Islandliving fiji
SPRING 2018 | ISSUE 25
c i t n a m o R ise d a r a p
ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS MALAMALA | SIX SENSES | DENARAU | SUVA PLUS FOOD | FASHION BEAUTY | HEALTH | BOOKS
Ni Sa Bula PICTURE: Cardo’s at Port Denarau by Damea Dorsey.
Bula Vinaka! With 333 verdant islands, jewel-coloured water and people as warm as the weather, Fiji has all the elements to make your most romantic South Sea fantasy come true. In this issue of Fiji Island Living we feature just some of our most romantic destinations. From exclusive resort weddings to getting hitched on a private beach; honeymooning on a small cruise ship or simply hiding away in a charming ‘bure’ amid lush, floral-scented gardens, you will forget a real world exists. Relax with a book, laze languidly on a hammock or spend long sunny days getting weightless in our warm waters. And when you are ready to amp up the adventure, there are secluded bays, picturesque rivers and native forest trails to lose yourself in.
Steal a kiss under a roaring waterfall or strap on a snorkel and fall head over heels for statuesque coral cities and their colourful schooling fish. You are in for a treat as Fiji’s exciting diversity extends to our food a melting pot of rich multi-cultural cuisine and local ingredients. We will pamper your palate with mouthwatering seafood, succulent smoked meats cooked in a traditional underground oven and fiery curries with a local twist. You will be so smitten you might never want to leave!
Vinaka! Islandliving | 1 Fiji
The Port Denarau marina is home to visiting boats and super yachts; island ferries and great restaurants and bars.
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.
Population and language
Fiji’s population is approximately 837,000 made up of indigenous Fijians, Indians, Chinese, Europeans and South
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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
PICTURE: Damea Dorsey.
The temperature
personal questions as to where you are from, whether you are married and, if so, how many children you have.
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.
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 licensed retailer must complete the form and attach receipts.•
Changes to Tabua Club
Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, recently announced the introduction of a range of new benefits for Tabua Club Members, along with an exclusive new tier called Tabua Club Plus. The changes also include new mechanisms for earning upgrade and status credits on both Fiji Airways and for the first time, on Fiji Link. The new benefits kicked-in from July 16th 2018. Mr. Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO said the enhanced Tabua Club Programme would offer a new level of rewards for the airline’s loyal guests. “We’ve been reviewing our Tabua Club platform for a while now, exploring ways in which to enhance the value members get from our programme. That review, combined with feedback from our members, has allowed us to introduce a host of fantastic benefits which are sure to delight members.” “Additionally, our invitation to join oneworld as a oneworld connect airline offered us an excellent opportunity to introduce a new Tabua Club Plus tier within the programme.* Members of this new level will be made up of our most loyal guests who will enjoy more benefits like lounge access, priority check-in and priority boarding when flying with American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.” “Both tiers will also offer improved lounge access rules for guests, travelling with and accompanied by a member. This means that members who are travelling with their children will receive complimentary access for their child/children to our flagship Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport, allowing them to enjoy its unique Lailai Land Kid’s Club, complete with a dedicated room, amenities and a fully qualified Fijian nanny.” Fiji Airways has introduced tier status credits for the first time, and is now offering credits for both tier status and upgrades on international and domestic travel on Fiji Link (where available). While redemption requirements for a free Business Class upgrade has increased from 8 to 10 credits, members can now earn credits on domestic travel, and double credits when flying international Business Class. Members are now able to earn 0.25 credits for every eligible one-way domestic flight, one credit for every eligible one-way international economy, and two credits for every eligible oneway Business class travel. Tabua Club Members who earn status credits of 20 within a membership year automatically get upgraded to Tabua Club Plus status. Tabua Club Plus members will also enjoy a reduced annual membership fee of $599, and extra baggage allowance of up to 38kg in Economy and 55kg in Business Class.
Islandliving | 3 Fiji
IN SIDE R TIPS
Around Port Denarau GET ELECTRIC AT CARDO’S Touted as Fiji’s best publican, Richard ‘Cardo’ Slatter is also an entrepreneur. Farming his own pigs and cattle for his popular steakhouse at Port Denarau, Cardo has also introduced electric bikes for hire. So, grab a fresh juice from him in the morning and set off around Denarau for the day with an electric bike; they are easy to operate and you’ll have a blast touring the island at your own pace. Bikes are available for an hour, a day or as long as you like we think it’s the best way to get around the island on a sunny day and return in time for a sunset drink and dinner at Cardo’s. Perfect. TASTY FARE The Marina Deli is a favourite for locals to grab what they miss from home and for those visiting it’s the perfect place to stop in for Denarau’s best selection of cheese, meats, breads and other deli favourites. Are you staying in a villa? Call in to get everything you need for a delicious platter. Imported seafood, small goods and fresh vegetables are also available. The Marina Deli also supplies local restaurants, super yachts and other supermarkets.
