There are many ways to experience the delights of Fiji. It’s important to understand the logistics and how to get around.
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| Nukubati beachfront bure sports elegant and comfortable style and is light and airy. |
Since flights on Air Pacific, the national carrier, are overnight from Los Angeles to Nadi in both directions, you can start or end just about anywhere you like.
One of my favorite itineraries is to begin with a visit to one of the excellent hotels in the Mamanuca Islands.
The adults-only Likuliku Lagoon Resort is stunning. The overwater or beachfront bungalows are a must. Their food is a world-class fusion of tropical and continental. You can travel there by helicopter from the international airport or by ferry from the port at Denarau. Book the VIP captain’s cabin on the ferry. It is air-conditioned with beverages and snacks served by charming young attendants.
If you have your family with you, Vomo Island Resort should be your deluxe choice. Its villas provide luxury and privacy on one of the most beautiful Fijian islands. The Fijian nannies will bond instantly with your children and you will have a difficult time getting them to spend any time with you. Adults without children are also welcome and well-looked after.
For the second part of the trip I would highly recommend Taveuni Palms on the island of Taveuni. It’s a short flight to this gorgeous part of the country. Taveuni Palms has three private villas each with its own pool and massage bure. Every meal is presented in a different dining spot in your villa complete with elegant decorations made from local flora and fauna.
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| The Fiji Orchid has accommodations in luxury air-conditioned, semi-permanent tents. |
I would suggest to end the trip with a visit to the island of Vanua Levu, which is the gateway to the resorts of Namale or Nukubati. Namale is all-inclusive and you can prearrange activities for your guests like picnics beneath an orchid-strewn waterfall or horseback rides on the beach.
Nukubati is splendidly private and isolated. The resort is powered by solar energy. You can do everything here or nothing. Just ask the staff for whatever you want, whenever you want. A big highlight is its access to the Great Sea Reef, the third largest in the world. All you have to do is look under water to become immersed in the magical environment.
Consider flying back to Nadi on a morning flight and getting a room at The Fiji Orchid. It is near the airport with accommodations in luxury air-conditioned, semi-permanent tents like the best safari lodges. They have top-quality Indian-influenced cuisine and this makes a great spot for ending your trip before the late-night flight home.