The whole point of coming to Fiji is definitely not to spend time on the mainland but to experience those string of white beads in an expanse of blue. We had all sorts of questions in our heads before we picked our island stay for the week - which Fiji island is the best? Which Fiji island has the best beach? Which Fiji island is best for families and for a couple since we were on our honeymoon? Why Fiji is expensive for Indians, is it only because of the distance or more so if we opt for a more secluded island?
We have covered our trip to Fiji in 3 Chapters from the lens of travelling to Fiji from India, experiences to include in your itinerary, availability of vegetarian food in Fiji and exploring the local Fijian culture.
Chapter 2: How to spend 24 hours in Nadi, Fiji
You are reading Chapter 3.
WeddingSutra Feature: https://www.weddingsutra.com/real-weddings/honeymoon-stories/henna-and-yash-fiji/
Table of contents
How to choose the best island in Fiji for your honeymoon?
After several considerations, we made our pick and hopped onto a catamaran along with our luggage and set sail to the Mamanuca Islands that we would call home for the next one week. The glistening waters of the Pacific and sailing through the ocean, passing by other islands fringed by white sand beaches left us awestruck. We also did come across a few of those large ocean waves and our catamaran did dodge a wee bit leaving me scared stiff for those few moments. After a good couple of hours in the ocean, our catamaran anchored at the beach of Tokoriki Island and the resort staff came to help us with our heavy duty luggage. As we alighted from the catamaran, we could feel the white sand tickling our toes, screaming Bula from down under.
A week at the Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island
Since we were dressed in shorts, it really helped us with the beach landing at the Sheraton Resort & Spa. We checked into our abode for the next one week and a golf cart transported us to our room which was spacious, replete with comfortable utilities and had some sweet treats and free wine waiting for the honeymooners. But what created that terrific first impression on us - was witnessing the sun set on Tokoriki Island from the helipad, sipping on some cocktails with an almost aerial view of the resort.
Fijian sunsets are indeed a sight to behold and the light stays on for a while even after the sun has actually set, so we could also get some nice evening shots at the beach. We ended our day with some dinner outdoors and enjoyed the traditional Meke dance by a group of Fijians. The dancers seemed to be in high spirits and it is believed that they dance to ward off any evil and to celebrate.
Is vegetarian food available in Fiji?
The staff at Sheraton Tokoriki was the sweetest, with them asking us if we were from Australia, as they didn’t know of many Indians who had come all the way from India to Fiji. They also shared some interesting anecdotes from their daily commute to work from the mainland and neighboring islands in a boat, that being the only mode of transport. Since we are vegetarians, we had the restaurant chef talk to us each day on what they could whip up for us for dinner as the buffet spread had limited vegetarian fare. We loved their local Cassava fries and a special Beetroot risotto to bits! They even made us some Indian food for dinner that we enjoyed with a glass of Fiji Gold beer.
Spend a relaxing day in my life on Fiji time (this is what couples do on their honeymoon on a remote island)
We began our mornings with a breakfast spread by the cobalt blue ocean set against a backdrop of green-clad hills and the earlier you’d get to the restaurant the more you’d be able to enjoy the view at a table of your choice.
Post breakfast was the time to take a dip into the infinity pool and to lay all your pool essentials on a sun bed. The pool was always buzzing with youngsters, couples and even a few kids. Some days we preferred to just laze on a sun bed and read a book while ordering some late lunch along with drinks. On other days we would get into the pool and order martinis and slushies to beat the heat from the bar that was accessible from the pool. Every afternoon, there would also be a game of pool volleyball and while I am not into sports, I loved watching people from different places, across age groups team up and play.
Evenings would typically be more relaxing, like playing a game of mini golf or snooker or going for a rejuvenating couple’s massage at the spa before we get dressed for a more communal dinner. We met so many families from Oceania over our dinners, whether it was an Iranian couple with their four year old running helter skelter from Sydney or a Kiwi couple who was also on their honeymoon, sharing their love for cricket with us.
Traditional Fijian Kava Ceremony: While in Fiji, drink what the Fijians drink
While the weather gods did not give us a chance to indulge in a candle light dinner by the beach, we did get a chance to be a part of an outdoor Kava ceremony. While the rest of the world relies on alcohol to be in high spirits, Fijians swear by their local drink called Kava. Kava is a mildly sedative drink with a muddy texture and is surely an acquired taste, that is made from the crushed root of the tropical yaqona plant. More than the drink, the magic is in how it is served and drunk together in a communal setting. The drink is made in a large, usually wooden bowl and then served in half cut coconuts or coconut shell resembling bowls that are passed around to guests.
A lot of the local Fijians indulge in a little Kava daily to face the adversities of a tough island life with a smiling face. They generally sip on a tiny bowlful in the morning before they go to work or take some bigger swigs in the evening to lull themselves into a restful slumber.
Fiji island hopping around the Mamanuca Islands
We have all been popped that one question as a teenager, who would you love to be stranded on an island with, and we would blush and think of our crush at the time. You can literally experience that teenaged fantasy by taking a jet ski with your beloved to the nearby Monuriki and Castaway Islands. A guide would accompany you to show you the way but you’re on your own to maneuver the speeding jet ski, explore the deserted beaches and snorkel amidst colorful corals and kaleidoscopic marine life. You can literally feel how Robinson Crusoe would have felt for those 28 years on a remote island barring the joy of being casted away on remote island and deserted beaches. The Castaway island is literally where the namesake 2001 Tom Hanks movie Cast Away was filmed.
Exploring Fiji by kayaking
If jet skiing and snorkeling is not a novelty for you, you could also go kayaking, which is a free amenity that most beach resorts in Fiji offer based on the weather conditions for the day. Kayaking, I feel, is more enjoyable than rowing and of course is a romantic getaway into the sea with your partner. Just be sure to slather on some extra sunscreen and wear a hat if you’re kayaking in the afternoon as the Fijian sun is no joke and can leave your Indian skin really tanned and sunburnt.
Scuba diving in Fiji to explore the Pacific underwaters
If you crave for some more adventure beyond the azure hues of the ocean surface, the Pacific ocean has some premier scuba diving spots. The neighboring, adults only, Tokoriki Island Resort has a dive shop and you can book your slots and go scuba diving. Their beach is breathtaking for those hopeless romantic souls waiting around for their adventurous partners, who prefer to go diving in the Fiji water.
Pending from my Fiji bucket list
We almost didn't feel like taking our flight out of this little piece of heaven tucked away in the Pacific. I had so much more to experience in Fiji on my list - like picnicking at the Mana Sand Bar and taking a day trip to party at a popular floating bar called Cloud9. Considering how beautiful Fijian sunsets are, what Fiji is known for are sunset cruises. Once back on the mainland, a jump into the Tifajek hot mud pools is also most recommended. However, with the limited number of days that we had here, we couldn’t do it all.
Last Word
With every passing day in Fiji, we took it easy and listened to our bodies as against our racing minds and the idea of living in Fiji time now grew on us. Fiji, its culture and the people indeed bear a special place in my heart. However, as we boarded our flight from Fiji to New Zealand to head into a new country. What is left of this little piece of heaven is just a few tan lines from the hot southern sun for the next couple of months.
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