Becs' "Bula Fiji"

It’s been a few years since my last visit and reacquainting myself with this beautiful destination reminded me just how much I love it!  So, what is it that makes Fiji such an attractive destination?

First up, I can’t go past the warm hospitality of the Fijian people.  The cheerful greetings of “Bula” make you feel instantly welcome and it’s hard not to be happy when everyone around you radiates such a positive energy as the Fijian people do.

The beaches are paradise and the ocean temperature at this time of year is perfect for long days spent swimming and snorkeling.  Fijis many island resorts serve up some of the best snorkeling opportunities with an abundance of fish and vibrant coral.  The calm, safe waters inside the reef are ideal for all ages.

If you are travelling with small children, I recommend taking your own mask and snorkel.  They’ll love their own “Finding Nemo” experience and get a fascinating glimpse into life under the sea.

Fiji is the ultimate family holiday playground, where sun-soaked days and plenty of fun come together.  Your kids will have a blast with the resort staff, who are always dreaming up fun activities like beach volleyball, weaving lessons, egg throwing, fish feeding, and crab racing, keeping them entertained and creating unforgettable memories.  You might only see them at mealtimes!

But it’s not just a destination for families.  If you’re after an adult’s escape, Fiji knows how to dial up the romance when it needs to.   Think over water bungalows and private beachside Bures coupled with impeccable service, intimate dinners, relaxing massages.  It’s the perfect place for reconnection and indulgence.

You probably know by now that great food is a top priority for me when I travel!  Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local dishes like kokoda and rourou (taro leaves in coconut milk) are my go-to holiday treats. Many resorts also host weekly cultural nights where you can enjoy Fijian cuisine, traditional dancing and beautiful singing.  I love the singing, it’s so unique to Fiji and the distinctive harmonies never fail to give me goosebumps.

When I travel, I try doing so in a way that respects and benefits the places I visit.  This doesn’t have to be difficult; it can be as simple as engaging with locals and learning about their culture, traditions and customs as well as supporting locally owned businesses and community-based tourism initiatives.

Dining at local restaurants and buying crafts from artisans ensure that your tourist dollars directly benefit the local people, and you are making a meaningful contribution to Fiji’s future.

 I was really interested to learn about Vinaka Fiji through South Sea Cruises.  Although we didn’t travel to the Yasawa Islands this trip, I know they are a remote tourist paradise, but for the local communities there they are lacking essentials like fresh water, power, education, and health services. Vinaka Fiji, founded by SSC Group in 2010, is a charitable organisation dedicated to improving life in these villages. Their initiatives include planting mangrove nurseries to protect shorelines, studying manta rays to monitor their behaviour, coral planting to restore damaged reefs and breeding sea cucumbers to support ecosystem health.   www.vinakafiji.org

There is no question that Fiji is the place to relax, refresh and find genuine happiness.  Its friendly people, stunning beaches & the tropical climate make it an ideal destination, especially over our winter.

But what I really got out of my recent visit was the chance to reset, take a break from the busyness of everyday life, and the chance to really enjoy some family time.  Sometimes in the chaos of it all, we forget how important it is to step away for a moment.