Having travelled to a number of the islands in the Pacific, I still have to say that Fiji is my favourite. It is quietly mature about tourism, yet this destination gives the impression that it is untouched and that you are one of the few to have discovered this gem in the ocean.
Don't just stay on the mainland. Although there are some wonderful resorts around the Coral Coast and some of the newer players are up with the style and luxury that would satisfy the most discerning tourist. The towns on the mainland are wonderful for those who enjoy immersing themselves in island culture, but for the person who is simply looking for sea and relaxation, these towns will offer little.
THE PEOPLE
The people of Fiji are mostly a mix of the indigenous people, who are a Melanesian group. They own most of the land and are proud of their collection of islands and their history. They enjoy an envious lifestyle of good education, abundant food from the sea and the land and endless warmth from the tropical sun.
If you have time with some locals, try kava. Personally, I think it tastes like mud with disinfectant, but some can tolerate it long enough to become very laid back and mellow. The worst that can happen is that you may become unable to stand and will fall over and sleep it off.
The second largest ethnic group is the Indians. Brought to Fiji to work the sugar plantations, they continue to work the land as well as much of the business both in retail and in the tourism arena. At times there is unrest between the Fijians and the Indians as the Fijians are very jealous to keep their islands in Fijian control.
I have stayed with Fijian people in the highlands, where the tropical jungle threatens to reclaim the dirt road almost as you drive over the bumpy tracks and I have stayed with Indian people. On the second large island of Vanua Levu there is the town of Lambasa which has a mostly Indian population. It is not a tourist town, but having stayed with Indian friends there, I have been left with lifelong memories of their hospitality and warmth.
FOOD
Try the local raw fish dish, kokoda, pronounced kokonda, as Nadi, the gateway airport is pronounced Nandi. Even though there was a time that I managed to contract coral fish poisoning from this dish, and thought I might die, I would still order it. The fish is marinated in coconut cream and eaten as a salad by the aqua cool of a resort pool is one of life's great experiences.
On the mainland it is possible to visit local Indian restaurants and for a mere few dollars, eat one of the best goat or chicken or lamb curries complete with fresh naan or papadum. Fiji meat marsala is a mix of spices that is distinctly the flavour of Fijian curries. Delicious!
Fresh papaya (Paw Paw), mangoes, pineapple grow in abundance and there is nothing like Fijian payaya with a squeeze of lime for breakfast. Resorts range from basic to very luxurious, but good value food is to be found everywhere.
PLACES TO GO
Vanua Levu has some hidden away resorts such as Namale. For those who can afford it, this is one of the most romantic hideaways that could be found on earth. Diving around this island is legendary.
For the general traveller it is easy to access the islands closer to Nadi. There are so many to choose from and each has attraction depending on needs. For families, Plantation Island offers safe beaches and many activities. Parents can wave goodbye to their children in the morning and know that they will be happily and safely occupied all day.
My favourite islands would be Castaway, where I still haven't managed to actually stay, but dream of doing this and Treasure Island. Treasure is tiny, circumnavigated in about 10 minutes. But it is the island of travel brochure dreams. It is circled by a reef that is part of a marine protected area. This means that even a basic snorkeler can float just a few meters from the shore and see in the clear water, parrot fish, angel fish and a swarm of sea life.
Across the water is the twin island Beachcomber. This is where the young go to stay in dormitories and to party. I have stayed here too and may have enjoyed it more if I wasn't into my first day of the coral fish poisoning! Hope that you never win the lottery of indulging in a fish that has eaten the dreaded fungal poison. It is rare to have this happen. I just got "lucky".
Take a Blue Lagoon cruise and visit some of the most pristine pacific islands that exist. Here the movie "Blue Lagoon" was filmed and the island where it was filmed has a luxury resort where the rich and famous still frequent, Turtle Island.
FIJI MAGIC
There is something about the air in Fiji. As soon as the door opens at the airport, a blanket of warm, perfumed air wraps itself around you and the magic of Fiji has begun. It is a world of laughter and song and sights to soothe stressed minds.
Tourism operators here know exactly how to create paradise with service and style. Even the true giant sized Fijians seem to know how to pad silently with a slow sway, setting the pace for tranquility and charm. But don't be fooled. The waiter with the fresh red hibiscus tucked into the tight mass of dark curls, who smiles that wide guileless grin, is just as likely to hold a doctorate in tourism, or politics. They just know what visitors want and they do it well.
