Fiji - Selling Long Haul

travel guide

Published by BMI Publications Ltd. 

Suffolk House, George St, Croydon, Surrey, United Kingdom 

T :: 020 8649 7233 F :: 020 8649 7234 

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Publishing Director/Managing Editor: Alan Orbell Publisher: Sally Parker Written by: Jo Austin 

Journalist: Laura Gelder Designed by: Emma Norton Production Manager: Clare Hunter Production 

Assistant: Shannon Millard Circulation Manager: Cheryl Staniforth Managing Director: Martin Steady 

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Business Magazines International cannot be held 

responsible for any errors or omissions. © 2009 

IMAGES courtesy of Tourism Fiji (Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau)/Chris McLennan (www.cmphoto.co.nz), Yoshi Kawai

Welcome to Fiji! 

Bula! In a world of over 333 islands and 

almost every conceivable activity to 

choose from, you can be assured of one 

thing when you arrive in our pleasant South 

Pacific destination… that you will experience 

memorable days and nights to last a lifetime. 

Here in Fiji you can say, “Thrill Me” and then 

choose to hike mountain trails, raft white 

waters, or speed across and above the ocean 

surf. You might also request, “Romance Me” 

and engage in every single type of romantic 

fantasy come true that your mind can possible 

dream up. You may hear our waters siren to you 

and say, “Dive Me” and we can take you down 

and along some of the most beautiful and 

colourful soft coral in the world. Fiji may call out 

for you to “Explore Me” when you can don your 

back pack and head across a country chock full 

of adventures and ‘adventurers’. Mingle with 

locals and you feel the need to say “Bula Me” 

and experience all the culture, traditions and 

legends of a once fierce but now fiercely happy 

and humble people. “Fiji Me”…it’s everything 

you want it to be. 

Vinaka Vakalevu, 

Jane West 

UK / Ireland Representative 

Tourism Fiji 

Lion House, 111 Hare Lane 

Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0QY 

T: 0800 652 2158 (UK) 

+ 44 (0) 1372 469818 (Ireland and 

overseas) 

F: + 44 (0) 1372 470057 

E: Fiji@ihml.com 

W: www.fijime.com 

Welcome to Fiji 

03

Introducing Fiji 

Bula bula! 

It is probably no surprise that the UK & Ireland 

is one of Fiji’s major international markets. 

After all, beyond its lush islands, sparkling 

white coral beaches, brilliant blue lagoons and a 

sunny climate, there is much to make the British 

and Irish visitor feel very much at home. 

English is widely spoken, traffic drives on the left 

and laws follow a British system. All in all, it is a 

very comfortable place and one which, without 

fail, extends a warm welcome. 

What’s more, Fiji has now become much more 

affordable following the introduction of a direct, 

twice weekly, flight with Air Pacific to Nadi 

International Airport out of Hong Kong following 

a new code share agreement with Cathay Pacific. 

Offering a high standard of affordable 

accommodation, Fiji is an idyllic honeymoon 

destination and those in search of adventure can 

do almost anything in this paradise whether it be 

surfing, soft coral diving, deep sea fishing, shark 

diving, rib boating, zip wiring or sailing. 

The two main islands of Viti Levu and the 

smaller Vanua Levu, are home to around 80 

percent of Fiji’s population but visitors tend to 

head straight for one of the 333 tropical volcanic 

outer islands, spread across 500 miles of ocean, in 

search of surf, sand, adventure and romance. 

Some of the best diving and snorkelling in the 

world can be found on the outer islands of the 

Mamanucas or Yasawas. 

Once away from the capital, the pace is slow 

and timetables are rarely adhered to, so don’t go 

to Fiji unless you’re ready to kick back and relax. 

The beautiful coral islands tick to their own gentle 

rythmn and the genuine warm ‘Bula’ welcome of 

song and smiles will soon put you in the right 

frame of mind. 

Fiji islanders are a naturally friendly, cheerful 

� You’ll soon get into the swing of things in paradise 

and fun loving people and seek to draw visitors 

into their culture. Hospitality is warm and 

spontaneous and the family is important. Fiji is 

responding to the growth in the long haul family 

holiday market with a range of family-orientated 

resorts offering activities for all ages. 

Fiji also has a lot to offer young travellers and 

with several UK-based organisations offering 

voluntary programmes for conscientious travellers, 

it makes a great gap year destination. 

...the coral islands tick to 

their own gentle rythmn and 

the genuine warm ‘Bula’ welcome 

of song and smiles will soon put 

you in the right frame of mind... 

Garden Island Resort. 

• 30 Luxuriously appointed Ocean Front Rooms, 

• Custom weddings at our Plantation Villa, 

• Stunning dining room offering a fusion of tropical 

& international cuisine, 

• 5* scuba diving, soft adventure tours in pristine 

lush tropical surroundings. 

www.gardenislandresort.com FIJI ISLANDS

...visitors tend to head straight 

for one of the 333 tropical volcanic 

outer islands, spread across 500 miles 

of ocean, in search of surf, sand, 

adventure and romance... 

The best of both worlds in Fiji ... 

The closest white-sand beach resort to Nadi 

airport only 20 mins away and easy access to 

the nearby Mamanuca Islands for day 

trips from the resort’s new jetty 

www.firstlandingfiji.com 

Contents 

06 Romance ME 

Introducing Fiji 

– weddings and honeymoons 

08 Pamper ME 

– spas and treatments 

10 Dive ME, Sail ME, Thrill ME 

– activities galore 

14 Free ME – families and 

independent travellers 

16 Shopping, food, culture 

and traditions 

19 Meetings and training 

20 Hong Kong spotlight 

– link with Air Pacific 

23 Explore ME 

– getting around Fiji 

24 Tour operators 

– where to book 

26 Diary of events 

27 Fiji Facts

Romance ME • Weddings and honeymoons 

06 

Love at first sight 

Getting hitched without a hitch is a 

feature of Fiji. The islands require no 

residency period and a license can be 

arranged on arrival. The ceremony is legal in 

UK law and all the required papers can be 

downloaded from the website www.fijime. 

com/romance. The bride and groom must 

simply turn up together and produce their 

original birth certificates. 

Most resorts in Fiji arrange bespoke weddings 

and here we feature just a small selection: 

The remote island of Qamea is an idyllic 

setting for an intimate exchanging of vows. 

Catering for a maximum of 34 guests, a 

wedding ceremony here can be as private as 

you make it and customised packages can 

include a Fijian village choir, Fijian warrior 

escorts and a champagne dinner on the beach. 

Alternatively, the stunning new wedding 

chapel on popular Denarau Island is located on 

the majestic ocean point at Sheraton Fiji Resort 

where a dedicated wedding coordinator will 

ensure the big day is flawless. 

The tropical private island of Matangi offers 

an intimate beach ceremony, with sand 

beneath your feet, tropical palm fronds 

overhead, and the South Pacific ocean beside. 

Here, formalities are limited only by age. You 

must be 18 years or older. The island wedding 

package includes everything from registration 

to cake, with photography by a Fijian studio. 

