Exploring the Wonders of Fiji: A Family's Travel Guide
Fiji, an archipelago of over 300 islands, is a breathtaking destination renowned for its stunning beaches and vivacious culture. Having just returned from a family trip to this beautiful destination, we have gathered some invaluable tips regarding the best islands to visit, where to stay, and our favorite activities and excursions.
To embark on your Fijian adventure, the first step is booking your flight. Direct flights to Fiji are offered by several airlines such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. However, if you have the option, we highly recommend flying with Fiji Airways. Our family had the pleasure of enjoying their business class service, which stood out as one of our best flying experiences of the year. Fiji Airways is exceptional in incorporating traditional Fijian elements into their in-flight experience, from designs featuring local patterns to meals made with native ingredients like taro root. One impressive detail we noticed was the flight attendants approaching each passenger at the end of the flight to personally thank them for traveling with the airline — a level of service seldom experienced elsewhere.
With so many islands to choose from, determining which ones to visit can be challenging. Our itinerary included both Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, each offering unique charms.
Viti Levu
Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, is where the majority of the Fijian population resides, and it is home to Nadi International Airport. This island is more developed than many of its counterparts, boasting Suva, the capital city. Although we didn't visit Suva, it is renowned for its restaurants, markets, and the feted Fiji Museum, housing historical artifacts worth exploring.
Natural beauty abounds on Viti Levu as well. We particularly enjoyed Natadola Beach, considered one of Fiji's finest. Our stays at the InterContinental Fiji Resort, located right on this pristine beach, allowed us to savor luxurious accommodation while enjoying the warm, inviting sands and azure waters.
In addition, we took a river safari down the Sigatoka River, offering stunning views of the landscapes while learning about the region's history and contemporary life. Our guide provided insightful knowledge that enriched this thrilling experience.
In contrast, our next stop was Vanua Levu, Fiji's second-largest island. Vanua Levu felt more rustic and less commercialized, offering a more authentic tropical escape. We stayed at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, a luxurious accommodation that subtly embraced the ruggedness of the surrounding nature.
While the beaches on Vanua Levu may not have rivaled those on Viti Levu, the lush rainforest atmosphere created a unique charm. Concern over the lack of air conditioning was unwarranted as the island's breeziness ensured comfort throughout our stay. Notably, the resort boasts a well-regarded kids club, where our children were attended to with exceptional care by the staff.
Fiji offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. For our family, we preferred upscale stays where we could enjoy greater comfort and amenities.
At the InterContinental Fiji, we stayed in a club suite that provided exclusive access to the Club InterContinental. The choice of upgrading proved worthwhile, with perks such as a private check-in and a stunning infinity pool that offered a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Dining options were plentiful, ranging from casual poolside grilling to fine dining, catering to various tastes.
Following our stay in Viti Levu, we transitioned to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Vanua Levu. This resort, while luxurious, captured the essence of a castaway experience. It fosters a strong connection with nature, even lacking conventional amenities like phones and TVs. The children were entertained at the outstanding kids club, where fun activities abounded. Dining was both communal and remarkable, with daily changing menus ensuring variety.
Activities and Excursions
From river safaris to engaging with local culture, the experiences we enjoyed during our trip showcased the rich tapestry of Fijian life.
One of our favorites was the exhilarating river safari down the Sigatoka River. Riding a jet boat added a thrill to our adventure, where our knowledgeable captain narrated stories about the local history.
While visiting local villages was a highlight, a respectful approach is paramount; women are encouraged to dress modestly. Our visits featured traditional Kava ceremonies and offered an extraordinary insight into Fijian customs.
Another memorable experience included a Jet Ski safari through mangroves and open water, culminating in exciting snorkeling stops. However, those interested in Jet Skiing should be mindful of their swim ability and weather conditions, as rough waters can lead to rather adventurous tumult.
Before this trip, we often associated Fiji strictly with its idyllic beaches. Our time there, however, revealed a rich cultural tapestry and an abundance of adventure that transcended sunbathing. We returned home enriched by our learning and the exciting experiences we had together as a family.
For those wishing to experience our journey, please check out our full vlog linked in the video description. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to sharing more travel insights in our upcoming videos!
