The picturesque country of Fiji (officially known as the Republic of Fiji) draws the attention of thousands of tourists from around the globe each year. Teeming with activities and offering endless striking views and vistas, a Fiji Island holiday is ideal for anyone wanting to get away from city life. Fiji is what is referred to as an archipelago, having more than 332 islands within its borders with the two most populous being Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Relaxing in Viti Levu
As tempting as it may be to climb aboard that next inter-island flight and explore as much of the 18,300 km of this country as possible, take a pause on the island of Viti Levu. Here you’ll be able to explore the suburban tourist town of Nadi and acquaint yourself with the typical Fijian lifestyle. There are a number of fun opportunities in the area, such as sky diving, browsing the open air souvenir market, touring the sacred Subar Maniya, or enjoying the gorgeous Denarau Beach where you can take a dip in the warm water of the ocean, play some volleyball, or simply people watch.
When planning your stay, consider staying outside of the centre of Nadi and head 15 minutes out to the Fiji Orchid Resort where you can stay in a “bure”. These unique Fijian-style bungalows feature glass walls that allow you to fully take in your surroundings.
Visit The Mamanucas
The Mamanuca Islands lay just northwest of Vitu Levu and are truly a sight to behold. Visitors can head out to these desolate islands of “Castaway” fame either by helicopter or you can climb aboard a boat and partake in a full day excursion where you can explore the jungle or walk along the rock speckled shore of the islands.
Revel in Beqa
Home to the Sawau tribe, travellers who want to fully immerse themselves in the Fijian culture must visit Beqa Island. Here visitors can stay at the Lalati Resort and Spa where you’ll be treated to a fire-walking ceremony and witness warriors step on the fiery embers of an “earth oven” (known as a “lovo”) while chanting “O-vulo-vulo!”
For those with a penchant for underwater sightseeing, Beqa is your go-to destination. Known as the soft coral capital of the world, the island is home to over 100 diving sites and offers divers the once in a lifetime opportunity to swim amongst seahorses, ghost pipefish, and blue ribbon eels.
Travel to Vanua Levu
Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, is more rural than Viti Levu and is home to several world class resorts such as the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort. Apart from being surrounded by sun baked beaches that beckon one to lay back and relax, visitors can dive alongside knowledgeable marine biologists and learn all about aquatic life and experience real village life with a tour of Nukubaluvu Village. Here you’ll be invited to take part in a gift giving ceremony (known as sevu-sevu) which is then followed by the traditional kava drinking and dance given by grass skirt wearing warriors.
Cool Off on Taveuni Island
Often referred to as Fiji’s Garden of Eden, over 80% of this island is protected within the country’s beautiful Bouma National Heritage Park. Filled with prehistoric ferns, extraordinary orchids, cascading waterfalls and natural water slides that slip into emerald pools, a day’s hike and swim on Taveuni Island is a great way to cool off after a fantastic trip to Fiji.
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