Summer getaway in Fiji – the land of tranquility

As I packed my bags for this tropical holiday, I decided to go light with the packing. The plan was to spend the first afternoon resting and recuperating. My anticipation growing with each passing moment. Little did I know our flight had other plans!

Arriving well in time at the airport for an early flight with the promise of tropical destination holiday, i started to feel relaxed when the voice on the speaker announced our flight was running late. Putting the minor hiccups behind us we boarded the flight an hour late and settled into our seats. I got sucked into my kindle reading one of my many half read books. But apparently we weren’t done with the hurdles. Half-way through the flight we were informed by our pilot that the plane’s landing lights have faltered and pose a landing risk. So we turned back to Brisbane for hopefully a quick fix for the technical difficulties which in fact, was an engine failure! With no immediate fix and a wait of 2.5 hrs for a replacement plane and crew, we lounged around. Once back on the plane, all I did was stare at the flight path on screen in front of me to make sure we were in fact flying to Nadi.

Finally arriving in Nadi sleep deprived and looking haggardly 6.5 hours late, we snaked through the finish line at the immigration checkpoint. A friendly team waiting for us from Rosie holidays welcomed us with seashell necklaces before ferrying us off to the resort island of Denarau. Arriving at the hotel lobby of Sheraton Denarau | Marriot Bonvoy I was in awe of the grand entry. Its contemporary modern design sprinkled with islandic flair, panelled high ceilings with sky lights and use of creative water features through out was sight for sore eyes and put our weary minds and bodies at ease.

An affable bellboy greeted us with the quintessential ‘Bula’ and helped us get to our villa which we explored in 30 seconds before heading of the sandy floored Tatavu bar and grill to satiate our growling tummies.

Next morning, we started off the day with buffet breakfast at Island 619 overlooking the pool and the ocean front. The polite, all Fijian staff don’t miss a beat and are often spotted singing Fijian birthday and farewell songs to guests. The hospitable staff made us feel spoilt at every turn.

The plumeria on their ears is a mark of their companionship status – on the right ear for married and on the left for ‘still looking’. After a little wander around the resort and a short snooze at the villa, it was time to cool off with a dip in the pool on this hot and humid day. Sipping mimosas and playing ‘touch the pool floor’ was a wonderful way to unwind with my little pool companion DD. The water was a lovely cool temperature but not cold. The sun was starting to get closer to the horizon from behind the clouds, silhouetting the palm trees by the beach – tropical island vibes kicking in!

All the pool frolicking made our stomach growl, and it was time to get dry and head back to the resort. Dinner at the Indian buffet left a lot to be desired. The talented live band almost made up for it, belting out famous Bon Jovi numbers and some other classics that were hard not to tap your toe to.

Winding down at the end of the day, I couldn’t help but compare Fiji to Hawaii – also a well frequented island destination. Fiji feels smaller and cozy but still luxurious. The lobby and restaurants overlooking the pool and beach front lends it an air of exclusiveness. Unlike the hotel experience in Hawaii there’s no traffic, no noise – just the beach with the balmy breeze, the pool and the laughter of the people frolicking in it. We’re now on Fiji time – no hurry no worry!

After dinner we kicked our heels and headed for the beach to settle into the recliners. My eyes gazing up at the night sky, stars peeking out from between the palm fronds, I found my tranquil refuge in the gentle lull of the ocean waves.

Feeling rejuvenated, we got off to an early start on day 3 and headed off to load up on continental breakfast. The staff sings ‘Marau nomu siga ni sucu’, wishing a guest happy birthday. We clap along, breaking into ‘hip hip hurray’ and laughs. Our ride for the day awaits outside the lobby. The original driver Setha, is replaced by another. Setha drank too much kava the night before and was too hungover to drive, we’re told!

Our first stop was the Hindu temple. Removing our footwear we make a brave dash on the hot tiles only to be turned back to wrap sarongs to cover our legs out of respect. After a quick round trip of the temple we headed back into cool interiors of our ride.

Next up, a dirt track took us to our next stop – Fiji Cultural Village. A reconstruction of a traditional village built on a sprawling property, it has beautiful vernacular feel. Our tour guide Valentino (not the designer!) greets us on the entrance deck and suggests we put on some bug spray before heading out to this very leafy property. First stop is a timeline of Fiji – how it came to be discovered and the moulding and unfolding of Fijian society from tribes to its current day culture. Cannibalism was widely practiced by tribals who killed invaders, roasted them in a pit and ate them! There are even original pictures to prove this!

A journal entry of mine in 2019 whilst in the throes of the pandemic reads “ dreaming of a holiday in a tropical island swinging on a hammock’. Sans the the hammock, the villa & beachfront pool comes pretty close. At the time, it felt like an impossible dream. Two & a half years post Covid, being outdoors never felt better. In fact I’m addicted!

We walk past a reconstructed cottage, our guide informs us that the kitchen is separated to the main house so that if the kitchen caught fire the house would remain safe. Meandering our way through bamboo plants and plumerias the paved paths & damp earth takes us to another hut. A fire is lit in traditional way using the log of a gum tree and a shaped stick made from the same wood.

Other huts down the track displayed handmade gory battle weapons, handmade fishing tools, clay pottery glazed with tree sap and tree bark fabricated into cloth block printed with natural pigment. The guide took great pleasure in demonstrating a pointy weapon that cracked open skulls to make holes in them. The skulls were then cracked in half to be used a bowls to drink sacrificial blood at temple ceremonies.

Further down the track was a larger & higher hut – the Chief’s hut. A beautifully carved wooden mallet used a wife beater was a centre piece display. Charming. Last stop was the temple with the tallest thatched roofs, where a thousand deities were appeased by making brutal human, actually ‘man’ sacrifices. This was an enjoyable deep dive into ancient Fijian culture (despite the brutal accounts) led by a guide with a great sense of humor!

Next up was the visit to the garden of sleeping giants – a long range of hills with the face of a sleeping giant to be specific. Mud baths and massages are on offer alongside some nifty market stalls selling traditional Fijian jewellery and knick-knacks. We grab a few.

To wrap up the day we headed back into the pool at the resort where we were treated to a traditional warrior dance. Fast, fierce and eye-catching moves saw the dancers moves hurtle flaming torches to the beat of drums. There’s never a dull moment in this holiday!

Last day on the property, hair braiding for DD is on the agenda today and so is relaxing. I looked forward to spend my last lost in tranquility with a 90 minute scrub & massage pamper at Westin. The ‘room’ was actually a wall-less gazebo style enclosure with generous reed blinds for privacy. This Balinese style hut opened up to a lotus and lily pond with abundant ‘pond flora and fauna’ on its banks. The soothing scrub massage accompanied by soft bird calls and perfect quietude lulled me into a restful nap.

Reflecting back on this holiday, Fiji is nothing short of a tropical paradise offering a diverse range of activities to suit all. My fondest memories will be of unwinding by the pristine beaches and the warmth of Fijian hospitability.

Remember, life is short — take the scenic route, laugh a little louder, and find beauty in every adventure!