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| Likuliku Lagoon is the only property in Fiji with over-the-water bungalows. |
Fiji was once known as the Cannibal Isles. Its 322 islands are the crossroads of the Pacific, and the country has more land and people than all of Polynesia combined. In 1884, the British brought in East Indian labor to work in the sugarcane plantations, so today half the population is Indo-Fijian. In 1972, Fiji gained independence.
The best time to visit is from May to October when it is less humid and the reef waters are clearest for scuba divers. The climate is tropical all year.
I have been there more times than I can count, staying on different islands. This is a great destination for honeymoons, and there are wonderful family locations on specific islands. You would fly into Nadi, on the main island of Viti Levu, but I don’t recommend staying there because the beaches are not good. You are better off going to one of the other islands.
The Fijian people are courteous and friendly, with an amazing variety of traditional customs and crafts, a strong culture, lots of music and dancing. Fiji also offers good value for your money.
Luxury for Couples
There are hundreds of resorts, all with great snorkeling and diving. My favorite is the award-winning Likuliku Lagoon, a couples-only luxury property in the Mamanucas archipelago, 16 miles from Nadi. You get there by catamaran, seaplane or helicopter. It has the only over-the-water bungalows in Fiji, just 10 of them, and l8 beach bures (bungalows), which provide subtle luxury for guests.
This is a new property, and the general manager was previously at an island in Queensland, which I sell on many of my Australian bookings. Good management is essential for recommending a property, along with great architecture, luxury accommodations and a fine restaurant.
Likuliku Lagoon has just been added to the Signature Travel Network list of top hotels and resorts in the world, which my agency is a part of. This means that our guests get special amenities and upgrades. We only have two Fijian properties in our directory.
I would recommend a week at a resort, then, perhaps, take a four- or seven-day cruise through the Yasawa islands out of Lautoka. This is a great way to get different snorkeling or diving experiences and see other islands.
Maureen Jones, president of All Horizons Travel in Los Altos, CA, is an expert in selling many types of travel. Here she provides us with updates from recent experiences in Fiji and Wales, and with Rail Europe.