With more than 300 islands sprinkled throughout 200,000 square miles of ocean, deciding where to travel in Fiji may seem overwhelming for the first-time visitor. Don’t let “where to stay” and “how to get around” deter your clients from choosing to visit one of the world’s most romantic island destinations.
Viti Levu
As Fiji’s largest and most-populated island, Viti Levu is home to several visitor regions. Nadi (pronounced Nandi) is Fiji’s second-largest city, and since it is home to the nation’s international airport, the urban center is the first port of call for most visitors. Travelers opting to stay in the area will usually make the 20-minute drive to Denarau Island, a resort complex featuring a championship golf course, a marina and cruise-ship port as well as a number of high-end international hotel brands, including Sheraton, Westin, Radisson and Sofitel.
Beyond Nadi, the paved highway leads directly to the Coral Coast. The journey serves up stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while traveling through a uniquely Fijian vista punctuated by sugar cane fields and coral lagoons. Fiji’s largest resorts are found in this region, including the popular Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa and Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa.
Continuing along the highway, visitors will next come to the Pacific Harbor, which is considered Fiji’s adventure capital. The Pearl South Pacific is not only a springboard for the area’s myriad of soft-adventure activities, but also is popular with the backpacker set. Still farther along the highway, the road warrior will eventually come to Suva, Fiji’s capital and largest city. Suva is mainly a commercial district, so international visitors generally opt to stay at one of Fiji’s more exotic island locales.
Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands
Departing from Viti Levu is as easy as catching one of the catamarans that make their home at the port of Denarau. The ships ply the waterways of the nearby Mamanuca Islands, taking no longer than two hours to reach the farthest island. Some of Fiji’s most famous resorts make their home in the Mamanucas, which is especially known for its gorgeous coral reef and private enclaves. Each island in the group has its own personality, from South Seas Island, a day-trip resort for backpackers, to Malolo Island which features the LikuLiku Lagoon Resort, a high-end, couples-only resort boasting Fiji’s first overwater bures.
Beyond the Mamanucas are the Yasawas, a string of islands usually serviced by small-ship cruise lines, such as Captain Cook Cruises or Blue Lagoon Cruises. Many of the islands in this group are popular with backpackers; however, there are several five-star resorts, such as Turtle Island, which is accessible through a private-chartered sea plane.
Northern Islands
Fiji’s more remote Northern Islands give visitors the experience of truly getting away from it all. Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second-largest island and home to the town of Savusavu. The island houses such superstar resorts as the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort and Anthony Robbin’s retreat, Namale. A 15-minute flight away is Taveuni, often called the “Garden Island” (although locals think the moniker doesn’t truly describe the island’s lush bounty). Here, the Taveuni Palms Fiji, attracts only the wealthiest traveler, and the recently overhauled Paradise Taveuni specializes in wedding packages.
Fiji Visitors Bureau (Americas Regional Office)
www.bulafijinow.com
Fiji Fun Fares
Air Pacific, the national carrier of the Fijian Islands has recently announced special Fiji Fun Fares for $689, plus tax, between Los Angeles and Nadi. The heavily discounted fares must be purchased by May 31 with travel available until Nov. 10. Travel must occur on Mondays and Wednesdays. Rates are commissionable to travel agents at 5 percent.
The Fiji Fun Fares sale comes just as Air Pacific is planning an expansion to its LAX/Nadi route. Starting this month, the airline will increase service to five flights weekly, with another increase to six weekly flights planned for June. The airline’s new flights will increase overall seat capacity to Nadi from Los Angeles by 8 percent.
Air New Zealand will continue to promote Fiji through a code share agreement with Air Pacific, which will offer connections with the carrier’s LAX/London routing. Qantas is also increasing its Air Pacific code share agreements, adding further options for its Round the World airfare structure.