The very special resort of Namale is able to 

put together a range of wedding packages 

which can include leis, bouquets, traditionally 

dressed Fijian attendants, a Fijian choir, 

� Clockwise from top: perfect isolation; local customs 

bring a twist to a wedding; pampering in your own bure 

...A host of special honeymoon 

packages include helicopter 

tours, private island picnics, spa 

treatments for two and yacht 

trips to secluded islands...

hairdresser and make-up artist as well as 

a photographer to capture the event. 

And after the big day, honeymooners will 

find Fiji one of the most romantic places in 

the world where couples are as far as it is 

possible from the stresses and pressures of 

everyday life. 

Fiji has an unbeatable selection of luxury 

island resorts, many on their own private 

islands. West of the main island of Viti Levu 

and easily accessible by boat, seaplane or 

helicopter from Nadi International airport 

are the Mamanuca Islands. The Mamanucas 

offer tourists not only some of Fiji’s most 

stunning island scenery but also some of the 

most luxurious and romantic retreats in the 

world. Here you will find Likuliku Lagoon 

Resort, a couples-only resort with over-water 

bungalows set on a beautiful turquoise 

lagoon. Also in the Mamanucas is the beautiful 

Wadigi private island resort, which has only 

three suites and offers absolute privacy as 

well as luxurious accommodation. 

Nearby is the beautiful island of Vatulele 

with its five star resort of the same name. 

The property has 19 spacious and secluded 

bures and a spectacular villa ‘The Point’ which 

overlooks the vast sweep of white sandy beach 

fringed with tropical jungle. 

There are a host of special honeymoon 

packages on offer from various hotels and 

tour operators. They can include helicopter 

tours, private island picnics for two, exclusive 

couples spa treatments or luxurious yacht 

trips to secluded desert islands. 

Senikai Spa at Treasure Island Resort in 

Mamanuca Islands is undergoing a major 

face lift with the introduction of a new 

Bridal Suite. This is the perfect place to 

pamper the bride-to-be and entertain the 

bridal party with a selection of indulgent, 

luxurious treatments in the comfort of 

their own spa suite. 

www.fijime.com/romance 

� Clockwise From top: unique wedding presents; an 

intimate ceremony at Namale Resort; all smiles in paradise 

Romance ME • Weddings and honeymoons 

CELEBS in Fiji 

• Did you know that Billy 

Connolly married Pamela 

Stephenson in Fiji? Also, Tom 

Cruise and Katie Holmes and 

Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhard 

have spent romantic getaways 

on the islands. Tori Spelling 

married Dean McDermott at 

Wakaya Island Resort 

• Britney Spears and Jessica 

Simpson both spent their 

honeymoons at Turtle Island Resort 

07

Pamper ME • Spas and treatments 

08 

Spectacular spas 

For those who prefer the pampered 

approach to the Tropics, these pristine 

islands have really come into their own 

with the full range of international spas and 

retreats in rainforest and beachfront settings. 

From the sensuous to the sumptuous, guests can 

now immerse themselves in the purest of Fiji by 

taking their ‘treatment’ on a deck by the water’s 

edge or in a tree house in the rain forest. Caviar, 

pearls, fruits and flowers, - anything goes in Fiji’s 

extraordinary array of spectacular spas and many 

of the herbal remedies have been passed down 

from generation to generation. 

The islands also make their own range of spa 

products – Pure Fiji – using pure coconut oil and 

flower extracts as well as a range of fresh sugar 

scrubs. This family-owned business now exports 

products worldwide and features its own 

prominent spa in Suva. At the luxury all-inclusive 

Namale Resort on Savusavu island the spa is built 

out over the ocean on volcanic rock. Treatments 

in the stunning 10,000 square foot sanctuary 

� Stunning settings and warm receptions in Fiji 

include hydrotherapy, full body wellness 

massages, scrubs and facials. Individual yoga 

lessons can be taken on the decking overlooking 

the ‘blowhole’ to the sound of the ocean waves. 

On the idyllic desert island of Qamea, just 32 

guests can wander amongst 100 acres of tropical 

gardens. Access from Taveuni Island is only a 

seven minute boat ride and hidden away in the 

forest is a very unique spa location where 

treatment is given in tree houses. Qamea’s menu 

of Fijian body therapies and Guinot French facial 

therapies combines special techniques and 

ingredients selected by international beauticians. 

Back on the main island, on the Coral Coast is 

the five star Outrigger on the Lagoon. Away 

from the resort on the top of Lomalagi Hill, the 

property’s Bebe Day Spa offers huge views over 

the South Pacific, complimentary champagne and 

yoga lessons. Its eight treatment rooms feature 

hydrotherapy and aromatherapy using Pure Fiji 

and Pevonia Botanica products. Guests staying a 

minimum of three nights at Outrigger and three 

nights on Castaway Island can enjoy a onehour 

spa treatment free, as well as a 

helicopter ride and a dolphin safari for 

two. Two nights at the 5* Sofitel Fiji 

Resort & Spa and three at the 5* Likuliku 

Lagoon Resort rewards you with a free oneway 

helicopter transfer for two. 

The name ‘Mandara’ comes from an ancient 

Sanskrit legend about the Gods’ quest to find 

the elixir of eternal youth. Both the Sheraton Fiji 

Resort on Denarau Island and Musket Cove 

feature Mandara spas. 

Senikai Spas now has a floating spa and offers 

twilight cruises around Nadi Bay with canapés, 

champagne and therapeutic massages. At the 

Shangri-la Fijian guests can sleep the night in the 

spa following a treatment. 

And the newest spa in Fiji can now be found at 

the Intercontinental Hotel on the Coral Coast. 

www.purefiji.com 

...many of the herbal remedies 

have been passed down from 

generation to generation...

4 

P: + 679 666 1622 E: reservations@blc.com.fj www.bluelagooncruises.com 

1/2 - Star Sonaisali Island Resort, located on it’s own tropical island paradise 

just 25 minutes drive from Nadi International Airport, is the perfect location 

to share your romantic honeymoon or holiday of a lifetime. The Resort features 

Deluxe air-conditioned Bure accommodation, complete with private spa 

set on the balcony overlooking the ocean. The Resort’s spacious Hotel Rooms 

all have direct beach frontage. Restaurants and Bars reflect the best of Asian, 

Pacific and European influences. The alfresco Sunset Terrace Restaurant is all 

day casual, while the air-conditioned ‘Plantation’ Fine Dining Restaurant offers 

5-Star service. The Resort’s fabulous Swim-up Pool Bar, set in the huge free form 

swimming pool is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your favourite cocktail and 

view Fiji’s spectacular sunsets. A wide range of watersports and activities, including 

snorkelling trips to the outer reef, island hopping, Jet Ski Safaris, full PADI 

scuba diving, local village excursions, paintball/skirmish is available for the more 

Discover � e magic of Fiji by sea 

Imagine waking every morning to a beautiful new paradise. Savour days of turquoise seas, pure white beaches, 

palm-fringed islands and the intimate tranquillity of boutique small ship cruising. While your crew are indulging your 

every wish, cruise to unspoilt islands, visit remote Fijian villages and swim and snorkel in some of the most pristine 

waters in the world . . . or simply do nothing at all. 

