ADVENTURERS

Beyond Fiji’s indolent resorts lies a string of little explored islands, atolls, rivers and rugged mountain interiors. From the little-known islands of the north to the country’s far south – home to the world’s third-biggest barrier reef – the ‘real Fiji’ awaits offering adventure in spades.

+ Must-do

Experience shark dives in Beqa Lagoon, surf the legendary Frigates Pass, zipline through a rainforest canopy, experience white-water rafting or join an off-road cave safari where you wade by lantern light through Fiji’s largest cave system.

Snaking pristinely through volcanic gorges and shielded by lush rainforest, the Navua River offers challenging rapids (class II and III) and crashing waterfalls. Don helmet and pilot your paddle to brave the rushing whitewater, which is hemmed by forest including huge banyan trees and gigantic green palms. Be serenaded by the chorus of the rainforest during sedate pauses where the river carries you along.

Surfing in Fiji continues to gain momentum with the opening up of formerly inaccessible world-class breaks including Cloudbreak – a perfect left-hander – and the left reef break of Restaurants in the Mamanuca archipelago, formerly accessed exclusively by Tavarua Island Resort guests. An easy paddle from Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa offers an excellent year-round right break suitable for both beginners and more experienced surfers, while Plantation and Castaway islands offer day trips to Wilkes Passage, Desperations, mini Cloudbreak, Namotu Left, Restaurants and Swimming Pools. Meanwhile, the offshore Frigates Pass, also known as the Fiji Pipeline, is a heavy left-hand barrel in Beqa Lagoon accessible to surfers staying on the Coral Coast.

Also in Beqa Lagoon, experience world-class diving in a pristine marine reserve including a renowned shark dive where you can see up to eight species of sharks.

Alternatively, challenge yourself to cross-island hikes that include swims in secret waterfalls or get down and dirty at the Sabeto Hot Spring and Mudpool.

Visitors to these geothermal hot springs just outside Nadi are covered head to toe in rich volcanic mud. After drying off in the sun, you enter a muddy pool where most of the rich brown mud is washed away, leaving your skin feeling silky-soft. Afterwards, bathe in a clear spring that is the temperature of bath water.

+ Stay

The award-winning Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort sprawls across 16 hectares with meandering paths, tall swaying palm trees, a vast lagoon swimming pool, a hilltop spa and five adults-only zones. Located on the Coral Coast, it’s within easy reach of Pacific Harbour, aka the Adventure Capital of Fiji. On offer are contemporary, air-conditioned rooms and thatched bures with vaulted masi bark-lined ceilings and luxurious double hammocks. A talai (butler) service is offered for guests staying in the 47 bures and deluxe ocean-view rooms, while the resort runs an excellent community outreach program.

Nanuku Resort and Spa is an all-villa, boutique resort with a private clubhouse that melds contemporary luxury with traditional Fijian design. Set in lush tropical gardens on the pristine waters of Beqa Lagoon, personal butlers, private nannies and tailored experiences – ranging from epicurean dining and food and medicine walks through to picnics on your own private island – are part and parcel of the Nanuku experience. Pacific Harbour lies conveniently at Nanuku’s doorstep for adventures beyond the resort.

Just off the island of Taveuni, adultsonly island getaway Matangi Private Island Resort offers 12 chic rooms and jungle treehouses, a secret cove known as Horseshoe Bay listed in 1,000 Places to Visit Before you Die, an inviting pool and a dreamy overwater spa. Go kayaking, paddle boarding or snorkelling in the pristine and secret bay. The resort is close to Fiji’s renowned dive site, the Somosomo Strait, famous for its coral Great White Wall and the Purple Wall, while on the nearby lush island of Taveuni, aptly named the “Garden Island”, you can slide down a gushing waterfall and stand on the spot where, had it not been diverted around Fiji, the International Dateline would have divided the island into separate hemispheres.

+ Don’t miss

Join a fascinating off-road cave safari with Sigatoka River Safari. Participants on this adventurous tour wade through kneedeep water by hurricane lantern through Naihehe Cave, Fiji’s largest cave system. Deep inside the 170-metre cave remains a gruesome reminder of Fiji’s cannibal past – a cannibal oven, a ritual platform and the sacred priest chamber. On Navo Island, accessible from the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, is another cave where women and children used to hide during tribal wars or cyclones. After exploring the cave, head to Natadola (possibly Vitu Levu’s best beach) and take a sunset ride on horses from the local village.

Ready, set, action Anti-clockwise, from main: South Sea Island, Mamanucas; go snorkelling with sharks on a South Sea Cruises’ day cruise; rainforest zipline tour; a Sigatoka River Safari; Beachfront Villa, Nanuku Resort; Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.