Fiji is made of 300 picture postcard tropical islands of impossibly white sand and coconut palms. The 300 islands range from tiny patches of land a few feet in diameter to the main island of Viti Levu (big island) that is 10,390 sq km. It is said that when the tide is out that there are over 700 islands in Fiji.
The most hospitable people in the world live in Fiji, making you feel incredibly welcome. When you walk down a street in Fiji everyone, even the dogs will say hello or “Bula!” the traditional Fijian welcome to you. Fiji is one of those countries that places a smile firmly on your face, that never leaves.
The people of Fiji are a mix of indigenous Fijian and Indian with a small minority with a Chinese background. One of the most famous Indo-Fijian’s is Vijay Singh one of the worlds most successful golfers. It seems that most Fijians with the last name of Singh claim him as a long lost relative.
It is this mix of cultures that gives Fiji some of the most incredible food in the Pacific. The fusion of Indian food mixed with Island ingredients, makes an delicious combination. My favorite is Chicken Curry in Coconut Milk with warm freshly hand made Roti. With a percentage of the population following Hinduism eating vegetarian is easy, with lots of tasty alternatives to meat.
Diving in Fiji is truly amazing, and is home to some of the most famous diving in the world, such as the Great Astrolabe Reef in Tavarua offering incredible walls of soft coral. Some of the deepest oceans in the world are around the islands of Fiji. If snorkeling is your thing, you can see the vibrant colorful fish just a few feet off shore, and snorkeling in the coral reefs is very safe as long as you are careful of the sharp coral.
If you get tired lying on of beautiful islands and beaches (is it possible?) you can explore the largest city in the South Pacific Suva. Suva is the capital and has a population of 358,500. A great place to go for duty free shopping or if you are hanging out for a cappuccino. Its colonial buildings are mixed with modern shopping plaza’s surrounding Suva Harbor. Definitely make time and visit the Hari Krishna shop (16 Prat Street, Suva) where they sell unquestionably some of the best ice cream you have ever tasted.
There is so much to do in Fiji; hiking, bird watching, surfing, golf, duty-free shopping, horse riding, sailing and fishing are so easily accessible. So if you are active or want to lie on the beach and read a good book, there is something for everyone.
Old Mill Cottage
47-49 Carnavon St, Suva, Fiji
Colonial style timber-boarded cottage – great for local dishes. Go there at lunch and see all the business men and government officials in their formal Sulu with shirt and tie. Local dish Palusami; Taro leaves cooked with coconut milk and corn beef is just too good for words.
Taunovo Bay Resort
Nestled on 2 miles of white sandy beach Taunovo Bay Resort is the personification of “luxury” in the South Pacific. Located along the “adventure coast” of Fiji the resort redefines beauty and privacy in its location, architecture and service.
When we arrived the initial drive into the resort was rather unassuming, however, upon reaching the security gate, we met with bright smiles and the signature “BULA” welcoming us to our hideaway. At each opportunity the staff at Taunovo Bay made every attempt to make us feel special and pampered.
Upon being escorted to our “Presidence”, a 4 bedroom mini-estate on ¾ of an acre of beach front property, we knew this was going to be a vacation to remember. Lavishly furnished each master bedroom has its own spa bath, home theatre, sitting areas and beautiful vistas of the ocean. The main house encompasses a gourmet kitchen, living room with sound system, and a media room. Each of these rooms have floor to ceiling windows that look on the the outside living areas, that include an infinity pool, spa and Balinese day beds. There is also a private plunge pool off of one of the master suites.
While the Presidence is a sprawling enclave, it also has a private, secluded feel because of how the tropical landscaping is carefully executed. You feel like you are the only inhabitants on the island, you’re a rock star who just bought their own private island.
Speaking of private islands the resort boasts its own just a 20 min boat ride away. The trip to Nanuku island takes you over the most breathtaking water I’ve ever seen. Varying hues of blue, green and purple, make up the ocean’s palette. The island while tiny, taking only about 20 mins to walk around, is perfectly situated for a day of snorkeling, or sunbathing. Its family friendly and the snorkeling is appropriate for all ages. Taunovo Bay has secured the exclusive use of Nanuku island, ensuring your own private slice of the South Pacific.
The resort boasts, a true “beach front” dining experience, with seating outside on the beach or inside for a more secluded meal. The cuisine is spectacular and you can even arrange for the chef to provide dinner for you from the comfort of your own villa. Concierge service, full service spa treatments, zip lining, snorkeling, kayaking, shopping or watching the breath taking Fijian sunset are just a few of the moments to enjoy and remember.
After four days it was hard to believe we had to leave our own private paradise. As they say at Taunova Bay, “stay a week… or stay forever.” I will take the latter.
Diving
With over 300 islands each with their own coral reef to some of the deepest trenches in the world, Fiji is a Mecca for divers. Diving operations are all throughout Fiji; however my recommendation is out from the Tavenui Islands. Where you can get to discover one of the most famous dive sites in the South Pacific, The Great White Wall. It is so named because of the unusual soft coral that inhabit the area. Starting at a depth of about 15 meters and continuing to over 65 meters underwater and is covered with an almost luminescent white coral tinged with lavender.