Our range of three to seven day itineraries offer something for everyone’s budget and itinerary. So visit 

www.bluelagooncruises.com and discover the magic of Fiji for yourself. 

P: + 679 666 1622 E: reservations@blc.com.fj www.bluelagooncruises.com 

venturesome Guests. Or simply pamper Mind, Body and Soul at the Frangipani 

Spa. Nightly entertainment and the Resort’s unique location - situated just 300 

meters off the main island - will guarantee a relaxing and memorable vacation 

with memories to last a lifetime. 

P.O. Box 2544, Nadi, Fiji Islands. 

Phone: + (679) 670 6011 Fax: + (679) 670 6092 

E-mail: info@sonaisali.com Web: www.sonaisali.com 

Sonsailsali_ad 6 10/20/09 9:12:40 AM

Dive ME • Sail ME • Thrill ME 

10 

High adrenaline 

Dive ME 

Diving in Fiji is world class and renowned for its 

superb soft coral. There are sharks, turtles and 

manta rays in their plenty and between April and 

October the visibility is normally at its best. There 

are not many wrecks to speak of but Fiji is a great 

place to learn to dive in the warm waters of the 

lagoons and there are over 30 professional diving 

schools dotted around the coast. With names 

like Dreadlocks, Gotham City, Barracuda Point 

and Purple Wall, experienced divers are bound 

to sense what there is on offer and with the rise 

and fall in tides, drift diving is a great way to 

travel and see all the underwater action. 

Beginners will be more than happy in the safe 

coral lagoons where there’s plenty to see 

without having to worry too much about depth. 

Liveaboard is a good option for the dedicated 

diver and throughout the year the awardwinning 

Fiji Aggressor II, explores the colourful 

reefs, bommies and walls of Nigali Pass, 

Wakaya, Makogai Gau and Namenalala Islands. 

Exciting drift dives with mantas, turtles, sharks 

and giant groupers are also on the itinerary. 

Charters run out of Suva every Saturday and 

include five and a half days of diving. 

Central Fiji has the best diving in the areas of 

Lomaiviti, Bligh Water and Namena. This is the 

focus for regular itineraries, covering about 500 

nautical miles by the NAI’A liveaboard boats. A 

typical itinerary for seven or ten-day charters 

starts and ends in Lautoka, just north of Nadi. 

There are also good dive sites in the Northern 

Islands and in Kadivu in Southern Fiji. 

There is one dive in Fiji that will overspill the 

pages of your log book. Beqa Passage on the 

south of Viti Levu has long been known as the 

place where sharks choose to swim and feed. 

What is special about this as a dive location is the 

sheer number, variety and danger of the species 

that choose to call in. Aqua Trek features shark 

diving with up to eight species without the 

safety of a cage. The dive involves a 

brief look at a hand drawn 

diagram depicting purpose-built 

low coral walls at a 

variety of depths. Divers are then instructed to 

jump off the boat and to descend directly behind 

the wall – at a depth of about 30 metres. The 

instructors then proceed to take their place on 

stage in front of the wall where they shake open 

wheelie bins full of fish heads and detritus and 

proceed to hand-feed the voracious man eaters, 

albeit with chain armoured gloves. The water 

becomes a mass of activity, filling the sea with 

sand and fish bits, but nothing could hide the 

impressive collection of sharks that turned up for 

a bite to eat including a tiger shark. It was a 

unique chance to get up close and personal with 

these magnificent predators. 

www.naia.com.fj/diving 

www.aquatrek.com 

www.fijisharkdive.com 

� Learn to dive at Tokoriki Island 

Resort; shark diving with Aqua Trek 

...Fiji is a great place to learn in the 

warm waters of the lagoons and 

there are over 30 professional diving 

schools dotted around the coast...

images courtesy of captain cook cruises 

Sail ME 

Sailing or cruising around Fiji offers an exotic 

and adventurous way of exploring the islands, 

giving flexibility as well as the opportunity to 

visit some of the more remote villages. 

The islands feature a range of three,four and 

seven-day cruises or there is always the option 

to charter a private yacht through Denarau 

Marina, Lautoka, Musket Cove and Savu Savu. 

Small, select cruise ships have year-round 

departures out of Australasia taking in Fiji on 

Pacific Island routes such as Noble Caledonia 

and Regent Seven Seas’ luuxury Paul Gauguin. 

Based in the islands are Blue Lagoon Cruises, 

Captain Cook, Tui Tai Adventure Cruise and 

Awesome Advdentures. Blue Lagoon has four 

yachts which explore the Yasawa and 

Mamanuca island chains as well as visiting its 

private island of Nanuyalailai. Tui Tai cruises are 

designed for the more adventurous traveller 

offering expeditions, diving and loads of 

activities. Captain Cook Cruises features threefour-and 

seven-night cruises out of Denarau 

Marina in Nadi on Reef Escape. Carrying up to 

120 passengers, the luxury cruise ship also sails 

the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands weekly. 

The operator’s Fiji One is the largest sailing 

catamaran in the South Pacific. It is available 

exclusively for hire, out of Denarau Marina and 

can be used for a stylish wedding reception 

following a ceremony on Captain Cook Cruises’ 

private island of Tivua. 

www.captaincook.com.fj 

www.rssc.com/ships/paul_gauguin 

www.bluelagooncruises.com 

www.awesomefiji.com 

www.adrenalinfiji.com 

� From top: Captain Cook’s Spirit of the Pacific; cruising 

with creature comforts; and a sea safari without the salt 

Explore the un-spoilt beauty of Kadavu Island at 

MATANA BEACH RESORT – DIVE KADAVU 

Amazing underwater world just steps from your bure 

Beautiful all-tide swimming beach 

Snorkel, dive, kayak, hike, experience true Fijian culture 

Discover some of the world’s best dive sites 

ENQUIRIES ENQUIRIES • • SPECIALS SPECIALS • • LAST LAST MINUTE MINUTE DEALS DEALS 

e-mail: admin@divekadavu.com web: www.matanabeachresort.com 


...Fiji offers an exotic and 

adventurous way of exploring the 

islands, giving flexibility as well as 

the opportunity to visit some of the 

more remote villages... 

Photo - Lill Haugen

captain cook cruises 


12 

Thrill ME 

Fiji has long been known for its high standards 

of rugby and, perhaps to a lesser extent, its 

championship golfer, Vijay Singh. Sport options 

are high on the agenda in Fiji and most of them 

wet, if not muddy. The island’s extensive river 

systems are ideal for white water rafting, 

canoeing, kayaking and bamboo rafting (on a 

bilibili). A full or half-day tour will take you into 

the volcanic region of Taveuni, Fiji’s third largest 

island, to take in some of spectacular high 

waterfalls in the interior. There is also great surf 

in Fiji, and those in the know will check out the 

swell at the sheltered reef of Cloudbreak in the 

Mamanucas for the perfect ride. 