LULU’S Popular breakfast and lunchtime spot Lulu’s has had a bit of a makeover recently with an extended outdoor area offering a cool spot to stop for a break. With seating out on a timber deck by the water, it’s a terrific location to watch the arriving and departing ferries and super yachts. Lulu’s lunchtime menu offers a great range of salads and lighter meals including sushi and fresh sashimi. WESTIN WONDER Denarau is not short on restaurants and whilst many offer affordable, family friendly every day dining, the Westin’s Kitchen Grill really is something special. Fine dining, excellent service and an unmatched wine list ensure Kitchen Grill is your perfect special occasion restaurant on Denarau. Guests from other resorts are welcome, with bookings highly recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity. You can dine indoors or request a private table on the beach for that truly romantic occasion.
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UNWIND IN STYLE The Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa has several dining options available from a casual sandwich or wrap at The Deli to KORO the exclusive adults-only area, designed for you to meet with friends to eat, drink and relax. ‘KORO’, meaning village in Fijian, combines two stunning beachfront pools and live entertainment every night, was opened last year. The space is at the far right hand end of the Hilton and ensures a child-free, hassle-free experience for couples and friends wanting to completely chill out.
RHUM BA With gorgeous marine decor, over 100 different rums available, fantastic service and views of the super yachts, you can see why the Rhum Ba is popular with visitors. Choose from an extensive range of cocktails and bar snacks or grab a table for lunch and dinner, we love the Rhum Ba for their signature coktails and the South Pacific’s best onion rings!
PICTURES: Damea Dorsey.
HITCH A RIDE From just $8 a day, Denarau visitors can travel on the Bula Bus, which stops at all the resorts on the island and the marina. Such an easy way to get around the buses go in a clockwise direction from the Port to Wyndham then calling in at all the resorts on the way back. You can grab a bus from your resort to the marina for a spot of shopping, or to visit a neighbouring resort.
WAITUI CLUB @ THE SOFITEL Waitui Club guests at The Sofitel must find it extremely difficult to leave, as do we each time we visit. Cold face towels and bottled water on arrival, beach towels and a sunlounger, a great pool snack menu and cocktails then the best – free cocktails during happy hour! Luxury Club members of the Sofitel get complimentary access to the Waitui Club, whilst other in-house guests can pay a cover charge during non-peak periods. In the low season, Waitui sometimes opens to guests from other resorts for a cover charge – call in advance to check if it’s your lucky day.
Islandliving | 5 Fiji
Malamala b u l C h Beac Malamala, opened in late 2017 set out to be the world’s first private island beach club. Offering cool tunes, great food, excellent
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ot far from Port Denarau’s bustling marina is a beach club that makes you feel as though you’re a million miles away. Malamala, opened in late 2017 set out to be the world’s first private island beach club – they wanted to offer a higher level of service to a discerning clientele with exceptional food, cool cocktails and of course a setting to take even the harshest critic’s breath away. Not content with having a beautiful poolside area surrounded by daybeds and an open air restaurant, Malamala built private cabanas on the other side of the island, offering guests total privacy. The cabanas come with their own butler, a mobile phone to ring through your drinks and food order, fresh beach towels, cold water and an uninterrupted view of Malolo island. Guests travel by a South Sea Cruises fast ferry from Port Denarau, the journey takes around 30 minutes to reach Malamala’s long jetty. After check in, day guests can choose a daybed, restaurant table or sun lounger on the beach. Cabana guests are met by their butler, taken on a short tour of the island and shown to their private cabana.
