Islandliving Fiji
from the editor
AUTUMN 2016 | ISSUE 15
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i j i F , g n i v i r d , g n i n
Di e r u t n e v d a &
ext issue, we will be celebrating four years of Pacific Island Living. We started this magazine for Pacific people – to find, review and recommend things to see and do, and ultimately, buy. We are proudly an aspirational magazine, we want our readers to sit back and indulge just as much as we want to tell the world how great the Pacific really is. From Georgie Gordon’s health and beauty columns, to Carolyn Ernst’s gardening tips, we hope you agree Pacific Island Living has something for everyone. In four years our market has grown from Vanuatu and Nauru Airlines to cover most of the Pacific. We’re particularly proud of our market share in Fiji and the Solomon Islands as well as our distribution in Australia through Qantas Club lounges. As I write this column I’m in Fiji, having just flown in from Vanuatu. Next month it will be Nauru then the Sollies. Pacific Island Living truly is a Pacific magazine and we’re so pleased you have enjoyed it and helped its growth over the last four years. Please do keep in touch via our website, Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter. Happy reading. Tiffany Carroll
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and Instagram at instagram.com/pacisliving or read this and all our magazines online at www.pacific-island-living. com Cover images - Fiji Island Living courtesy Adrenalin Fiji; Solomon Island Living, by David Kirkland; Nauru Airlines Cover courtesy Nautilus Resort, Kosrae; Vanuatu cover courtesy Pavol Stranák.
NEWS+VIEWS RESORTS+REAL ESTATE
Copyright: All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Articles express the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of Nauru Airlines, Tourism Fiji, Vanuatu Tourism Office or Pacific Island Living.
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FOOD+HEALTH+MORE islandliving | 1 pacific
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Ni Sa Bula
PICTURE: Tourism Fiji
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he heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is blessed with approximately 333 tropical islands that are home to happiness. Recently recognised as one of the Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet, Fiji offers so much more than an island paradise. Famous for its soft coral diving, white sand beaches and pristine natural environment Fiji is a leader in eco-tourism. For business travel there is no better place halfway between North America and Asia. Weddings and honeymoons in Fiji are a dream of a lifetime, and families and children have a special place here. The inhabitants of modern Fiji are of indigenous Fijian background, as well as of Indian, Chinese and European ancestry. Indigenous culture has shaped the nation and is an active and living part of everyday life for the majority of the happy folk that live here. Our unique blend of cultures can be seen throughout Fiji, and in virtually every aspect of your stay from the food, festivals, rituals and the arts.
Various crafts give Fijians a unique identity that along with traditional etiquette and local architecture tells a story of a rich culture and its evolution over time. Historical artefacts and documents that depict this story are preserved and displayed within museums and protected as National Heritage Sites. One such site is the first colonial capital of Fiji, Levuka. The town symbolises a period of influence on the country’s development, deemed so significant to the region, this quaint little port town and her buildings were proudly protected under UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2013. Many more of Fiji’s cultural structures have withstood the test of time to remain an integral symbol of important moments in Fiji’s history. Kava drinking for example, synonymous with life in the South Pacific, is still very much a part of life in Fiji. It is likely that you will be invited to join a kava ceremony during your stay. After the formalities, this is a wonderful way to make new friends and learn a little more about their country. Dig a little deeper and see what you can discover!
Islandliving | 1 Fiji
Adrenalin Fiji’s Bel Mare offers wedding packages, luxury cruising and snorkelling day trips. A great way to see the islands.
Fiji: The Facts We have two seasons: warm and even warmer. It’s a sunny, tropical climate that’ll wash the winter chills from your bones. That doesn’t mean it never rains here, but you can expect May to November, our cooler months, to range from 19° to 29°C. And from December to April, the temperatures move up the register to range from 22° to 33°C.
