Highlights from Fiji — Our Final Destination!

From Australia it was on to Fiji, a newly independent country (from the Brits, of course) of over 300 islands. While, majority of the population lives on two large Fijian islands, tourists visit both the large and the remote. We had a chance to experience both. Fiji reminded me a little bit of Hawaii, with its lush vegetation and cultural rituals unique to the indigenous population.

Resort #1: Matanivusi on the large island of Viti Levu
We started our Fiji tour on the large Island of Viti Levu, which is where both the International Airport (in Nadi) and the Capital City of Suva lie. The Coral Coast is the southern coast of this island and it is in between Nadi and Suva. This is where several “resorts” are. I put resorts in quotes because the resorts in Fiji are so different than the resorts I am used to. In Fiji, many resorts consist of a main area and then individual burres where you sleep. Burre means house in Fijian.

These resorts are also very secluded. While I knew there were others around, I would never have known by seeing or hearing them. The vegetation keeps the resorts hidden and none of the beaches are built up; so we didn’t see any commercialization, even from the boat. It was wonderful.

We first stayed at an Eco Surfing Resort called Matanivusi along the Coral Coast. It was some of the best days we had during our 3-month trip. Unpretentious, not crowded, small, and impressively eco-friendly, our days were fun-filled with snorkeling, a bit of beginner surfing, stand-up paddle (SUP), and (a little too much) eating. Each morning we would take a boatride out for a morning water activity, followed by breakfast, then water again, then lunch, then water, then cocktails with sunset, then dinner and then post-dinner games and fun. We were warmly welcomed the minute we arrived with personalized “Bulas” (meaning hello in Fijian).

The owners, staff, and the other guests at this resort were absolutely wonderful. They run the place like a family and you could feel the love.

There were only 12 burres, so there were never too many people. In fact, for two days we were only two of four people at the resort — talk about special treatment — we loved it! We took a tour of the resort and were impressed with the care and attention to the sustainability detail that the owners implemented, with no previous training in resort sustainability to boot! Powered by solar, drinking water from rain water, 100% recycled waste waters using worms, all local materials, on-premise farm are just some of the policies and processes they have instituted.

They also made an effort to preserve the original vegetation, this banyan tree being at the centerpiece!

To be clear, this resort is not for people who just want to sit on the beach. The beaches are only okay. For the “good stuff”, you take a boat out to the reef that wraps the Coral Coast. Our resort is a “surf” spot because there are great waves breaking at the reef, a short boat ride away. The reef is one of the world’s largest and features brilliant colors, fish and coral to snorkel and explore. We thoroughly enjoyed all water activities. We even tried our hand at surfing, of which we thankfully have no pictures or videos as we were clearly beginners.

Relaxing at this resort was just as wonderful as the water. Being mostly off-the-grid, I read a book with real pages — imagine that! The setting was incredible and the sunsets picture perfect.

At Matanivusi, we also experienced our first Fijian traditions, of which there are many (like walking over fire). Here we had Kava and Lovo. Kava is a drink made by mixing Kava root and water and drinking it. The drink is mildly narcotic, making you very relaxed. It is customary to engage in a Kava ceremony at all important meetings or even when visiting a village when it is important to give it as an offering of respect. I sampled a small cup, nicknamed “low-tide”. Others opted for a “tsunami”, nickname for an overflowing, large cup.

We also had Lovo, which is a feast cooked in the earth (similar to a luau). Lovo is an easy way to cook large amounts of food and has a smokey, BBQ flavor. We sampled meat, fish, chicken, and veggies, all cooked in a pit for over 1.5 hours. That evening our Lovo feast started with kokoda, the Fijian version of ceviche (but served in a coconut shell topped with coconut cream).

One of the things that surprised us about Fiji was its Indian influence. Evidently the Brits brought the Indians over as indentured servants to assist in developing the country’s sugar trade. Many stayed and it’s common to find many Indian dishes and spices on local menus.

Resort #2: Tokoriki
After four incredible days, we were on to Tokoriki, an island not too far from the Nadi. Tokoriki is part of the Mamanucas, a string of islands off Viti Levu. These islands are popular destinations due to their sandy-white beaches, their unbelievably crystal blue waters, and their close proximity to the International Airport (it’s just a short boat shuttle away). Tokoriki is tiny island and we stayed at one of two resorts on the island. Our resort was conveniently named Tokoriki Resort. And it’s just across the way from the island where “Cast Away” was filmed (and not far from Brook Shield’s famous “Blue Lagoon”).

What was most remarkable about Tokoriki was its setting, its luxurious amenities, and the crystal blue of the waters. I have never experienced such a brilliant array of the most beautiful cobalt, turquoise, sea foam, and sky blues. We swam, snorkeled, SUP’d every day, Paul did SCUBA, and we even had our own private version of “Blue Lagoon” in the these crystal blue waters. Paul was additcted – this was definitely his version of an ideal vacation.

Being our last 4 days, of the trip, we decided to simply enjoy the unbelievable ambiance and keep our blogging to a minimum. Here are our last few days in pictures.

Final Thoughts
And with that our trip came to its end. While our ambitions were to close our trip with lists of top 10 blog posts — ranging from top 10 experiences, to top 10 foods we ate, to top 10 sunsets we watched, to top 10 people we met —  for now, we will share our #1 sentiment after our three-month journey. Being able to share so many experiences together was, by far, the most meaningful part for us both. After all, what’s better than deepening the feelings you have for someone you love.

And it is with that love in our hearts that we excited to return to our loved ones at home too. Bye for now — until next time!!!