It’s official: According to scientists, Fiji is the home of happiness. So says a recent Gallup International global survey that looked at happiness around the world.
The survey found that Fijians are the happiest people on the planet – hence the Bulanaire tag!
But how is this so?
According to Professor Lea Waters (PhD), an expert in the science of Positive Psychology:
“Energy is felt by those around us and smiles can be infectious, so being a person who smiles and possesses a happy and positive disposition can be a real gift to someone else.”
And this, my friends, is why Fiji is the happiest place on Earth.
Bathing this paradisical archipelago in the crystalline waters of the South Pacific is the spirit of Bula, which roughly translates as health, happiness and life energy. And the warm and friendly locals that inhabit the Fijian archipelago radiate this positive energy 24/7.
So, practically speaking, happiness is literally everywhere in Fiji – it’s in the smile of the market vendor, the glint of the waiter’s eye, in the warmth of the handshake you receive when you meet a local.
But if you need some specific pointers, here are 10 places where you’ll find it by the bucket loads…
1. On Taveuni Island
As mentioned above, happiness is literally everywhere in Fiji. But visually, you’ll find it at its most spectacular on the “Garden Island”, aka, Taveuni.
Over 80 per cent of this island is carpeted in tropical rainforests, along with natural rockslides and remnants of ancient lava flows.
Yep, happiness literally comes with the territory here…
2. Under the water
Treasure Island, Mamanuca Islands. Credit: Tourism Fiji.
Put on your swimsuit, face mask and flippers and dive into Fiji’s warm tropical waters, because happiness likes to swim here, too.
There are more than a 1,000 species of fish in Fiji, and over 1,500 square kilometres of coral reefs to explore. These reefs, besides being colourful habitats for this amazing spread of fish life, is also the home of Manta Rays and Hawksbill Turtles – depending on what time of the year you finally head over.
And all of this just a short hop, skip and jump (ok plane) away (3.5 hours BNE, 3.75 hours SYD, 4.5 hours MEL)!
3. On a plate
Navua River, Pacific Harbour. Credit: Chris McLennan.
Happiness is also found on the plate in Fiji.
Experience a delicious farm-to-table meal at one of these amazing hotels: Nanuku Auberge Resort & Spa, Kokomo Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji, Namale Resort & Spa, Six Senses Fiji and Jean-Michel Cousteau Island Resort.
Yum!
4. On the crest of a wave
Surfing Cloudbreak. Credit: Tourism Fiji.
Surfers have long known that true happiness isn’t reflected in the number of zeros you have in your bank account balance, but on the sun’s glint on a wave. And boy, does Fiji have you covered on this front.
Enjoying sunshine most days of the year and boasting dozens of excellent surf breaks across the archipelago, such as Natadola Beach on the Coral Coast, Fiji is the perfect place for a surf-holiday for beginners and pros.
5. With the family
Shangri La, Coral Coast. Credit: Tourism Fiji.
All throughout the Fijian archipelago are family-friendly experiences that will teach kids about the native culture and environment.
Most notably, the Little Treasures Kids’ Club at Treasure Island Resort teaches kids about the local turtles, guiding them to forage for turtle treats and showing them how they’re fed and released back into the ocean.
Happiness guaranteed!
6. In a wellness programme
Credit: Chris McLennan.
Recharge and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul at one of the wellness programmes throughout the islands and just feel happier.
You’ll find excellent programmes – including meditation, yoga, fitness, beauty therapy and massage – at Six Senses Fiji, Nanuku, Auberge Resort & Spa and at Vomo Island Resort.
Now, just breathe…
7. On a private island
Happiness equals peace and quiet.
If it’s a private island experience you crave, then Fiji has literally dozens of uninhabited islands for you to choose from. You’ll be able to live out your castaway fantasy in total luxe and style, too, thanks to excellent resorts such as Vomo Island Resort, Wakaya Club & Spa, Dolphin Island and Yasawa Island Resort.
8. On a floating bar
Cloud 9, Mamanuca Islands. Credit: Tourism Fiji.
Let the drinks flow and have THE party of your life on a floating bar in Fiji – such as Cloud 9.
Located in the Mamanuca Islands, this party palace comes with its own pizzeria, DJ, day beds and, of course, the best cocktails in the South Pacific.
Only 45-minutes by boat from Port Denarau, which is only a 20 minutes drive from Nadi International Airport, you can literally imbibe the liquid happiness to your heart’s content as soon as you get off the plane!
9. On a zipline
Zipline, Pacific Harbour. Credit: Tourism Fiji.
Feel the adrenaline course through your veins as you zip and zoom over tropical rainforests, jump in a raft and tackle some white water, or go jet boating up the Sigatoka River.
You’ll have an experience you’ll never, ever forget. And it’s sure to bring a smile to your face!
10. On a famil
Finally, remember guys: You can be one of the 50 agents to win a spot on an amazing 7-day famil to Fiji courtesy of Tourism Fiji, where you’ll be able to experience the island’s happiness first hand… So what are you waiting for?