Message from the Publisher

Welcome to Fiji and 2020 – a new year, new decade and the opportunity to embrace new things. In this edition we open with a colourful pictorial on sunrise, Mother Nature’s astonishing display of the first rays of sunlight and an inspiring start to the new day. To witness this daily miracle is worth getting up early. You’ll be happily saying (as much as hearing) the greeting “Yadra / Good Morning” while you are in Fiji, one of the first and best places in the world to welcome every new day. (Page 4.)

In the pages ahead, our features and articles touch on a familiar and vital theme: sustainability.

The 2020’s is looking to be the decade of sustainability as it sits front and centre of policies and plans. Increasingly, we see more tourism stakeholders advocating to protect Fiji’s unique marine and coastal environment, while at the same time companies across many sectors are taking strides to lower their environmental impact. With the urgency of climate change weighing heavily on our lives, we must do much more; there has never been a better opportunity to do what’s right for the planet and local communities than today. Our front cover features a Nukubati Private Island staff with a healthy mud crab (qari) caught in mangroves using traditional, sustainable methods; one of many Fijian experiences on offer at the ultimate chic-eco resort in Vanua Levu. Nukubati has become trendsetters in environmental sustainability. (Page 8). In the culinary space, watch for the hot new opening by celebrity chef Lance Seeto of his very own restaurant KANU, where the menu will combine traditional Fijian gastronomy with modern techniques and influences from across the Pacific region. (See page 12).

While holidaying in Fiji, a must-try is a traditional lovo - root crops, meat and vegetables neatly wrapped and cooked in an earth oven. Our featured recipe (page 19) is in keeping with sustainability: Root Vegetable Fritters.

Fiji: Art & Life in the Pacific - the first substantial project on the art of Fiji to be organised in the United States of America - is currently on show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). See our feature spread on page 24.

Are you a history or WWII buff? Someone who enjoys historic parks? A rum lover or connoisseur? How about a grog (kava) swiper? We have fresh and enticing articles, plus a spread on entertainment in Suva. There is also a calendar of events, useful information, our Fiji Map and popular Isa Lei page. Whether you are a first time or frequent visitor, or have Fiji on your 2020 bucket list, we hope you create memorable experiences and share them with family & friends.

Vinaka Vaka Levu, Connie

Cover image: Nukubati Private Island staff Leniana Dibe catches mud crab (qari) for the resort’s kitchen. Photo: James Sloan.

Volume 18, Issue 1

EXPLORE Fiji is an award-winning complimentary Fiji tourism magazine ~ available in print and online. EXPLORE Fiji’s latest magazine issue and archives: www.explorefijionline.com

Published four times a year by Chew Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd in Suva, Fiji Islands.

Publisher/Editor Connie Chew

Contributors ©Joliphotos Robin Yarrow Colin Chung Lance Seeto Infinity Images Fiji James Sloan Adi Nacola Hugo Fox Rowly Emmett Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Design The Greenhouse Studio

Printer Quality Print Pte. Ltd, Suva

EXPLORE Fiji Office: Suva, Fiji. All correspondence and payments should be mailed to: Chew Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd GPO Box 901, Suva, Fiji.

Editorial, Print & Digital Advertising / Marketing, Distribution & General Enquiries Tel: 332 0978 explorefiji@connect.com.fj

Message from the Publisher