Fiji Island Living

PICTURE: Tourism Fiji

Ni Sa Bula

rom the moment you set foot in Fiji, you will be embraced by its warmth – not just the tropical weather, but also the hearty ‘Bula’ welcome from almost everyone you meet and even more so the hospitality which will leave you spoilt.

We welcome you to our pristine islands, scattered across azure blue waters like pearls from a broken necklace. Of the 333 discovered islands, only 100 have been inhabited. Each of the islands offer a unique experience which allow you to completely immerse yourself in a blissful, tropical vacation made even more memorable by the happiness shared by the wholehearted nature of your Fijian hosts.

The bevy of activities to enjoy will surely make you wish you had a bit more time – whether it’s zip-lining through the forest canopy after a hike through cool caves filled with miniature bats in Momi, teeing off on internationally accredited turf backed by a sparkling turquoise bay, indulging in a hearty traditional Fijian lovo which you’ve helped prepare in a village or simply becoming a sunset connoisseur as you sip cocktails

with your toes adorned with white sand.

This issue of Fiji Island Living is themed on the upcoming prestigious Fiji International PGA tournament which will be held from 15 – 18 October 2015, hosted in Natadola Bay. Flourishing from the success of the 2014 Fiji International, the 2015 event is ‘the place to be’ with exclusive behind the ropes access granting you the freedom to rub shoulders with the cream of the golf crop whilst enjoying a good day on the manicured greens of Natadola.

Whichever corner you decide to explore in Fiji, include ‘a Bula smile’ on your list of musthaves to guarantee a great time.

See you soon!

Islandliving | 1 Fiji

Fiji is full of natural beauty, including stunning beaches, rivers and waterfalls.

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 709,660 square kilometres (200,000 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

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 personal questions as to where you are from, whether married; and, if so, how many children.

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.

PICTURE: Tourism Fiji

The temperature

Phone calls and Internet

are subject to 5% Hotel Turnover Tax (HTT).

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 cafes are abundant in major cities and towns.

VAT refund scheme

Currency and banking

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.

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

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?

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

Places to go 333 stunning islands spread across crystal clear water.

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VITI LEVU The largest of Fiji’s islands, Viti Levu is dotted with accommodation options from backpackers to luxury resorts. Stroll the capital city of Suva and discover colonial architecture and vibrant waterfront markets.

Or head to Nadi, check into Denarau and enjoy the largest integrated resort community in the South Pacific. A drive along the Coral Coast reveals stunning palm fringed villages and leads to Pacific Harbour the adventure capital of Fiji. The diving here is world famous, so too are the firewalkers on the nearby island of Beqa. This is the place where you will find just about everything.

VANUA LEVU Fiji’s second largest island is truly a hidden paradise.

Fly into Savusavu or Labasa and discover the beauty of marine protected sanctuaries and reefs, 100 year old coconut plantations, the mysterious floating island and world class resorts surrounded by tranquil lagoons.

TAVEUNI Known as the garden island, Taveuni is home to world-renowned dive sites and protected tropical rainforests. Slide down a natural waterslide formed by an ancient lava flow, take a long boat to a beautiful waterfall or visit the International Date Line and have your photo taken with one foot in today and the other in tomorrow.

MAMANUCA ISLANDS The Mamanuca group of islands are perfect for families and couples alike. A favourite stop-over for yachties and home to Cloudbreak; one of the best left hand surf breaks in the world. The Mamanuca islands have plenty of things to do to keep you happy.

YASAWA ISLANDS With their awesome mountainous peaks, the islands of the Yasawa group are sure to impress before you even get there. When you do set foot in the Yasawas you’ll discover fine white sand and crystal clear water, plus an array of accommodation from backpacking to 5 star luxury resorts.

KADAVU Kadavu is home to the great Astrolabe reef; the 3rd largest reef system in the world. Pack your dive gear and boat shoes, because this is a happy place for both yachties and divers alike.

LEVUKA, OVALAU Levuka, the former capital of Fiji, is a world heritage site. Take a walk through the rich character and history of Levuka and you’ll soon see why.

LAU ISLAND GROUP The Lau Group is unique in its relative isolation and exquisite unspoiled beauty. The people of the Lauan villages are famous for wood carving, fine masi painting and of course their smiles.

island escape

Malolo Resort is spread out along the sparkling waters of the Pacific. Above: The arrival jetty and the beachside dining option – The Beach Bar

e l p m i S e d i s a e S

Fijian Family Values Described as the jewel of the Mamanuca group of islands, Malolo is indeed a sparkling adornment among many in this little archipelago, and the Malolo Resort the perfect way to enjoy the local hospitality and unspoilt attractions of Pacific island life the way it was meant to be – simple but sophisticated. Craig Osment checks in and checks it out.

