Fiji's 50 must-do happy moments
This year Fiji is celebrating 50 years of independence, and the only thing missing is you! While this Fiji Day (October 10, 2020) won’t be the same without you here to celebrate with us in person, we want to help you celebrate with us and keep dreaming of Fiji.
We have compiled fifty happy moments to have in Fiji to help you keep dreaming of the place where happiness finds you—because our Bulanaires, islands, hidden gems, pristine environment, cultural experiences, surf spots, private beaches and ‘Bula Spirit’ await you!
5 Bulanaires you need to meet!
In Fiji, 'Bula' is more than just a greeting. It’s a wish for happiness, good health and the energy of life. To celebrate the ‘Bula Spirit’ that is synonymous with the people of Fiji, we've created a Bulanaires List. It's a twist on the popular billionaires' rich lists, where instead, the list celebrates people from around the globe who are truly rich in happiness. Here are five happy Bulanaires who can't wait to meet you in Fiji and their words of wisdom to embrace the 'Bula Spirit' anywhere in the world.
1. Steven Andrews-Castaway Island: “Happiness is laughter, happiness is waking up in the morning, happiness is going for a swim, happiness is sleeping under a coconut tree, happiness is enjoying life to the fullest”
2. Tom Kinikinilau - Malolo Island: "Wake up in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror and just give yourself a big, bright 'Bula' smile. If you can make yourself happy, you can make everyone happy."
3. Angela Hassan-Naviti Resort: “The world would be a happier place if everyone took time to appreciate the little things, stayed humble and, of course, have loads of fun.”
4. 'Poni' Yabakiciwa - Go Dirty Tours: "I wake up happy in the morning and hearing the birds chirping and knowing that you're alive to see another day."
5. Evangeline Kumar - VOU Hub Fiji: "So, do something you love. Don't make the paycheck your passion. Make passion your paycheck!"
5 Bulanaires you need to meet!
5 private islands to buy-out!
Ranging from intimate islands with just a handful of ‘bures’, to larger resorts accommodating 100 or more guests, it’s possible to buy-out a private island all to yourself!
1. Vatuvara Private Islands Resort (max occupancy-6): Located in the Lau Group in Fiji’s east, enjoy three, one-bedroom villas situated across 800 acres, all with their own private beach, infinity edge pool, and private outdoor massage bure.
2. VOMO Island Fiji (max occupancy-100): VOMO Island Fiji is the epitome of barefoot luxury ,offering three miles of beaches, two infinity pools, a fully equipped Kids Village with Baby Butlers, scuba diving, a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course, tennis, and more!
3. Wakaya Club & Spa (max occupancy-34): One of Fiji’s legacy resorts that has hosted Hollywood celebrities and musicians for decades. Spend the day golfing on the island’s 9-hole course, exploring the coral reefs, hiking the lush terrain, or simply relaxing at the spa, on the beach or by the pool.
4. Kokomo Private Island (max occupancy-120): Located in the Kadavu region of Fiji and cradled by one of the world’s largest reefs, the Great Astrolabe, they fuse wellness and sustainability into every aspect of the resort, providing an unforgettable experience.
5. Laucala Private Island (max occupancy-40): Set over nearly 3,500 acres, Laucala has 25 glamorous villas situated amongst deserted beaches, stunning clifftops, and lush rainforest, along with an organic farm, golf course and private hangar!
5 private islands to buy-out!
5 hidden gems to discover
Go on an adventure in Fiji and discover hidden gems that will leave you filled with happiness.
1. Manta Ray dances: These giants of the ocean glide majestically through the waters of the Yasawa Islands and Kadavu Island and will “dance” for audience swimmers!
2. Underwater Cathedral: The Sawa-I-Lau Caves in the northern Yasawa Islands are sculpted by centuries of wave erosion eating away at limestone cave that you can swim in.
3. Nectar lab: Nestled in the lush forests of Taveuni Island, the Gaiatree Sanctuary is home to a stunning organic spice plantation garden and nectar lab to provide you superfood treats.
4. Eco Island: The eco-chic Nukubati Private Island is Carbon Zero certified and 100% self-sufficient with one of the largest solar power plants in the Fiji Islands.
5. Floating Pizzeria: Floating in the Mamanuca Islands is Cloud 9, a pizzeria and bar with its own resident DJs, offering you a one-of-a-kind pizza in paradise experience
5 hidden gems to discover
5 enriching experiences
A trip to Fiji is not complete without an enriching experience that further supports Fiji’s sustainable tourism initiatives.
1. Vinaka Fiji: South Sea Cruises hosts volunteering experiences where travellers can help re-build schools and remote communities in the Yasawa Islands.
2. Talanoa Treks: Get off the grid with a locally guided hiking experience that brings you to local villages in the highlands of Viti Levu, where you will be invited in as one of their own.
3. Plant a Mangrove: Guests at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort can organize to plant mangroves on the island to help rejuvenate their marine nurseries.
4. Help a Turtle: Guests at Treasure Island Resort can take part in the Hawksbill Turtle Conservation program that helps injured turtles rehabilitate and return to the sea.
5. Taste Fiji’s Sweetness: There are many flavours to Fiji, but the sweetest of them all can be found at KokoMana, a cocoa farm in Savusavu that gives you the full bean to bar chocolate making experience.
5 enriching experiences
5 dive regions to explore
Fiji is known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” and a diver’s paradise! While it is hard to run out of new places to explore, here are the five you can’t miss.
