BULA! Today is Fiji Day, which celebrates Fiji’s 49th year anniversary of independence and serves as a fantastic reminder that this beautiful slice of paradise is only a hop, skip and a jump away from Australia.
We all know that Fiji is one of the most dreamy destinations on the planet; the scenery is divine, the people are the friendliest in the world and there is SO MUCH to experience.
From water-based exploration to world-class wellness programs, adrenaline-pumping adventures and parties in the middle of the Pacific, there are HUNDREDS of reasons why everyone should visit Fiji, but thankfully for you, we’ve narrowed it down to 10.
Explore the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’
Dive into happiness with Fiji’s incredible and colourful network of 4,000 square miles of coral reefs, including the world-famous Great Astrolabe Reef.
With around 1,000 species of fish and several hundred types of coral and sponges, Fiji offers an abundance of unique diving and snorkelling experiences.
There is even the opportunity to swim with Manta Rays and Hawksbill Turtles at certain times of the year.
Have a Farm to Fork experience
Many hotels around Fiji are adopting a new farm-to-plate experience or dock-to-dish practises with their guests.
Creating on-site vegetable and herb gardens for a more sustainable approach to their food and beverage offerings for the guests.
Hotels such as Nanuku Auberge Resort & Spa, Kokomo Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji, Namale Resort & Spa, Six Senses Fiji and Jean-Michel Cousteau Island Resort are utilising the lush tropical landscape in abundance to capitalising on what Fiji naturally offers.
Be enchanted by the natural beauty
Fiji isn’t just white sand beaches, although there are plenty of those too!
From stunning waterfalls, lush tropical rain forests, rugged coastline and dramatic mountain tops, there’s so much to explore. There is a reason why Taveuni is referred to as the ‘Garden Island’ of Fiji—80% of the island is covered by tropical rainforests, along with natural rockslides and ancient lava flow.
Then there’s the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, whose rolling sand dunes are something straight out of Arabian nights!
Have an enriching family experience
Teaching children the importance of connecting and contributing to the communities they visit in Fiji is easy. Many of the island nation’s family-friendly experiences educate kids with hands-on activities based on local traditions and conservation projects, helping them to gain a greatePostr perspective of life as a local.
The Bula Club at Jean-Michel Cousteau Island Resort has an award-winning programme focused on exploration and educational activities, the Little Treasures Kids’ Club at Treasure Island Resort guides children to forage for turtle treats and watch daily turtle feeding displays and be released into the ocean.
Nanuku Auberge Resort & Spa’s Lailai Adventure Club involves children in customary rituals that allows them to develop a more complex understanding of Fijian culture.
Hang loose on a surf break
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, there are plenty of waves to catch in Fiji.
For those after leisurely longboard breaks, head to Natadola Beach on the Coral Coast. But for those wanting to put their skills to the test, have a go at world-class Cloudbreak or Restaurants in the Mamanuca Islands.
For those wanting an all-inclusive surf holiday, stay at Namotu Island Surf Resort, which is located near many famous breaks and offers yoga and massages to help you recover after a big day on the waves.
Stay on a private island
With 333 islands in Fiji, it is no surprise that there is no shortage of a number of these that are private islands to spend the night on.
Feel like a true castaway at an intimate private island resort while you enjoy seclusion in the middle of the South Pacific with a coconut drink in hand, with incomparable experiences at Vomo Island Resort, Wakaya Club & Spa, Dolphin Island and Yasawa Island Resort.
(OKAY, BOOKED MY FLIGHTS ALREADY)
Party in the middle of the South Pacific
A floating bar equipped with its own pizzeria and upbeat DJ tunes—this is what a party on Cloud 9 is all about.
Located in the Mamanuca Islands, the choice is yours to enjoy lounging on their day beds, using their water sport equipment, indulging in wood-fired pizza and fruity cocktails or jumping off their two-story bar into the crystal-clear waters.
Slow down and chill out
Get recharged with one of many incredible wellness programmes in Fiji.
From personalised meal plans to spa treatments, herbal medicine and specialised workouts, a trip to Fiji will get you back on track to feeling like your best self.
Six Senses Fiji provides guests with a wellness expert to will guide them through detoxing and meditation sessions.
Nanuka, Auberge Resort & Spa have an on-site medicine man and wellness guru and Vomo Island Resort has created their VomoFit programme for guests to follow along on during their stay.
Get that adrenaline pumping
Ditch the poolside lounge chair and sign up for an adventure you’ll never forget!
Whether it’s kayaking or rafting on the Navua River, jet boating up the Sigatoka River or zip-lining through tropical rainforests, there are adventures for everyone of any age.
For more off-the-grid adventures, head to Kadavu or Taveuni to explore untouched nature.
Get addicted to the ‘Bula’ spirit
You haven’t experienced happiness until you’ve experienced Fiji happiness.
The December 2017 Gallup International’s Happiness, Hope and Economic Optimism Survey found that happiness was disappearing across the world at a time when more people are richer than ever.
The same Survey also identified that people in Fiji were the happiest in the world.
In Fiji, ‘Bula’ is more than just a greeting. It’s a wish for happiness, good health and the energy of life. You’ll hear ‘Bula’ everywhere you go in Fiji and it’s impossible not to smile when you do!
Click here to spend more time daydreaming about Fiji.