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The choice is yours, loll around in your own hammock on the beach in front of your bure or engage in any number of land and aquatic activities. Book in for a Mum’s Escape Package (or a Couples Indulgence) at Leilani’s Spa or hop on a jet ski or go snorkelling on the reef or take a dolphin safari with the family or take a banana boat ride or go fishing, or earlybird trolling, go on a shell village trip, or take a picnic lunch on a nearby island, or …

You get the idea, there’s plenty on offer, for the indolent to the adventurous, every minute of your day is catered to by the easy-going and genuinely enthusiastic staff which are a feature of the resort. And after you’ve worked up an appetite or a thirst you can choose from three bars and a selection of dining options from beachside (right on the sand) to a romantic dinner at the end of the wharf under the thatched canopy.

Pop into the Beach Bar (happy hour 5.30-6.30pm daily) or for something slightly more formal dine on the veranda at Treetops. For breakfast there’s the Terrace with a great buffet selection along with à la carte eggs cooked to your personal specs. Not much left to ask for really – except maybe a boat trip or two to some of the nearby islands in the Mamanuca group which should be a compulsory destination for anyone visiting Fiji. Indeed getting off the main island is a good idea if you want to experience all that Fiji has to offer.

PICTURES: Craig Osment

M

alolo is both an island and a resort, the island is a 13-kilometre boat trip from Viti Levu’s Denarau marina (or a short flight by float plane or helicopter) and the eponymous resort is one of several on the island. And, one of two owned by Ahura Resorts which also operates the very up-market, adults-only Likuliku Resort which is nestled in the adjacent bay.

Malolo is a 100% Fijian-owned ‘family’ resort which means that adults can bring along the offspring and be assured that while the kids are being entertained by myriad cheerful Fijians, they can relax in sophisticated grown-up style in the knowledge that all the usual kiddie concerns are being taken care of, and the children are having at least as much fun (in complete safety) as their parents. While mum and dad are off on a sunset cruise around the nearby islands before dinner on the lagoon-side deck, the kids have been royally entertained by sand castle competitions, snorkelling lessons, sand darts, tug-of-war on the beach, egg throwing petanque challenges either at Tia’s Treehouse or the Kid’s Club and even, if you choose, taken off to bed by one of their personal butlers.

Every kid should have one! And for teenagers there’s Khail’s Club with a chill-out zone, WiFi, satellite TV and assorted games to keep them amused.

The joy of Malolo is that there’s so much to do, or nothing!

(happy hour from 5.30-6.30 daily). Above left: the expansive pool area and Treetops restaurant. Right: You can dine here in private.

Get on the water and discover the Mamanucas

This little volcanic archipelago of around 20 islands (some of which are covered at high tide) lies slightly west of Nadi within the larger Fiji group of 333 islands. Malolo offers (at extra cost) a selection of boat trips which provide opportunities to explore the surrounding waters and nearby islands. You can choose from the romantic one and a half-hour sunset cruise which includes a savoury taste plate while enjoying a circuit of the nearby Qalito Island, home to Castaway Resort and a return at dusk to Malolo’s jetty. Or take the three-hour Island Hopping tour and see landmarks like Monuriki, made famous as the location for Tom Hanks’ movie Cast Away along with Monu, Yanuya and Tavua all with unspoiled, and often, deserted beaches where you can moor and swim.

There are also surfing trips as well as snorkelling and scuba diving excursions available and visitor drop-offs at Castaway resort, Plantation Island and Musket Cove on the nearby Malolo Lailai. Or maybe you’d prefer a Yaro village tour to meet the locals, many of whom work at the resorts and are beneficiaries of land charges paid by the resorts on their leasehold land. This ensures their interest in seeing that holiday makers get the maximum out of their stay and are genuinely welcome.

Among other water-borne fun stuff on offer is water skiing, wakeboarding, donut rides, knee boards and fishing outside the protected marine reserve which surrounds Malolo.

But there’s plenty to do on land

If you’d prefer land-based activities then there are plenty of those available too. From walks to Jonah’s Lookout (or further afield), a guided medicine tour, Fijian language lessons, volleyball, torch-lighting and kava ceremonies or happy hour drinks at the beach bar.

Leilani’s Spa has a comprehensive menu of treatments ranging from a couples indulgence in a private treatment

room to the ultimate pamper head-to-toe experience or full 130-minute Fijian rejuvenation which includes massage, manicure and neck and scalp treatments. And given that wedding packages are also one of the resort’s specialities you could take the bride-to-be package which ensures perfect harmony and a make-up application on the special day.

