FROM DEEPLY HYPNOTIC TURQUOISE WATERS FILLED WITH NATURAL TREASURES TO CHOCOLATE FACTORIES AND CLIFFSIDE RESORTS, THIS SOUTH PACIFIC GEM IS THE ULTIMATE ISLAND GETAWAY

BY AMBER GIBSON

Sitting cross-legged in a circle drinking kava from coconut shells with travelers and locals, it feels so easy to make new friends in Fiji. Within a day of arriving, you’ll feel happier and more relaxed. With Melanesian and Polynesian roots, Fijian culture is incredibly warm and welcoming, and the multira cial and multi-cultural nation is also home to many people of Indian descent. No matter your ethnic ity, religion, or cultural background, you’re sure to feel welcome. Drinking kava, a mild sedative, certainly helps facilitate the chill island vibes. Whether you’re seeking underwater adventures and marine life encounters or a blissful romantic getaway, visits to traditional villages and handicraft markets or a secluded private island escape, Fiji has all of this to offer and more.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

“Bula” is the common greeting in Fiji, meaning hello or welcome. You’ll be met with ebullient smiles everywhere you go, and luxury resorts commonly receive new guests with an elaborate arrival ritual consisting of song and dance. The archi pelago consists of 333 islands, and international travelers fly into Nadi Airport on Viti Levu’s west coast upon arrival. Fiji Airways offers direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Vancouver on Airbus A350-900 planes. Transcontinental business class gives travelers a taste of authentic Fijian hospitality and cuisine en route, with spacious cabins and comfortable lie-flat beds. The Fijian Airways lounge in Nadi has a cute kids’ play area, with baristas making fresh espresso drinks. There are traditional Fijian snacks in addition to the usual buffet spread.

English is one of three official languages, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation with locals. Most Fijians are either Methodist or Hindu, but every major world religion is represented. The South Sea tropical climate is pleasant all year round, warm and humid with beautiful beaches, and the rainy season is November through March. Credit cards are widely accepted but it’s nice to have Fiji dollars in cash if you’re visiting local villages.

ATTRACTIONS

J HUNTER PEARLS

Pearls may be the most sustainable gems in the world, and Fijian pearls stand out from Tahitian and Akoya counterparts for their kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from aubergine, peacock, pistachio, and chocolate to gold and black. Half day pearl farm tours in Savusavu Bay are available if you wish to see the oyster hatcheries, spat collector grids, and even snorkel in the endangered giant clam nursery. Watch highly skilled pearl technicians deftly seeding oysters, then visit the showroom to browse the jewelry collections with hand-knotted brace lets, pearl strands, and statement rings. 68CH+844, Savusavu, fijipearls.com

KOKOMANA

T his bean-to-bar chocolate farm and factory specializes in artisan dark choco late, fermenting, sun-drying, roasting, and grinding locally grown cacao beans in small batches. All the ingredients in their bars, from cacao and sugar to sea salt, chili, and ginger is grown in Fiji, and the blend of Trinitario and Forastero beans creates a signature rich, nutty flavor profile. KokoMana offers tours and tastings several times a week, which include a visit to the farm and chance to taste juicy fresh cacao pulp, before sampling all of their bars. Daku Estate, Savusavu, kokomanafiji.com

WHERE TO STAY

KOKOMO PRIVATE ISLAND

Everything save for alcohol and spa treatments is included at this lavish private island. All 21 beachfront villas blend modern comfort and Fijian décor with private infinity plunge pools, so you only need to choose between sunrise or sunset views. Residences with up to six bed rooms are available too for larger groups. Mangrove restoration, champagne and macaroon tastings, and a beach BBQ with fire dancing are just a few of the exciting weekly activities, but at this level of luxury, the Kokomo team can make virtually any wish come true. By the second day, everyone knows your name and just how you like your coffee, and the entire team goes above and beyond to surprise and delight. From peaceful sun rise paddleboarding to fresh pastries and lie-down manicures on a massage bed, every detail here is perfection. Yaukuve Levu Island, kokomoislandfiji.com

