Check out these lesser-known Fijian gems

Forget everything you’ve heard about Fiji – because it’s about to get even better.

Nadi, Suva, Denarau and the Mamanuca Islands are Fiji staples, but we’ve found a few spots that are equally worth a visit or two. Spots you may not have heard of before.

Yasawa Islands

Manta ray filter feeding above a coral reef in the blue Komodo waters

These stunning islands are completely untouched – and once you’re done ogling at the views, there’s a ton of activities to do as well.

On most of the islands, you can also rent a kayak, perfect for an early morning paddle through the nearby crystal clear waters before a relaxing afternoon fishing for some fresh seafood.

For more adventurous travellers, swim with Manta Rays in the channel between Drawaqa and Nanuya Balavu Islands, where they come to feed from May to October each year. The Sawa-i-Lau caves should also be high on your bucket list – located within Fiji’s spectacular Blue Lagoon, the caves are made up of ancient limestone formations. Hidden within the Yasawa Islands, the journey to the caves alone is worth the trip.

Taveuni Island

View of Bouma National Heritage Park and Somosomo strait on Taveuni Island, Fiji. Taveuni is the third largest island in Fiji.

This picture-perfect paradise is the third largest island in Fiji and is also known as the Garden Island due to lush rainforests and waterfalls aplenty. The island is also home to a marine park and a national heritage park as well as the GaiaTree Sanctuary, making it a dream destination for those looking to escape the familiar.

The Bouma National Heritage Park makes up over a third of the island and is home to vibrant birds and a magnitude of other wildlife. This makes for beautiful hikes with breaks to cool off under sparkling waterfalls and in the secluded swimming holes that accompany them.

Head to the edges of the island to experience long stretches of beach and coral reefs galore. The Waitabu marine park is Fiji’s oldest; where crystal clear waters are home to more marine life than you’ll ever see – the Waitabu Village declared the park to be a no-take fishing zone.

Island Resorts

Location

There is nothing truly akin to paradise than a private island, and in Fiji, island resorts like Kokomo and Royal Davui do private better than anyone.

Kokomo comes with complimentary snorkelling excursions and equipment, or you can venture deeper with a diving trip to unbelievable spots exclusive to the resort. There’s 21 beachfront villas and five luxury residences to choose from, as well as an anchor package for yachts.

The Royal Davui Fiji Resort is truly remote – and in fact, with only 16 villas, you could rent the whole island for a private vacation, honeymoon or wedding. All of the delicious food is included, as are cooking classes, sea kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, local entertainment and guided reef tours. Plus, if you lock yourself in for more than seven nights, a helicopter transfer is included. Now that’s luxury.

Pacific Harbour

Navaku Village,Fiji-July 4, 2004: Onlookers watch as someone dives from a waterfall into the Navua River - a favorite tourist stop in Fiji.

Most drive straight through Pacific Harbour on their way to bustling Suva, but it’s the adventure capital of Fiji and worth a stop.

You’d be forgiven for thinking Pacific Harbour was anything but adventurous – the collection of cul-de-sacs, perfect lawns and holiday villas don’t exactly scream swimming with sharks or ziplining through the trees. But that’s what you can expect here, plus much, much more.

The former usually takes place just off the coast of Beqa Island, where you can scuba dive down to the depths of the ocean, shark food in hand. If you’d rather stay above the depths, jet ski and snorkelling tours are the norm for a day out, as is a white water rafting stint or an adrenalin-filled treetop zip line tour.

Getting to Fiji:

Fiji Airways is the national airline of Fiji, and have a modern fleet of Boeing 737 and Airbus A330-200 aircraft, and there are a ton of direct flights from Australia. Direct flights to Nadi depart Sydney twice daily, from Brisbane daily, from Melbourne five to six times weekly and twice weekly from Adelaide. Plus connect from Perth, Darwin, Cairns, Rockhampton, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart on codeshare flights with partner airline Qantas, via Brisbane or Sydney.

On all international services, you’ll score a complimentary meal, drinks, in-flight entertainment options and up to 23kg of checked baggage.
Fiji Airways offers you your first taste of one of the world’s most welcoming cultures. Sit back and enjoy stylish cabin decor, complimentary in-flight entertainment and the services of the friendly cabin crew. And four hours later, you’re in paradise!

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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