Your honeymoon is one of the happiest events of your life. Shouldn’t it be spent in one of the happiest places on Earth? Imagine an exquisite day, the alluring scent of exotic flowers and the softness of a late afternoon sun jewelling the sea…this is Fiji.
Situated some 1,300 miles north-east of the North Island of New Zealand, and about the same distance east of Australia’s Gold Coast, Fiji is the ideal place for your honeymoon. A group of some 330 islands, it boasts white sandy beaches, a crystal clear sea, lush tropical rainforests and Fijan hospitality. Bula is the universal greeting and a way of saying hello, how are you and even wish someone good health. Bula will always win a friendly smiling response. Don’t check your watch or mobile phone. You are now on Fiji time, and life will slow down a little.
There are many fine five-star hotels and villas available on the islands—First Landing Beach Resort & Nalamu Villas, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Resort and The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa Fiji, to name a few. However, Fiji also caters to the budget-conscious. Whatever your choice of hotel or guesthouse, there are many, many intriguing activities for you to enjoy.
Fishing charters and sea cruises are abundant and easily booked. Go snorkelling or diving in the crystal blue ocean. The Fijian waters are home to a diverse ocean environment. including barrier and fringing coral reefs, mangroves, deep pelagic areas, and eelgrass beds. Scattered across roughly 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific, the Fijian Archipelago encompasses one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world.
Just to the north of Fiji’s main island lies a chain of some 20 ancient volcanic islands, remote and untouched by man. Their unique structure makes them a must-see when in Fiji. Several companies run day trips to these islands. Taveuni, a large, elongated basaltic shield volcano, forms Tavenui Island, the fourth largest of the Fiji Islands. On Tavenui, many adventures await: horse treks through the spectacular landscape, hikes to the top of a dormant volcano, or a visit to a 200 year old fortified village.
Water sports are popular for a good reason—the beautiful clear water. Enjoy water skiing, surfing or sea-kayaking? A fast jet boat ride is tremendous fun. Take the Botaira Beach Resort Day Cruise and fall in love all over again. If bird watching appeals to you, the main island of Vanua Levu hosts a large number of tropical birds, one of which, the rare silktail, can be found at the eastern end of the island.
Book a half-day trek to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and see rare orchids, or a waterfall trek and a swim at Nalesutale. Both of these outings finish with a visit to the famous therapeutic hot springs and mud pools. If you have never been covered from head to toe in warm mud, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fijans claim that the mud has age defying benefits.
You can go riding in the mountains on a quad bike, or take advantage of plentiful opportunities for horseback riding. Why not hire a pair of scooters and cruise gently wherever the mood takes you?
The opportunities for dining are almost limitless. The Ivy restaurant features Pacific Continental cuisine and offers a memorable Fijian dining experience. The Ivy is open for dinner in the evening only. Gecko’s Restaurant is a favorite with great food, entertainment and a friendly staff. There is even a Hard Rock Café!
Many of the restaurants feature a variety of fish from the local waters. Honeymooners can set sail on a romantic sunset dinner cruise and listen to the gentle waves whispering a love song just for them.
Don’t stress over renting a car. Some of the major companies, Avis, Thrifty and Budget, are represented in Fiji or you may choose a local car rental company. For island hopping, consider a water bus for a fun journey. It is even possible to hire a twin engine helicopter for a memorable adventure and sightseeing supreme.
You will quite literally never forget your honeymoon in the glorious islands of Fiji. Let Fiji charm, romance and enchant you.
