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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.