Geography
Fiji is a very hospitable land of blue-green lagoons, lush rainforests, pine forests, mountains and 1,666 kilometres (1000 miles) of white sand beaches spread over 300 islands scattered across 18,270 square kilometres (11,350 square miles) of ocean.
Time Zone
Straddling the 180th meridian, Fiji has frequently been called ‘the crossroads of the Pacific’. In fact, the International Date Line has been adjusted so that the entire archipelago falls into the same time zone, 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. From November to February Fiji moves one hour ahead with its own daylight savings.
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Population and language
Fiji’s population is approximately 837,000 made up of indigenous Fijians, Indians, Chinese, Europeans and South Pacific Islanders. English is the official language with Fijian and Hindustani also spoken.
Religion
Fiji is a multi-cultural nation with many religious beliefs. The people are primarily of the Wesleyan persuasion. Various protestant denominations, Roman Catholicism, Hinduism and Islam are also represented.
Local customs
It is important to dress modestly when away from hotels and resorts and particularly when visiting a Fijian village. Avoid wearing a hat in a village, it is considered an insult to the village chief. It is also insulting to touch someone’s head. It’s best to not wear shoes if visiting someone’s house. When visiting a village it is customary to present an inexpensive gift of yaqona or kava to the ‘Turaga Ni Koro’, the traditional head of the village. Be prepared to shake hands and answer personal questions as to where you are from, whether married; and, if so, how many children.
PICTURE: Adrenalin Fiji, Port Denarau.
The temperature
Health
Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases. Inoculations are only required if travelling from an infected area. There is an effective medical system in place with government and privately run hospitals, clinics, surgical centres, dental services and pharmacies.
Phone calls and Internet
Fiji’s country code is +679. Many hotels and resorts have direct dialling facilities (IDD), and card phones are available in many shops and stores. Look for the Telecom call card signage on display. Fiji is well serviced by local mobile networks including Vodafone Fiji Limited, Digicel and Inkk Mobile. You can also arrange roaming status before travelling here as well as on arrival. Access to the internet and email is available in most parts of Fiji. In addition to sites at all major hotels, internet cafés are abundant in major cities and towns.
Currency and banking
The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of currency, available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. Normal banking hours are 9:30am to 4:00pm, Monday – Friday and 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays in selected areas. There is a 24-hour currency exchange service at the arrivals concourse at Nadi Airport. ATMs are located around the country and at larger resorts and hotels.
Bargaining
You’ll find many sophisticated retail outlets here, suitable for traditional tourist shopping. And if you venture a little further, you’ll discover fruit and vegetable markets, overflowing with produce, curio and handicraft vendors, Indian merchandise and specialty gift stores. It’s here that you might find yourself in a bargaining session over price. It’s all part of the experience, so go ahead and enter into the spirit of it.
Tipping
We don’t encourage tipping, but you may, if you wish, offer extra payment for an outstanding service.
Electricity
The electric current is 240 volts AC 50Hz. Fiji has threepin power outlets, which are identical to Australia and New Zealand. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 11v shavers, hair dryers and other electrical appliances.
Quarantine
To avoid the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases, we prohibit the importation of vegetable matter, seeds, or any animal product without a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests.
Taxes
A 15% Government Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable to all goods and services in Fiji. Visitors staying in hotels and resorts are subject to 5% Hotel Turnover Tax (HTT).
VAT refund scheme
The Fiji VAT refund scheme allows tourists to claim a refund (subject to certain conditions) of VAT paid on goods purchased in Fiji and taken out of Fiji via Nadi International Airport or Suva Wharf as the final port of departure to a foreign destination.
What are the conditions of the scheme?
To be eligible for a VAT refund under the Scheme, you must satisfy all of the following: Spend a minimum of FJ$500 (VAT Inclusive) in any of the approved licensed retailer outlets during your stay in Fiji and take the goods out of Fiji within two months from the date of purchase. Carry the goods with you as check-in baggage or hand luggage. Purchase the goods from an approved licensed retailer. You must ask the retailer for a refund form and a tax invoice(s) for goods purchased. So if you are spending over FJ$500 at Jacks, Tapoo etc make sure you ask them for the refund form. The licenced retailer must complete the form and attach receipts.
