Fabulous Fiji


DESTINATIONS FIJI | AUSTRALASIA


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Clients who like outdoor challenges and underwater thrills will find plenty to enjoy in Fiji’s superlatively scenic islands, says Nigel Tisdall


n travelweekly.co.uk


ow this is fun. I’m doing 360-degree spins in a roaring, 19-seater jetboat, laughing and screaming with a group of


Aussies as waves drench us in the tropical heat. It’s the final thrill in an exhilarating half-day excursion where we’ve raced upstream at close to 40mph, then paused to contemplate the inner peace of a rainforest where butterflies flit past African tulip trees blazing with orange flowers. Remarkably, adrenaline highs aren’t the best thing about the award-winning Sigatoka River Safari, which was started in 2006 by Jay Whyte – a Sydneysider who fell in love with Fiji at the age of 13. His fleet of custom-built powerboats are simply an efficient way to speed visitors deep into the green interior of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island and home to the country’s principal international airport at Nadi. Whyte wanted travellers to experience the village life that remains a mainstay of Fijian society, but not


encroach on it, so trips alternate between 18 different communities. One essential part is the kava ceremony that involves a muddy-looking non-alcoholic drink prepared by crushing the root of the pepper plant. Afterwards we feast on kokoda (ceviche) and chicken slow-cooked in a lovo (underground oven), then dance and play rugby with the kids – after all, Fijians are obsessed with the sport. When I leave the village with a painted face and a floral garland round my neck, I’m buzzing. It feels like I’ve been to a huge, warm-hearted party.


BEYOND THE BEACH Such moments make it clear there’s much more to a Fijian holiday than waving tropical palms and dreamy white-sand beaches (but they’re a good place to start). Viti Levu is dominated by a central mountain range that includes Tomanivi, the country’s highest point at 4,344ft, making it


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