1. Suncoast: The stretch of water between Fiji’s two main islands is known as the Bligh Waters. The region features an impressive array of pinnacles rising up to 900 metres from the ocean floor to gorgeous, multi coloured soft coral reefs.
2. Savusavu: Spectacular reefs are just minutes from the laid-back mainland. With over 1,000 types of fish and 400 different corals Namena Marine Reserve gets regular visits from dolphins, turtles and whales!
3. Kadavu: Fiji’s “untouched Eden” features one of the world’s largest barrier reefs the Great Astrolabe Reef. This dive site has pinnacles, passages, drop-offs and an abundance of wildlife.
4. Pacific Harbour and Beqa Lagoon: The original soft coral wonderland and the Beqa Lagoon is world renowned for its thrilling shark dives.
5. Taveuni: The Great White Wall is a vertical 25-meter reef which has a mix of soft coral, hard coral, turtles, sharks and hundreds of different fish!
5 dive regions to explore
5 National Parks to explore!
Fiji’s 333 islands are full of unique biodiversity that you will love being immersed in when exploring our National Parks.
1. Bouma National Heritage Park: Located in the “Garden Island” of Taveuni, this national park covers nearly 80% of the entire island!
2. Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park: Spanning 650-hectares across the Coral Coast, this remarkable and extensive sand dune system have dunes that stand at 60 metres tall.
3. Koroyanitu National Heritage Park: Six villages within the Park maintain the landscape and tracks within, which by doing so, enable them to support their families and community.
4. Colo-i-Suva Forest Park: Recently put on the map again as a must-do in Fiji, thanks to the Royal Family’s recent visit here in 2018, this is one of the most beloved parks by locals in Suva.
5. The Waisali Rainforest Reserve: Over 130 hectares of protected rainforest dominate the hills outside Savusavu. It's one of Vanua Levu's last unexploited rainforests. You might spot a shy ground frog or rare birds like the Orange Dove, the Collard Lory or the Orange Breasted Myzomela hiding in the canopy.
5 National Parks to explore!
5 cultural landmarks to visit
Connect with Fiji’s culture at some of the most historically significant spots amongst the 333 islands.
1. Levuka: Fiji’s first capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This quaint seaside town allows you to reminisce what life on the island used to be like fifty years ago.
2. Grand Pacific Hotel: Opening its doors in 1914, this historic hotel in Suva now hosts dignitaries from all over the world—including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and more recently Prince Harry & Meghan Markle.
3. Momi Gun Site: Originally built to keep Fiji’s paradise protected during WWII, this Gun Site is now a popular place to visit and offers panoramic views of the Coral Coast.
4. Navala Village: Nestled into Fiji’s highlands, this traditional village from the 19th Century has preserved their thatched buildings and offer visitors a true off-the-grid experience.
5. Wairiki Mission Church:Visit this peaceful landmark in Taveuni that represents the end of tribal wars and the preservation of Fiji
5 cultural landmarks to visit
5 surf spots to hang-loose on
Catch some happy moments on the waves with some of Fiji’s world-famous surf breaks (and some local’s secrets too!).
1. Cloudbreak: a world-renowned surf break that consistently produces some of the cleanest, and most challenging, waves to surf.
2. Frigates: an offshore reef break off Fiji’s Coral Coast that can give you the ride of your life given the right conditions.
3. Restaurants: sitting right at the edge of an exposed reef, some days are calm and others produce the most powerful waves throughout the 333 islands!
4. Bula Bowls: an amazing surf break off the coast of Taveuni for intermediates that love a good swell.
5. Suva Lighthouse: the ultimate crazy ride in Fiji, surfers will always be surprised with the waves that come their way—and the thrills are always worth it!
5 surf spots to hang-loose on
5 beaches to relax and recharge
Nothing soothes the soul better than just escaping it all and having a secluded beach to unwind, relax and find happiness on.
1. Royal Davui Sand Cay: a ten-minute boat ride from Royal Davui will bring you to a private sand cay picnic that is set up with loungers and a champagne picnic.
2. Horseshoe Bay: Listed in the book by Patricia Schultz “1000 Places to See Before you Die”, this lush untouched beach is only accessible by boat and on the western coast of Matangi Island.
3. Malamala Beach: Home to Fiji’s only island beach club, you get access to white sand beaches, private beachside cabanas and a resort-style infinity-edge pool!
4. Yasawa Island Resort: Located at the far tip of the Yasawa Islands, you will get to choose from 12 private beaches during a stay at Yasawa Island Resort.
5. Mociu Island: Also known as “Honeymoon Island”. Mociu Island has a picture-perfect white sand beach that can be hired out for a private picnic and the ultimate privacy in paradise. Exclusive to guests staying at Likuliku Lagoon Resort or Malolo Island Resort.
5 beaches to relax and recharge
5 top destination picks
Happiness can be found throughout Fiji’s diverse range of regions that provide everyone with their own special moments in paradise. Here are just a few to consider exploring!
1. Denarau: Find happiness 15 minutes away from Nadi International Airport, with a range of resorts that cater to families and couples alike!
2.Mamanuca Islands: Island hop your way through this archipelago filled with family friendly and luxury resorts.
3. Yasawa Islands: Adventure is calling, with remarkable landscapes, friendly marine life, hospitable locals and remote beaches waiting to welcome you.
4. Savusavu and Taveuni: Enjoy the laid-back vibes of our northern islands. The lush tropical beauty and simple, slow pace make it the perfect place to reboot and relax.
5. Coral Coast: Just an hour drive from Nadi International airport it’s an entirely different vibe down here, with brilliant palm lined beaches and sparkling fringing reefs. We know you'll love it!