Customs duty and duty free concessions
A bona fide passenger disembarking in Fiji is entitled to the following duty and VAT free concessions: Dutiable goods accompanying passengers (other than alcohol and tobacco products) not exceeding FJ$1,000 in value. Goods that are owned by passengers and not intended as gifts or for sale – personal effects, household effects for returning residents or intending residents, articles taken out of Fiji on departure on which duty and tax have been paid. Every passenger 17 years and over can bring into Fiji the following goods duty and VAT free, provided they are accompanied and not for sale: • Cigarettes, not exceeding 250 sticks or • Cigars, not exceeding 250 grams net weight or • Tobacco not exceeding 250 grams net weight or • Any combination of (1) to (3) above, provided the total net weight does not exceed 250 grams • Spirituous liquors not exceeding 2.25 litres or • Wines, not exceeding 4.5 litres or • Beer, not exceeding 4.5 litres or • Any combination of the goods in paragraph (5) to (7) above, provided that the combination does not exceed the equivalent quantity under any one paragraph • Other dutiable goods, not exceeding F$1,000 in value.
Islandliving | 3 Fiji
out and about
Tours, Tips and Trips Nadi & u a r a n De
From luxury cruising to game fishing and parasailing, Adrenalin Fiji has something for everyone. Lulu at Denarau - great food, great
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ADRENALIN FIJI Adrenalin Fiji celebrated its 10th birthday on 23 December 2015 and released some amazing deals to share the celebration. Adrenalin is Denarau’s favourite water sports company, operating from the Port and several resorts. From parasailing to cruising, Adrenalin has it all. Bel’Mare is available in 2016 for daily scheduled cruising, so join the Adrenallin team for the best all-inclusive offer including snacks and lunch prepared fresh by the onboard chef, drinks including local beer, NZ white wine, Rose, Champagne, soft drink, bottled water and the use of water-toys including jet skis, snorkelling equipment and paddle boards.
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Weddings
For a wedding with a difference, combine your wedding and reception onboard Bel’Mare. Simple and elegant, suited to small private groups, stand-up wedding and cocktails for 30 guests or seated meal for 10-20 guests. Theming, is optional, catering is flexible and the setting ... perfect. Shallow water cruising in the protected area of the Mamanuca Islands – is there anything better? Times are flexble – combine a morning wedding with brunch and a swim or a sunset wedding ceremony with a cocktail cruise.
Proposals
Adrenalin Fiji has set up the perfect scene to pop the question ... a message in a bottle on the jet ski safari, or arriving at Cloud9 on RivOne with a sign popping the question. For proposals with a difference ask the friendly team at Adrenalin.
Hens’nBucks
Adrenalin also has perfect solutions for wedding group fun and adventure in. Jet ski safaris for up to 40 people, game fishing for six to 18 anglers, boat charters for up to 65 guests or private snorkelling trips for up to 20 people. Whatever you choose, there’s something to ensure your special day will be remembered.
Denarau is purpose built for an easy holiday. Combining Fijian charm with plenty to see and do, it’s no wonder tourists return here year after year. Some of our favourites include Cardo’s at Port Denarau (the original and the best), Adrenalin Watersports at several locations, Lulu’s for great coffee and Sushi and the Rhum Ba, for ... you guessed it ... rum.
Fiji, it’s the adventure capital of the Pacific. From adrenalin-fueled sports and adventure to river kayaking and nightclubs, there’s something for everyone.
service (below) and; Mamanuca Express - takes the hassle out of transfers.
