Fiji Islands
“What I love about my connection with Fiji is that I have experienced both polar opposites of the spectrum, from luxurious hotels and tourist trips to real life in the villages.”
Fiji is a place very close to my heart and somewhere I’ve been very fortunate to visit 4 times since 1998. Reason being, my Mum’s ex-partner and Father of my younger sister is originally from there. He was around for 15 years of my life so I still to this day see him as my Step-Dad and consider his Fijian family, my family. Fijian culture feels as much a part of my life as my Caribbean and British origins. What I love about my personal connection with Fiji is that I have experienced both polar opposites of the spectrum, from luxurious hotels and tourist trips to real life in the villages.
Fiji is probably one of the furthest places you can travel from the UK. About 28 hours flight time, that’s not including the waiting in airports! For some that is a nightmare but for me, I always consider the journey part of the holiday. I may only be seeing the inside of airports but I always found it pretty cool to be touching down in another country for a few hours and have managed to tick off a few over the years; Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Australia. My most recent trip I actually upgraded to 1st Class for the 4 hour flight from Australia to Fiji and it was such a great experience. Not only because that’s the most exciting part of the trip as you near your destination and fly in over the beautiful islands, but the overall service, the beautiful fruit platters provided, and being greeted off the plane by Fijians singing was such a warm and pleasant welcome.
Fiji’s main airport is Nadi International Airport, on the West side of Fiji’s largest Island, Viti Levu. Fiji’s capital, Suva, sits on the East side of the island. In my experience, Nadi is the more touristy side of the island. My family are mainly based on the Suva side, so on the Nadi side of the island I recall spending my time doing boat trips out to some of the remote islands surrounded by the beautiful coral reef and some of the most amazing marine life. Most notably, the beautiful Linckia laevigata blue starfish known for inhabiting the waters in that region. As well as doing the usual things such as glass bottom boat tours, snorkelling etc. there is the opportunity in most places to experience the true Fijian culture which is an absolute must! You can sail out on the traditional Fijian boat, the ‘Drua’, enjoy Fijian food cooked traditionally in the ground, known as a ‘Lovo,’ and of course, the traditional Fijian ceremony of drinking ‘Kava’. Other must see trips include, the Fiji Culture Village where you can see traditional Fijian dress, ancient weapons and fire walking. Also the Sleeping Giant Gardens which allows you to see some of the amazing Tropical plant life.
Heading over to Suva on the East side of the Island, you would be travelling on the Queens Highway, probably the only main road in Fiji between the 2 cities. The 3 hour journey takes you right along the Coral Coast so it makes for stunning views if travelling in daylight. One thing I’ve loved about travelling as a local in Fiji, since there is pretty much one road end to end, it’s pretty standard practice that most people will allow you to ride in their car while they travel. Just pay them $2 and get out when you’re ready! Even if you’re doing the full 3 hour trip. Bear in mind it can get a little hot and cozy in there as the car fills up!
Along this route you go through the town of Sigatoka where the luxury Hideaway Resort has popped up in recent years. My Uncle runs his water sports business out of the resort, known as Tru-Sup Watersports! So another great spot for Snorkelling, Paddle Boarding, and Surfing off the coral coast.
One real eye-opener with Fiji, in parts it is just like a 3rd world country. When staying with family, many of them lived in houses or huts with tin roofs and we would shower just with a cold water tap outside. At about 8 years old I remember sharing a bed with 3 or 4 of my cousins because it was the only bed they had while the adults would sleep on the floor. But one thing that stood out, they were always smiling no matter how little they had. My family originates from a Village called Namosi in the Fijian highlands, completely out in the wilderness with no electricity or means of communication to the outside world. In 2017 I spent time there for my Uncle’s wedding. It was an extremely difficult but amazing time. We had to wash in the river, live off the land, the sleeping arrangement was an open hut with just a mattress and mosquito net. At night it was totally pitch black but you could hear all of the animals in the jungle come to life. Scary but such an amazing experience. I have to say I didn’t eat or sleep much on that trip but it was worth it! My Uncle now takes Tourists up to the village for 1 or 2 night stays and has built a small retreat up there. Namosi Eco Retreat! Another place I would strongly recommend to get a taste of the true Fiji experience that I have been lucky enough to grow up around.
To summarise; Fiji will forever be close to my heart and another home for me. It has the great paradise feel like some of the other trips I have been on, however, the cultural experience is richer than what you might find in other places, and that traditional culture is still very much a part of everyday life.
Rating: 4 Stars
Improvements: Maybe just be because my experience in Fiji has been more local than touristy. But I think if I was to compare it to other luxurious, tropical holidays, although Fiji is absolutely fantastic, it doesn’t come quite as high on the luxury scale. However, I think that authenticity that it maintains is part of what makes it so great.
What I’d do differently: Many of the tourist attractions I visited at the age of 8 and 12, I haven’t actually done since going back there as an adult. It would be great to actually experience these as an adult and probably get a different perspective.
