The key to visiting Fiji? Island hopping.
Welcome to Fiji, a South Pacific nation made up of 333 islands, where visitors are joyfully greeted with “bula.” It’s a word that means hello, welcome, cheers, good health, life, and one that perfectly encapsulates the hospitality found in this corner of the world. After a long-haul flight, snap into island mode and sync up with Fiji time. Here, on the islands, your days begin languidly, waking up in an idyllic overwater bure, a traditional Fijian bungalow, and progress unexpectedly. You could take part in a cultural kava ritual, witness a mesmerizing fire show, or spend the afternoon snorkeling and observing a colorful underwater world.
The Mamanuca Islands
Get whisked away by boat or by helicopter to a tropical island in the Mamanucas to The Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island. The Mamanuca Islands are a volcanic archipelago that rests west of Nadi and are famous for their white-sand beaches. Having served as the backdrop for such television shows and movies as “Cast Away” and “Survivor,” checking into The Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island means stepping ashore into your own beachfront bure, where you’ll enjoy endless views of turquoise-blue waters.
Whether you opt to swim among the fish while snorkeling amongst coral reefs or zoom around the island by jet ski, you can take each day at your own pace. Hike to Hideaway Beach and return to a seashell massage, similar to a hot stone massage but with smooth seashells and warm coconut oil. The hotel can even organize a special experience, such as cocktails on a helipad at sunset.
Watch the full experience now.
The Mainland
On the mainland, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is home to adults-only overwater bures—the only ones on the island—with stairs for direct access to the lagoon. If overwater sleeping isn’t your style, you can opt for a land-based room with ocean or lagoon views instead. Spend your days in your swimsuit at one of the pools or take a dip in the lagoon. Learn Fijian recipes in a hands-on cooking class, or give back to the local community.
Give back to the community and the environment by signing up for sustainable activities such as mangrove planting, coral planting, and building a fish house. For a special occasion, the hotel can organize a private breakfast picnic with a view. Find time to venture offsite to tour a local Fijian village where you’ll drink kava and connect with Fijian culture through song and dance.
Denaru Island
Less than 30 minutes from the international airport in Nadi, you’ll find another gem, The Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort on Denarau Island. Here, you can unwind in your stylish guest room or book an entire villa for your friends and family next door at Sheraton Denarau Villas.
If golf is your sport of choice, this is the resort for you. Spend your afternoons golfing at the 18-hole championship golf course, with paradise serving as your backdrop. Cap off a round of golf with a glass of crisp wine at Cellar & Barrel, where over 300 curated wines, whiskeys, and spirits are available to choose from. Visit the adult or family pool, tour the farm, and enjoy the sister spa at The Westin Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. And, whatever you do, don’t miss the best show of all: Mother Nature’s dramatic sunset show alongside an equally breathtaking fire show.
Getting There
For as far-flung as Fiji is, getting there is easier than you might think. Fiji Airways has four nonstop routes from the United States—direct from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Dallas. From Los Angeles, for example, it’s about an 11-hour journey, making this destination more accessible.
No matter where your adventures may take you, I hope they take you to Fiji.