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LULU Locals love Lulu’s and for good reason – the food is great and it’s affordable. Having resisted the tempatation to mark up, it’s no tourist trap, rather good quality food and service. Lulu’s philosophy is to use only the best quality ingredients available, prepared in simple yet delicious recipes, and served with friendly Fijian service and a smile. Open daily, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner; the menu has something for everyone. Renowned for in-house roasted coffees, fresh fruit juices, burgers and made to order sushi. From the bar you can expect icy cold beers, a
selection of wines or an exciting cocktail such as an Espresso Martini or a Mojito. Lulu’s is the ideal place to meet old friends for a couple of drinks, make new friends while you watch the world go by, or just enjoy a good meal with fair prices and portions. http://www.lulubarfiji.com
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MAMANUCA EXPRESS Having airport transfers at your convenience is not something usually open to the masses. It’s normally a set transfer time and one must fit in with others. And then there’s Mamanuca Express – Fiji’s premier water taxi service operating from Denarau Marina throughout the stunning Mamanuca Islands. The water taxi service
offers greater flexibility to those arriving or departing on flights outside of scheduled ferry services. They also specialise in fishing charters as well as private or corporate cruises which are tailor-made to meet your individual requirements. The company operates three fast transfer vessels which provide smooth and reliable transfer services to all resorts from Port Denarau Marina. A team of experienced and friendly staff maintain a strong commitment to high safety standards and customer satisfaction combined with awesome local knowledge of the islands. Avoid having to book additional bus transfers and
hotel accommodation due to late arrivals or early morning flight connections. The 24-hour water taxi service gives you a safe, fast and reliable direct link to the Mamanuca resorts on your schedule, allowing you an extra night on your island resort. Beat the queues and the hustle and bustle of traditional ferry schedules and ride in style and comfort on your personal cruise and direct to your island resort. They can also arrange pick up and drop off connections to and from Denarau Marina and Nadi International airport. The water taxi service caters for individuals, couples and groups of two up to 30 people, ideal for all occasions. Arrive in style!
Islandliving | 5 Fiji
out and about
Tours, Tips andCoTrips ast l a r o C & Suva
For caffeine lovers a visit to Fiji Coffee is not to be missed, (left), nor is the fabulous Rivers Fiji tour
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FIJI COFFEE Fiji Coffee began operations in 1988, the brain child of two thirdgeneration Fijians, Greg Lawlor and Neil Underhill, who saw a need for locally manufactured coffee. They also recognised that Fiji had huge potential for tourism to grow even further, with the right support from the private sector by offering Fijian made products to international visitors. “Not only could we promote Fiji as the holiday destination, but a destination that could also offer its guests a true taste of the islands,” they say. Prior to 1988, 100% of coffee supplied to the hospitality/tourism sector was imported from either New Zealand, Australia or
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America. Around the same time Carpenters Fiji embarked on an ambitious project in Taveuni to grow their own coffee beans. The Fiji Coffee Company partnered with Carpenters to supply all their green beans for roasting, blending, grinding and packaging in the Fiji Coffee factory in Wailada, Lami, where they still remain today. The Fiji Coffee Company still sources green coffee beans from Taveuni today, however due to demand also uses the finest Papua New Guinea green beans. The beans are blended and roasted in Fiji and the factory employs over 30 people. So when you have a coffee – make sure it’s Fiji Coffee.
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RIVERS FIJI Rivers Fiji offers unique river and sea kayaking trips that are great for experienced veterans or first-time novices. The selection of trips provides an incredible opportunity to experience remote highland villages, dense tropical forests and the aqua-blue ocean alive with brilliant corals and wildlife. In 1998 – with the dedicated support of O.A.R.S. president and founder, George Wendt – Rivers Fiji was set up as a lowimpact commercial whitewater rafting operator on the Upper Navua River and kayaking trips on the Luva River. Working in consultation and collaboration with the native landowners along with government, a conservation area was established on the
Upper Navua River in 2000. The platform was set and after numerous attempts to consolidate the conservation area, the Upper Navua Conservation Area was recognsed by the Ramsar Convention in 2006 with the support of the Fiji government. Nestled in the highlands of the Serua province surrounded by thick and lush tropical rainforests and home to different species of freshwater fish, eels and other organisms is the Upper Navua River. They say “We at Rivers Fiji as joint custodians with the landowners will take you on a journey down through time and down the River of Eden where you will be spun back into the past with tales and historical facts from our
Suva and the Coral Coast have an enormous amount on offer to tourists who take the trip down the Queens Road from Nadi to Suva. Ther eare beaches, adventure tours and fine food.
