I have just returned from an incredible trip of a lifetime, courtesy of Tourism Fiji, & I cannot recommend this wonderful destination enough.
Although my time in Fiji was fairly short, this 8 day action-packed trip allowed me to experience the lush, verdant scenery on the mainl&, the breath-taking isl&s & some of the most stunning hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in.
Here is why you should add this to your list of must visits with my day-by-day itinerary of this beautiful country:
Getting there:
My trip started with my United Airlines flight from Heathrow to San Francisco which took around 11 hours, then followed by an onward flight with Fiji Airlines to Nadi International Airport, which is approximately 12 hours. I would definitely recommend breaking up the journey with a few days stay in San Francisco.
My Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at the beautiful Shangri – La- Resort, Fiji.
This resort has nature on your doorstep. Nestled on the private Yanuca Island, Yanuca offers the essence of an exclusive island hideaway, yet is conveniently connected to the mainland by a causeway. The 442 ocean-view guest rooms take their inspiration from a traditional Fijian village, featuring rich elements of local culture & nature. After a long journey, it was a perfect haven, to rest & get settled, ready for the days ahead.
Day 2: Waterfalls & Horse Trekking
First adventure of the trip…a visit to the stunning Biausevu Waterfalls adventure.
You trek through the lush forest & streams, & can choose to walk up to the hidden waterfall or take a horseback ride, as I did. It truly offered the most amazing experience to ride, my horse was aptly named Sunflower! You ride through the dense forest where you’ll then arrive at the most breath-taking gem of all – the waterfall that still seemed secret to the rest of the world. Even here, you are greeted by families & locals shouting “Bula”, hello in their language & again, the Fijian smiles that could melt a thousand hearts.
Day 3: River Safari Adventure
Our next adventure was to arrive at the Sigatoka River, to enjoy our adventure tour & the chance to experience traditional Fijian Culture.
The Sigatoka River adventure takes you up the river where we waved to all the locals, bathing & farming, alongside the river. We were then greeted by a local Fijian Chief & taken uphill to their village. This is a must do to really understand the culture of this beautiful island. A gift is normally customary to take to the chief of the village, a mark of respect, & your guide will assist with this. On arrival, there is a chance to look around their village & then get to see a full Fijian ceremony. Kava (known as yaqona or simply grog) is the local drink, served from a coconut cup whilst a Lei garland for your neck is also given in welcome. The local Fijian wives & ladies cooked a lunch for us all to enjoy, & then it was time to wait for the dancing to begin & later, a farewell song that lifts your heart.
Then, time to board the river boat again for an adrenaline rush, with (rather wet) hairpin turns in the river & of course the perfect photo ops to be taken for you to remember this trip!
We then checked into the stunning Sheraton Resort on Denarau Island.
Denarau is the mainland of Fiji & where a lot of the 5 star properties sit alongside the beautiful beaches. Denarau is connected to the mainland by a short causeway, which means all of the hotels offer the Bula Bus to take you into the town from the hotels, should you wish to explore. Just F$9 (all day) makes for a great bargain & a fantastic way to see the mainland & catch one of the many boats that will take you out to the other islands.
Day 4: Floating on Cloud 9
Our next day, was to visit Cloud 9. This is a beautiful floating bar/restaurant/club right in the magical waters of the South Pacific. You can choose to sit above or below deck & there are shaded areas if required. Wood-fired pizza is served for lunch, cocktails & many other drinks are available. International DJ’s pump up the atmosphere. The option to jump into the clear waters & enjoy swimming, snorkelling & sunbathing was too good an opportunity to miss! On the way to this unique floating oasis, the boat trip from Denarau was a great way to see the islands glistening like jewels, en route.
A Stand-Out Experience:
I was even lucky enough to celebrate my forthcoming wedding on this day, with my group & everyone involved making it a day I will never ever forget. In Fiji, anything is possible, it is the place where happiness finds you at every turn.
Our next hotel for the night was the Hilton Beach Resort. This is a beautiful 5-star property, yet with a real at-home feeling. Situated along a beautiful white beach, & with 2 large pools for a cooling dip.
Day 5: Castaway, a visit to the Islands
It was then time to move on to more islands. The first being Monuriki. As a film buff, I knew this is where the film Castaway was filmed, with Tom hanks & of course, Wilson! This was the opportunity for me to live out all my film dreams on this remote island & it lived up to & beyond all my expectations. You truly feel like you are castaway on this gem of an uninhabited island with views of the peaks & turquoise waters & no hotels. This is a must do ….“Wilson!!!”
After many photos & living out my film fantasies, I then had a chance to snorkel & see the most incredibly colourful array of fish – the perfect way to end to my day!
We then checked into the Sofitel Fiji resort for our last night, before ‘island-hopping’.
Day 6: Island Hopping
This is when Fiji comes into its own. As beautiful as the resorts on the mainland are, this is the real Fiji. There are over 333 islands dotted around the ocean, some of which are completely uninhabited, others you can visit for the day such as Monuriki & Beachcomber. I cannot recommend this enough if you want to see the real Fiji. The boats go daily & you can just book your tickets & they will tell you what time you board, usually the first boats leave around 9.15 & return around 4.30pm, giving you the chance to enjoy your chosen island for the day.
Every island resort greets you with a smaller boat to pick you & take you ashore. You are greeted with songs & music & true Fijian hospitality. There is a genuine warmth to the people & smiles that stay with you from arrival, until departure, when they serenade you on your way.
Our first stop was Likuliku Lagoon Resort , this in Fiji means calm waters & you can see why, as soon as you arrive.
This resort is adults only & reserved exclusively for guests. A true wilderness retreat & the first & only resort with authentic over-water-villas in a natural ocean lagoon, surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary. From the water it looks like a traditional ancient village.
