2017 TRAVEL PLANNER
You, me and a different kind of Fiji
Where better to ignite romance than Fiji? The land of sunsets and spas, lazy Sundays and languid beach strolls. But if all of that’ s a little obvious, how about one of these alternative date ideas?
Inland adventures
When most of us envisage Fiji, we dream of picture-perfect islands with platinum white sand and an ocean dotted with clown fish and coral. Which of course, is all very much available – in abundance. But step away from the beach and you’ ll soon find a mountainous interior flushed with lush vegetation and fields of harvest. Cruise your way up the waterways of the Sigatoka River on-board a custom built jet boat as part of the popular Sigatoka River Safari, and en-route to remote Fijian villages, you’ ll encounter fishermen and their helpers, children leaping from trees and locals waving enthusiastically as you pass. Once ashore, immerse yourself in the native customs of the real ' kaiviti '( Fijian people). Ceremonies of kava, singing and traditional dancing, followed by an authentic Fijian feast and the thud of the lali – an indigenous drum crafted entirely from wood. Back on the boat, your return journey mixes starling views with 360 degree donut spins. How’ s that for a thrill seeking adventure?
Fiji sunset dinner cruise
The sun sets everywhere, but perhaps nowhere quite as beautiful as Fiji. A startling palette of burnt orange, yellow and purple, if you’ re going to soak up one of the country’ s most dramatic vistas, it’ s best done from a sultry, catamaran boat. With a cocktail in hand, as part of the renowned‘ Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise’ you and your partner will depart Denarau Marina aboard the twin-deck MV City of Nadi, operated by Captain Cook Cruises. With the threat of a sinking sun hanging loosely as a backdrop, a three course barbecue is served to the musical notes of island ballads, dancing and entertainment. The staff are as warm as the last rays that beat down onto the deck, with hosts that will explain every detail about the stunning Mamanuca Islands, as you gently glide past. Tuck into a feast of local Fijian delicacies, from Ota and Miti( local spinach and coconut milk) to baked bananas in rich coconut cream, before watching the sun disappear and the night’ s sky erupt into a blanket of stars. Three hours later, full of Fijian food and spirit, you will return to Denarau – possibly already lulled to sleep by the soft rock of your boat.
Mystery flights
Fiji looks great from a beach hammock. Fiji looks great when you are snorkelling. Fiji looks great from both your hotel room and a luxury boat. But nowhere does Fiji look more spectacular than from the air. Imagine soaring above crystal-clear water dotted with tropical sanctuaries the colour of gemstones; miles of pristine coastline nudging at lush rainforest and verdant mountainside. The colours alone
PHOTO: Namotu Island, Mamanuca Islands, Nadi, Fiji 14 INSPIRE ISSUE 01. 2017 | HOUSE OF TRAVEL