From the traditional Bobo massages to the therapeutic rays of South Pacific sun, the islands of Fiji offer visitors the ultimate in relaxation.
Fiji is living on island timeis exploring under the seais palm tree framed ocean views
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.
Throwing Down the (Beach) Towel
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. The appeal of the islands stretches beyond holiday snaps; the reefs, bays and sublime sands have provided cinematic eye candy to films including Cast Away with Tom Hanks and 1980 teen-dream classic The Blue Lagoon.
Wetter is Better
Fiji’s calm seas belie the riot of life going on within. With seemingly endless stretches of intensely coloured reefs and more than 1500 species of fish and colossal creatures Fiji’s underwater world is worth the plunge. Seasoned divers and snorkellers 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.
Beyond the Beach
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-travelled slice of prehistoric paradise with almost no roads to speak of. 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.
A Warm Welcome
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. Though the realities of local life are less sunny than the country’s skies – many regions are poor and lack basic services – 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.
10:00am-1:00pm : Port Denarau Marina
Experience some of Fiji's best tours, shopping, dining, and recreation at Port Denarau Marina, the country's premier marina facility. This hub is filled with accommodation like international hotels as well as convenient shopping in supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries, and souvenir shops. Spend your afternoon on an 18-hole golf course, or join boat tours to nearby islands. View impressive yachts in the marina, and end your day in any of the upscale restaurants.
3:00pm-4:30pm : Garden of the Sleeping Giant
See more than 2,000 species of Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrids at Garden of the Sleeping Giant. This garden features a peaceful environment with landscaped lawns, lily ponds, fountains, and a rainforest. Accept the free offer to have a guide accompany you through the gardens and tell you about the area's history and flowers. The attraction offers visitors refreshing fruit juice at the end of their tour, too.
10:00am-11:30am : Subar Maniya
12:00pm-2:00pm : Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
Cover yourself from head to toe in mud at Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, little-known hot springs believed to have healing properties. First dip into the mud pool and slather it on. The mud here is said to have age-defying and healing qualities, but regardless many visitors claim the sensation is nice. Allow the mud to dry before washing it off in a cold pool. When you are clean, relax in the hot-water pool or get a massage from a local vendor. Remember the mud can be quite heavy, so keep a grip on your suit when getting out.
2:30pm-6:30pm : Scuba & Snorkeling
11:00am-3:00pm : Nature & Wildlife Tours
A Sigatoka nature and wildlife tour will not only allow you to spend some time outdoors being active, but also introduce you to the local culture. You guide can organize a trip that includes everything from cruising down the Sigatoka River, to walking through forests and discovering hidden waterfalls, burial grounds of local clans, and caves once used by the area's villagers to hide during tribal wars. Half- and full-day options are available, with some including a tasty meal and a chance to take part in a traditional kava ceremony.
12:00pm-4:00pm : Bali Traditional Tours - Day Tours
5:00pm-8:30pm : Ed's Bar
Ed's bar opens 7 days a week from 5pm - 5am With happy hour every day until 10pm. Come by on Thursdays for Ladies Night! Ladies buy 1 and get 1 free drink on all local beers and spirits from 9pm-12am. If your looking to become an Ed's member in 2016, membership fees are $500 with a $35 renewal for each consecutive year. Become a member and enjoy discounted happy hour prices on local beers and spirits till 10pm, a yearly members christmas party, plus free entry all year round.
3:00pm-5:30pm : Natadola Beach
Some visitors argue Natadola Beach is Fiji's best beach due to its pristine white sand, blue waters, and ideal all-tide swimming and snorkeling. Decide for yourself and visit the picturesque beach. If you prefer water sports, some days at this attraction offer choppy waters great for body surfing and surfing. Beginner surfers should stick to waves inside the bay while experienced surfers can venture just outside the channel's entrance for larger waves. Take a horseback ride down the beach for a fee, paid to the local villagers who bring their horses.
7:00pm-9:30pm : Ice Bar
If you're looking to head out for the night or catch up with friends over a few drinks, then Ice Bar is the place to be. A Fresh, Classy and Sophisticated Nightspot, Ice bar Nadi is where you need to be when in Fiji. Ice Bar offers you awesome Customer Service, as well as the best drink prices you'll come across, nothing but the best music, ranging from the good ol' school hits of past years, to the latest tunes of today. Ice Bar caters for Birthday Parties, Stag/Hens nights, Reception Parties and much more. Famous for our custom made drinks as well as our themed nights, a night out at Ice is one you wont forget. We also run a shuttle to and from hotels within the vicinity of the bar and for those who need a safe sober ride home after a good night out. At Ice Bar, we pride ourselves on maintaining top class service, security and safety standards.
12:00pm-5:00pm : Fiji Culture Village
10:30pm-4:30pm : Cloud 9 Fiji
Enjoy a day of fun and sun at Cloud 9 Fiji,Fiji's only two-level floating platform with an internationally stocked bar and restaurant. This little piece of manmade paradise offers sun decks, hanging chairs, day beds, and platforms from which to leap into the blue sea. Listen to your favorite island music over the surround sound system and recharge by eating a wood-fired pizza from the Italian pizzeria. The attraction hosts events as well. Book a 45-minute boat ride from the port and relax all day on the Ro Ro Reef. Be aware the attraction can get very crowded, so try visiting during weekdays or early morning for a better experience.