(below). To experience award-winning cuisine head for the Outrgger Resort (right) and the Ivi restaurant.
friendly and qualified guides. Your safety is our concern and that is our priority to ensure you enjoy the thrills and beauty of the spectacular scenery.” Explore class two to three whitewater adventures aboard inflatable kayaks and whitewater rafts, experiencing some of Fiji’s most spectacular terrain by floating in relative comfort along two of the country’s premier liquid pathways. The Luva River trip is ‘five adventures in one’ as it takes you deep inside the Namosi Highlands, visits a village for a traditional kava ceremony with the chief, travels the river by kayak, takes you on a short hike to the tallest waterfall in the Namosi Province and finishes with an exhilarating ‘punt’ ride through the lower
Navua Canyon. The Uppder Navua Gorge excursion will take you through some of the country’s most formidable and beautiful terrain in the relative comfort of inflatable rafts. This is a special trip, not because of one unparalleled attribute upon which the success of the trip is based (the gorge), but many special and scenically significant places; each individually worthy of special recognition. There is not one waterfall but many (some say at least seventy); not one short stretch of deep, narrow canyon, but kilometres. Join Rivers Fiji for the trip of a lifetime but be warned – you will want to return for seconds.
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CHEF OF THE YEAR Outrigger Resort cleaned up at the Fiji National Salon Culinaire competition recently. Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s Executive Chef Shailesh Naidu said 13 of his chefs had won medals with a total tally of five gold, seven silver, four bronze and six first class prizes – making them top in their respective classes. Shameer Khan has been named Fiji Chef of the Year 2015, winning a gold medal, two silver and a bronze at the Moffat Fiji National Salon Culinaire competition. Shameer is the team leader at the Outrigger’s fine dining restaurant, Ivi. “It was a really tough competition, very challenging and I am really grateful for
this honour,” Shameer said. The 27-year-old from Kulukulu, Sigatoka, is the first chef in his family. He loves what he does and has been honing his skills with the Outrigger team for the past six years. He is looking forward to imparting what he learnt from the competition to other chefs at the resort. “I am very grateful to the Fiji Chefs Association and the whole Outrigger team for their continued support and motivation and am honoured to have been part of the competition,” he said. Shameer’s prize includes a scholarship to study culinary skills at Le Cordon Bleu, in Wellington. If you’re at the Outrigger, don’t miss the opportunity to eat the food of the best chef in Fiji.
Islandliving | 7 Fiji
out and about
Denarau DiningmbGuide oyant a fl o t r Five sta
Tatyana Leonov and Tiffany Carroll taste test the best on offer in Fiji’s popular Denarau area. Seafood to steak, sophisticated to simple.
F
iji’s gastronomy scene has matured as of late and visitors have an excess of local and international foods to choose from. Less than 10 kilometres from Nadi, Denarau Island is home to a cornucopia of resorts, most with fabulous restaurants that offer the ultimate in dining – lavish fine diners, elegant waterfront restaurants and casual poolside hangouts – it’s all there. Local chefs are getting creative with cooking styles, sometimes fusing modern techniques with traditional cooking methods, and international chefs are bringing their own experiences and adding it to the mix.
