Island Hopper: Fiji

In celebration of Fiji Day on October 10, here’s a reminder why this beautiful slice of paradise needs to be on your bucket list 

From water-based exploration to world-class wellness programs, adrenaline-pumping adventures and parties in the middle of the Pacific, there are nearly as many reasons as there are islands in Fiji to visit, but here are 10 to whet your appetite.

1. EXPLORE THE SOFT CORAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Dive into happiness with Fiji’s colourful network of 4,000 square miles of coral reefs, including the world-famous Great Astrolabe Reef. With around 1,000 species of fish and several hundred types of coral and sponges, Fiji offers some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences in the world. Swim with manta rays and hawksbill turtles from April to September.

2. HAVE A FARM TO FORK EXPERIENCE

Many hotels around Fiji are adopting farm-to-plate or dock-to-dish experiences. Many are creating on-site vegetable and herb gardens for a more sustainable approach to their food and beverage offerings too. Hotels such as Nanuku Auberge Resort & Spa, Kokomo Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji, Namale Resort & Spa, Six Senses Fiji and Jean-Michel Cousteau Island Resort are utilising the lush tropical landscape in abundance to capitalising on what Fiji naturally offers.

3. BE AMAZED BY THE NATURAL BEAUTY

Ignore the postcards: Fiji isn’t just white sand beaches (although you’d be forgiven for thinking that’s all on offer). From waterfalls, lush tropical rain forests, rugged coastline and dramatic mountain tops, there’s so much to explore. There is a reason why Taveuni (the third-largest island) is known as the Garden Island of Fiji—80% of the island is covered by tropical rainforests, along with natural rockslides and even sand dunes – the Sigatoka Sand Dunes is something straight out of Arabian Nights.

4. FAMILY-FRIENDLY LOCALS

Teaching children the importance of connecting and contributing to the communities they visit while in Fiji is easy. Many of the island nation’s family-friendly experiences educate kids with hands-on activities based on local traditions and conservation projects, helping them to gain a greater perspective of life as a local. The Bula Club at Jean-Michel Cousteau Island Resort has a complementary award-winning programme focused on exploration and educational activities; the Little Treasures Kids’ Club at Treasure Island Resort includes daily turtle feeding displays for kids and ocean release. Nanuku Auberge Resort & Spa’s Lailai Adventure Club involves children in customary rituals that allows them to develop a more complex understanding of Fijian culture.

5. HANG LOOSE ON A SURF BREAK

the Coral Coast where other activities on offer include tubing and horse riding. But for those wanting to put their skills to the test, world-class Cloudbreak (which regularly appears on best and most challenging waves in the world lists), or Restaurants, also known locally as Cloudbreak’s ‘little brother’ are a couple of the best options for expert surfers. Seasonally May to October is the ideal time of year for surf, however there are incoming swells year-round.

6. STAY ON A PRIVATE ISLAND

With 333 islands in Fiji, it is no surprise that there is more than one private island you can call your own – for one night at least. Feel like a true castaway at an intimate private island resort while you enjoy seclusion in the middle of the South Pacific, with incomparable experiences at Vomo Island Resort, Wakaya Club & Spa, Dolphin Island and Yasawa Island Resort, to name a few.

7. PARTY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

A floating bar equipped with its own pizzeria, DJ, and water sport toys—this is what a party on the sea or Cloud 9 is all about. Located in the Mamanuca Islands, Cloud 9 lives up to its name: lounge on a daybed, go snorkelling, indulge in wood-fired pizza and fruity cocktails or jump off their two-storey bar into the crystal-clear waters. Cloud 9 is only a 45-minute boat ride from Port Denarau.

8. RESET AND RECHARGE

From personalised meal plans to spa treatments, herbal medicine and specialised workouts, a trip to Fiji will get you back on track to feeling like your best self. If you’d like some guidance along the way, sign up for a wellness programme, often run by the resorts. Six Senses Fiji has a wellness expert who guides guests through detoxing and meditation sessions; Nanuka Auberge Resorts Collection (voted number one Resort in Australia and the South Pacific by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards), has an on-site medicine man and wellness guru, while Vomo Island Resort has created VOMOfit, a free daily exercise programme for guests to follow during their stay.

You haven’t experienced happiness until you’ve experienced Fiji happiness

9. HAVE AN ADRENALINE-FILLED ADVENTURE

Spend the day away from the poolside lounge chair and sign up for some bloodpumping adventures! Whether it’s kayaking or rafting on the Navua River, jet boating up the Sigatoka River, or zip-lining through tropical rainforests, there are adventures for everyone of any age and taste. For more off-the-grid escapes, head to Kadavu or Taveuni to explore a taste of untouched Fiji.

10. GET ADDICTED TO THE BULA SPIRIT

You haven’t experienced happiness until you’ve experienced Fiji happiness. The 2017 Gallup International’s Happiness, Hope, and Economic Optimism Survey found that happiness was disappearing at a time when there’s never been more wealth in the world. The same survey also identified that people in Fiji were the happiest in the world. In Fiji, bula is more than just a greeting. It’s a wish for happiness, good health and the energy of life. You’ll hear “bula” everywhere you go in Fiji, and it’s impossible not to smile when you do.

Inspired to visit Fiji? Check out our tours here.