Bula - Greetings from the Heart of Fiji

Bula – Greetings from the Heart of Fiji

Do you want a change from going to Hawaii, or Tahiti, both of which can be jolly expensive, Why not try Fiji? This is now a great alternative since Fiji Air is flying non stop twice a week from San Francisco to Nandi, at a good price. I love the South Pacific and have had the pleasure of visiting many of the islands. There are 330 islands with only 110 with inhabitants.

Venture into Fiji’s rambling highlands and remote villages, and a new perspective of this island paradise emerges, one that focuses on the people and their storied traditions. If you go off the beaten path of the largest island, Viti Levu, and visit a local village it will be the highlight of your trip. I went to the village of Navala in the northern province of Ba. You will be greeted by the sight of thatched roof bures (homes) perched high in the mountains and overlooking the islands of the Yasawa archipelago in the distance. Here you will be invited to try kava, a traditional drink made from dried roots as you join the village chief and elders in this ancient ritual of hospitality. You had to sit on the ground in a certain way so your feet aren’t towards him. You had to honor him by buying something – it was a choice of a straw hat or some magnificent shells from the ocean at $1 each. I took a couple of large shells which now sit in a dish on my patio and remind me of a fun day. Only trouble was my knees went dead from cramp and it took two huge warriors to help me to stand. Perhaps the Chief thought I had drunk too much of the hooch.

The villagers prepared a lovo barbecue lunch for us, cooked in an earthen pit, a feast of pork, taro and yam received its smoky flavor from the banana leaves that cover the meal as it cooks underground. The music and dancing is fascinating , If you go to Beqa Island, you can see the traditional fire dancing by the only tribe which does that ceremony

Fiji’s seaside hotels and resorts are also meccas for cultural exploration. I recommend Namale Resort and Spa which offers kava ceremonies three times a week for a session that bonds you and your Fijian hosts. Punctuate your stay at Likuliku Lagoon Resort with a sojourn to Solevu village to visit a local school and perhaps even meet a Mamanuca Islands Chief. I love Likuliku because they are the only property with over the water bungalows which I like. The Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa gives you a glimpse of daily life in Batin Village, culminating in a grass skirted show of a traditional meke dance.

Excellent diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even golf . I usually find myself a nice palm tree with a comfy seat and a book. You can be active, or just find peace. My husband loves fishing.

If you really want to escape, try Matangi Private Island Resort. Only twelve bures, on 240 acres. Great dive package.

Another great option is have a week at a resort, then take a cruise thru the islands. This way you will have snorkeling or diving in different locations. Captain Cook and Blue Lagoon Cruises do an excellent job of a 3 , 4 or a 7 day trip. I like going west and north thru the Yasawa archipelago. Both cruises lines aren’t posh, but good value and a casual fun trip with good food. Small ships, 68 passengers.

This is a great destination for a honeymoon, anniversary, or as I told my husband when I booked our last trip. This is a “be nice to Mo” trip. Great destination for a family with young children. The baby sitting service is outstanding. Some resorts are for adults only.

Go visit Paradise – skip the Kava – have a Mai Tai instead.

Maureen Jones

South Pacific Specialist

All Horizons Travel

160 Main Street

Los Altos

650-941-5810