm trees, wood and shells to serve the food on was very exciting.”
“The guests thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the team enjoyed it and so did I. We can’t wait to return.”
VOMO Island, Fiji General Manager Leon Pink said the new Culinary Immersion Series further strengthens the resort’s reputation as one of the South Pacific’s most exciting luxury culinary destinations.
“Dining has always been an important part of the VOMO experience, but this series takes that commitment to another level,” Pink said.
“The Culinary Immersion Series allows us to bring some of the world’s most creative culinary minds to our island, not only for our guests to enjoy, but also to inspire and mentor our team in meaningful and lasting ways.”
“Each immersion leaves a legacy — from new techniques and creative ideas through to dishes and experiences our guests can continue enjoying long after the residency ends.”
“VOMO has built a reputation for exceptional hospitality in an extraordinary setting, and this series continues to cement our position as a culinary icon of the South Pacific.”
The Culinary Immersion Series forms part of VOMO’s broader vision to continue evolving its luxury guest experience while remaining grounded in the warmth, intimacy and authenticity that define the island.
Future Culinary Immersion collaborations and visiting chefs will be announced throughout the year.