Fiji: open for happiness

When we think of Fiji, images of 333 sun-kissed islands with white sandy beaches as far the eye can see spring instantly to mind but, if you ask the natives of the Pacific Island nation, Fiji’s true charm lies in its people. This is a place where the tenets of hospitality reach another level, thanks to the mix of major resorts and family- run boutiques all benefiting from the locals’ simple credo: Sega, na leqa.

This phrase essentially translates to “no worries” – a reminder to embrace island time and focus on one’s own happiness. And there is plenty on offer to make visitors smile. From lush forests that are a hiker’s heaven, to beautiful beaches made for relaxing on as the world goes by. Fiji’s astounding coral reefs provide peerless diving experiences, while the community’s rich culture offers legends and rituals to uplift the spirit and enrich your experiences. Here, we take a dive into a handful of the diverse experiences – and most extraordinary hotels – that Fiji has to offer…

CAPITAL EXPERIENCE | SUVA

Suva, Fiji’s capital and second largest city, is located on the island of Viti Levu and home to the country’s government, botanical gardens, museum – which is home to some remnants of the HMS Bounty – and rugby stadium. Vacation like a royal at the historic Grand Pacific Hotel, where many members of the British royal family have stayed during official tours. With beautiful architecture and bustling modern shopping and nightlife, Suva is a must-visit.

While here, take a car ferry to the nearby island of Ovalau, where you can explore the historical port town of Levuka – the ancient capital of Fiji from 1874 to 1882, and now an UNESCO World Heritage site.

THE GARDEN ISLE | TAVEUNI ISLAND

Known as the garden of Fiji, Taveuni Island is the perfect place to start if you want to get a sense of this heavenly island nation. Geographically placed on the 180-degree Meridian line – exactly half- way across the world – it is a lush and verdant island perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

Head to the sea and Taveuni’s colourful coral reefs for some of the best diving on the planet, hike through the waterfall laden forests of Bouma National Heritage Park or kayak the Lavena coast – where waterfalls fall directly into the ocean.

An eco-tourist’s paradise, Taveuni Island is home to native flora and fauna unseen anywhere else in the world – including endemic birds such as the Blue Crested Flycatcher or the elusive Orange Dove, and rare flowers including the Tagimoucia, which blooms 823m above sea level.

Stay at nearby COMO Laucala, a 25-residence five-star private island resort known as one of Fiji’s finest hotels – and with good reason. This is somewhere you won’t want to leave.

PEARL OF THE OCEAN | SAVUSAVU

For serious diving fans, one of Fiji’s most impressive destinations is surely tropical Vanua Levu island, where the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (created by the son of famed marine explorer Jacques Cousteau) offers unbeatable underwater exploration of what he described as the "soft coral capital of the world".

Dedicated to marine conservation, the resort has an in-house marine biologist, a reef protection programme and a giant clam-breeding project. As in traditional Fijian villages, buildings are tailored to their tropical environment, with natural ventilation and sustainable construction. Spend the day exploring the beautifully preserved reef and diving for pearls in the pristine waters before heading to J Hunter Pearls (one of the few black pearl farms with high sustainability credentials) to create a piece that will remind you of Fiji forever.

With this resort as your base, it’s easy to head to the nearby deep-water bay of Savusavu, which will soon have a superyacht port.

ISLAND VIBES | YASAWA ISLANDS

Beyond the Mamanuca Islands all your tropical dreams come true with a tour of the Yasawa Islands. Yasawa is the first of 15 Fijian words to mean ‘heaven’, and these 20 unspoilt isles are aptly named. No trip would be complete without a stop at the Sawa-i-lau caves; two limestone caverns dominated by luminous saltwater swimming pools. The first lit by a natural overhead vent and the second is only accessed by an underwater tunnel. Both are steeped in mystery and local legend.

Stay at the bare-foot chic Yasawa Island Resort, with its 10 private beaches, or one of just 14 villas at cultural Turtle Island, which offers vistas of the magical blue lagoon.

CAST AWAY | PORT DENARAU & MAMANUCA ISLANDS

If you’re seeking a true ocean getaway, Denarau Island is the marine gateway to the popular Mamanuca Islands. The remarkable South Sea islands are the backdrop to blockbusters such as Tom Hanks’ Cast Away (2000), and an idyllic way to explore the islands of the South Pacific.

Port Denarau itself boasts a world-class marina teaming with sensational superyachts, as well as a plethora of big-name hotels, golf course and racquet club. While there, true adventurers should head to Cloudbreak – a mecca for the world’s best-known surfers.

For inimitable luxury, venture out to Vomo Island, Tokoriki Island or the Six Senses Fiji on Malolo Island – the latter resort is home to 39 Fijian crested iguanas, a critically endangered species that staff are devoted to conserving through a hatchling programme.

COOL CORAL | KADAVU

Take a short flight from Suva or Nadi by private seaplane to Kokomo Private Island – where it's just a hop and skip to the blue lagoon and nearby Astrolabe Reef. The fourth largest barrier reef in the world, this is the perfect place to observe manta rays, while the area is also home to active marine conservationists. Guests can take conservation dives where you can get hands- on experience planting corals on the reef or cleaning clams in a nursery.

UNRIVALLED CULTURE | PACIFIC HARBOUR

Not far from the capital, Pacific Harbour is an interesting hub for tourists keen to experience Fiji’s I-taukei cultural practices. Local resorts, including Nanuku Resort, introduce visitors to the famous Kava Ceremony, where visitors are invited to partake in a welcoming ritual that includes drinking a mildly narcotic and calming beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant – normally sundried before being pounded into fine powder and locally referred to as Yaqona.

The ceremony will certainly leave open-water diving enthusiasts relaxed for the exhilarating Beqa Lagoon shark-feeds. The shark god of Fijian folklore has long been revered by locals and, for two decades, locals have made it possible to experience cage-free swimming with eight types of shark (through Beqa Lagoon’s Shark Reef Marine Reserve) thanks to a tradition of sustainably feeding the sharks – a remarkable, internationally acclaimed experience.

Beqa Island, just 45-minutes away, is home to Fiji’s famous firewalkers – stay at Royal Davui Resort to be in prime luxury position to experience this wealth of native culture in style.

Find out more about what Fiji has to offer and plan your trip at fiji.travel