It takes three hours to fly from Auckland to Fiji, which is about the same amount of time it takes to drive from Auckland to Tauranga. Delightful as the Mount is, can it really compare to a tropical island vaycay?
1. The Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
Kiwis love Denarau Island on the main island of Viti Levu and because it’s only a 20-minute car ride from Nadi Airport, it’s great if you’re planning a short break. You want beach, pool and a wee sampler of Fijian life? The Hilton is a safe bet. Right on the waterfront, the resort’s Maravu restaurant specialises in Pan-Asian cuisine prepared with organic herbs from the hotel’s garden and also serves dim sum for lunch – yum!
2. Vomo Island
If crystal-clear warm sea, white-sand beaches and five-star service away from the tourist masses is your idea of paradise, then this is the place to unpack your togs. Dominated by Mount Vomo, this jewel of the Pacific – 75 minutes by boat from Denarau or a 15-minute flight – has so much to offer, from amazing snorkelling a few steps from your beachfront deck, to guided diving trips (yes, you can find Nemo!). As soon as you enter this fantasy island, you’re serenaded with the Fijian greeting song and by the time you reluctantly drag yourself away to the sounds of “Isa Lei”, you’ll be plotting a way to return.
Sit back and relax at Vomo Island’s spa, where masseuses work muscular-easing magic.
3. The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better-run family-friendly destination than this popular spot on the mainland. The resort boasts one of Fiji’s finest restaurants, Ivi, overseen by award-winning executive chef Shailesh Naidu and his team. While there, why not take a cooking class? Their Fijian curries are superb! What’s more, the company is also involved with assisting Conua Primary School in the Sigatoka Valley as part of its commitment to the local community. Resort guests, if so inclined, can go help too. Meeting a few of the students, some of whom have to cross three rivers to get there, might make you pause next time you do a school drop-off.
4. Pamper time
On holiday, chilling out is top of my list and there’s no better way to do that than with a massage. Take sanctuary at the Outrigger’s Bebe spa on Vakalomalahi Hill, which has stunning views across the lagoon – its signature Fijian bobo massage is a tonic for whatever ails you. And at Vomo, I chose a deep-tissue massage and practically floated out the door. The ginger tea served afterwards is said to be a favourite of Kiwi fashion queen Karen Walker.
Dim sum and a view! Maravu makes the best duck san choi bao in Denarau.
5. Farm to table
Fiji is bouncing back after the devastation of Cyclone Winston. One place that has come back bigger and better is Friends (Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development). Based in Lautoka, it is committed to empowering local farmers and marginalised members of the community, such as the disabled and widows, to create sustainable livelihoods. Oh, and their tamarind chutney is delicious. One of the businesses that uses the coconut flakes made here is Nadi’s Taste Fiji, a cafe/restaurant owned by couple Lee and Louise Ackerman, who are brilliant at showcasing local produce. Try their legendary caramelised pork belly with green papaya. There’s even a Kiwi connection at Nadi Bay Herb Farm, which exports more than 50 tonnes of fresh basil each year to our shores – so think of Fiji the next time you dab a little pesto on your pasta!
Taste Fiji’s caramelised pork belly with green papaya gets rave reviews.