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The cabanas range in size from two persons to larger groups. Comfy daybeds, fresh fruit icy poles and bottles of water are waiting. “And this is where I leave you,” our butler says. “You just call if you need anything, otherwise all of this (he says with his arms wide open) – the stunning views, the white sand beach, your shady cabana and day bed are all yours.” First order of business is ordering a cocktail. We chose a Momi Cannon – like the famous WWII landmark, this Fiji Rum Co. potion packs an explosive punch with 8-year-old white rum, red papaya, lime and fresh ground cinnamon and The Inquisition – a tequila based cocktail with a splash of citrus, vanilla, fresh soursop and coriander. They are delivered in minutes and are magnificent. Malamala offers a cocktail discount for guests who want to try all seven of their signature cocktails. We were tempted, but the Momi Cannon and The Inquisition were just too good. The lunch menu is designed so you can eat with your hands. Tapas and share plates including fish tacos, beef sliders, tree fruit samosas and vegetable platters. Of course if you prefer to eat with cutlery you may – more substantial offerings include Kokoda, steamed Pacific snapper,
PICTURES: Damea Dorsey.
service, stunning sunsets and even private cabanas, it’s our pick for the perfect day out in Fiji.
lobster and melon salad and tuna Poke Koko bowls. With long-term Fiji based chef Lance Seeto at the helm, the food is always colourful, well plated and delicious. Complimentary activities at Malamala include snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding, but most guests seemed content to lay by the pool listening to the chilled out music. Day passes to Malamala including transfers are $FJD169 and include access to the beach club, complimentary Wi-Fi, towel service and non-motorised sports equipment. Cabanas including your own private butler are just an extra $FJD75 for two people or $FJD150 for the Grand Cabana (up to eight people). Book online or at Port Denarau marina. Transfers from the Coral Coast are also available. •
Islandliving | 7 Fiji
Suva markets
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very Saturday morning in the heart of Suva city the fish market begins to flourish in the early hours. While the heat and the smell may be off putting for some … if you can get past this you are in for a particularly colourful morning. Different vendors are spread throughout the market with makeshift tables and tarpaulins offering an array of deep-sea creatures, reef fish, shell fish and many other types of seafood unfamiliar to western eyes. Locals, chefs and restaurant owners pass through the narrow market lanes choosing their catch of the day. The colour, smells and sounds of the market will have your camera lens hot. It’s best to head along nice and early, be warned you may not understand what is on show or how to cook it, or even imagine who would eat it, but get in early to see the best of the best. Make sure you ask lots of questions as in true Fijian style the sellers are more than happy to offer some local knowledge. The main market in Suva explodes daily with colour, heated exchanges from vendors, two for one deals and many smiles; tell them you’re a local and all will be well, you’ll get the
famous Fiji nod and ‘Bula’ and be set on your way with a decent local rate for your purchase. Upstairs is a particular highlight, the spice market smells rich and decadent, from sacks of local turmeric, chilli and every imaginable Indian spice you will ever need to begin your love affair with cooking Indian food. The women who sell the spices are fonts of knowledge, ask them anything you need to know.
Pure Fiji Spa
A grand scale
ure Fiji’s spa entrance boasts a true Fijian tropical garden, lush and green with a paradisiacal wall of palms and orchids it’s the perfect introduction to what will surely be a pleasurable way to spend a few hours on yourself, which lets face it, we all need. On arrival enjoy a foot soak in a fragrant coconut milk bath, on the cleansing start to the spa journey you can sit and enjoy a refreshing cold drink while making your choice of treatments to indulge in. Not surprisingly the range of full body rituals on offer is large, the selection will ensure you visit this beautiful oasis more than once. At Pure Fiji enjoy treatments ranging from hot stone therapy, LED light therapy, scrubs and wraps, nails and waxing. After your treatment all clients have access to showers to freshen up with Pure Fiji treats to extend the experience with hair dryers and towels provided ensuring you step out feeling lighter, fresher and more relaxed. Pure Fiji products are recognised world wide for their indulgent qualities so it’s no surprise the spa encompasses all things the brand is famous for. Natural plant-based products are hand made on-site. The full spa menu can be found at www.purefiji.com and make sure you fill your home with these beautifully fragrant products, made with love in Fiji.
he grand old dame of hotels in the Pacific, the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva whilst still young in terms of its spectacular re-opening a few years ago, has undergone a renovation to its suites. Now decorated with the finest quality furnishings and some suites themed on local pioneers and famed visitors such as Queen Elizabeth and Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, each suite has direct balcony access, a mix of antique and modern furniture including stunning timber writing desks and grandfather chairs. Suite guests can also indulge in High Tea and a private club – Rebecca Murphy. lounge. •
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Cardo s
STEAKHOUSE AND COCKTAIL BAR
Port Denarau Marina Complex, FIJI Phone (+679) 675 0900 || Web: www.cardosfiji.com
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