Flying Fish
At Sheraton Fiji Resort’s (sheratonfiji.com) al fresco waterfront Flying Fish restaurant (Peter Kurivita’s signature brand) Polish newcomer Pawel Klodowski is wowing customers with polished, tantalising dishes every night. Fijian seafood is prominently featured on the menu and à la carte dining is always popular, however now there’s a new concept for patrons wanting something a little bit different. Book for a Chef’s Table dinner and get up close and personal with the chefs. Private or communal, the idea is that guests
watch the chefs do their meticulous work and indulge in both a degustation and show.
V Restaurant
Just a stone’s throw away French chef Jean-Marc Ruzzene presents diners with a sophisticated French-inspired menu at the suave V Restaurant at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa (sofitel. com/Fiji-Denarau). Unlike the perennially busy Salt Restaurant which overlooks the gigantic family pool and the softly lapping waves of the calm see, step into V Restaurant and enter another realm, one where thatched roofs and palm fronds don’t exist, instead an elegant interior scheme of browns, crèmes and beiges dominates the elegant colour palette. Here everything is beautifully presented (think crisp table linen and beautiful menus), service always comes with a smile, and dishes whizz out looking like artworks. An out-ofthis world experience … in the tourist centre of Fiji.
Rhum Ba
The Yacht Club at Port Denarau went through a major upgrade last year culiminating in the opening of the Rhum Ba. Quality finishings, unmatched views from the top floor function
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and locals. It is a favourite of Fiji Island Living’s and we highly recommend it.
Chantara at Radisson
room and the best part of all – over 150 rums on offer set a new standard for sophistacated eating and drinking at the Port. Even if you’re not a rum drinker (and what would-be sailor can claim not to be?) the cocktail list is sophisticated and interesting. It’s not all about rum at the Rhum Ba, with late breakfast, lunch and dinner on offer too, there’s plenty to enjoy. Choices include local and imported seafood (oysters are the house specialty), tender beef cuts, spiced chicken, lamb, pasta and salads. The menu is all about what is fresh and what is best and the function room upstairs caters for more than 200 people. Perfect for parties, launch functions, weddings, you name it. We spent a couple of afternoons at the Rhum Ba (which led to a couple of evenings too) – the marina is full of activity, the people and boat watching, plus the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff at the Rhum Ba made it near impossible to leave.
You can smell it the moment you walk in to the Radisson Blu Resort. Thai spices and fresh herbs, coriander, chilli, sweet basil. I love Thai food, but authentic Thai – not the watered down version we tend to find outside of Asia – so was pleasantly surprised to find Chantara is exactly that – authentic. Chef Mickey had just returned from Thailand when we dined and he was excited to be back to share his new hand-picked spices, however he said many of his ingredients can be sourced at the local market. “They (the market sellers) don’t know what some of the stuff is used for, but I have been very surprised to find things such as lemongrass, galangal and small chillies here in Fiji,” he said. We had the Thod Mun Khaw Pood (corn cookies) followed by Kaeng khiew (green curry) and Massaman beef – all were delicious and bursting with flavour. Wines are well matched (and well priced for Fiji) and the service was possibly the best we have experienced in Denarau. Bookings essential for this popular restaurant.
Cardo’s
The thing that’s great about Port Denarau is after the cruise ships have departed, the shops have shut and the sun begins to set, the locals come out to play. The best known local is Richard (Cardo) Slatter, owner of Cardo’s Steakhouse. This fun, fiesty and flamboyant (well, perhaps well dressed is a better description) Fijian is the life and love of Cardo’s. A sharp wit and just as sharp a tongue, Cardo has been doing what he does best – restaurants and bars for longer than he cares to admit or remember. Cardo’s is famous in Fiji for its steaks and fish served on a sizzling hot plate. Fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, Chinese wok creations, cocktails, delicious desserts and daily specials. The Fijiian staff is fun and attentive, usually under the watchful eye of Cardo. The chefs select only the best prime New Zealand steaks, and have been doing it so well for so many years, the Kiwi meat exporters come to them daring to offer nothing but the very best. Cardo’s is laid back and casual; sometimes with a live band, sometimes sport on the big screen. It’s the sort of place you want to hang out with mates, or join a table of expats
Opposite page bottom left, the Rhum Ba is a sophisticated welcome to Denarau; the Sheraton’s five star Flying Fish offers private dining or dining with the chefs. This page above left, you have to meet Cardo during your stay – you’ll find him and the local crowd at Cardo’s. Above, Mickey from Chantara Thai at the Radisson - superb.