The latest attraction on the Sigatoka River is a 

jet boat ride up the wide river taking in the 

some of the local countryside and including a 

visit to one of several waterside villages for a 

real cultural experience. The trip takes around 

three to four hours and apart from the fun of 

the safari itself, this is great way to experience 

...there is also great surf in Fiji, 

and those in the know will no 

doubt check out the height of the 

swell and the direction of the wind 

at the sheltered reef of Cloudbreak 

in Mamanucas for the perfect ride... 

true Fijian village life. Stories of cannabalism are 

bound to accompany the river ride as well as a 

little history about how the tribes live today. 

Also in the Sigatoka region, in the national 

park of the same name, are its mighty sand 

dunes. The tough upward climb is well– 

rewarded by magnificent views of the park and 

a quick ride down on a body board. 

For those who prefer the aerial approach, zip 

lining in the rain forest just outside Suva, is a 

scary adventure in any weather. The experience 

is ‘enhanced’ by the enthusiastic team of helpers 

who fill you with stories of hidden snakes 

beneath the canopy and the amazing heights 

you will ride. In fact, all you need is a good head 

for heights and some strong gardening gloves. 

Hot air ballooning and sky diving are two 

more popular sports on offer. 

www.zip-fiji.com • www.sigatokariver.com 

� Cruising with Captain Cook can be as active or relaxed 

as you like; ziplining through the jungle is a thrill; big 

breakers give surfers an adrenaline rush

AAF1900 

The Naviti Resort 

Tucked away in a haven boarded by 

an azure lagoon and impressive 

backdrop of rugged hills on Fiji’s 

famous Coral Coast, The Naviti 

Resort is the ideal tropical getaway 

for a frolicking family holiday or for 

that perfect romantic retreat. 

Expansively laid out on 38 acres in 

a tropical setting, just 90 minutes 

drive from Nadi International 

Airport, this 220-room resort boasts 

a comprehensive range of activities 

for even the most energetic 

holidaymaker. 

In a word, the Naviti is freedom ~ 

freedom that comes with lush 

tropical gardens with far-reaching 

waterways and secluded nooks to 

Chill, snorkel, dive, kayak! It’s all here in the remote Yasawa Islands - a group of 20 ancient volcanic islands, 

pristine white sandy beaches and dramatic monoliths surrounded by crystal clear coral lagoons. 

ISLAND HOPPING PASSES 

If you have all the time in the world then this is the perfect way to explore 

the idyllic Yasawa Islands with a 7, 14 or 21 day unlimited Island Hopping 

Pass or a Bula ‘Combo’ Pass including both transfers and accommodation. 

EASY FLEXIBLE PACKAGES 

From 1 to 11 nights including vessel transfers, accommodation, meals and 

activities. Explore the real Fiji and stay right next to some of the nicest beaches 

and coral lagoons in the world. 

ISLAND STAYPUTS 

A bit like ‘Survivor’ but a lot more fun! Strand yourself on one island for three days and if 

you can stand the pain of deserted white sandy beaches, coral lagoons, and coconut palms 

then stay longer. There is a range of unique and different island options available. 

PLUS THERE’S HEAPS MORE OPTIONS SUCH AS GUIDED KAYAKING, SEASPRAY DAY SAILING, 

SAWAILAU CAVES TRIP, VILLAGE VISITS, SCUBA DIVING... 

FOR INFO & BOOKINGS 

SEE YOUR TRAVEL CENTRE 

OR CONTACT US info@awesomefiji.com 

ensure the tranquility of the 

environment. In keeping with nature, 

all of our accommodation rooms are 

spacious and outfitted with vibrant 

tropical colours, complete with 

private balcony or patio from which 

to fully enjoy the beauty of the 

lagoon or the exquisite scenery of 

the tropical rainforest covered hills. 

The Naviti Resort, P. O. Box 29, Korolevu, Fiji Islands Phone: (679) 6530 444 

Fax: (679) 6530 099 Email: navitiresevations@warwickhotels.com Website: www.warwicknaviti.com 

naviti_ad.indd 6 10/12/09 4:06:50 PM 

www.awesomefiji.com

Free ME • Families and independent travellers 

A playground of islands 

Let’s be honest, Fiji is not the first place we 

would choose to take our children for a 

holiday. Just think of that flight! 

However, Fijians are great with children, the 

sandy beaches and warm seas are difficult to 

beat, and it is a great stopover location or a 

two-centre holiday with Hong Kong or Los 

Angeles with its Disney and Universal. 

A number of the hotels cater specifically 

for children with activity programmes, 

babysitting, cots, cribs and adjoining family 

rooms. Self-catering can be a good alternative, 

but with all things family, it needs some good 

research. The majority of family-orientated 

properties can be found along the Coral Coast, 

such as Kula Eco Park which is great for seeing 

Pacific parrots and colourful iguanas. 

At the top end of the market, a one-to-one 

nanny service is featured at the Jean-Michel 

Cousteau resort on Vanua Levu overlooking 

Savusavu Bay. Here the Bula Club runs a 

complimentary programme of children’s activities 

that are fun, educational and cultural. The dive 

centre’s Bubble programme is run specifically for 

the under 10s and older children can learn from 

the resident marine biologist. 

Families are returning again and again to 

Castaway Island just 30km west of Nadi. The 

private reef-ringed island is 

situated in the Mamanuca 

Group and can be 

reached by boat, seaplane or helicopter. The free 

Kid’s Club features a daily activity programme 

offering everything from hermit club racing to a 

night time nature walk and the watersports club 

offers jet skiing, parasailing and banana boat 

rides and well as scuba diving with its awardwining 

PADI centre. Malolo and Plantation Island 

near Castaway are also good for children. 

Sonaisali Island Resort off Viti Levu’s Coral Coast 

is a 105 acre private island with 123 rooms 

including beachfront family bures, or Fijian 

bungalows. The resort offers a load of activities 

including horse riding and daily snorkel trips. 

And finally, offering something to please even 

the most diverse of families, Fiji’s Denarau Island 

on the west coast of Viti Levu is the largest 

integrated resort development in the South 

Pacific, with big-name resorts like Westin, Hilton, 

Sheraton, Radisson and Sofitel offering a huge 

variety of activities and accommodation. If a 

championship golf course, tennis complex and 

marina don’t appeal, Dive Tropex is located at the 

Sheraton Royal Denarau Resort where guests can 

learn to dive or choose from an extensive range 

of water sports. 

Fiji is malaria free but spraying is recommended. 

Health facilities on the islands are good. 

� Clockwise from top: family meal time; kids go native; 

exciting activities and local flavour for backpackers 

...the free Kids’ Club features 

a daily activity programme 

offering everything from 

hermit crab racing to nature 

walks and banana boat rides...

Gap year and 

independent travellers 

No-one with a round the world ticket should miss Fiji 

and the independent travel and backpacking market 

makes up around 42% of tourism to the region. Fiji is a 

crossroads in the South Pacific whichever way you are 

flying and good quality, budget accommodation is in 

abundance. The Hula Loop hop-on hop-off bus pass 

from the Feejee Experience takes visitors around the 

main island cheaply. 

