This week, the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team made history for the nation when they won Fiji’s first ever Olympic medal- a gold, no less- after beating Great Britain 43-7 in the finals. Naturally, the proud nation went wild with phone carriers offering free calls, Fiji Airlines announcing that they will only serve Fiji Gold beer on board their flights today and the Prime Minister announced that August 22nd would be a national holiday in recognition of the victory. Fans are calling for the rugby team coach, who was born in London, to be given citizenship. At the time of the big game, shops and schools closed and over 4000 people watched it live at the main stadium. The Fiji team certainly proved that although the Pacific Island nations have the smallest teams, they’re also some of the fiercest. To celebrate this historical event, we thought we’d compile a destination guide with everything that is fantastic about Fiji.
Fiji is an island nation, made up of 333 islands, in the heart of the South Pacific. It’s famous for its beautifully white sandy beaches, soft coral diving and stunning natural environment. You can choose from five-star resorts where you’ll be catered to your every need, or family run hotels for a more authentic feel.
Getting there
Sadly there are no direct flights from the UK to Fiji. The most popular way to get to Fiji for UK travellers is to travel from London to Los Angeles and then onwards to Fiji. Air New Zealand is one of the main carriers for this route, as they have daily flights between London and Los Angeles and direct connections from there to Fiji thanks to a codeshare with Fiji Airways. Note that if you do choose this route, you’ll need an ESTA waiver to get through security at Los Angeles. Other stopover options are Singapore, New Zealand, Brisbane and Hong Kong. Fiji is around 3 hours from New Zealand, 4 hours from Australia, 10 hours from Singapore, 10 hours from Los Angeles and 10 hours from Hong Kong. It may be helpful for you to shop around using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights, but be prepared for multiple stopovers.
The likes of P&O Cruises have cruises which stop at Fiji, but they won’t stop for more than a day usually.
The main travel hub for Fiji is Nadi Airport- it’s a popular stopover on round-the-world tickets.
Accommodation
Just like lots of different types of travellers visit Fiji, there are lots of different types of accommodation. There are five-star resorts with incredible dining choices and unrivalled luxury facilities, affordable hostels for backpackers making their way around the world, island resorts specialising in eco-tours and village homestays offering a real Fijian experience. You could be on your honeymoon, a serious diving expert in search of coral reefs or a family looking for an idyllic getaway, and Fiji will welcome you with open arms. Here are some accommodation highlights:
Nanuku Auberge Resort
Those luxury resorts we mentioned? The Nanuku Auberge Resort has the luxury in spades. The reviews praise both the resort and its staff. Facilities include a kid’s adventure club where they can snorkel and zip line, private pools in most rooms, free wifi, outdoor showers, all inclusive meals and soft drinks, cinema rooms, mountain bikes, paddle boards and much more.
Tokoriki Island Resort
You certainly won’t be bored here, with some amazing day activities. Visit the island where Tom Hanks filmed Castaway or get dropped off on an island for a private picnic (don’t worry, they’ll come back to you!) Once again, the reviews are faultless- the chef will prepare anything that you want to eat and the seafood menu changes each day.
Barefoot Manta Island
You come to this resort to do one thing, and one thing only- swim with manta rays. Visitors recommend staying for at least a week to ensure you catch them, but the resort team will take you out with marine biologists to talk about the creatures ahead of your swim.
Sau Bay Fiji Retreat
This little family-run resort is built for 12 guests, so you’ll get a highly personalised service. Kayaking and snorkelling are some of this beachfront resort’s main attractions, but the island has waterfalls nearby.
Things to do
Fiji has so many unique experiences to offer that you may find it difficult to fit it all in. Of course, getting out on the open water is a must-do, but how? Choose from paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkelling with some of the most unusual tropical sea creatures in the world. If golf’s your thing, Fiji has some of the most picturesque courses in the world. Many of the nation’s areas of natural significance are open to the public, so fill your days with hiking before heading back to the resort where you can tuck into healthy, home-grown food that is flavoured and cooked to perfection. Sink into island life and rejuvenate yourself with a world-class spa treatment or become a little more active with a staff vs. guests round of beach volleyball. Fiji has everything to offer, but here are some of the highlights:
- Colo-i-Suva Forest Park- Embark on a 6.5km trail and see natural pools, tropical plants and melodic birds. Just make sure you wear sensible footwear, as the trail is known to be slippery and rather hilly on the way back.
- Fiji Museum- Explore the nation’s history from war clubs to gruesome cannibalism, featuring the story of an 1867 Christian explorer who was eaten- well, everything apart from his shoe, which you can see on display!
- Mariamma Temple- During July and August, the annual fire-walking festival is held here. Watch in awe as the men walk across a fire in a state of trance, focusing on the Mother so as to not feel pain.
- Sigatoka Sand Dunes- It’s not like the Sahara, but the impressive sand dunes are one of Fiji’s highlights. Don’t be alarmed if you see a human bone or piece of ancient pottery sticking out the sand- the sand is so unstable that these archaeological discoveries often turn up.
- Tavuni Hill Fort- Of Fiji’s many forts, Tavuni Hill is the most accessible. It was built in the 18th century and used in times of war. Today, it hosts stunning views and not a soldier in sight.
- Kula Eco Park- This wildlife sanctuary is supported by several international bodies for conservation, showcasing some amazing wildlife. This includes the Fijian Flying Fox (a type of bat) and kula parrots, which the park is named after.
- Parliament of Fiji- This political hub opened in 1992 and manages to maintain a unique Fijian decor throughout. You can take a free tour if you email in advance.
Best time to go
The dry season in Fiji runs between May and October. Peak season tends to coincide with the school holidays in Australia and New Zealand, with costs rising by 10-20% in June and July. The wet season is between November and April, where the weather may be rainy and humid, but there are fewer tourists so costs are lowered.
Fascinating Facts
- Only a third of Fiji’s 333 islands are inhabited.
- For 96 years, Fiji was a British colony until it became independent in 1970.
- The average temperature runs between 20-30 degrees celsius.
- In some Fijian villages, only the chief can wear a hat and sunglasses, as the top of his head is sacred and not meant to be touched.
- On the island of Taveuni, the International Date Line runs through it- so you can stand with your foot on the present date, and the other on the previous date.
Visitor’s Tips
- Don’t drink too much Kava- a non-alcoholic drink made from a root of a pepper plant or you’ll find yourself too groggy to do anything.
- You may find that shops will invite you in for a drink of Kava and a chat- just make sure to buy something, but be warned that the offerings could be more expensive than other shops.
- If you get a taxi, the taxi won’t move until it’s full, so make sure to ask people nearby to get in too!
Have you ever visited Fiji? Let us know in the comments!
