Say Hello or Welcome, Cheers or Good Health in Beautiful Fiji

| BY JARONE ASHKENASHI

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, lies the tropical paradise of Fiji. More than a beautiful destination, Fiji is a serene and relaxing archipelago where happiness finds you. Fijians are eager to welcome all with a warm “Bula!’ – which means hello, welcome, cheers or good health in Fijian – and share their home, culture and traditions. It is easy to understand why Fijians are known as the friendliest people in the world.

From their crystal-clear azure waters, perfect for breathtaking diving experiences, to miles of pristine beaches, for casting away your cares, to the ideal South Sea tropical climate, for year-round mid-60s to high-80s temperature – Fiji presents the perfect yearround vacation experience. Whether you are seeking romance, relaxation, cultural immersion, or a sea cruise, a trip to Fiji will immerse you in its many wonders and you will easily begin your journey to happiness.

SNORKEL

Fiji has something for every traveler searching for the ultimate vacation experience. The exotic destination can be easily reached with the island’s flag carrier airline, Fiji Airways, which offers nonstop, overnight flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu. Fiji Airways is a One World Alliance Partner and has several codeshare partners – including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines – making connections easy from anywhere in the US. Business class is available on all the nonstop flights to Fiji and the airline has a fleet of new A350 planes with business class seats that lay completely flat.

Fiji Airways offers attentive service to their guests. In the air, travelers are offered up to three courses of fine dining along a range of curated wines, spirits and a selection of gourmet cheeses, along with a full range of in-flight entertainment on individual screens. Depending on your route, other extras include complimentary lounge access and amenity kits (including Pure Fiji toiletries and other travel necessities), plus premium mattress toppers for a layer of added comfort and a good night’s sleep. Fiji Airways will also begin to offer a new nonstop flight route from Vancouver to Fiji starting November 25, which will operate twice a week.

KAVA_CEREMONY

Upon touching down at Nadi International Airport, the main international airport of Fiji, you are immediately welcomed with a warm “Bula!” The staff are eager to share their home, culture and traditions. This multiracial, multicultural island nation has certain customs that should be followed as a gesture of respect, but these practices also add another aspect to your Fiji holiday. When entering a traditional Fijian village, visitors should present a Sevusevu, which is a gift or offering, extended to the community as a ‘thank you’ for their hospitality. The root crop yaqona, otherwise known as kava, is a common gift that is well enjoyed by the village. When in a Fijian village, remove your sunglasses and hat, and always take off your shoes when entering a home. These small efforts go a long way. They will enhance your experience and these generous locals will treat you like you are one of their own.

TAVOLA 1

While there are numerous five-star hotels and exclusive resorts in Fiji, Tavola Villa is a must-experience on the second largest island of Vanua Levu. The luxe and private eightacre estate on the shores of Savusavu Bay can be reached via scenic helicopter transfer from mainland Nadi (approximately 75 minutes), or via private car transfer from the Savusavu Airport (approximately 15 minutes). Monica Laurence, an American entrepreneur who fell in love with Savusavu, transformed Tavola Villa into a chic, alluring oasis for international travelers. The family-operated retreat allows guests to design their own all-inclusive resort experience which includes continental breakfast, kayaking, snorkeling, yoga and daily housekeeping. Additional add-ons take the retreat to another level of luxury, such as private chef dinners, a custom stocked full bar, captained boat excursions, seaside massages and more. Accepting just one reservation at a time, the seven-building villa boasts three suites with five bedrooms and can comfortably sleep up to 10 guests. The villa even has an infinity pool with 270-degree views of Savusavu Bay.

Surrounded by a verdant jungle full of frangipani, hibiscus and red ginger, the villa is a sanctuary of minimalist design. The amazing and attentive staff, like Captain Jack who has tended to the property for more than five years, tailors your experience to match your desires. Offering a truly intimate and tranquil escape – the closest neighbor is a quarter mile away and the town of Savusavu is a 10-minute drive away – guests at the villa can enjoy lazy days on the manicured lawn or spend an afternoon playing at the villa beach. Dip in the sparkling infinity

pool, then discover nearby hiking trails and waterfalls in the lush jungle.

TAVOLA 2

While booking your stay at the villa, Monica and her team truly care to create a special experience for each guest. They will assist and coordinate your customized itinerary. You have your pick of activities on site at Tavola, including coconut bocce, volleyball, edible landscape hikes for local fruit and more. Start your morning with yoga at the villa on the native vesi hardwood decks, then join Captain Jack on the private boat to snorkel pristine reefs in Savusavu Bay and marvel at the colorful sky as the sun sets on the horizon.

Following check-in and settling into your vacation oasis, go on a tour of Savusavu town -affectionately known as the Hidden Paradise throughout Fiji - and the fresh air farmer’s market to pick up some extra supplies for your stay. One of the truly special experiences was having tea with 99-year-old Savusavu resident and historian Jean Brown. It was fascinating to hear from Jean about the town ’s early days of copra farming to the present day identity as a global destination for adventure tourism. The vintage charm of Savusavu is still evident, and the land and its people carry many stories.

TAVOLA 3

You’ll love to explore and experience all that Vanua Levu has to offer. The team at Tavola is delighted to arrange a variety of exclusive private experiences with local tour operators. Try stand-up paddle boarding, horseback riding on the beach and a volcanic hot springs tour. Then explore the KokoMana Chocolate Farm, hike the Vuadomo Waterfall and go for many leisurely swims. Relax at the Salt Lake and float on the incoming tide as you forget all your worries. Picnic at the Blue Lagoon or dive with Ocean Ventures in Natewa Bay to spot whales, dolphins, manta rays and exquisite coral gardens. While Tavola Villa offers a serene, personalized environment, Nadi is the gateway to bustling tourism in Fiji. Home to Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami, a Hindu temple, and The Garden of the Sleeping Giant, a 20-hectare garden with more than two thousand different kinds of orchids, the mainland city also provides a launching pad to several other exhilarating adventures. Head over to the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, one of Fiji’s hidden jewels and natural treasures. Go to Sigatoka Sand Dunes to see dunes between 65 and 200-feet tall in one of the world’s smallest national parks. And if time permits on your trip and you are looking to fully immerse yourself in the culture of the island, experience a Kava ceremony or fire-walking ceremony.

If there is adventure in your soul, Fiji is the place to indulge it!

| photos courtesy of Fiji Tourism