Is Fiji A Good Holiday Destination? | Things To See In Fiji
Fiji is heaven on earth and we fall in love with it even more each time we go. Travel specialist, Chloe has recently returned from an amazing trip and has so many tips and tricks to make planning a holiday to Fiji a lot easier.
How long to spend in Fiji?
I would recommend at least 12 days to visit 3 different islands, ideally 14+ days if you have the chance. If you don’t have that long then I would say 10 days, visiting only 1 or 2 resorts and the Captain Cook cruise.
Things to see & do in Fiji
Taveuni islands and the rainbow reef Lau Islands on Captain Cook Cruise, and Yasawa and Mamanuca for white sand beaches.
Places to visit in Fiji – Best of Fiji Islands
One of my favourite views was on the seaplanes flying over all of the 333 islands and seeing the different coral reefs or getting a massage at the Matamanoa Island Resort Spa with breath-taking views. Another amazing spot is the COMO Laucala from the seagrass bar which over looks the rocky cliff and waves bashing against it whilst the sun goes down.
Fiji food & culture
Fiji has incredible food to offer but a memorable one for me was definitely the Kokoda– raw fish cooked in lime juice and coconut milk which is a traditional Fijian dish made from freshly caught local fish.
Fiji Beaches & The Coral Coast
Definitely the ocean swim in between the Mamanuca Islands (450 meters) and snorkelling with 2 black tip sharks and a green turtle.
Best combination of islands in Fiji
Taveuni where you go back 1000 years and Kadavu island, or Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
Fiji Beaches & The Coral Coast – hidden gem
A truly unique experience which is amazing for couples is the Mantangi Horseshoe Bay Picnic (romance package) which is only accessible by boat (where we had dolphins following us) you’ll have time to yourself on this private beach with a picnic, wine and beer. The Coral Coast is another experience where you learn about the warriors and the area for adventure and diving. There is even a warrior cooking class at Nanuku where you can learn all about the warrior culture and learn to cook 2 Fijian dishes and how they came about.
Fiji’s culture
The main thing that took me by surprise was how genuine the Bula spirit is! It really is home to the friendliest people who consider everyone family and always go above and beyond for you. However small your question or query is they take it so seriously and make sure you are so well looked after. When you land from the airport and arrive at a hotel they say “welcome home family” and on arrival to your resort, there is a traditional welcome song. It is so so so special and I couldn’t believe how genuine and sincere it felt.
Best time to travel to Fiji – Weather
I believe that the best time to visit is between April and October although it is a year round destination. November to March falls in Cyclone season where it will be windier and rainier (not always cyclones but there’s that added risk). Fiji is really well equipped for cyclones so you do feel very safe. Also Fiji is known to be luscious and green – of course it has to rain to maintain that!
How to get to Fiji from the UK
There are daily flights from LAX, Vancouver, San Francisco, Singapore or Hong Kong. Fiji airways is really great, all new aircraft and staff are really friendly. Economy can get slightly busy but the entertainment is great just like all other well-known airlines. If you want an extra dose of luxury, business class is amazing – more like first class! How long is the flight to Fiji? So, first you will travel 11 hours to LAX where you can spend a few days if you wish, then catch an 11 hour flight to paradise in Fiji…the journey is worth the wait, take our word!
Unforgettable moments – Fiji cruises
The last Isa Lei I had on Captain Cook Cruise just before the cyclone, it was their maiden voyage and it had gone so well. Everyone was so proud of themselves and the guest had built such emotional attachment to the staff and ship. The sunset at Matamanoa Island Resort whilst sipping on a Fiji Gold Beer – half way in at this point and I still couldn’t believe I was in Fiji. Also, all the traditional Kava ceremonies with the locals, dancing and singing with the locals whilst receiving a ‘high tide’ or ‘low tide’ bowl of Kava.
Is Fiji good for families?
So great for families, it is such a safe and happy country! I’d say from 5 years old just because it is such a long way but the locals and staff LOVE to look after babies and children. Even on the Fiji airways flight to Nadi from LAX the staff where playing with the babies whilst parents napped.
Best hotels in Fiji
Mantangi for utter relaxation and social detox, you just immerse yourself in nature with strolls through their vegetable patch, chilling on a hammock on the beach, and getting to know how the hotel helps the local community and island. Kokomo for food and wine – they have a brilliant Sommelier Stephen who has a fantastic collection of wines from all over the world. Captain Cook Cruise for some really cool experiences and activities such as a church service or cursing around the Lau islands which is undoubtedly heaven on earth. Tokoriki too – a beautiful and romantic setting for couples and honeymooners. They have fantastic food and the rooms still feel authentic but modern and well kept and it is quite a social hotel, especially before dinner.
A Tantalising South Pacific Duo
We fell in love with the islands of the South Pacific over 20 years ago, and our passion for these palm-studded paradise isles and atolls has continued to grow… so we’re thrilled that two of our favourite nations – Fiji and Tahiti – will be linked by a weekly flight from next week! This duo really is a match made in South Seas heaven!
Call our specialists today on 01494 678 400 to start planning your next trip to Fiji or enquire here!
