Fiji
Set your internal clock to ‘Fiji time’: exploring the archipelago’s exquisite beaches, undersea marvels, lush interiors, and fascinating culture shouldn’t be rushed. Take a fragrant stroll through the botanical gardens of Nadi before settling in on the beach to watch the sun slip down for the night. Nap in the shade of a Savusavu palm tree, or float in the lagoons of Viti Levu. The waterfalls and lush rainforest of Taveuni Island are peaceful places to commune with nature at your own pace.
From the traditional Bobo massages to the therapeutic rays of South Pacific sun, the islands of Fiji offer visitors the ultimate relaxation.
Culture & History
Fijian life revolves around the church, the village, the rugby field, and the garden. While this may sound insular, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more open and welcoming population. Fijians are famous for their hospitality and warmth, which makes it easy to make friends or immerse yourself in Fijian culture on a village homestay.
The first people appeared on the territory of these islands even during the prehistoric era. The Republic of Fiji is famous for its exotic nature, unusual culture, and warm attitude. The country's capital, Suva, is the largest and most visited city in Fiji.
The indigenous culture is an active and living part of everyday life for the majority of the population. Fijian culture has evolved with the introduction of Indian, Chinese and European culture, and various cultures from the Pacific neighbors of Fiji; in particular the Tongan and Rotuman cultures.
Flavors
Fiji’s cuisine still maintains both traditional dishes and ways of cooking, although like all the peoples that have had the English in their lands, you have been strongly influenced by their gastronomy and gastronomic customs, but in Fiji the use of products from the area such as coconut, fish, rice, taro, sweet potato and cassava or yuca and duruka (an herb that looks similar to lemongrass and tastes similar to asparagus).
The most important dishes of Fijian cuisine are the kakoda that is prepared with mahi-mahi (lemon fish) marinated with coconut cream, the rourou (a kind of puree made from thallus leaves), the kassaua a sweet dish to tapioca base, coconut cream, sugar and banana puree, grilled duruka and being highly influenced by Indian cuisine we will also find multiple curry-style dishes. Kava is the national drink of Fiji made by crushing the root of the pepper plant that is called kawa and that is taken in a traditional ceremony called Yagona.
Urban Experience
Suva's main landmark is the Fiji Museum, which exhibits a large collection of historical and archaeological relics. No other island in the Pacific Ocean can conquer with this incredible museum in terms of size and quantity of items on display. Thurston Gardens is the park that is located between two beautiful buildings: the Parliament House and the Government House. When it comes to describing places in Suva, it is simply impossible not to mention the church of San Francisco Javier which is located on a hill.
If urban wildlife is your thing, Suva boasts a surprising nightlife scene, while towns like Savusavu entice with rollicking taverns and meet-the-locals haunts.
Continue your relationship with the country by visiting Sigatoka. Make sure to visit the Kalevu Cultural Center, where you can see an old mosque and enjoy its beautiful mosaic, take a walk through old streets full of historic mansions and enjoy the joy of the population.
Outdoors & Adventure
Dazzling sands, perfect palm trees, and waters so blue they glow – Fiji’s beaches look airbrushed. While stunning stretches abound, it’s on the islands of the Mamanucas and Yasawas that you’ll find heavenly heavyweights. These beaches are the poster-child for paradise, luring thousands of visitors keen to discover their own South Sea idyll.
With seemingly endless stretches of intensely colored reefs and more than 1500 species of fish and colossal creatures Fiji’s underwater world is worth the plunge. Seasoned divers and snorkelers will find plenty to excite them, while first-timers will be bubbling excited exclamations into their mouthpieces. Anywhere a fin flashes or coral waves, you’ll find a diving or snorkel day trip and there are excellent live-aboard journeys for those after a truly immersive experience.
While it’s easy to spend your holiday in, on or under the water, those who take the time to towel off will be rewarded by a wealth of terra firma treats. Fiji offers ample opportunities for hikers, birdwatchers, amblers and forest-fanciers, particularly on the islands of Taveuni – known as ‘The Garden Island’ for its ludicrously lush interiors – and Kadavu, a less-traveled slice of prehistoric paradise with almost no roads to speak of.