Fiji Destination Guide
Fiji Holidays »
Escape the confines of everyday life in the tropical islands of Fiji, where numerous unoccupied islands are just a boat ride away. This diverse island haven stops the clock turning and lets you focus on finding that perfect holiday bliss. Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific, made up of a great sweep of azure, reefs, sand and forest.
Only about one third of the islands are inhabited, conjuring visions of a pure unexplored paradise. Viti Levu is the largest and most developed island, home to the capital Suva and international transit point Nadi (pronounced 'Nandi'), and many beachfront Fiji resorts. If you’re staying on Viti Levu, you’ll also have access to inland Fiji tours to explore waterfalls and lush forest areas.
Embrace Fijian culture during the…
- Bula Festival in July
- Coral Coast Sevens Rugby in November
- Bula Belly Dance Festival in September
Top Attractions
Fiji serves up a fine concoction of things to do, most of which make this a water-lovers' haven. If you go a little out of your way, you'll be rewarded with coral gardens, manta rays and turtles when you dive the Great Astrolabe Reef off the tiny southern island of Kadavu.
Keen surfers should head to the Mamanuca islands for waves of legend. The permanent six-metre wave 'Cloudbreak' off the coast of Tavarua is described by surf champion Kelly Slater as one of the most perfect waves he’s ever surfed.
The Yasawa and Turtle Islands are cited as having some of the best beaches in the region, while the shores of the Mamanucas are known for their starring roles in major Hollywood films including Cast Away, and the hit TV show, Survivor
Tap into your adventurous spirit with…
- Surfing or kite-surfing lessons
- Snorkelling in the Beqa Lagoon Reef
- Inland quad bike tours
Eat and Drink
Fiji restaurants and cafes with an emphasis on local cooking style will often use rice, sweet potatoes, taro, cassava, coconut and fish in their dishes. An example of a local dish is 'kokoda' – raw fish salad with lime juice, onions, chillies, carrots, tomatoes and coconut cream. Many Fijians use their hands when eating and it's common to sit on the floor.
If you try the ubiquitous local drink kava, you won't forget it in a hurry! Made from the root of a plant that's a member of the pepper family, it makes your lips and tongue tingle and head feel especially light. Known more as a social lubricant than for its taste, kava plays a central role in Fijian life.
Share the culture with your taste buds by…
- Drinking Kava: a natural sedative
- Eating taro leaves with coconut cream
- Trying raw fish with coconut
Where to Stay
Fiji accommodation varies across the islands from swish 5-star resorts with all inclusions, to budget accommodation and local bures. The global players like Shangri-La, InterContinental, Westin, Radisson, Hilton and Ridges are all here, and several of these are only a short transfer from Nadi Airport.
Bures, or Fijian bungalows, can be found throughout the archipelago – some are more secluded than others – including Viti Levu, Malalo Island, Castaway Island, Turtle Island, the Yasawas and Mamanucas. Fijians love children and are very family oriented, but there are adults-only resorts catering to couples who want to get away sans little ones.
For a secluded stay try...
- Yasawa Island Resort – just 18 bures
- The Wayaka Club – popular with celebrities
- Vomo Island – a range of villas
Shopping
While you won't end up with tangible goods, you will have a heavenly experience when you purchase a good pamper treatment. Fiji's top resorts usually come with an on-site spa stocked with delicious-smelling lotions and potions and ready hands to help you unwind with a massage.
A Fiji shopping list might also include South Sea pearls and local crafts from the Nadi and Suva craft markets, held every day except Sunday. You can buy a little leisure in one of Fiji’s massage huts, day spas or famous mud baths.
Spoil that special someone with…
- Day cruises to secluded islands
- Couples treatments at Frangipani Spa
- Mystery flights to exotic destinations
Fiji like a Local
When you take advantage of cheap flights to Fiji and start to explore this part of the South Pacific, you'll get an introduction to 'Fiji time'. It's the same as 'island time' – things happen, when they happen. Why rush? You're surrounded by beautiful scenery, friendly locals and tropical ocean.
Once you’re relaxed you’ll be well on your way to seeing Fiji like a local. With white beaches and sparkling blue water, Fiji is also the perfect place to try your hand at water activities such as diving, kayaking, spear fishing or a leisurely cruise on a sail boat.
Hire a snorkel and take a dive at...
- The Somosomo Strait
- Rainbows End's excellent coloured corals
- Navini & Matamanoa (great for beginners)