NAMALE RESORT & SPA

An all-inclusive, adults-only resort built on the side of a volcanic cliff, Namale has just 22 thatched roofbures and villas spread across a 525-acre former coco nut plantation owned by Tony Robbins with an entirely Fijian staff. Unparalleled amenities include a bowling alley, full indoor basketball court, tennis court, and even a beautiful private golf course. Couples can find plenty of romantic spots to canoodle, while active guests can explore off-property with weekly excursions like a sandbar snorkel and river float. The spa is another highlight, with ocean-view treatment rooms and skilled therapists harnessing the power of local botanicals to revive and rejuvenate your skin and body. Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves as you’re massaged and wrapped in a masque made of local honey, exotic fruit, and spices. Vanua Levu, 1 Hibiscus Highway, Savusavu, namalefiji.com

SOFITEL FIJI RESORT AND SPA

This beachfront property on Denaru is popular for pre- and post-island stays since it’s just 25 minutes from Nadi International Airport. If you arrive late or have an early morning flight home, it’s a relaxing bookend for smoother transfers. All 298 rooms and suites face the ocean and half of the resort is adults only. Book a room in the adults-only Waitui Beach Club wing for a private pool with extra poolside amenities and complimentary breakfast and happy hour. The spa here is small but with excellent therapists. Denarau Island, Nadi, sofitel-fiji.com

DAY TRIPS AND TOURS

SCUBA DIVING

Fiji is the soft coral capital of the world, with renowned dive sites all across the country, including the famous Rainbow Reef between Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Top resorts like Namale and Kokomo have PADI divemasters on property to coach beginners and take experienced divers on epic adventures. Dreamhouse is one of the most magical dive sites in Savusavu, where advanced open water divers can see schools of hammerhead sharks on an isolated seamount. From Kokomo, guests have access to dozens of cave and coral dives and swimthroughs in the Great Astrolabe Reef, and can even get up close with reef manta rays at a nearby manta cleaning station. whitetipmarineadventures.com

SIGATOKA RIVER SAFARI

T his half-day jet boat and village safari is the perfect balance of adventure and culture. You’ll cruise along the Sigatoka River (the longest river on the island of Viti Levu) where locals harvest mussels, f ish, eel, and prawns, watching as the landscape changes from rolling hills and lush rainforest all the way to the sand dunes in Kulukulu. Along the way, stop at a traditional Fijian village deep in the interior, where you’ll be welcomed by the chief and have a chance to sing, dance, and dine with locals, and learn about their traditional way of life. sigatokariver.com

DINE AND DRINK

WALKER D’PLANK

Cheekily named after late Australian billionaire and Kokomo Island founder Lang Walker, chef Caroline Oakley’s Asian-Fijian menu at Walker D’Plank changes daily (and sometimes even throughout the night!) based on the day’s local catch and what’s currently in season at the resort’s 5.5-acre organic farm. Everything is served family-style, prepared on a wood-fired grill or by wok. Singapore chili lobster is one of her sig nature dishes, and Monday curry nights are her busiest night of the week. This restaurant has been expanded four times since Kokomo opened in 2017 because it’s so popular, both for Oakley’s vibrant food and the spectacular island sunset views. Yaukuve Levu Island, kokomois landfiji.com

MAIN BURE

Namale guests enjoy three meals daily, served at the mainbure, to your room, or private dining on the beach or a can dlelit sea cave. Wine and beer are avail able, and signature tropical cocktails made with local rums are included as well. Savusavu farm-raised oysters, line caught snapper, and produce from the resort’s very own organic farm are just a few local delicacies to savor. Don’t miss the caramelized coconut waffles and pineapple tarts at breakfast and home made passion fruit and cardamom pista chio ice cream for dessert. Vanua Levu, 1 Hibiscus Highway, Savusavu, namalefiji. com/all-inclusive-dining

SOLIS RESTAURANT

This Mediterranean restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, offering al fresco beachside dining with a live acoustic band for the quintessential tropics experience. The bar is stocked with dozens of house-infused rums, and there are plenty of locally inspired mocktails and shrubs too. Kokoda, a Fijian coconut cream cev iche served with taro chips, and grilled yellowfin tuna with honey spiced pump kin purée are just a couple of signature dishes. Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Denarau Island, sofitel-fiji.com/dining/ solis-restaurant