Islandliving | 9 Fiji
travel
Most resorts along the Queen’s Road offer true Fijian hospitality – including the chance to try kava.
Coral Coast Magic
P
robably one of the most driven roads on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu is Queens Road between Nadi, home to the international airport and Suva, the nation’s capital. This scenic highway takes in the island’s western and southern coastlines and passes through the renowned resort areas of the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour via Sigatoka. While the total distance is only 190kms and can be done in around three hours, it can also be taken at a more leisurely pace. On a recent ‘pub crawl’ down this easy stretch of sealed tarmac I took in half a dozen of the best resort hotels on the coast and wasn’t disappointed in any although each one offers individual style and facilities from family friendly to sophisticated and stylish. The starting point was the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa Hotel, which is among my favourite destinations in the Nadi area and great for both business and pleasure. The resort sprawls over several hectares of beachfront on the impeccably groomed Denarau Island and features 296 rooms, all of which enjoy private balconies and five-star inclusions. The resort is host to three restaurants, a café and a selection of bars. Indoors you can choose from the very chic V, the signature fine diner, while Lagoon is a familyfriendly buffet style room with live cooking stations and fresh island fare. Outside on the beachfront is Salt where you can
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sit under umbrellas sampling the local Indian and seafood specialties while watching the water-borne activities at the adjacent Adrenalin water sports facility. From here it is just a few steps to the enormous in-ground pool and lounging area. If you’re here on business then you’ll appreciate the comprehensive WiFi connectivity, the self-service business centre and the conference facilities. For details visit: www. accorhotels.com From here it was on to the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, about 50kms south. This self-contained slice of paradise sits on the shores of Natadola Bay, one of ‘the best beaches in the world’. Here you’ll find all the five-star luxury you’d expect from this chain as well as an 18-hole championship golf course which has twice played host to the Fiji leg of the PGA Tour of Australasia tournament. Apart from the beach and three pools, the choice of restaurants ranges from Navo which serves fine fare in elegant surroundings overlooking the lagoon, to Toba Bar & Grill which sits on the huge infinity pool adjacent to the beach and provides a relaxed and casual atmosphere accompanied by wood-fired pizza, burgers and grills. Or there’s Sanasana which sits alongside a refection pool and the old sugar cane rail track which threads its way through the resort. Here you
can enjoy buffet breakfasts, à la carte lunches or themed buffet dinners. Then there’s the higher altitude Vatu Lo Bar and Restaurant which sits atop the rise behind the main resort and adjacent to the golf course with stunning views over its own pool and the Pacific Ocean. And, as the name suggests, there is the inevitable spa which in this case is located in the serene and lush grounds and features a full menu of pampering and revitalising treatments combining Asian, Eastern and Western techniques. For bookings and more see: www.fiji.intercontinental.com
The Coral Coast
Another 50kms down the coast, just south of Sigatoka is Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa set on another white sand, palm-fringed beach. This boutique resort is on the Coral Coast and offers a selection of air conditioned bures and villas from deluxe beachfront to garden-view. Dining takes place by the pool overlooking the lagoon and the chef here cooks up selections that cater to all tastes from local to traditional international favourites and offers wine from a well-stocked cellar of Australian and New Zealand varieties. For evening drinks you can retire to the Coco Bar. Also on offer here are an array of activities from diving to fishing, snorkelling and surfing as well as kava ceremonies, fire walking displays, village tours and culinary cultural experiences where you’ll learn how to cook Fijian style in an underground oven of Lovo pit. See: www.hideawayfiji.com