From Nadi International Airport, the usual route will 

be by a short ferry to the castaway Mamanuca group of 

islands (location of Tom Hanks’ movie). Here you can 

choose from 20 islands formed around a large lagoon. 

Diving here is legendary and there are some wicked surf 

spots. Backpackers are made to feel welcome and the 

islands of Mana and Beachcomber in the Mamanuca 

Islands have a lively nightlife as well as well-priced 

dorms. The Yasawa Islands also have backpacker-style 

accommodation, or the opportunity to live with the 

locals. The beaches on teh Yasawas and Eastern Islands 

are unbeatable and the pace of life is slow. Gap year 

students looking for a worthwhile project can choose 

from voluntary jobs such as teaching, working with the 

homeless and marine conservation. 

www.feejeeexperience.com • www.awesomefiji.com 

www.madventurer.com • www.responsible travel 

www.handsupholidays • www.realgap.com 

FREE Smiley staff! 

FREE Airport pickup 

FREE Luggage storage 

FREE Breakfast 

FREE Kayak 

FREE Golf 

FREE Internet (conditions) 

FREE Maps & advice 

3 ½ star Hotel 

4 star Backpackers 

(Consecutive Nights, Direct Bookings only) 

www.smugglersbeachfiji.com 

Somewhere between Louis Vuitton and “Lost”

Shopping • Food • Culture and traditions 

16 

A multi-culture experience 

Traditions hold strong in Fiji and there is 

a huge respect for tribal leaders, 

ancient ceremonies and, of course, 

rugby! Fijians retain an affection for everything 

British and still feature our Queen on their 

bank notes. English is widely spoken, as is Fijian 

and Hindi, and visitors have no problem in 

being understood and getting around. With a 

population of less than one million, split mainly 

between indigenous Fijians and Indo Fijians, 

the feeling is warm and life is unhurried. You 

must simply remember which ear to tuck your 

flower behind – left means you are unmarried 

and right means you are taken! The only other 

rules seem to be: not to tap someone on the 

head; speaking quietly with chiefs, and take 

your sunglasses and hat off in the presence of 

elders. It’s all very pleasant and laid back. 

Eating out in Fiji is a multi-cultural 

experience. Fijian ‘lovo’ is food cooked in an 

earth oven under the ground and fresh fish is a 

staple. A roti is Indian curry wrapped in a kind 

of flat bread. Chinese, Japanese and 

Korean specialities all appear on the 

menu as do the inevitable Italian 

pasta and pizza. Local fruit and veg 

are in abundance as everyone seems 

to grow their own. 

Try the pork and the chopped fish 

in coconut. Tavioka (cassava) makes 

up the basic diet and Kakoda is a 

delicious dish of raw marinated 

� Clockwise from top: Welcome music; 

tropical fruit; local designs; Hindu goddess 

...with a population of 

less than one million, 

split mainly between 

indigenous Fijians and 

Indo Fijians, the feeling 

is warm and life is 

unhurried...

fish with a spicy kick. Starchy carbohydrates 

play a big part in the national diet, and 

perhaps the reason why many Fijians are 

generously proportioned! 

It is normally OK to drink the local tap water 

but local imported mineral waters and soft 

drinks are available. Look out for fresh fruit 

smoothies made from the local fruits. Coconut 

juice is perfect and untainted. 

When it comes to alcohol – Fiji Bitter and Fiji 

Gold are the local brews. Most wines are 

imported from Australia and New Zealand and 

are easily available in hotels and restaurants. 

The true Fiji tipple is Kava which looks and 

tastes like muddy water and makes your 

tongue tingle. It remains a ceremonial drink 

prepared for the chief by his helpers and is 

used for welcoming and bonding with visitors 

with much ceremony. This normally involves 

sitting cross-legged and is very much a male- 

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oriented affair, although visitors of both sexes 

are welcome. The mix is made in a large 

wooden bowl in front of the guests and there 

are a number of protocols to respect which 

involve clapping and a response from a 

spokesman. The dried and powdered root of 

the yaqona plant, wrapped in a piece of cloth, 

is mixed with water and squeezed out to be 

served in a half coconut shell. It is polite to clap 

and then drink the entire contents of the shell 

offered to a guest followed by three claps of 

gratification. The drink is mildly narcotic but 

unlikely to have any short or long term affect 

other than a slight numbness of the lips. It is, 

however, an important part of any visit to Fiji. 

Beyond bringing home a tiny wooden Kava 

bowl to decorate your table there are few 

traditional curios although handicrafts in the 

market include cannibal forks, bark cloth (masi) 

and a very vibrant collection of floral shirts. 

For bookings, please contact reservations on e-mail: 

For bookings, wkfjres@warwickhotels.com 

For please bookings, contact please reservations contact on reservations e-mail: on e-mail: 

Web: wkfjres@warwickhotels.com 

www.warwickfijihotel.com 

wkfjres@warwickhotels.com 

For bookings, T: Web: (679) www.warwickfijihotel.com 

please 6530 Web: contact 555 www.warwickfijihotel.com 

F: (679) reservations 6530 155 on e-mail: 

T: (679) 6530 555 F: (679) 6530 155 

wkfjres@warwickhotels.com 

T: (679) 6530 555 F: (679) 6530 155 

Web: www.warwickfijihotel.com 

T: (679) 6530 555 F: (679) 6530 155 

Shopping • Food • Culture and traditions 

...the Kava mix is made in a large 

wooden bowl in front of the guests 

and there are a number of protocols 

to respect which involve clapping 

and response from a male visitor...

FindMe

Meet Fiji 

MICE - Meetings and 

Incentives Market 

The meetings and incentives market in Fiji is 

growing fast as conference facilities improve. 

From small island getaways to internationalstyle 

mainland resorts, from ‘bures’ on the 

beach to deluxe hotel suites, Fiji has the 

conference and incentive market covered, no 

matter the budget or group size. 

Gracious hospitality and a wealth of 

creative options for meeting planners and 

incentive winners, make Fiji the perfect 

destination where meetings become 

experiences and incentive rewards become 

treasured memories. 

A choice of beautiful 

locations 

Meetings can be held on a remote island or 

in a conference centre at one of Fiji’s five-star 

resorts. A yacht charter is another possibility 

for a short conference, stopping to relax at 

one of Fiji’s many deserted isles. 

A choice of 

accommodation 

A range of accommodation choices to suit 

everyone’s budget from fabulous luxury 

resorts to more family or budget orientated 

accommodation. 

Stress free 

Resorts offer the services of a conference and 

incentive coordinator who will arrange 

everything and there is great flexibility and 

willingness to tailor-make arrangements to 

match any group’s aspirations. 

Planning 

For meetings, conference and incentives 

organisers, Fiji’s tour operators offer 

services to suit meeting or conference 

needs as well as incentive events. 