An expensive renovation

The entire resort was refurbished and in many instances rebuilt (at a cost of F$5.5 million) after the damage caused by cyclone Evan in December 2012. The central two-storey open-sided building which houses the Terrace and Treetops restaurants overlooks the two inground swimming pools (one of which is adults-only) and extensive gardens and contains the newly equipped kitchens under the care of executive chef Yngve Muldal and head pastry chef Rhéa Pacaud. Group General Manager, Steve Anstey is right when he says, “This latest investment cements Malolo as a superb destination for families …”

The 46 bures scattered along the beachfront and nearby gardens are a delightful blend of colonial casual and sundrenched tropical ambience. They are divided among Tadra Beach Bures (right on the beach, with water lapping almost at your doorstep), Ocean View Bures (all with ocean views, obviously) and Deluxe Ocean View and Family Bures (which are larger, sleeping up to seven). The decor is marked by cathedral ceilings, open beams, cool white and natural colour schemes, cane furniture and shady verandahs for lounging and reading. The vibe is simple and unspoiled but not lacking in sophistication in any way.

The dress code is specified as ‘bula style’ which means casual but out of respect for the local culture (or any civilised culture) they do suggest wearing shirts when dining or drinking in the bars. On the topic of dining and drinking, it’s advisable to check with the resort when booking as to what meal plans they have available such as the Kids Eat Free package (for under-12s) along with adult meal plans for a set amount for three meals each day. •

Islandliving | 7 Fiji

Eating Out: Tiffany Carroll and Craig Osment dine out ... and in, Fijian style and like what they find.

Restaurant V at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa

When it comes to dining, particularly in the tropics, my default option is simple, casual, fresh and easy, which means that fine dining, or haute cuisine is often overlooked. But while staying at the Sofitel Fiji recently I was tempted by a tantalising story on the chef, and a personal recommendation, to try their upmarket dining room, known as V. The restaurant, as you might expect is quieter, lusher, more intimate with luxuriously well-spaced tables and exuding a slightly reverential air from both the floor staff and the ambience. I suppose this atmosphere is befitting when the food is obviously so lovingly prepared and presented with great flair and sophistication.

Here the choices are typically labelled as simply The Risotto, The Snapper, The Seafood, The Wagyu Beef Rib-eye etc. followed by a restrained description of the accompaniments. For example, my choice was the monthly special at FJ$65 – Local Fijian Pork Rib, served with prunes, braised Savoy cabbage deglazed with Cognac, dalo and vudi crushed (more on this later) and baby confit apples.

Concise, accurate and the decisions about flavours left to the diner after savouring for him or herself, I like that.

The executive chef here is Jean-Marc Ruzzens who comes with some serious Michelin-starred credentials and a creative way with the local produce, my cabbage was finely shredded and beautifully complemented by the hint of Cognac while the pale green baby confit apple was a first for me, it was small, about 2.5cm in diameter, but perfectly formed replete with a stem and seeds and a delicate flavour which was perfect with the generous serve of juicy pork.

The dalo and vudi crush turned out to be the local names for tarot and plantains, the tropical cooking banana. This was in the form of a mash and with the slight touch of sweetness perfect with the pork. My dining companion, well, the editor in

8 | IslandRestaurant living V at the Sofitel Fiji

this case, chose The Rack of Lamb which was also perfectly presented on a slate slab. It came on a bed of creamy polenta, beans with pomegranate molasses and with another couple of those miniature apples which this time were toffeed and sensational as I insisted on stealing one.

Starters ran from chicken liver pate to duck confit along with a slipper lobster and salmon lasagne. All of which let the ingredients do the talking. A great meal and a bit of a game-changer for me.

Desserts ranged from Tart Tatin to Avocado and Toffee bavarois along with a selection of cheeses and an extensive and cosmopolitan wine list.

The Kitchen@Westin, Fiji

When I’m on holidays, the last thing I want to do is eat at the same resort every night. I’d rather try local food, meet local people and see the sights. And besides, quite often in-house dining can be over-priced and rather disappointing.

However, as I’ve recently discovered, refusing to eat where you sleep may just result in missing out on the best dining experience of your holiday.

Take The Kitchen@Westin in Denarau, FIji. Formerly The Steahouse by Peter Kuruvita, The Kitchen is beautifully designed to reflect the Fijian culture amid the warm, relaxing ambience of the South Pacific.

The Westin, part of The Sheraton groupd of hotels at Denarau welcomes diners from all resorts, however it is cashless, so do pack the plastic.

Steak is still the specialty, athough if you’re a seafood lover you will not be disappointed.

Local fish, crab and lobster, the finest selection of imported salmon, prawns and scallops. There’s also duck and lamb on the menu too.

Next door to The Kitchen is the Westin’s chic wine and cigar bar, with a full range of NZ, Australian, French, Italian and Spanish wines complementing the restaurant.•

The Kitchen @ Westin