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Magical Moments: 8 of the Most Breathtaking Experiences in Fiji
Written by Felicia Arhontissas
From floating bars to reef-walking and mixology, these are the most unforgettable experiences Fiji has to offer.
Fiji evokes postcard-perfect images of paradise: palm-fringed beaches, tropical reefs brimming with colourful sea life and fruity cocktails savoured at sunset. A dream for some, and a reality for locals and visitors to this heavenly corner of the world.
The one thing that makes a holiday truly unforgettable are the experiences, and this South Pacific haven offers countless moments to treasure. From romantic beach picnics to day sails across the Mamanuca Islands and uber-cool adults-only beach clubs, we’ve done the hard work for you and found the eight most breathtaking experiences in Fiji.
Be pampered in Fiji’s first beachfront spa
On the secluded island of Yasawa you’ll discover paradise – Fiji’s first beachfront spa at Yasawa Island Resort and Spa. The award-winning spa is built on soft, white sand mere metres from the ocean. Listen to the rhythmic whoosh of the waves and feel the gentle sea breeze as you receive a relaxing full-body massage on the ocean-view massage deck. There are a variety of other treatments also available: get that holiday glow with a facial, achieve silky-soft skin with a body scrub and wrap, or opt for a manicure and pedicure.
Order cocktails at a floating bar
A tropical cocktail in hand, the sun on your skin and nothing but turquoise ocean as far as the eye can see – could this be heaven on earth? Take a short break from reality at Seventh Heaven, a two-tiered floating bar suspended in the middle of a lagoon, just a short boat ride from Port Denarau. Relax on sun loungers with an ice-cold beer or fresh mojito, listen to chilled-out beats, feast on woodfired pizzas and other gourmet fare from the restaurant, and spend time snorkelling, swimming and jumping off the pontoon. If you’re brave enough, attempt the five-metre dive from the top deck into crystal-clear water.
Taste the good life at an adults-only beach club
For a splash of sophistication, spend an evening at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa’s exclusive Waitui Beach Club, an adults-only haven. Luxurious cabanas surround the infinity lap pool and lagoon pool, while the beach is steps away. Throughout your experience you’ll be treated like a celebrity, starting with a cool towel and a bespoke drink on arrival before you’re shown to your personal cabana. Complimentary roving refreshments are on offer between 11am and 3pm, while in the evening nightly entertainment with canapés and a selection of drinks (including cocktails) is from 5pm to 6pm.
Explore Blue Lagoon Caves
Yasawa Island Resort offers a unique array of activities to elevate your stay. One that’s unmissable is the Blue Lagoon Caves, a location featured in the 1980 movie The Blue Lagoon starring Brooke Shields. Hidden beneath a dramatic volcanic peak at the southern end of Yasawa Island, the caves are accessible via a short boat ride from the mainland and offer incredible cliff-jumping, exploration opportunities, and epic swimming holes. Glide across impossibly blue waters, where pools of sunlight sneak in through cracks in the cave wall between stalactites. Look out for the resident eels and red emperor fish that locals consider the guardians on the cave.
Take a Sabre catamaran cruise
Sailing, snorkelling and sun-soaked fun – there’s nothing better. Spend a day on the water, sailing the Mamanuca Islands on a cruise aboard a brand-new catamaran. The day is a mosaic of paradise-flavoured moments: stand-up paddle boarding, diving into the ocean, mimosas, a sumptuous lunch on a picturesque sand cay, snorkelling in a tropical reef and lounging on day beds listening to cool tunes. This full-day experience includes several swim stops, coach transfers to Port Denarau, morning tea, buffet lunch prepared by executive chefs, and all-day drinks. If you’re strapped for time and are keen to explore this magical chain of islands, this is a must-do experience.
Indulge in a private beachside picnic
What could be more romantic than a private picnic prepared for you on a secluded beach? The staff at Yasawa Island Resort will thoughtfully pack a delicious picnic brimming with mouthwatering treats and refreshments and set up camp on the beach, picnic rug and all – all you need to do is show up. You have the choice between Champagne Beach, Lovers’ Beach and Paradise Beach, and you can add a bottle of sparkling to cap off this decadent al fresco lunch. While away the day under the shade of a palm tree with the whole beach to yourself. Total bliss.
Become an expert mixologist
Tropical cocktails are a must on any island holiday, and you can bring the magic home with you when you join a cocktail-making class. At The Distillery Co. Fiji outpost in Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa’s Waitui Beach Club, hone your skills in classic cocktails with a twist: a mangorita, passionfruit bellini or a berry cocoland (a juicy take on a piña colada). If zing is more your thing, the resort’s head mixologist Clement Cujus can show you how to create the perfect rum sour. At Yasawa Island Resort, make a classic minty mojito with head barman, Manasa, before enjoying your concoction with 270-degree views from the expansive decks of the bar.
Go reef-walking on Vanua Levu
Escape to the romantic adults-only Namale Resort & Spa, where complimentary experiences will fill every moment of your Fiji holiday with excitement. For something unique, discover the colourful coral and marine life at low tide on a fascinating reef walk. You can go it alone at your own pace or follow a guide who’ll share their knowledge of this underwater world. Search for tropical fish, scuttling crabs and octopus, keeping an eye out for turtles and dolphins offshore. Continue along the reef to the ocean blowhole, where you can witness the ocean naturally shoot high into the sky in a great, powerful arch.
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Looking for more Fiji inspiration? Check out Visit Fiji: Planning the Perfect Girls’ Trip on Denarau Island