Part 1/9:
Exploring the Wonders of Fiji: A Family's Travel Guide
Fiji, an archipelago of over 300 islands, is a breathtaking destination renowned for its stunning beaches and vivacious culture. Having just returned from a family trip to this beautiful destination, we have gathered some invaluable tips regarding the best islands to visit, where to stay, and our favorite activities and excursions.
Getting to Fiji
Part 2/9:
To embark on your Fijian adventure, the first step is booking your flight. Direct flights to Fiji are offered by several airlines such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. However, if you have the option, we highly recommend flying with Fiji Airways. Our family had the pleasure of enjoying their business class service, which stood out as one of our best flying experiences of the year. Fiji Airways is exceptional in incorporating traditional Fijian elements into their in-flight experience, from designs featuring local patterns to meals made with native ingredients like taro root. One impressive detail we noticed was the flight attendants approaching each passenger at the end of the flight to personally thank them for traveling with the airline — a level of service seldom experienced elsewhere.
Part 3/9:
Island Highlights
With so many islands to choose from, determining which ones to visit can be challenging. Our itinerary included both Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, each offering unique charms.
Viti Levu
Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, is where the majority of the Fijian population resides, and it is home to Nadi International Airport. This island is more developed than many of its counterparts, boasting Suva, the capital city. Although we didn't visit Suva, it is renowned for its restaurants, markets, and the feted Fiji Museum, housing historical artifacts worth exploring.
Part 4/9:
Natural beauty abounds on Viti Levu as well. We particularly enjoyed Natadola Beach, considered one of Fiji's finest. Our stays at the InterContinental Fiji Resort, located right on this pristine beach, allowed us to savor luxurious accommodation while enjoying the warm, inviting sands and azure waters.
In addition, we took a river safari down the Sigatoka River, offering stunning views of the landscapes while learning about the region's history and contemporary life. Our guide provided insightful knowledge that enriched this thrilling experience.
Vanua Levu
Part 5/9:
In contrast, our next stop was Vanua Levu, Fiji's second-largest island. Vanua Levu felt more rustic and less commercialized, offering a more authentic tropical escape. We stayed at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, a luxurious accommodation that subtly embraced the ruggedness of the surrounding nature.
While the beaches on Vanua Levu may not have rivaled those on Viti Levu, the lush rainforest atmosphere created a unique charm. Concern over the lack of air conditioning was unwarranted as the island's breeziness ensured comfort throughout our stay. Notably, the resort boasts a well-regarded kids club, where our children were attended to with exceptional care by the staff.
Where to Stay
Part 6/9:
Fiji offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. For our family, we preferred upscale stays where we could enjoy greater comfort and amenities.
At the InterContinental Fiji, we stayed in a club suite that provided exclusive access to the Club InterContinental. The choice of upgrading proved worthwhile, with perks such as a private check-in and a stunning infinity pool that offered a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Dining options were plentiful, ranging from casual poolside grilling to fine dining, catering to various tastes.
Part 7/9:
Following our stay in Viti Levu, we transitioned to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Vanua Levu. This resort, while luxurious, captured the essence of a castaway experience. It fosters a strong connection with nature, even lacking conventional amenities like phones and TVs. The children were entertained at the outstanding kids club, where fun activities abounded. Dining was both communal and remarkable, with daily changing menus ensuring variety.
Activities and Excursions
From river safaris to engaging with local culture, the experiences we enjoyed during our trip showcased the rich tapestry of Fijian life.
Part 8/9:
One of our favorites was the exhilarating river safari down the Sigatoka River. Riding a jet boat added a thrill to our adventure, where our knowledgeable captain narrated stories about the local history.
While visiting local villages was a highlight, a respectful approach is paramount; women are encouraged to dress modestly. Our visits featured traditional Kava ceremonies and offered an extraordinary insight into Fijian customs.
Another memorable experience included a Jet Ski safari through mangroves and open water, culminating in exciting snorkeling stops. However, those interested in Jet Skiing should be mindful of their swim ability and weather conditions, as rough waters can lead to rather adventurous tumult.
Conclusion
Part 9/9:
Before this trip, we often associated Fiji strictly with its idyllic beaches. Our time there, however, revealed a rich cultural tapestry and an abundance of adventure that transcended sunbathing. We returned home enriched by our learning and the exciting experiences we had together as a family.
For those wishing to experience our journey, please check out our full vlog linked in the video description. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to sharing more travel insights in our upcoming videos!