Escaping to Fiji

Naisali Island

By Chris Millikan

Over two glorious weeks we’d scrambled in-and-out of tiny eight-passenger planes and on-and-off powerful motor launches, island hopping and sightseeing around some of Fiji’s far-flung islands. My hubby Rick and I wrap up our remarkable whirlwind discovery tour on Naisali Island.

Three-minutes across a sheltered lagoon by boat, this 105-acre, palm-fringed private island bordered by mangroves brings us further new experiences as we explore around Nadi-town on ‘mainland’ Viti-Levu and Sonaisali resort itself.

On our first magical evening, we set sail on a romantic Sunset Cruise, boarding a sleek white catamaran from the sandy beach.  Cruising offshore at a leisurely pace, we and several other couples nibble seafood snacks and fresh-cut veggies; warm evening breezes blow softly as we go. When the sun slowly drops lower over the calm waters, pinks, reds and purples streak clear skies with splendour; our hostess fills delicate flutes with crisp sparkling champagne. Several times we all toast the good life in Fiji’s paradise.

Next afternoon our bula-shirted driver taxi-tours us around Nadi’s finest. Bustling shops, cafes and locally made handicraft outlets parade along mainstreet. “Not so long ago this city was a little community of farmers and shopkeepers,” he remarked, “but the international airport…and tourism…quickly made it Fiji’s third largest city.”

Irresistible scenarios unfold: fields where third and fourth generation farmers hand-harvest and stack dusty cane onto flat train-car-beds. Overloaded yellow and red sugarcane trains puffing laboriously along narrow tracks criss-crossing the highway, slowly pulling loads to Lautoka, Fiji’s sugar city. Glistening bullocks plow tiny cassava plots; smiling women in floral sulus sell sweet oranges from rustic roadside stands.

On the edge of downtown towers an artistic Hindu temple saturated with colour, one of Nadi's most visible landmarks. Largest of its type in the southern hemisphere, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the centre of worship for Fiji's Hindu community. Back on the island we relax and unwind in the peaceful ambience of our spacious beach bure set amid lush tropical gardens.

One afternoon while Rick joins one of the daily snorkeling trips to renowned Malolo Barrier Reef and snorkels among fish rainbows and exotic corals, I soak in the private spa on our veranda, enjoying uninterrupted ocean views.  When he returns, we choose an activity from a wide range of water and land sports…trying out a pedal-boat. We splash and laugh up and down the beach in golden sunshine.

Later that evening, string-band-island-rhythms float upon perfumed breezes around the pretty pool. Sipping on our turquoise, pink and apple green cocktails, we chitchat with newfound friends about the charm of Fiji’s welcoming, friendly people, spectacular sunsets and clear turquoise waters.

Joining others for dinner under the stars, we drift toward elegant tables set on white sugar-sands amid blazing tiki-torches. Beneath the stately palms, uniformed chefs stand behind brazier-banks, poised to parade sizzling delicacies our way. Surprising satays, local seafood, lamb, crisp salads utilizing greens and tomatoes grown right there…and chunky root-vegetables…keep everyone busily munching, savouring and licking their fingers. Effusive toasts and rollicking hilarity launch new rounds as perfect wines splash smoothly into goblets: crisp Rieslings temper spicy tidbits; aromatic Pinot Noirs follow cold, refreshing Chardonnays.

Post-dinner ennui enveloped us…until we spy a flower-decorated table filled with beautiful desserts and specialty coffees. Grinning broadly, uniformed pastry-chefs call out merrily, “ Bula! Bula!” and assist us with little tarts, cakes and creamy puddings… ending our last wonderful days on a sweet note.

Flying home from Nadi International Airport we know we’ll soon return to this beautiful island nation for more servings of warm hospitality and enjoyable experiences.

Travel Planner:

Flying to Fiji: Air Pacific www.airpacific.com

Very Sweet Suite Accommodations; Sonaisali Resort www.sonaisali.com

Touring Fiji: Rosie The Travel Service www.fijifvb.gov.fj or phone 679 722 755