Air conditioned coaches and chauffeurdriven 

limousines are on call to get 

delegates around and local ground 

handlers offer accommodation, tours and 

cruise bookings with tour desks located 

in many of Fiji’s hotels and resorts. 

www.fijime.com 

A Matai is... 

• knowledgeable: you are expected to be 

knowledgeable about Fiji’s tourism products 

• a guide: your knowledge of Fiji will help you to 

guide your clients to the benefits, values and 

correct choices to an enhanced Fiji experience 

• a builder: the benefits you reap will help 

increase your sales and build your business 

The hallmark of the programme is personalised 

service and delivering the promise unique only to 

being a Matai. 

Benefits 

• Continuous updates on Fiji products and new 

products that are to be launched plus monthly 

e-newsletters. Be the first to know! 

• Your contact details will be included as a 

preferred agent on our consumer website 

www.fijime.com 

• Participation in exciting educational fams [fam 

fees are separate] 

• Programme rewards 

• Involvement in marketing programmes 

Meetings and training 

Become a Fiji specialist 

– travel agency training programme 

Three simple steps to 

becoming a certified 

Fiji Matai Specialist: 

Step 1 

• Complete the application form – registration is 

free. This form is designed to gather all your 

contact information which will be incorporated 

into the website as well as our database. 

Step 2 

• Complete the Matai Curriculum four online 

training modules: 

Module 1 comprises of general information 

about Fiji 

Module 2 contains information on products 

and services available within each 

of Fiji’s regions 

Module 3 explains Fiji culture 

Module 4 highlights Fiji’s various niche markets 

Step 3 

• Take the test at the end of each module 

Once you send your registration form, you will be 

issued a User Name and Password to access Matai 

training modules and the module tests. The 

entire test is administered and completed online 

and you may study at your leisure. You will need 

to achieve an 80% pass online 

A Matai Certificate will be issued upon successful 

completion of the training modules 

Thank you for your interest in the Fiji Matai Specialist Programme and good luck! 

19

Hong Kong spotlight 

20 

Stay a while 

Top ten “must do’s” 

in Hong Kong: 

• Visit Victoria Peak by funicular railway, in 

operation since 1888, (travels up an incline so 

steep that the buildings look like they are 

leaning at a 45-degree angle) to the Peak 

Tower to view Hong Kong’s dramatic skyline. 

• Avenue of Stars along the Tsim Sha Tsui 

promenade pays tribute to the stars of silver 

screen and a great vantage point to watch 

the Symphony of Lights. 

• Shopping. There is something for everyone, 

from designer stores and glitzy malls to markets 

selling inexpensive items. Visit Temple Street 

night market with fortune tellers and 

impromptu Chinese opera performances. 

• Watch the Symphony of Lights, listed in the 

Guinness World Records as the world’s largest 

permanent light and sound show covers more 

than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria 

Harbour. 

• Star Ferry, Hong Kong’s floating icon, 

operating since 1898 and offers stunning 

panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. 

• Visit Man Mo temple, Hollywood Road, built 

around 1842 and is dedicated to the gods of 

literature (Man) and war (Mo), the temple 

features a huge brass deer on the altar and 

symbolises long life and wealth. 

• Take part in Tai Chi class, the graceful 

movements help balance the yin and the yang 

and is free to visitors. 

• Hop on a tram, locally known as “Ding 

Ding” running East to West of Hong Kong Island 

since 1904, and the perfect way to experience 

local attractions, tantalising tastes and unique 

heritage. 

• Visit Hong Kong during one of the traditional 

festivals: Chinese New Year, (February 2010) 

when Hong Kong comes alive with colourful 

lights, all-night flower markets, an International 

Night parade and an incredible fireworks display 

over Victoria Harbour 

� From top: Tai chi with a view; dragon antics; dim sum 

...Eat dim sum, meaning 

to touch the heart, special 

Cantonese snacks served 

in steaming bamboo baskets... 

Discover Hong Kong

Explore ME • Getting around Fiji 

Getting around 

...boats, planes, ferries and helicopters 

The great thing about Fiji is that getting around the 

archipelago of 333 islands is remarkably easy and cheap. 

A good network of ferries and boats service the major 

islands in Fiji catering for all budgets. 

The most popular service is South Sea Cruises servicing 

the Mamanuca Islands from Denarau Marina near to 

Nadi (which has its own duty free shopping, restaurants 

and supermarkets). Boats travel up to three times a day 

to and from many of the islands and you can hop on or 

off where you wish. 

The Yasawa Flyer catamaran with Awesome Adventures 

Fiji travels once a day to the Yasawa Islands and back and 

you can get a hop-on/hop-off pass. The Feejee Experience 

is a travel-plus package which connects various islands. 

Viti Levu connects with Vanua Levu by overnight ferry. 

All these are very affordable. Air Pacific’s domestic airline 

partner Pacific Sun connects Nadi and Suva with the 

Northern Islands (Taveuni,) Mana Island, Kadavu, Labasa, 

Savusavu, Levuka, Malololailai and Taunovo. 

By far the most luxurious way to get about is by 

helicopter (Island Hoppers) or sea plane (Pacific Island Sea 

Planes) from Nadi. The luggage allowance is 15 kgs and 

in a matter of 30 minutes you can be relaxing on your 

island sipping cocktails. Nadi airport offers good and 

affordable luggage storage, alternatively arrangements 

may be made to send the luggage on separately. 

On the larger islands, Fiji has a great network of bus 

services, taxis, hire cars and private car transfers. In Fiji 

they drive on the left hand side of the road. 

www.airpacific.com • www.pacificsun.com 

www.captaincookcruises.com.au • www.ssc.com.fj 

www.awesomefiji.com • www.feejeeexperience.com 

www.helicopters.com.fj • www.fijiseaplanes.com 

caption cook cruises 

free Smiley staff! 

free Airport pickup 

free Luggage storage 

free Breakfast 

free Kayak 

free Golf (Green Fees) 

free Internet (conditions) 

free Maps & advice 

(Consecutive Nights, Direct Bookings only)

Sunworshippers? 

Ahura was an ancient god of creations who worshipped the sun – 

a symbol of radiance, purity and life. Together, this was paradise. 

Ahura Resorts is a 100% Fijian-owned company with over 30 years 

experience in tourism and hospitality and operates one of the 

region’s most popular and well-known resorts – Malolo Island Fiji. 

Ahura’s newest creation is a luxury escape for couples which features 

Fiji’s first over- water accommodation – Likuliku Lagoon Resort. 

Find some time together… 

Find the real Fiji… 

Find wananavu 

Non stop to Hong Kong + non stop to Fiji = wananavu 

The Warm Heart Of Fiji. 

