Fiji

Courtesy of Brandon Everett

The Fiji archipelago comprises over 300 islands.  About 100 are inhabited, most encircled by coral reefs.  Fiji is located in the heart of the South Pacific:  3,100 km northeast of Sydney, 2,100 km north of Auckland.  Pristine beaches front tropical resorts.  Coral gardens and turquoise lagoons abound. 

Fiji’s topography ranges from sand dunes to virgin rain forests, rivers, and spectacular waterfalls, pristine reef systems, prairie grasslands, sprawling mangroves, and miles of white sand beaches.  The dry season is May to October; the wet, November to April.

The genuine Fijian hospitality stems from tribal custom.  Fijians believe that family and friends are life’s greatest gifts.

Fiji Meke Courtesy of Tourism Fiji

In Fiji:

• Rent an entire island with your own staffed villa
• Dive among 350 species of multi-hued soft corral
• Stretch out in your hammock
• Enjoy a lovo feast followed by a meke, traditional song and dance; provinces in Fiji have different dance routines – participants wear traditional island costumes of printed bark cloth (tapa)
• Shop Fijian style – market signs are mostly hand drawn; conversations in Hindustani, Chinese and Fiji abound

• Kava Ceremony Courtesy of Brandon Everett

  Dine on kokoda or pulasami
• Partake in a welcoming kava ceremony
   

What to wear:

Packing for Fiji is easy.  Bring a light tropical wardrobe.  Wraparound “sulus” (lavalava or sarong) are a must for both men and women.  Bikinis and brief swimming wear is fine at your resort, but when visiting villages, be sure to dress modestly.  If visiting a temple, be sure to cover your arms and remove your shoes prior to entry.

Village Etiquette:

Preparing Kava Courtesy of Tourism Fiji

The Fijian people have their own customs and culture which are an integral part of their life.  To enter a Fijian village, seek permission from a Village Elder or be invited by one of the villagers.  Dress modestly.  Bring some Yaqona (pronounced yangona), Fiji's national drink, also known as kava, a drink made from the pulverised root of a member of the pepper family.  When entering a bure, take your shoes off at the door.

Kava Ceremony:

You may be asked to take part in a Kava ceremony:  Sit in a closed circle.  Fresh water is poured into a tanoa bowl; pulverized kava root is added.  The mixture is then poured into a bilo shell.  Clap, say “bula,” drink, drain the bilo shell, and clap twice.  Be sure your clap carries a presence and commands respect from the village men.

Listen to myths and legends passed down through generations of story tellers.

Fire Walking Courtesy of Tourism Fiji

Fire Walking

Fiji is known for its legendary fire walking.  Witness the Beqa islanders walk on white hot volcanic rock. 

Watch the fearsome “wesi” spear dance.

Tropical Paradise

Stroll on warm expansive powdery beaches with your loved one; picnic on your “own” private island.  Explore the rain forest with its plunging waterfalls. 

Gallop into the surf.  Dine under the stars.  Be pampered with a four-hand massage.  Laze in your hammock.

Snorkel with your children.  Sail.  Kayak. Windsurf.  Scuba.  Fish.

Freshly Caught Lobster Courtesy Tourism Fiji

Inhale the delectable essence of frangipani, feel the soft sand beneath your feet.  Treat your taste buds to freshly caught seafood cooked in a lovo and exotic tropical fruits served by friendly and caring Fijians.  Bask under the warm Fijian sun.  Watch as your children learn from their caring Fiji nanny.

Play.  Frolic.  Doze.  Read.  Dive.  Dine.  Indulge.  Live your dream.  Enjoy.  Smile.

Relax:  You’re on Fiji time.

Call now to book your Fiji vacation
Snug Harbour Tours
718 858 4239