Next stop is The Warwick Fiji which is only another 12kms down the road and part of a large international chain with several properties in the Pacific; this is a hotel of substance with a grand foyer and impressive entrance driveway. There are five unique restaurant choices, three bars and a romantic private island bure dining option. The culinary landscape covers Japanese, Italian, local seafood specialties, and the brasserie style Bula restaurant. Apart from the beach there are two pools, a kids’ club and a full suite of activities from kayaking and canoeing to fish feeding and glass bottom boat tours. There’s also a floodlit tennis court, two squash courts, a gym, an archery range, bicycle tours and village tours. For something more relaxing, there’s the spa set on the water’s edge where you can luxuriate in a range of treatments from aroma salt and milk baths to tropical manicures and pedicures using Pure Fiji and Pevonia Botanica products. So plenty to amuse the entire family. More can be found here: www.warwickhotels.com/fiji
Pacific Harbour
Twenty-minute’s drive towards Suva is the Pearl South Pacific Resort which has been around for a while and is undergoing a major expansion at the moment. This is due for completion any minute and will add 110 rooms and suites to an already impressive offering. You can choose from garden rooms, ocean view rooms or one of their six individually themed penthouse suites which take in views of the ocean
Islandliving | 11 Fiji
Coral Coast magic
and the nearby islands of Nanuku, Beqa and Yanuca. There is also access to their own championship 18-hole golf course. As the resort is located on the Beqa lagoon one of Fiji’s top dive sites, a bit of underwater activity is a must. At an additional cost guests can strap on their scuba tanks at Beqa Adventure Divers, located on-site which offers a range of PADI dive courses for both beginners and experienced divers. The dining options here are numerous with five restaurants or bars on the premises with a wide selection of food and ambience from alfresco at the Beach Bar through to overlooking the 18th hole at the golf club. Among the other facilities are a cinema, conference centre, gym, nanny service and the Pearl Spa. Like all the other hotels mentioned The Pearl will arrange and host weddings and offer the services of experienced wedding planners and co-ordinators so that you can get hitched on the beach, in the garden or the Country Club.
Suva sensation
The last 50kms brings us to Suva and the spectacular Grand Pacific Hotel which is the Grande Dame of Suva’s hospitality industry and rightly claims to be where ‘elegance meets history’. With its colonial Raffles-esque main building the Grand Pacific has been at the heart of Suva’s social life and high society since its opening in 1914 when the room rate was
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eighteen shillings and sixpence per night. Since then it has hosted royalty (Queen Elizabeth – three times, and has a suite named after her), actors, authors and aviators and an opera singer – specifically Burt Lancaster, Somerset Maugham, James A. Michener, Charles Kingsford Smith and Dame Nellie Melba. It has also suffered the indignity of having fallen into disrepair, decrepitude and closure for 22 years before a glorious revival after a multi-million dollar renovation and rebirth in time for her centenary in 2014. The original 37-room main building built by the Union Steamship Company has been restored to its former glory and the grafting on of a modern new wing has expanded the accommodation to more than 100 rooms. The splendid galleried foyer with its louvred doors and antique brass ceiling fans gives on to an elegant verandah overlooking the pool and Suva Harbour. Here you can sit on white rattan chairs and enjoy either or both of the hotel’s happy ‘hours’, the first runs from 6pm to 8pm with the second kicking in at 10pm, so no excuse to be un-happy. If it was once good enough for HM and her consort, then after the restoration it’s good enough for a return visit and even if you’re not a resident of Buck House, you’ll feel like royalty here. Go to: www.grandpacifichotel.com.fj – Craig Osment
1 | Islandliving paciďŹ c
1 | Islandliving paciďŹ c