Maybe it’s time to start worshipping the sun. Visit www.ahuraresorts.com or call +679 672 4275 to find out more. 

mainland convenience • island experience • romance • culture • diving 

www.wananavu.com wananavuresort@connect.com.fj

Connecting you to our Paradise 

London 

Paris 

Cathay Pacific 

to code-share 

with Air Pacific 

airpacific.com 

Amsterdam 

Frankfurt 

cathaypacific.com 

Rome Beijing 

Dubai 

New Delhi 

Mumbai 

Chennai 

Bangkok 

Singapore 

Cathay Pacific Airways has has 

announced a new codeshare 

agreement with with Air Air Pacific, Pacific, placing placing its 

its CX code on the Fijian carrier’s 

CX code on the Fijian carrier’s new 

new twice-weekly flight between 

twice-weekly flight between Hong 

Hong Kong and Nadi. This is the 

Kong first time and Nadi. scheduled This is services the first time 

scheduled have been services operated have between been 

operated Hong Kong between and Fiji Hong and Kong the and Fiji 

and agreement the agreement will allow will its allow Cathay’s 

extensive international network network to 

to feed mainly holiday traffic 

feed mainly holiday traffic to the 

to the islands. It will mean that 

islands. It will mean a simplified fare 

passengers check in their bags 

Shanghai 

Taipei 

Hong Kong 

Melbourne 

Tokyo 

Brisbane 

Sydney 

Tarawa 

Honiara 

Port Vila 

Auckland 

Wellington 

Christchurch 

Nadi Suva 

Nuku’alofa 

structure, only once reciprocal at the starting lounge point 

programmes of their journey, and the a simplified added 

advantage fare structure that and passengers also reciprocal check in 

lounge programmes. 

their bags only once at the starting 

point The Boeing of their 767 journey. flights will depart 

Hong Kong at 17.05pm Fridays and 

The Sundays, Boeing arriving 767 flights at Nadi will depart at 07.05 

the following morning. Fares from 

Hong Kong at 17.05 Fridays and 

London Heathrow will start at 

Sundays, arriving at Nadi at 07.05 the 

£.... between December 3 2009 

following and February morning. 25 2010. Fares from London 

Heathrow will start at around £799 

Air Pacific currently serves 25 

plus taxes. 

destinations using a fleet of Boeing 

Apia 

Honolulu 

Vancouver 

Los Angeles 

747, Air Pacific 767 and currently 737 serves aircraft 25 and 

offering destinations travel using in two a fleet classes: of Boeing 

Tabua 747, 767 Class and (Business) 737 aircraft and and Pacific offering 

Voyager. Its network currently 

travel in two classes: Tabua Class 

covers the islands of the South 

(Business) and Pacific Voyager. Its 

Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, 

plus network destinations currently covers in the the United islands of 

States the South and Pacific, Canada. Australia, Air Pacific New was 

recognised Zealand, plus as destinations the ‘Best Airline in the 

in United the South States Pacific’ and Canada. in Global Air Pacific 

Traveller’s was recognised fifth as annual the ‘Best Award Airline in 

survey for 2008. 

the South Pacific’ in Global Traveller’s 

fifth annual Award survey for 2008.

Tour Operators 

Plus Honeymoon, Wedding & 

Scuba Dive packages 

Company Web Number 

Abbey Travel (Ireland) www.abbeytravel.ie 00 353 (0) 1 804 7100 

Abercrombie & Kent www.abercrombiekent.co.uk 01242 547 700 

Air New Zealand Hot Pack www.airnewzealand.co.uk 0800 028 4149 

AllWays Pacific www.all-ways.co.uk 01494 432 747 

Anzcro UK www.anzcro.co.uk 01872 266 899 

Audley Travel www.audleytravel.com 01993 838 000 

Austravel www.austravel.com 0870 166 2020 

Awimaway www.AwimAway.com 020 7430 1766 

Bailey Robinson www.baileyrobinson.com 01488 689 777 

Barrhead Travel www.barrheadtravel.co.uk 0871 226 1052 

best@travel www.bestattravel.co.uk 0870 709 3062 

Blue Lagoon Cruises www.bluelagooncruises.com 020 8545 2618 

Bridge & Wickers www.bridgeandwickers.com 020 7483 6555 

Carrier www.carrier.co.uk 01625 547 000 

Collette World Wide Holidays www.colletteworldwide.com 0800 804 8705 

Cox and Kings www.coxandkings.co.uk 020 7873 5000 

Captain Cook Cruises www.captaincook.com.au 01483 222 093 

Club Travel (Ireland) www.clubtravel.ie 00 353 (0) 1 435 0017 

Co-operative Travel Group www.co-operativetravel.co.uk 0845 600 3063 

Connections Worldwide www.connectionsworldwide.co.uk 0800 988 5846 

Destinology www. destinology.co.uk 0800 072 2227 

Discover the World www.discover-the-world.co.uk 01737 218 800 

Dive Quest www.divequest.co.uk 01254 826 322 

Dive Worldwide www.diveworldwide.com 0845 130 6980 

Diving World www.diving-world.com 020 7407 0017 

Dreamticket.com / Quest www.dreamticket.com 020 8406 4398 

Ebookers.com www.ebookers.com 0871 223 5000 

Emerald /Namaste www.etours-online.com 020 7312 1708 

Experience Holidays www.experienceholidays.co.uk 0845 230 2131/01323 416699 

Expressions Holidays www.expressionsholidays.co.uk 020 7433 2600 

Far Away Holidays/Travelzest www.farawayholidays.co.uk 0870 270 1421 

First Class Holidays www.1stclassholidays.com 0161 877 0432 

Flight Centre www.flightcentre.co.uk 0870 499 0040 

Freedom www.freedomaustralia.co.uk 0870 742 4000 

Gold Medal Travel Group www.goldmedal.co.uk 01772 251133 

Hands Up Holidays www.handsupholidays.com 020 7193 1062 

Iglu Tropical www.iglutropical.com 020 8544 6389 

Isango www.isango.com 020 3008 5480 

ITC Classics www.itcclassics.co.uk 01244 355 550 

Jetset www.jetsetholidays.co.uk 0870 055 5747 

Joe Walsh Tours (Ireland) www.joewalshtours.ie 00 353 (0) 1 241 0800 

Key 2 Holidays www.key2holidays.co.uk 020 7749 3600 

Kuoni www.kuoni.co.uk 01306 741 111 

Fiji Islands Discovery Cruises 

See your travel agent or call 01483 222093 

www.captaincook.com.au uk@captaincook.com.au 

Fiji Cruise & Sail Specialist 

• Departures daily from Denarau 

• Transfers from Nadi - plus Coral Coast 

& Lautoka on Day Cruise 

• 3, 4 & 7-Night Yasawa Island Cruises 

• 7-Night Northern Fiji Discovery Cruises 

• Day Cruises to Islands by Tall Ship 

• Island resorts & Sailing Safaris 

• Exclusive private charter fleet

Company Web Number 

Lotus Holidays / Dial A flight www.dialaflight.com 0870 333 4488 

Mercury Direct/Sunsport Tours www.mercury-direct.co.uk 0843 224 0066 

Ocean’s Apart www.oceans-apart.co.uk 0870 486 6688 

Off the Beat www.offthebeat.com 0160 640 746 

Last minute www.lastminute.com 

Original Travel Company www.originaltravel.co.uk 020 7978 7333 

Premier Holidays www.premierholidays.co.uk 08444 937 531 

Princess Cruises www.princesscruises.co.uk 0870 242 0100 

Qantas Holidays www.qantas.com.au 020 8481 4064 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises www.rssc.co.uk 02380 682 280 

