I’ve just returned from a five day stint in Fiji and I have some awesome news to report:
I think I just found Paradise. Spread the word, homies.
Think: Turquoise waters lapping gently at the edge of sandy beaches and jungle-covered mountains. Blue skies and green palm trees. Luxury villas. Big smiles and even bigger hearts. Sunshine. Hammocks. Lobster. Cocktails. Coconuts.
I’m pretty sure I died and went to heaven for a week.
Fiji is a place where you can actually design your holiday to meet your specific needs, and it will rise to the challenge and smash your expectations out of the ballpark.
The very essence of the island is just magical. I was overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness of the people I met, the stunning accommodation, and the laid-back vibe of this tropical haven that runs smoothly (if not a little slowly) on the widely-maintained notion of ‘Fiji Time’ where an hour can stretch out to two or three depending on how many cocktails you’ve had.
After only a few hours in Fiji, I had fallen hopelessly under its spell and was already in love with this tiny slice of island heaven. So if you’re contemplating your next holiday destination and need some convincing, read ahead and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Fiji too.
1. It’s Only a 4-Hour Flight Away.
For us Aussies, the idea of going abroad for a holiday means three things: Expensive plane tickets, long flights and crippling jetlag. This is the downside to living in a unique continent/country combo located almost at the bottom of the world, with no landlocked adjacent neighbors.
However, the beauty of Fiji is that it is only a relatively short plane ride away from most major Aussie cities, with a flight that is long enough to make you feel like you’re going overseas, but short enough that the journey is bearable. If purchased early enough, direct flights can cost as little as couple of hundred dollars each way.
With a short, pleasant four-hour flight and only a two-hour time difference, there’s no danger of developing any major jetlag. Seriously, it’s a win-win situation.
My Recommendation: Sign up to receive online newsletters and deals from airlines and travel affiliates so you can get first dibs on cheap flights. Remember: the earlier you book, the more you’ll save.
2. It is Home to the Friendliest People on the Planet.
Of all the countries in the world that I’ve had the pleasure of travelling to, Fiji is, without a doubt, the home of the most warm, welcoming and polite people to grace the face of the earth. For reals.
From the moment you step off the plane in Nadi and are greeted by a small ukulele-playing band of smiling Fijians, you will be overwhelmed (and humbled) by the genuine friendliness of all the people you encounter. Everywhere you turn, you’ll hear a welcoming ‘Bula!’ and see a smiling face just waiting to get to know you and offer you assistance.
From the transfer drivers to the hotel staff, local business people to random villagers, you will never encounter a nicer community of people than Fijians. They will welcome you into their homes – and their hearts – quicker than you can say ‘Vinaka’. The rest of the world could learn a lot from them.
My Recommendation: Book your transfers to/from Nadi airport with Pacific Destinationz. Our driver was an absolute gem who entertained us for the whole two-hour drive to the Coral Coast with his wonderful and informative commentary and friendly questions. Oh, and give awesome service the props it deserves and tip accordingly – believe me, they deserve it.
3. Beautiful and Affordable Accommodation Options.
Most people think that staying in a tropical paradise comes with a high price tag, and it can. However, if you look around early enough, you can find great deals at some of the premium four and five star resorts in Fiji.
I just spent five nights at the four-star Warrick Resort & Spa on the Coral Coast, and scored an awesome ‘Stay for 5, Pay for 2’ deal which lowered my travel costs significantly. With an amazing buffet breakfast provided daily and heaps of free activities on offer, all within the grounds of a tropical resort on the edge of a stunning aqua reef, I felt as if I’d hit the jackpot.
Throw in amazing food and cocktails; a quiet ‘Adults Only’ pool; and floating hammocks strung between towering palm trees, just waiting to rock you gently to sleep, and you have the best resort-style accommodation this side of the Coral Coast.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a loved-up couple, or with a few kids in tow, you’ll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs in Fiji; you just need to do your homework.
My Recommendation: For those staying at The Warrick who have children, request a room in the Nadi Wing so you are close to the activities club and kids pool. If you are travelling without rugrats (or aren’t a massive fan of the sound of children squealing and laughing), then request a room in the Suva Wing on the other side of the resort.
4. It is a Water-Lovers Paradise.
Scuba diving. Snorkelling. Freediving. Surfing. Stand Up Paddleboarding. Kayaking. Fishing. Swimming.
Whatever your underwater passion is, Fiji is sure to deliver the goods. Think: pristine turquoise waters filled with a diverse ecosystem of creatures and coral formations, shipwrecks and reefs. With water temperatures in the mid to high-20s and amazing visibility that will have you counting the starfish that tickle your toes, Fiji is truly paradise for those who love to immerse themselves in the big blue ocean.
Believe me, after a few hours playing in these crystal waters you’ll never want to walk on dry land again.
My Recommendation: For scuba divers, book your dive trips through Aqua-Trek. Brendan and the crew are simply amazing, and the diving at Beqa Lagoon is nothing short of spectacular. For those who like to enjoy their water adventures in the shallows, make sure you take advantage of the free hire gear available at your resort and get among it.
5. There’s More to Fiji than Palm Trees and Happy Hour
As awesome as cocktails at 11am and room service at 11pm is, there’s more to Fiji than just the resorts.
Connect with the locals and participate in a Kava ceremony, while learning about Fijian culture and customs. Walk through a village and see how these incredible people appreciate and celebrate their community. Visit a local restaurant and treat yourself to a massive, juicy, freshly caught lobster (which will only cost you around AU$34), while you watch the sun set over the ocean. Dance in the sand at the resident nightclub, which resides at the site of an old run-down motel.
Whatever you think you know about Fiji is nothing compared to what you’ll experience if you just dare to venture beyond the luxury compounds. The people, the culture, the landscape, the food and the opportunity for adventure have all conspired to make your most wanderlusty dreams come true.
My Recommendation: Go exploring. Walk down roads, climb mountains, dive lagoons, wave to strangers, drink frosty Fiji Gold with villagers and eat at local restaurants (even if they look a little odd). Trust me, the best way to experience Fiji is not inside a luxury resort, but outside in the surrounding villages and communities.
Featured image by kyle post