Wow! What can I say?! This resort was my personal favourite, on arrival not only are you greeted with the wonderful Fijian music & song but Coco, the resort dog, who even has his own Instagram account, which of course I immediately added. To be greeted by the happiest dog I have ever seen, wearing his sunglasses with pride & his very own Likuliku collar, I knew I was somewhere special. This is also the only resort in Fiji that has the overwater Bures (the Fijian word for a wood-and-straw hut).
It is truly spectacular, from the reception area, incorporating trees, to the long deck that meanders through the resort. Taking you to white powder beaches, over-water Bures, hidden garden huts, this is a glimpse of paradise, for all guests. Some rooms even have their own, private, plunge pools.
The focus of the design is of a Fijian Canoe House, surrounded by thatched bungalows that mix the natural materials, yet still having a modern feel.
If you are on honeymoon or just want a true Fijian piece of paradise with likeminded adults, this is the resort for you.
Next Island stop…Malolo.
Time to be transferred by boat to the next slice of paradise to the next island, Malolo Island Resort.
This resort is an intimate rustic resort, reflecting Fiji’s Colonial past with grand designs in a South Pacific beach-cottage style, offering true Fijian hospitality. Perfect for families & couples alike, at Malolo, you can fill your day with a myriad of activities or simply unwind & do nothing at all.
100% owned by a local Fijian family, Malolo is all about reconnecting with family & friends without the distractions of “mod-cons”. Just the sounds of the coconut trees swaying & the ocean lapping the shore, bliss. 
Six Senses Resort, Malolo Island.
After another fond Fijian goodbye, we then await our private boat to take us to the breath-taking Six Senses Resort.
From the moment Six Senses’ private boat picks us up & moored into its own marina, you realise you are again arriving into un-surpassed luxury.
Surrounded by crystal clear waters & white sand beaches, the resort features just 24 spacious pool villas, plus an inventory of residences with 2-5 bedrooms.
From the moment you walk into the lobby, you are met with understated luxury, with nods to humour & taste dotted around the resort.
This resort is also home to 17 Fijian Crested Iguanas, a critically endangered species, with less than 5,000 remaining in the world. A recent visit from Iguana specialists provided positive insights regarding the species & with the sighting of two young ones, demonstrated that they are successfully reproducing in their protected habitat within the resort.
This resort has rooms that can accommodate a large family or group of friends in one of their residences, or if you are a couple, you can have your own hideaway, with private plunge pool & such privacy that you could choose not to see another person for the whole of your stay!
This resort is also all about Wellness, & their spa features many unique treatments to enhance your health & lifestyle. The infinity pool glistens over the white sands & turquoise waters & again, those ‘wow’ moments, that leave you speechless!
You can also choose a stylish arrival by helicopter if you do not want to travel by boat, & with prices starting as little as 250$ one way, it would really give you an opportunity to arrive in style, like a celebrity, but without the huge price tag.
Six Senses Resort is at the top of the price range, however it has to be seen to be believed & for that truly special occasion, it would make every penny worthwhile.
Day 7: Mana Island Stay
Sadly, our final destination; Mana Island Resort & Spa. In the epicentre of Fiji’s breath-taking Mamanuca chain of islands, surrounded by turquoise seas, coral reefs & white sandy beaches. The resort has an array of accommodation options ranging from traditionally-styled island Bures, with outdoor showers, to Oceanfront Suites, overlooking South Beach, through to the latest addition, Premium Beach Bures, with plunge pools.
With a fusion of Fijian culture, activities, facilities & restaurants, Mana Island & Resort & Spa caters to all markets including families, couples, wedding parties, sporting groups & events. Mana Island Resort & Spa is home to five restaurants & four bars, two swimming pools, a water sports hub, a dive centre, boutique shop, tennis courts & a kids club.
There are four palm-fringed beaches from which to unwind. Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, dive or curl up on a beach chair & laze away the day.
The Mana Spa provides a haven for pampering & Wellness, while the onsite conference centre caters for incentives & groups.
The resort is also a favourite for destination weddings & has its own chapel where couples can tie the knot before family & friends, while the picturesque Sunset Beach is a popular choice for couples seeking an outdoor ceremony with the neighbouring island of the Mamanuca as a dream-like backdrop.
This resort is more rustic & simple than the other islands we visited & room types can vary in standard. We were lucky enough to have an oceanfront Bungalow in the gardens that offered a large indoor & outside space with modern bathroom. The pools are situated overlooking the ocean & are next to the buffet & al a carte restaurant ideal for lunch. This resort offers the full Fijian island experience at a price point lower than the others & with a charm that grows on you throughout your stay.
Day 8: A Sad Farewell
It was then time for me to head back to the mainland on the 2 hour ocean transfer, back to Denarau & then on to the airport, but with a smile on my face & memories that will last a lifetime. The Fijian people & the islands won a piece of my heart & I have a longing to return to this piece of heaven, in the South Pacific, that will be with me forever.
Yes, it’s a long flight journey from the UK, but well worth it. You can enjoy a stopover in San Francisco on the way or on your return trip home or you can even add it to a planned Australia or New Zealand trip as a beach add-on. Whichever way you want to consider I can help.
How To Book:
Fiji offers everything for the adventurer in you, for the romantic, for the family, friends, connoisseurs of luxury, or even the back packers, Fiji has it all!
Let Fiji show you Heaven on Earth!
To start planning your dream itinerary, please call free on 0800 707 6229 or email: deana@travelclubelite.com
Vinaka! (Thank you.)
Deana Manser, Senior Travel Consultant, Travel Club Elite.
