From the moment that we first stepped on board our 747 in Los Angles, destined for Nadi International Airport, Viti Levu, Fiji, my partner and I began to feel the warm hospitality that Fijians are famous for as our flight attendants extended the greeting ‘bula’, welcome to Air Pacific.
We arrived on schedule at 5 am with the warming sun yet to make its appearance over the 322 islands and atolls that make up the Republic of Fiji and cover an area of 1.3 million square km of the South Pacific. [Less than one third of the islands are inhabited].
As we disembarked Michael, our driver, greeted us at the airport. All Fijians and visitors use this infectious greeting of “bula,” which literally means ‘health’, alike as a greeting of ‘hello.’
Our stay on Denarau Island was a short three days; it was to be the perfect Shangrila for our eventual destination of Australia. As we entered the spatial lobby of the five-star Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa for a two-night stay to be followed by one day at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, the sun began to rise and to shine its reflective and energizing brilliance over the aqua blue ocean and tropical gardens.
Denarau Island is located on the western side of Viti Levu Island and is only 20 minutes ride from the airport. Viti Levu is the sixth largest island in the Pacific and hosts the capital city of Suva, home to nearly three quarters of the population of the Republic (about 580,000). Denarau Island features beautiful luxury class hotels, spas, Port Denarau Marina, quality home developments and is the site of the world class Denarau Golf and Racquet Club adjacent to all of the island’s resorts.
The Republic of Fiji is one of the most developed economies in the Pacific where the tourism industry – which attracted 450,000 visitors last year – is the country’s most important economic driver.
The region features some of the world’s best diving, charter fishing for marlin or sail- fish as well as a multitude of dining and night life choices. The islands of Fiji have some- thing for everyone. If it is complete solitude that you desire there are remote islands that can provide escapes for every budget and most are easily accessible from Denarau Island by regular air flights, private flight charter or professionally run marine opera- tors.
The Westin has all of the amenities that one would hope for in a tropical setting, stretching over 30 acres of pristine beach. The Resort has ocean view swimming pools, a secluded eternity pool, as well as its own private island, Aikuilau.
The accommodations reflect rich culture island living. Luxurious beach front and gar- den view guest rooms and suites featuring the ultimate in sleeping comfort ‘Westin Heavenly Beds’
The resort provides four unique dining experiences and two lounges, including the open air Meke Lounge where we enjoyed sugar cane rum-based drinks as we over- looked the pool and the South Pacific.
We enjoyed the luxury of a beautiful mas- sage at the Resort’s Heavenly Spa on our first day of arrival, a must for all weary travelers.
As our masseuses relieved the stress and weariness from our tired bodies with exotic fragrance oils beside a small pond, a tropical storm appeared. Though brief, the heavy rain added to the relaxation as it cascaded down upon the pond while we remained dry and totally contended in this tropical paradise.
The following day we moved to the five- star Sofitel Resort and Spa and were taken with the feeling of serenity by the beautiful grounds and lobby with its exotic blend of Pacific culture and a feeling of French sophistication.
All of the 296 rooms overlook the beach and the resort features the internationally renowned spa Mandara. The spa is modeled after a traditional Fijian village, and consists of an outdoor whirlpool and nine private bures [cabanas] and is nestled in a lush tropical garden step away from the ocean.
The three restaurants, Lagoon, Salt and the signature restaurant ‘V’, offer a variety of dining experiences with a quality selection of wines from around the world.
As we waited for our Air Pacific flight to Australia, we reflected on our short visit to Denarau Island.
The hospitality, sincerity and friendliness of the people, the wonderful food and accommodations and the total sense of relaxation and we both agreed that we must return.
Air Pacific departs from either Suva or Nadi to the west coast of Canada.
Michael Cunningham
Golf and Travel Writer
