Fijian man at a traditional festivalFijiNow known for their spellbinding beauty andjagged rainforest-clad peaks fringed by white-sandbeaches and clear seas, the Fijian islands wereonce notorious for their treacherous concealedwaterways and tales of ferocious cannibal warriors.Known as the ‘Cannibal Isles’ for many years, theirreputation kept even intrepid travellers at bay.However, the arrival of British missionaries as wellas indentured labourers from India brought amore conservative way of life, and Fijians are nowamong the friendliest, most welcoming people inthe world. Only 100 of the 330 Fijian islands areinhabited and it is still possible to stumble acrossdeserted beaches, tumbling waterfalls, pristinecoral reefs and the occasional tiny village. Thebeauty of these islands is beguiling, but it is theunaffected warmth of the people that makes Fijiso memorable.Royal Davui, Beqa Lagoon70Viti LevuThe main island of the archipelago, Viti Levu ishome to much of Fiji’s population and itsinternational airport. Most visitors with limitedtime stay here, heading either for the Coral Coaston the southwestern shore or Denarau Islandclose to the airport. With a little extra time it ispossible to seek out more remote retreats on thebreathtaking outer islands. Viti Levu’s landscape oflow-lying sugar cane fields, fertile deltas and thicklyforested interior is scattered with remote villagesaccessible only by 4x4 or river. Suva, the capital,provides an interesting window to Fiji’s colonialpast and those who make it to tiny Rakiraki on thenortheastern shore will be rewarded with some ofthe best sunsets in the South Pacific.Royal Davui, Beqa LagoonRoyal Davui is a luxury island escape situated ona tiny tropical paradise just off Viti Levu’s Pacificcoast. Surrounded by a coral reef and accessed viaa 45 minute boat journey, the island has just 16luxury villas spread out amongst lush vegetation.Each detached villa comes complete with averanda and private plunge pool and offersmagnificent views of the beautiful lagoon below.With a lovely restaurant and bar, secludedwhite-sand beach and excellent dive centre, thisadult-only resort provides a wonderfully luxuriousand secluded experience.Westin Resort & Spa, Port DenarauWestin Resort & Spa,Port DenarauThis beachfront resort enjoys fabulous palmfringedviews of the ocean as well as a convenientlocation just 20 minutes’ drive from NadiInternational Airport. Ideal as a base to relax for afew days or as a place to stay before transferringto one of the smaller surrounding islands, guestfacilities are comprehensive and include a privatebeach, lovely pool and health spa and access tothe adjacent world-class Denarau Golf andRacquet Club. There are 273 spacious, stylishrooms each with private balcony or patio andviews of the large landscaped pool area or beach.The restaurants offer a selection of local andinternational cuisine and cater for both formaland casual poolside dining.
Underwater marine life in the Mamanuca IslandsMalolo Island, Mamanuca IslandsYasawa Island Resort, Yasawa Islands Matamanoa Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands Likuliku, Mamanuca IslandsMamanuca & Yasawa IslandsOne of the most beautiful areas of the Fijianarchipelago, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islandsgently curl along the western shores of Viti Levuand north into the Pacific. Renowned for theirmagnificent beaches, warm dry weather andfantastic diving, this string of tiny coral atolls andsmall volcanic islands is easily accessible both byboat and by air from Port Denarau and Nadi andthe airport. The islands are popular but extremelytranquil; many have only one resort and you canvisit local villages on the larger islands that stillsurvive on fishing and subsistence farming. It islikely you will encounter a kava ritual or two inone of the resorts or villages. This colourful ritualinvolves sharing a drink made from ground pepperplant roots served in hollowed half coconut shells.Whilst not a pleasant taste initially, the rituals aregood fun and visitors are made to feel verywelcome. You may wish to travel around thisregion and island-hop or stay put and relax onone island.Matamanoa Island Resort,Mamanuca IslandsOut of the many incredible beaches in theMamanucas, Matamanoa is arguably one of thebest. A sweeping crescent of pristine white sandcurving between lush vegetation and turquoisewaters, it provides a stunning location for thisadult-only resort. The 20 beachfront bures and 13comfortable resort rooms are designed in atraditional Fijian style and offer good value formoney. There is a great spa, a popular restaurantoverlooking the Pacific Ocean and a range ofactivities to keep you busy. There are paddleboats and kayaks for guest use and a dive centreoffering a chance to access numerous local divespots to see the incredible marine life.Tokoriki Island Resort,Mamanuca IslandsTokoriki Island Resort has 34 freestanding,thatched seafront bures and villas on a privateisland in the Mamanucas. The resort is within easyreach of the main island of Viti Levu but feelswonderfully isolated. Each bure is spacious andstylish, and features outdoor showers and fantasticocean and sunset views. Exclusively for couples,the resort is perfect for those seeking a quiet andrelaxing retreat. There is a spectacular infinitypool and a stunning spa set into the hillside. Theopen-air restaurant serves delicious food and sitson a large terrace overlooking a string of islands.Likuliku, Mamanuca IslandsOne of Fiji’s most tranquil, luxurious hideawaysand an <strong>Audley</strong> favourite, Likuliku is a stylish retreatpositioned on the edge of a stunning lagoon. The46 bures here line the pristine beach with ten ofthem perched on stilts right over the lagoon itself.Nestled amongst the palms are all the facilitiesyou would expect of a leading resort including arestaurant, dive centre, gym, spa and invitinginfinity pool. The rooms are wonderfully spaciousand utilise many local materials carefully blendedwith modern amenities to create a traditionalexperience in a luxurious setting. All roomsfeature large outdoor decks with daybeds andlagoon views.Yasawa Island Resort,Yasawa IslandsTucked amongst the palms of a beautiful island inthe Yasawa chain, the Yasawa Island Resort hasjust 18 bures offering complete and utter luxury.The bures are steps from the stunning beach andeach has a discreet outdoor shower, expansivedeck, separate living area, daybeds and a hammockstrung between the palm trees. Despite its remotesetting, comfort is never compromised and thereis a choice of dining locations and a range ofactivities on offer. With no other resort onYasawa and no radios, televisions or traffic, theresort feels wonderfully secluded and is a perfectisland escape.Tokoriki Island Resort, Mamanuca Islandswww.audleytravel.com/southpacific l 01993 838 830 l The South Pacific 71
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