Responsible Travel.com www.responsibletravel.com N/A 

Saga www.saga.co.uk 0800 414 383 

Scott Dunn www.scottdunn.com 020 8682 5020 

Scuba Safaris www.scuba-safaris.com 01342 823 222 

The Scuba Trust www.scubatrust.org.uk 07985 025 385 

Seasons in Style wwww.seasonsinstyle.co.uk 01244 202 000 

Silversea Cruises www.silversea.com 0844 770 9030 

Southall Travel www.southalltravel.co.uk 0845 855 8001 

STA Travel www.statravel.co.uk 0871 230 0040 

Sunset Faraway www.sunset.co.uk 020 8774 7100 

Sunshine Direct www.sunsetfaraway.com 020 8774 7100 

Tailormade Travel www.tailor-made.co.uk 0845 456 8006 

Tana Travel www.tanatravel.com 01789 414 200 

THG www.thgholidays.co.uk 0800 988 1721 

Tim Best Travel www.timbesttravel.com 020 7591 0300 

Titan Hi-Tours www.titantravel.co.uk 01293 455 345 

Trailfinders www.trailfinders.com 0845 058 5858 

Transpacific Holidays www.transpacificholidays.com 01293 567 722 

Travel Counsellors www.travelcounsellors.co.uk 0800 074 7800 

Travel 2 www.travel2.com 0870 155 0066 

Travel Nation www.travel-nation.co.uk 0845 344 4225 

Travelbag www.travelbag.co.uk 0870 814 6614 

Travelmood www.travelmood.co.uk 0871 226 6211 

Travelpack www.travelpack.co.uk 0161 7887 885 

Travelsphere www.travelsphere.co.uk 01858 410 456 

Thomas Cook Signature www.tcsignature.com 0870 443 4447 

TUI www.thomson.co.uk 0870 190 0737 

Turquoise Holidays www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk 01494 678 400 

ViaJapan (HIS Travel) www.viajapan.co.uk 020 7484 3328 

Virgin Holidays www.virginholidays.co.uk 0871 222 5825 

Wexas International www.wexas.com 020 7589 3315 

White Sand Weddings www.whitesandweddings.co.uk 0800 107 5710 

Tour Operators

Diary of events 

26 

Tourism Fiji Diary of Events for 2010 

January 

The Suva Rugby Festival 

The event will kick off a week of exhilarating 

rugby action and entertainment with the 

Suva Rugby Union on January 18. There are 

188 rugby teams scheduled to participate in 

the festival, in addition to the 64 teams from 

touch rugby and netball. 

July 

Bula Festival (annual) 

The main festival of the year in Fiji, the Bula 

Festival takes place in Nadi on Viti Levu. 

Everyone dresses up and the event features a 

Pacific dancing contest, a Bollywood night and 

plenty of music and marching parades. There 

is also a Miss Bula competition for which 

contestants dress in traditional Fiji costumes. 

August - September 

Sugar Festival (annual) 

Sugar cane is one of Fiji’s major crops and it is 

all the fun of the fair in Lautoka, the main hub 

of production. This annual festival features a 

Miss Sugar competition, brass bands and a 

sugar cane parade 

October 

The Rising of the Balolo 

For two nights in the last quarter of the moon 

in October and November a marine delicacy rises 

to the surface of the sea to spawn. Known as 

the ‘Caviar of the Pacific’ these writhing sea 

worms attract the locals who canoe out to sea 

with nets and torches to scoop them up in their 

thousands. A fun event to watch - when the 

Fijian reefs come alive. 

8th-10th - Fiji Ocean Swim Festival 

(annual) 

People love to swim in the Pacific and this is 

just one of the many swimming events that 

takes place all over the region. Both men and 

women compete in this prestigious event that 

takes place on Malolo Lailai island in a series 

of 1.5km and 3km events which culminate on 

Sunday with a 10km race around the island. 

Diwali (annual) 

Diwali is a major event in the Hindu culture 

the world over. In Fiji the island’s many Hindus 

celebrate just like everywhere else with a Festival 

of Lights featuring stunning lights and candles 

that light up the night. 

� Learn to dive at Tokoriki Island Resort; shark diving 

with Aqua Trek 

This is the real Fiji - sun, sand, culture and adventure. Feejee Experience takes 

you to the best beaches, amazing rainforests and offers fascinating insights 

with the Fiji people. Passes and packages available to suit all travellers who 

want to see and experience the real Fiji! 

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa is located on Fiji’s Coral Coast, a 45-minute 

drive from Nadi International Airport. It is set on a 109-acre private island 

with a causeway joining it to the mainland and has 442 rooms. 

Feejee Experience 

Nadi International Airport 

(679) 672 5950 

enquiries@feejeeexperience.com 

www.feejeeexperience.com 

Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa 

(679) 652 0155 

fij@shangri-la.com

Fiji Facts 

Geography - Fiji is located in the heart of the South 

Pacific and is a regular stop-off point for round-theworld 

travellers. It lies 2,100 km north of Auckland and 

3,100km north east of Sydney on the international date 

line making it exactly gmt +12 hours. 

Climate - The tropical climate is ideally suited to 

outdoor life and between May and November visitors 

can be sure of fine, dry warm days (22-31 degrees C) 

while between December and April the humidity is 

higher and days may be wetter and warmer (19-29 

degrees C). During the coolest months of July and 

August temperatures may drop as low as 18°C. 

Currency - Fiji dollar. Current rate 

of exchange (Oct 2009): £1.00 = 3.07 FJD 

Tipping - This is not expected but visitors may like to 

reward good service. 

Entry requirements - No visa required for British 

passport holders. 

Communications - Internet access is readily 

available at most hotels as is mobile phone coverage. 

The country code is +679 

Local time - GMT +12 

Flying time - London to Nadi takes an average of 

26 hours 

Clothing - Casual, light tropical wear is best but 

remember to dress respectfully in towns, 

at churches and visiting villages. Beware of 

local sensibilities. It is considered offensive, for example, 

to wear a hat or sunglasses in villages 

Language - English is widely spoken but the principal 

languages are Fijian and Hindustan 

Business hours - Mon-Fri 0800 – 1630/1700 but 

some offices close an hour earlier on Fridays 

Health - No vaccinations are required 

but a GP or travel clinic might advise inoculations 

against typhoid, tetanus and diphtheria Mosquitos are 

present and 

spraying is recommended. 

Electricity - 240 volts AC (Australia pin) 

Visit our website...www.fijime.com 

Fiji Facts 

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Voted Best Airline in the South Pacific 

Global Traveller’s fifth annual Award survey 2008 

When you’re born in Paradise, it shows. Not just in what we know, but in how we take you 

there. Enjoy our special kid’s fares, complimentary meals, drinks and inflight entertainment, all 

served with a friendly smile on the airline voted the best in the South Pacific. airpacific.com

Fiji - Selling Long Haul

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