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Aussie tourist makes disturbing claim about Fiji resort where young boy was killed

<p>An Aussie tourist has spoken out about an injury he sustained while holidaying at Club Wyndham Denarau Island resort in Fiji, where an 8-year-old boy died last week. </p> <p>Cairo Winitana passed away while on holiday with his family, after he was chasing frogs in the five-star resort’s flower garden when he allegedly touched a light that delivered him a fatal electric shock. </p> <p>Now, an Aussie tourist who visited the resort last year says he too received an electric shock on the grounds of the luxury villa. </p> <p>The unnamed holiday-goer says he was shocked by an exposed light fitting, where wires were draped between two lampposts where they got wet from the rain. </p> <p>The damaged light delivered a hefty shock to the tourist, but he walked away relatively unharmed. </p> <p>After Cairo was found unresponsive in the gardens of the resort, desperate guests tried to revive him, as they shared the distress for the young boy. </p> <p>Thomas Meier told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_NEW&amp;dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fnews%2Fnsw%2Fsydney-boy-cairo-waitana-dies-at-fiji-resort%2Fnews-story%2F0da28333a98b983059b5e07871498679&amp;memtype=anonymous&amp;mode=premium&amp;v21=dynamic-low-control-score&amp;V21spcbehaviour=append" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a> that he found the youngster unconscious in a garden bed.</p> <p>He told the publication he believed the child had been fatally injured after innocently playing with frogs near a bolt which was screwed into the ground where a live current was coming from.</p> <p>“As we were walking through the gardens we just saw this boy face down in the garden,” Mr Meier, 24, said.</p> <p>“My uncle went up to him and we were trying to tap him on the shoulder to see if he was responsive and he wasn’t moving.”</p> <p>He explained that his uncle received an electric shock as he assisted Cairo, before bystanders rushed to help.</p> <p>The child’s mother, Amber de Thierry, was soon found by resort guests, with Mr Meier describing her intense distress.</p> <p>“Eventually the mum turned up and she was screaming, crying, calling out to her son Cairo. She had one of her relatives hugging her,” he said.</p> <p>“We were all just sitting around hoping this little boy is going to wake up after a couple of shots of this defibrillator.”</p> <p>A post-mortem examination on Tuesday day confirmed Cairo’s cause of death was electrocution, as previously suspected.</p> <p>A devastated Ms de Thierry has also shared an <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/my-heart-aches-mum-of-young-boy-who-died-in-fiji-speaks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">emotional tribute</a> to her beloved boy on social media.</p> <p>“I loved you my son, from the moment I found out I was carrying you and will love you forever more my beautiful blue eyes,” she wrote.</p> <p>Loved ones have since set up at <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/qte4ja-help-bring-our-boy-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to help Ms de Thierry and her partner Clarke Winitana bring Cairo’s body home.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / GoFundMe</em></p>

News

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“My heart aches”: Mum of young boy who died in Fiji speaks

<p>Amber De Thierry has written an emotional tribute to her 8-year-old son, Cairo Winitana, who passed away in Fiji on Thursday evening. </p> <p>Cairo Winitana and his family were staying at the Club Wyndham Denarau Island report when he was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/8-year-old-boy-dies-in-suspected-electrocution-while-on-holiday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found unresponsive</a> in a garden bed. Cairo was rushed to hospital in Nadi, but could not be revived and was pronounced dead by medics. </p> <p>Cairo’s mother, Amber De Thierry, took to social media to confirm her son’s death with an emotional tribute in the wake of his tragic passing. </p> <p>“I loved you my son from the moment I found out I was carrying you and will love you forever more,” she wrote, “my beautiful beautiful blue eyes.”</p> <p>Friends and family flooded Amber’s comment section with their thoughts, love, and condolences in their time of heartbreak. </p> <p>“Sending you so much love and strength my friend,” wrote one. </p> <p>“My heart aches for you our girl. We are here,” added another, “always.”</p> <p>“My heart goes out to you and the whanau,” one said, “I couldn't imagine what you’re all going through. Sending all my love from my whanau to yours.” </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Famber.dethierry%2Fposts%2F850834649344630%3A850834649344630&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="582" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>The family’s loved ones went on to further offer their support by establishing a GoFundMe page to assist in bringing Cairo’s body home. Cairo was a citizen of New Zealand who was living in Australia with his family - mother Amber, father Clarke Winitana, and his two siblings.</p> <p>“On behalf of our family,” Glenys Wana, the fundraiser’s organiser, wrote, “we humbly invite you to offer support to our family at this devastating time. Our beautiful little boy Cairo, only 8 years old, Loving Son of Amber and Clarke, passed away in a tragic accident whilst on holidays in Fiji.</p> <p>“They now have the heart breaking job of bringing their son home from Fiji and laying him to rest at home in Australia. As you could all imagine this is a very devastating loss for our family, we humbly invite you to offer support for both Amber and Clarke as they navigate through this unimaginable nightmare they are now forced to live with. We all know Clarke and Amber to be the most loving, kind hearted and genuine people.”</p> <p>Police in Fiji previously confirmed that Cairo may have been the victim of an electrocution, and the resort management team have confirmed that they are working with the appropriate authorities to assist with the ongoing investigation into his death. </p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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8-year-old boy dies in suspected electrocution while on holiday

