Fantastic Fiji

A February 2002 trip to Nadi by Chrissy1

Quote: Fiji is a beautiful tropical island situated in the Pacific, with around 100 outer islands set in crystal clear pristine waters. You will enjoy paradise either cruising the main island or exploring the many islands on a boat. There's magnificent swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

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Fiji Island Magic

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Fiji is a beautiful tropical island situated in the pacific, with around 100 outer lying islands set in crystal clear pristine waters you will enjoy paradise either cruising the main island or take a boat and explore the many islands which are magnificent for swimming, snorkeling or diving. Nadi Airport is the main port of arrival, we flew with Air Pacific and stayed at the Tokatoka Resort is situated within walking distance from Nadi airport, this resort is set in a lush tropical surrounding, with 1 and 2 bedroom type units some with full kitchens. The staff was very friendly, with a beautiful lagoon style swimming pool; the restaurant is located right next to the pool. The breakfast was very basic and served buffet style. We hired a car for a few days and traveled along the coral coast, which is very famous for its fringing reef, there are many hotels and resorts nestled amongst the tropical native trees and flowers. Most hotels cater for walk in clients; other resorts only cater for clients who have booked ahead of time. Many local villages sell handmade crafts and are quite friendly. We had booked a week’s accommodation on Mana Island, which is situated in the Mamanuca group of islands, west of Nadi. We took a local ferryboat there, which took about one hour, and wow! was the scenery spectacular. Mana is surrounded by white sandy beaches and all the accommodation faces the beach -- you can stay in private bungalow-type rooms or in the main house. Mana is one of the most beautiful of this group – it was home to the cast and crew of the movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks, which was filmed close by.

There were many activities to do on the island, from water sports, kayaking, and paragliding behind a speed boat, windsurfing, and local traditions like basket weaving, language, or fruit carving. We went scuba diving everyday and enjoyed relaxing by the pool in the afternoon or relaxing in a lazy chair by the seaside bar to watch the sun go down. You can walk around the island; be sure to take a hat and plenty of sunscreen.

The incredible buffet dinners at night made sure we had more than enough variety, from seafood to western cuisine. It was one of the best holidays for the ultimate in relaxation, even though we seemed to be so busy enjoying all the island had to offer.

Mana is also famous for weddings and has its own chapel and wedding villas at the north end of the island. You can fly into the island also or take a joy flight during the day around the outer lying islands.

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