Fiji is as close to a utopia as one can get; landscapes appear as though crafted by the Gods themselves, colours appear more vibrant and the locals the friendliest you’ve ever met. Fiji’s concoction of divine natural beauty, friendly locals and choice of things to do will leave you under its spell, and upon leaving you’ll ask yourself if life “can really be as perfect that?” The answer is that in Fiji, it just comes naturally.
And while it’s possible to spend your time in Fiji just admiring its beauty (we wouldn’t blame you if you did) there is a surprising number of different things you can do here. Now, since every trip has a different type of traveller, whether you’re the one who will head to the beach and stay there until it is time to head back to the airport, or you are the self-proclaimed ‘culture vulture’ who takes some pride in indulging in more intellectual activities—we’re not judging either way—we’ve broken down our recommendations for experiences in Fiji according to who you are.
If you fall into this bracket, your primary aim will be to push your boundaries and get your heart rate up to an exceedingly high rate. Don’t worry, Fiji has you covered.
Known as the "Soft Coral Capital of the World", Fiji is a dream destination for divers, as one of the few destinations with an underwater landscape which rivals the one above it. Head to the Yasawa Islands or the Great Astrolabe Reef off the island of Kadavu, the fourth largest barrier reef in the world. Both locations are ideal for divers of various levels, with visibility reaching up to 40 metres deep. Snorkellers and divers can get up close and swim with manta rays in these regions. Or, for a more daring dive, Pacific Harbour and Beqa Lagoon offer shark diving experiences in shark conservation reserves. This is a truly unique experience where you can get up close to Fiji’s most famous underwater residents, with bull sharks and tiger sharks to name a few.
If you're more of a landlubber, you might prefer to hike to secret waterfalls or head to Kula Wild Adventure Park where you can Meander through the rainforest on boardwalks amongst the tropical flora and fauna; keep an eye out for lizards, parrots and snakes! And of course, as The Adventurer, if you want to take it up a notch you can zipline through the rainforest canopy while here.
Finally, we suggest a trip to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Yasawa Islands which you will enter via an underwater passageway. Local legend has it that the caves are the final resting place of Ulitini, the 10-headed Fijian God.
The connoisseur likes to enjoy the sweeter things in life and is constantly seeking new epicurean highs. They secretly are most excited to return home and rave about how they had the most exquisite meal of their life while on their trip. There’ll be plenty of waxing lyrical about the food in Fiji after a trip here, that’s for sure.
With it being an island destination, Fiji makes the most of fresh, local produce and this is often best enjoyed in local Fijian markets and restaurants. Try some traditional dishes such as Kokoda (ceviche) and Palusami (taro leaves cooked in coconut cream) or, due to the heavy influence of its strong Indian population, enjoy a number of fragrant curry and tandoori dishes. You can also enjoy Chinese food in Chinatown in Fiji’s capital, Suva.
Markets are a great way to sample Fiji’s excellent cuisine and fresh produce. Enjoy the freshest fish, succulent prawns and lobster at seafood markets or get freshly made samosas at and roti at food stalls. Local markets are also perfect for finding the tastiest tropical fruit, peruse at your leisure and be amazed by how much better the fruit tastes here.
For a more unique gastronomic experience, a sunset dinner cruise gives you the chance to be wooed by local chefs and serenaded by the hues of the sunset at the same time. Alternatively, start the day off the right way with an ultra-cool tree-top breakfast in Nanuku Resort Fiji!
You know who you are, the type of person who wants nothing more than to simply kick back, relax and soak up the sunshine and good vibes. As you can imagine, with it being a tropical island destination with an abundance of beaches and luxury resorts, this also comes naturally.
One of the best beaches on the main island in Fiji is Natadola Beach on the Coral Coast in Viti Levu. A day spent vacillating between the warm banks of the beach and the refreshing waters of the ocean is perfect for beach lovers and sun worshippers. But if you do decide to take a break from all the relaxing, Natadola Beach usually provides great waves for surfing both for beginners and more advanced surfers. Other notable mentions for tranquil beach days are Horsehoe Bay on Matangi Island, Malamala Island and Castaway Island.
And just as much as happiness comes naturally in Fiji, luxury resorts come naturally for If Only. Fiji has some stunning resorts in which to luxuriate and spend long, leisurely days including Likuliku Lagoon Resort that is renowned for its luxurious overwater accommodations, complete with direct access to the crystal-clear waters and Yasawa Island Resort & Spa which boasts an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and private, thatched beachfront bures for supreme privacy. Tokoriki Island Resort and Castaway Island also offer incredible levels of privacy with exclusive beachfront access. Or, if you’re the type who tends to relax a bit more actively, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is a 5 Star resort with one of the South Pacific’s best golf courses.
The aesthete is the one with an eye for fine art and beauty and will also usually take great pleasure in seeking out the local culture.
One attraction that will satiate an appetite for aesthetic beauty is Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi. The temple is dedicated to God Mungan and is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. The colourful Dravidian architecture is certainly worth your time if this is the sort of thing you’re into. Indeed, while many travellers will be heading to the coast in search of beaches, water and adventure, there is so much beauty to be found inland as well. Suva and Nadi is a great place to spot local arts and crafts as well as cultural performances which are not only culturally enriching but visually captivating. Another notable mention is Sacred Heart Church in Levuka. It is Fiji’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and gives visitors a glimpse of Fiji’s colonial history.
Whereas some oceanic regions can offer exceptional beauty in the form of white sand and clear water, Fiji really sets itself apart from the rest because of its abundance of culture. In addition to the aforementioned Fijian architecture, get your culture on and visit a local Fijian village through a guided village tour, where you’ll get the chance to meet locals, witness traditional ceremonies and learn about their way of life. Or, participate in a Kava ceremony. Kava is a traditional Fijian drink made from the root of the Piper Methysticum plant which plays a role in Fijian culture. Be warned though as it can be an acquired taste and has mild sedative qualities. Similarly, join in a traditional Lovo feast. Lovo is a banquet cooked using an earth oven and the result is a smoky, succulent feast. Many resorts (and villages) include this method of cooking as a weekly activity that includes traditional singing and dancing.