Oh, Fiji, you stole my heart! I knew you would, and yes, you absolutely did. After dreaming of visiting the Pacific for years, I finally had the opportunity to spend 11 days in Fiji in October. As the newest member of Argyle Travel & Cruise, this trip wasn’t just about ticking a bucket list destination off my map—it was also about gaining firsthand knowledge of what makes Fiji such a special destination for travellers.
At
Argyle Travel & Cruise, we believe in knowing because we go, so off I went to experience it for myself. And wow, what an introduction!
A Warm Welcome
From the moment I stepped into the arrival hall at Nadi International Airport, I could feel the warmth of Fiji. A group of locals greeted travellers with guitars and songs; a first for me, even after visiting nearly 40 countries! This heartfelt welcome set the tone for what would be an unforgettable trip.
Getting Around Fiji
While most travellers stick to one or two resorts, I opted to explore different properties and places to get a comprehensive understanding of what’s on offer. To make this easier, I rented a car for my time on the main island of Viti Levu. Although it’s not a necessity, especially if you’re staying on Denarau Island or planning a resort-centric trip, having a car allowed me to cover more ground.
Driving in Fiji was surprisingly stress-free. Outside of Nadi, the roads were in good condition and the pace was relaxed, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h. Even driving at night felt safe, though I quickly learned to watch out for stray cats rather than kangaroos!
Denarau Island and the Coral Coast
After landing in Nadi and picking up my hire car (a Toyota Yaris, just like the one I drive at home) my journey began on the Coral Coast. The drive was scenic, with views of lush greenery and glimpses of the ocean along the way. The Coral Coast felt more remote than other areas, offering stunning resorts nestled in natural surroundings. However, dining options outside the resorts are limited unless you have a car. This is something to consider if you’re the kind of traveller who likes to try different eateries.
From the Coral Coast, I made my way to Denarau Island, a popular destination with a cluster of high-end resorts. Denarau offers convenience at its finest. With neighbouring resorts all within a short distance and the Bula Bus shuttle service running a few times an hour, you can easily hop between them to try different restaurants. This flexibility is perfect for travellers who want variety without the hassle of venturing far. The island also has a small shopping centre at the port where you can pick up souvenirs or clothing, though it’s not a shopper’s paradise.
This combination of the Coral Coast's natural beauty and Denarau's convenience gave me a well-rounded taste of what Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, has to offer.
The Authentic Charm of the Yasawa Islands
After exploring the main island, I made my way to the Yasawa Islands, a highlight of my trip. This archipelago felt more authentic and aligned with my travel style. I’m not one to stay in a resort for an entire holiday; I love exploring multiple places and often travel on a budget. The Yasawas offered the perfect balance.
Getting around the islands was easy thanks to a daily ferry service. The ferry travels northbound from Denarau, stopping at each island, before returning southbound later in the day. It’s a simple and efficient way to explore this stunning region.
While I appreciated the remoteness of the Yasawas, it also means fewer dining options. Most resorts operate on a mandatory meal plan, costing around $100 per day for three meals. Dinners were typically three-course affairs with a choice of main, which felt more intimate compared to the multiple restaurant options on the main island.
Activities and Adventures
The Yasawas weren’t just about relaxation, I had some unforgettable experiences here. I joined a Kava ceremony, a traditional Fijian ritual centred around their famous drink, went handline fishing (accidentally catching a white-tip shark—oops!), and explored the awe-inspiring Sawa-i-Lau Caves.
Scuba diving and a guided night snorkel gave me a glimpse of Fiji’s vibrant marine life, which is among the best I’ve ever seen. One of the islands I stayed at is world-famous for its bull shark dive which is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these majestic creatures.
Another island I stayed at is renowned for the seasonal migration of manta rays passing through its channel, typically from May to October. It’s a bucket-list experience for many divers and snorkelers. Beyond these signature attractions, all three islands I stayed at in the Yasawa group offered incredible snorkelling right from the beach.
On the main island, there’s no shortage of activities either. From mud pools to ziplining and day trips to the Mamanuca Islands, there’s something for everyone. While I didn’t have time to try these, they’re great options for families or adventure seekers.
The People and Culture
What truly sets Fiji apart is its people. Fijians are known for being the friendliest in the world, and I couldn’t agree more. Whether it was the warm smiles at check-in, the cheerful waitstaff or even strangers on the street, everyone was so genuine, welcoming and full of joy.
Music is a big part of daily life in Fiji, and it’s impossible not to notice how much Fijians love to sing. On the Yasawa Islands, I was greeted on the beach with cheerful welcome songs and guitars and sent off with lively farewell tunes. What surprised me most was how naturally musical everyone seemed to be—nearly everyone I met could sing beautifully. Their love for music creates such a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere.
Another detail that stood out was their love for flowers.🌺 Fijians wear flowers behind their ears to indicate their relationship status (left ear for single, right ear for married) and they use fresh flowers to brighten every space. From beds to bathrooms and even buffet tables, these cheerful touches added so much charm to my stay.
Fiji for Every Traveller
Fiji offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled escape, there’s a perfect spot for you. The beaches and snorkelling are among the most pristine I’ve ever seen, and the infrastructure was more modern than I expected it to be.
For me, the Yasawa Islands stood out as the ultimate destination. They felt less commercialised and offered a sense of authenticity that I value in my travels. However, the main island’s conveniences make it a great choice for those seeking a more traditional resort holiday.
Final Thoughts
Fiji is more than just a holiday destination—it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave. The incredible hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture make it a destination I’d recommend to anyone.
If you’re considering Fiji for your next getaway, feel free to
reach out. I’d love to help you plan your dream escape to this magical slice of paradise.