Have you ever sat and watched the ocean sparkle – you know, that moment when the sun strikes the water at the perfect angle, brightening everything in its path and causing the ripples to glisten all the way up to the horizon, gluing your eyes to the dancing specks of glitter shimmering into the distance? Hopping around from place to place, I rarely have the time to sit and actually observe my surroundings, to truly appreciate moments like these.
My grandmother and I spent the past two and a half weeks exploring Australia and New Zealand [see posts by region: Oceania]. Fiji was the last stop of our three week journey around Oceania. We left Auckland on the morning of Saturday, September 2, 2017, and arrived about three hours later at Nadi International Airport on Fiji’s main island Viti Levu.
From the airport, we took a shuttle bus to Port Denarau for our transfer to the hotel. I booked a three-night stay at the Lomani Island Resort located just west of Nadi on Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanuca Islands.
There are many ways to get around Fiji – by ferry, water taxi, seaplane, or helicopter. The mode of transportation just depends on how much you are willing to spend. For less than $40 USD one way, Malolo Cat operates high-speed catamarans four times a day from Nadi International Airport to Malolo Lailai Island. In comparison, Pacific Island Air offers seaplane transfers for the same route starting at approximately $200 USD per person, one way. Can you guess which option I chose?
Arriving at Malolo Lailai Island, I was unpleasantly surprised. For as long as I can remember, I always associated Fiji with the ultimate “beach paradise” – White Sand. Crystal clear water. Lush vegetation. Unfortunately, Malolo Lailai Island did not match the picture that I had envisioned. Kelp forests and other species of seaweeds lined the shoreline. Low tide left the marine vegetation exposed, leaving the yellow-sand beach looking, well, dirty.
Lomani Island Resort itself, including the level of service, was excellent. Our Beachfront Bure was spacious and spotless.
Dining options were plentiful and delicious. Aside from breakfast, rates include the use of kayaks, glass-bottomed kayaks, stand up paddle boards, windsurfers, bicycles, and snorkel gear. Additionally, the hotel offers the following complimentary tours and activities: handline fishing, dolphin safari, and reef snorkeling trips; guided village and island tours; sulu-tying and basket weaving lessons; coconut husking, Lovo-Cooking, and Kokoda making demonstrations; and kava ceremonies.
Naturally, I spent most of the trip in the water.
I believe that every place in the world has something special to offer. Fiji sure is stunning underwater. Above – eh, not so much. But that is okay, because I cannot be in love with every place that I visit.
After spending two half- and two full-days relaxing on the island, we returned to Viti Levu to catch a flight back to Auckland, where we spent one more night before beginning the journey back home to the United States.
