What happens when you take five agents to Fiji to tick off their own ‘Bula Wishlist’ experiences in paradise? You hear the words “Life changing”, “EPIC!”, and “I don’t want to leave” on repeat…
Over six unforgettable days, our ‘Bula Wishlist’ dream team (including lucky me 😉 split up into three groups and headed off in different directions to sample beautiful Fiji moments based on the key themes of rejuvenation, giving back, culture, food and adventure.
Candice Free (Travel Associates), Nicola Caygill (Microcruising.com), Lorie Raymundo (Travel Managers), Deborah Bartolo (Travel Counsellors) and Phoebe Metcalf (Flight Centre) were the lucky agents who snaffled the winning spots on our ‘Bula Fiji Wishlist’ competition with Tourism Fiji.
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa
After flying the short flight (only 4 hours ex SYD) to Nadi from Australia, we firstly all met up for a celebratory welcome sunset dinner and night at the gorgeous Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa to settle ourselves into Fiji time.
As the sun rose the following day, each group excitedly set off on their incredible adventures… Here’s a snapshot of what we got up to.
Agents Lorie, Phoebe and Kara from Tourism Fiji
Lorie Raymundo & Phoebe Metcalf
It was up and away for our three new Amigas in an Island Hopper plane out over the reef to the secluded and unspoilt Yasawa Island Resort and Spa in the North West.
The Yasawa’s are legendary for their crystal clear waters teeming with marine life and are the kind of place where you can quickly leave everyday life far behind you. “Emails? Work? Quotes? Nah! Just another coconut please!”
Phoebe, Kara and Lorie, Sawa i Lau Caves, Yasawa Islands
As if their smiles couldn’t get any bigger, that mind-blowing experience was then followed with another scenic flight over to Volivoli Beach Resort for some quality beach adventure time, scuba diving, culture, incredible food and of course… Re-energising spa treatments.
Let’s just say happiness found them all in one big thumping heartbeat.
Volivoli Beach Resort… Paradise found…
Phoebe Metcalf goes for a dive at Volivoli…
Agents Nicola, Deb and David from Tourism Fiji
Deborah Bartolo, Nicola Caygill, David McMahon at The Qamea Resort & Spa
These three ‘chill’ seekers flew north with Fiji Link (With Nicola as co-pilot!) to Tavenui Island and the breathtaking, adults only Qamea Resort & Spa.
Set amidst 100 acres of lush tropical landscaped gardens, bushland, and jagged volcanic South Pacific mountains that soar behind the property, the entire resort fronts onto a private white sand beach over a kilometre in length, and is known as the most spectacular in Fiji’s northern island group.
Needless to say, the real world was forgotten in a second while they instead re-connected with nature and themselves.
Nicola in the cockpit!
Then it was off on another joy flight over to luxury eco-resort, The Jean Michelle Cousteau Resort for yet more marine and cultural themed adventures. This socially and environmentally responsible resort is one of the most renowned destinations in the South Pacific and an excellent example of Fiji’s testament to giving back wherever you go.
Views… SIGH! The Jean Michelle Cousteau Resort…
The Jean Michelle Cousteau Resort
Agent Candice, Matt (me!) and Inge from Tourism Fiji
Candice Free, IngeLise Pedersen (Tourism Fiji), Kokomo Private Island Resort
After a rejuvenating night down the Coral Coast at family mecca, the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort sampling delicious local cuisine and their award-winning ‘Bebe’ Spa (hello ridiculously good massages!), we took off like movie stars in a helicopter the following morning from Nadi to zip over the Fijian mountains and stunning reefs to the uber-exclusive Kokomo Private Island Resort in Fiji’s south.
Ready to fly! Kokomo Airlines style…
Divine massages at The Bebe Spa at The Outrigger
And then… Cue the gentle lapping sound of the warm ocean and palm trees swaying in the warm breeze… And “Bula paradise!”
Welcome to Kokomo!
Heavenly beachfront villas, so many adventures including snorkelling with turtles, hiking through the rainforest and swimming in crystal clear waterfalls and a private island beach champagne barbecue were just a few of the out of this world experiences we got to savour…
“URGENT! Stop press. Fiji is so much more than a stop and drop destination!”
Candice Free, Travel Associates
A Private Island champagne BBQ picnic… Matt Leedham, Ingelise Pederson, Candice Free
All of us were farewelled in absolute Fijian tear-jerking fashion wherever we went with the traditional song ‘Isa Lei’. Sung with a level of gusto and choral harmony that rips your heart open and has you sobbing like a baby about five words in, it is a sound that is impossible not to be touched by and forever embeds a piece of Fiji within you.
It makes up, quite possibly, THE BEST CHECK OUT EVER.
Don’t believe me? Watch on…
Coming back down to earth… In a nice way
The Sofitel Fiji, Waitui Beach Club
After all of those incredible moments, we all met up again on Denarau Island, this time at The Sofitel Fiji’s gorgeous (Adult only) Waitui Beach Club where we shared stories and enjoyed a sunset seafood buffet and champagne extravaganza together and a night at the Sofitel before leaving for home the following day.
But not before a farewell massage at the Rejuvenation Centre and some more spoiling at the brand new Fiji Airways Tabua Lounge.
Sofitel Fiji Waitui Beach Club
This was no ordinary famil. Was it a dream? All of us were scratching our heads wondering if the last few days had even happened. Such was the remarkable nature of what we all got to experience.
Fiji is HOT… Just a short flight from Australia, Fiji delivers on every level and is a destination that continues to evolve its product offerings for holidaymakers seeking to get away from their busy and stressful lives.
Whatever you’re up for and whoever you’re going with, everyone is guaranteed ‘real’ experiences in Fiji where they can connect with nature and culture, enjoy precious time out with loved ones and return with a fresh perspective on themselves and the world.
Isn’t that what holidays are for?
WISHLISTS… WELL AND TRULY TICKED!
Get inspired: www.fiji.travel
Want to get the chance to experience trips like this in Fiji? Become a Matai Specialist here and get all the agent benefits.
- READ: RETURN JOURNEY: Fiji offers so much to travellers, now you can give a little back
- READ: DIVE DEEPER: much of Fiji’s appeal is in its rich and rewarding cultural experiences
- READ: FIJI FOODIE TREK: treat your tastebuds to a delicious tropical tour