Just Back From Fiji ...

by Theo Antoniadis

Bula Vinaka!!! From the islands where God cast his last droplets of pebbles. All 363 of them to form the tropical haven of the Fiji Islands. We were there for a total of 9 days and spent it mainly on the Coral Coast and the Mamanuca Islands. Fiji offers something for everyone, from the budget conscious backpacker through to the five star romantic retreat seeker.

We flew with Air Pacific Airways direct Sydney to Nadi, taking a mere 3 hours and 45 minutes. I must say that the service and experience on this aircraft was a happy surprise, being in alliance (code share) with Qantas. The legroom and friendliness of the staff was truly high class and unsurpassable in my travel experiences. Our welcome “Isa Lei” experience was to become a common practice on every resort we visited, as we got “Laied” time and time again.

Our first stop was the Shangri-La Fijian Resort which is basically about an hour from Nadi airport and is a 4 star family, middle to upper scale conscious property. The facilities are quite expansive and the staff are probably one of the friendliest around. Where almost every staff member you came across greets you with a genuine, hearty bula! They are in the midst of renovating and are focusing on creating more adults only areas for couples, having their own magical chapel for weddings.

The West Motor Inn and Skylodge Nomads Resort were next on the agenda for site inspections. The later will definitely be more highly recommended for the budget conscious backpacker being quite comfortable for the rate you are paying. That evening we spent at the Sheraton Resorts Denarau, which is basically three separate resorts in the one where facilities are shared and are in easy access from each other through the free shuttle. These were basically 4 star properties and all three have a different feel to them. The Sheraton Fiji Resort was more a family type property with its cane feel in the rooms, the Royal Denarau Resort had more of a traditional, authentic feel to it with it’s dark colours and more spacious rooms. However personally I liked the rooms at the Villas being more comfortable and modern out of the three.

Next we were to hit the Mamanuca Islands. Via the Tiger IV, which departs daily from Denarau Marina. Our first stop being Treasure Island for lunch, small yet secluded and more for the budget to middle conscious and families. This island had a great fun filled vibe going around, however the rooms were quite tired. Next was Mana Island Resort were we spent the night. This was one of the biggest islands in the group and offered a diverse range of accommodation and facilities. However, being as glamorous and big, I though it lacked in it’s service and landscaping which definitely needed some work. This was directed more to the upper scale conscious and had very comfortable rooms more for couples focused.

Castaway Island came next, with it’s amazing tranquil blue waters. I snorkeled and kayaked here for the first time in my life. This was one of my favourite islands which had great facilities as well focusing mainly on families and couples. We had a glorious three course lunch here which was quite affordable. The rooms were very comfortable, however they did not have air conditioning. Next was Malolo Island Resort which was another of my favourites. Hospitality, the rooms, the beach, the food were unforgettable here. This is also quite a family focused mid ranged, affordable, yet luxurious island. Here we experienced kava (definitely requires an acquired taste) and crab racing for the first time.

Our next stop was Plantation Island Resort, located on Malolo Lailai (large), this was where Temptation Island was filmed, girls quarters. A fairly large, family, budget conscious property. Fairly reasonable pricing however had a caravan park styled feel to it with quite a lot of back packers choosing to stay here as well. Next was a quick 5 minute transfer to the other side of the island to Musket Cove Resort, the guys quarters from Temptation Island. This side was a lot more appealing and tranquil. The accommodation was quite extensive in it’s range and was more focused towards the moderate to upper spectrum of the market. More focused for couples and families.

Next we caught the Malolo cat back to the mainland (Nadi) and caught the Sun Air flight through to Suva. Now this was an experience to say the least on a 20 seater jet. We were met by a transfer which took us down to the jetty where we caught a boat transfer to Toberua Island Resort. This place was my favourite without hesitation, a small secluded, lush and serene island. There is a total of 15 bures here and is nothing more than paradise. The hospitality, service, accommodation and food is incredible, however is also focused towards your upper ranged market.

We said our fond farewells and headed back to the mainland (Suva) where we caught the transfer along the Coral Coast once again. We stopped at the Warwick, where we had lunch. This property is highly recommended to the mid range market and offers quite good value for money product. It’s authentic Fijian feel on the grounds, beach and atmosphere attract both families as well as couples. Next was the Outrigger on the Lagoon Resort. Again this was an amazing property that made you feel as if you were possibly on one of the Mamanuca islands. Great service, genuine hearty people and comfortable accommodation for everyone.

Our last stop was the beautiful Sonaisali Island Resort. This was more of a couples resort and offered expansive range of facilities and bures, being quite luxurious and comfortable. The staff here highlighted the friendliness and hospitality of the Fijian people. We enjoyed a great dinner here on our last night themed ‘Sunset Cannibal’ and I must say the show was quite enthralling and entertaining. The next day we headed back to the mainland and caught the Air Pacific flight back to reality in Sydney.

Fiji is definitely a great getaway for anyone. The islands are each unique in their own way and offer something more than what the mainland does. However, do not underestimate the Coral Coast as it is quite deceiving in that the natives shine through their genuine hospitality. Constantly make you feel like you are stranded on a secluded island in your holiday fantasy land away from home. And that’s how it should be.

Theo