Bula!!! This is a Fijian greeting that meant “hello” and “welcome”, but it could also convey many other meanings, including wishing someone a good life and good health. It’s a word you constantly hear when you’re in the island and always expressed in a very enthusiastic and jolly manner that even kids are so fond of saying.
Fiji is located in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Zealand. It consists of over 300 islands, the two largest and most populated being Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The main airport is situated at Viti Levu, in the town of Nadi. The predominant religion is Christianity with 65% of the population identifying as Christians. Other practiced religions include Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism. Rugby is a sport in which they excel, earning them a number of medals in the Olympics.
Fiji is known for its serene and natural beauty, idyllic beaches, deeply rooted culture and relaxed laid-back attitude, which gave rise to the popular concept of “Fiji time” --- a principle of calm and leisurely approach to life: no hurry, no worry. This stands in complete contrast to what we're accustomed to in other parts of the world where everyone is constantly chasing time.
Our journey started with a 10 ½ hour direct flight from LAX to Nadi airport. With a 19-hour time difference, traveling from the West Coast can feel like losing one or two days, depending on your departure time and whether you have a connecting flight. From the airport, our very diligent driver from Epic Tours escorted us and dropped us off at the Hilton Fiji Resort and Spa which became our home for the next eight days. The hotel is conveniently located at Denarau, Nadi, a mere 15 minute walk or a short bus ride to Port Denarau, Fiji’s premier marina and the gateway to a range of exciting island adventures.
The first thing I noticed upon setting foot on the island was the friendliness and warmth of the people. Everyone wore a ready smile and offered a cheerful "Bula," creating an atmosphere that was genuinely infectious. This made us feel instantly at ease and warmly welcomed into the local culture.
As we arrived quite early and our room was not ready, we used the extra time to go for a walk and head to Port Denarau. The port boasts a modern marina, serves as a vibrant tourism hub, and includes a commercial area with a variety of shops, souvenir stores, and local restaurants and cafes. We settled on a café with outdoor seating for breakfast, where we sampled the local menu while appreciating the views around us -- a perfect way to decompress after a long flight.
Mornings are always my favorite when staying on an island. Waking up to an atmosphere of pure tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty is absolute bliss. Nothing beats a brisk morning run, followed by a hearty breakfast with a view, to kickstart the day feeling energized and revitalized. This is one of the many wonderful experiences you can cherish when in Fiji.
There’s a wealth of things to explore and enjoy on the island outside of your resort. One activity that we did and had a truly pleasurable experience with was the Mamanuca Island cruise and snorkeling with South Sea Sailing. The activity involved cruising the ocean on a stunning modern catamaran, complete with day beds, bean bags, and a slide that plunges into the water, snorkeling in untouched tropical reefs and relaxing at the picturesque Malolo sand bar. A sumptuous buffet lunch, along with an assortment of beverages, savory snacks and delightful fruits and desserts were served. Snorkeling gears were also provided. Entertainment was incredibly fun, with guests dancing and singing along with the crew. The whole staff was amazing, friendly and very attentive all throughout. It was a wonderful day well spent for everyone on board.
One of the reasons that brought us to Fiji was to celebrate an anniversary. We chose to spend the evening on a sunset dinner cruise hosted by Captain Cook Cruises. A glass of champagne welcomed us and set the stage for a memorable experience. Staring into the spectacular sunset scenery aboard a top-tier charter vessel was truly a mesmerizing moment. The delectable Fijian buffet, prepared with local produce was a delightful treat. The cultural show was a vibrant display of traditional music and dance, offering a captivating glimpse into Fijian heritage. In summary, it was a wonderful experience made worthwhile by the breathtaking views and the friendly service of the staff.
Additionally, we booked a Nadi city tour that included three major stops: the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, and the Sabeto Mud Pools and Hot Springs. The Sri Siva Subramaniya is a Hindu Temple known for its vibrant colors and structures featuring intricate pyramidal carvings. It’s a sacred place where Hindu rituals and ceremonies are practiced. Women are expected to wear appropriate clothing inside the temple, with shoulders, arms, and legs covered.
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a large tropical plantation featuring a wide variety of orchids and other exotic plants, a lily pond and a rainforest. While it received mixed reviews on TripAdvisor, it’s unique charm and tranquil beauty, in my opinion make it deserving of a visit. The landscape is lovely and the mood is remarkably calming. Sometimes it's worth taking a leap and discovering things for ourselves, as experiences and opinions are not always unanimous for everyone.
Our favorite part of the tour was the Sabeto Mud Pools and Hot Springs—a unique and entertaining activity that we thoroughly enjoyed. We had such a fun time covering ourselves in mud and then relaxing in the warm pools afterward. It was both rejuvenating and amusing. Our guide, Millie, was incredibly friendly and attentive, capturing every moment. There’s a small bazaar selling locally made products set up on one side of the property, where we picked up some beautiful souvenirs at very reasonable prices. They also offer massages which we didn't have the opportunity to try because we were out of time.
During our free days, we took the opportunity to explore the local market, discovering unique goods and crafts. We strolled around the marina a few times, sampled local restaurants, and shopped for homegrown goods to bring back home. In addition, we also visited a number of nearby hotels, assessing their amenities and ambiance to get a broader sense of the area’s offerings.
In conclusion, our trip to Fiji was an unforgettable journey, brimming with vibrant experiences, natural splendor, and warm hospitality. The serene environment was truly a breath of fresh air. The island's unique charm, coupled with the genuine kindness and cheerful demeanor of its people, made every moment special. These encounters and experiences, where we witness how joy and serenity can thrive even in the most modest circumstances, deeply instill in us a profound sense of humility. They remind us that happiness and peace are not dependent on material wealth but can be found in the simplest aspects of life.
Vinaka vakalevu Fiji! Sota tale.
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