Fiji Escape - March 2017

The South Pacific. What does it conjure up in your mind?  Crystal clear calm ocean waves lapping on white sandy beaches; your own private hammock suspended amongst the palm trees?  Gazing out at tiny islands dotted along the deep blue horizon? The gentle strains of the guitar or ukelele drifting on the breeze as you sip your cocktail?  YES!

Fiji, one of these jewels of the South Pacific delivered all this and so much more.

My previous visit to Fiji was a quick stopover in Denarau and I was relishing the opportunity to get out to the islands and experience what I deem to be the perfect tropical island getaway.

However, first we travelled through the lush green hills and cane fields of Viti Levu enroute to the Coral Coast, where our Bure at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort awaited us. Dotted through the huge tropical  resort gardens, with easy access to an enormous lagoon style pool, the sunset bar and palm fringed beach, it was our first little piece of Fijian paradise. From the airport, it took us approximately 75 minutes to reach the Coral Coast, in a private transfer for the 4 of us. It is a leisurely, scenic drive (perhaps not for the faint hearted if you are not good at dodging cows!) and the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of rural Fijian life. The scars of Cyclone Winston are still very evident and the country has been slow to rebuild. We met an inspiring lady working together with many local communities through Fiji Kids, to ensure children are well cared for, well educated and afforded all the opportunities possible to secure their future. A very humbling experience, which brings home just how fortunate we are in Australia today.

The next morning, after our drive back to Denarau, the Mamanuca islands beckoned and soon, from the deck of our launch, Castaway Island appeared before us. We were greeted by the staff on the beach, singing, dancing, playing music and welcoming us to their gorgeous island. Bures were dotted along the beachfront under palm trees, nestled into tropical gardens and overlooking crystal clear waters with a beachfront bar and water sports hut serving up whatever kind of afternoon entertainment we were after. I waded into the ocean until it was up to my shoulders and still I could see the fish swimming around my feet. A leisurely swim followed by a few cocktails, an amazing beachfront dinner and gentle music eventually got the better of me. My bure beckoned and I fell asleep listening to the sound of the ocean, only metres away.  Paradise.

Malolo Island and the serenity of the luxurious adults only Liku-Liku resort was next on the itinerary. We were greeted from our launch with an ice cold fruit punch before wandering over the bridge and onto our bures. Exquisitely furnished, with a huge king size bed, coffee machine and freshly baked cookies (dangerous - let me tell you!) and an indoor/ outdoor shower. An outdoor beach bale ensured unobstructed views of the lagoon; and on this particular day, an impending storm. Absolutely spectacular. 

We treated ourselves to a sublime massage at the Tatadra spa before joining the staff for Meke - a traditional welcome dance followed by a sumptuous feast - all cooked in the ground. It was with a heavy belly I feel asleep that night.

An 8 seater speedboat was our new mode of transport the following day for our visit to beautiful VOMO island and our 4 bedroom luxury presidential villa. Not even a sudden deluge could dampen our spirits here. Champagne on ice, our own covered lap pool and a private beach, it was clear it was going to be very hard to leave Vomo on this trip. For those families who love to travel 5*, Vomo Island is perfect. Exquisite individual hillside and beach bungalows as well as a number of multi bedroom villas for extended families. A huge, superbly run kids club with ample space to run and play. For the adults - one of my favourite spots - the Sunset Bar. Enjoy drinks and canapes as you watch the sun sink below the island - dotted horizon. You could easily lose yourself to Island time here.

Our speedboat shuttle back to Denarau the following morning arrived ahead of looming black clouds, but we reached the Marina before the tropical shower hit - time to wander around the Marina shops, grab a great flat white and stock up on Pure Fiji products. The Coconut is still my favourite.

Throughout this journey, even amongst the most luxurious of resorts, beautiful vistas and amazing food, my lasting memory of the Fijian islands is the people. Generous of spirit, thankful and gracious, I found them truly welcoming and incredibly humble. I can see why the islands are a firm favourite with Australian travellers and I urge everyone to put a visit on their bucket list. 

I will certainly be returning.

By Debbie Andrews

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