Stranded on a Deserted Island……..! Sounds very adventurous, even romantic doesn’t it?

Our trip to Fiji recently was just like this. It was a trip where the mind and imagination took over. We wanted an island holiday where palm trees over hang the white sandy beaches and crystal water surrounds. Fiji certainly did not disappoint us.

We arrived in Nadi (pronounced Nandi) Airport to be greeted with “BULA” – with a long emphasis on the “a”. Sort of like Bul-lahhhhhhhhh! This is the official greeting that means many things but explains the slow and laid back feel of Fiji. It is used for greeting, declaring happiness, wishing someone a fond farewell and just exclaiming personal joy whilst laid back on a beach bed with a special cocktail in hand.

We headed for the resort at Denarau Island and found this to be 5 star quality at a 4 star price. Denarau Island is only a small bridge away from the main island and is home to the main port and marina, golf course, really good restaurants and shops. We stayed at the Westin for the first few days and found this to be very comfortable with spacious rooms in very tropical surroundings. The beaches were good and the pool was just right! The bars were open plan types with every drink imaginable. Most days started with a huge breakfast at one of the many restaurants, then to the pool for a relaxing morning before heading to the pool cafe for lunch. The afternoons were spent either at port Denarau, on the golf course or out on one of the many charter boats for a fishing trip. So much to do… so little time!

After a few days we decide to venture out to the islands for a sailing trip. We went aboard a sailing boat called the “Seaspray”. This yacht was the centre of a 1970′s TV serial of the same name. (Some might remember this?) It has been totally refurbished but still bears the history and charm of an older style sailing ship. We sailed from the marina out to islands with names like “Fantasy island”, “Bounty”and “Castaway”. There are over 300 islands in the Fiji group, some inhabited, others not.

We sailed to a small island with a beautiful beach and wonderful vilage where we experienced the customary “carva ceremony”. This is a great experience and one not to be missed. The local crafts were amazing although some were very violent looking with wooden carved replicas of axes and weapons of war.

After the look around the village, we then sailed away to the island where Tom Hanks stared in the movie “Castaway” and we found the coconut head of his friend.!!  The water is warm and clear with corals within 5 metres of shore making snorkelling a “must-do”! The myriads of tropical fish swimming all around us was an experience like no other. We spend nearly 2 hours in the water but it seemed like only minutes there was so much to see.

Our trip back was dreamy with a setting sun and a glass of wine making an idylic day, unforgettable.

There are many islands to visit in Fiji; some with high class resorts and others with small romantic cabins and chalets. One island is dedicated to couples only – no kids, others for families with a plentiful supply of water sports on offer. there is an island for everyone here. If you want a quiet and very relaxing holiday, I would recomend an island holiday here. The resorts are nice and very good, but I think the islands will be our next holiday to Fiji because of the isolation and peaceful surroundings. This is where my imaginations get away!

We also saw great surf off the south west end of the main island, so if this is your idea of a great holiday then there is some great surf here. The tropical coral is amazing and is home to the most fantasic underwater scenery. If diving is your choice, then this is a great place to dive.

What ever you choose, Fiji can produce for you. Did I mention the people? The folks in Fiji are really friendly, ready to help with any request and always ready to call out “Bula”!

If you want shopping then Fiji is probably not the place for you, although there are plenty of shops around. They have great textiles with colourful shirts to way to go. Really, Fiji is about relaxing and more relaxing.

Our trip went for 7 days and was just a taste. It gave us a desire to go back and really relax and get our heads out of the work rut. If this is you then a trip to Fiji is just what I would recommend. The Jetset Belmont crew were really good to deal with and their customer service is second to none. It makes a difference when you can talk to someone who has been to the place and is able to give first hand knowledge. It made us very confident and took away all the stress of trying to do all this by ourselves. We will be going back to them.

Go on…..get off to Fiji!

regards

Phil and Deb, Ken and Alison