<p>An 8-year-old boy has been found dead at a popular Fiji resort while on holiday. </p> <p>The young boy was holidaying with family last week at the Club Wyndham Denarau Island resort, located on Fiji’s main island, a resort spokesperson confirmed.</p> <p>He was found unresponsive by another guest in the gardens of the resort last Thursday, and was unable to revived. </p> <p>Fiji police are working with resort staff to determine whether the boy may have been electrocuted.</p> <p>"Initial information gathered is that the child was allegedly electrocuted however the post-mortem will have to confirm that," a Fiji police spokesperson told the <a title="Sydney Morning Herald" href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/eight-year-old-sydney-boy-allegedly-electrocuted-dies-at-fiji-resort-20230213-p5ck73.html" target="" rel="">Sydney Morning Herald</a>. </p> <p>The boy, who has yet to be named, was a New Zealand citizen but was living in Sydney before he and his family took off on holiday. </p> <p>A Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific spokesperson said the death was a “tragic accident” but could not comment on the cause of death.</p> <p>“We have expressed our heartfelt condolences to the family and our thoughts remain with them at this time,“ they said.</p> <p>“Our management team is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, and co-operating with the police and authorities."</p> <p>New Zealand’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also confirmed it was aware of the death and is providing assistance to the family.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Club Wyndham South Pacific</em></p>

News

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“I had to reach the island”: Aussie mum recalls terrifying turn on cruising scuba dive

<p dir="ltr">A NSW woman has said a cruise company should have been better prepared for adverse weather after a holiday scuba dive nearly went horribly wrong.</p> <p dir="ltr">Justine Clark and her sons, 18-year-old Felix and 20-year-old Max, resurfaced from an offshore dive in Fiji to find that their boat was nowhere to be seen.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trio were on a seven-day cruise in Fiji when they went on an afternoon dive at an offshore site called The Supermarket with another cruise-goer and the divemaster, who worked for a company subcontracted by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though the weather began to worsen as they travelled to the dive site, the party pushed on.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We travelled into an approaching storm and out into open waters in what appeared to be a large channel about 20 kilometres from any island," Ms Clark told the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-21/fiji-dive-turns-into-nightmare-for-newcastle-mum-and-sons/101448116" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-45b5dc65-7fff-d402-b20f-7e845fe45b14"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">When she resurfaced with her eldest son after a dive of about 40 minutes, she said the boat was nowhere to be seen and the weather conditions were rough.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/justine-cruise-nightmare1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>A tender boat took Justine Clark, her two sons, and others in their diving party to the dive site. Image: Justine Clark</em></p> <p dir="ltr">"No tender boat was visible on surfacing, the swell was 2 metres, it was dark with grey clouds and high wind," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clark, who has over 30 years of diving experience, said their divemaster was the next to surface and realise what had happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He was shocked at the events and stated this had never happened in his 27 years of diving," she recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">When the divemaster then advised the group to start swimming for an island they could see in the distance, Ms Clark said she was determined to stay calm.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I can't impress how concerned I was for everyone's health, sharks and the sense of determination I had to reach the island in a calm manner," she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The maternal drive in me was something I had not felt since the birth of my first son."</p> <p dir="ltr">After about 50 minutes, a small boat was spotted travelling towards the group, with the divemaster telling them to inflate their surface marker buoys so they could be seen more easily.</p> <p dir="ltr">The boat’s operator, a garbage collector who had been picking up ocean rubbish, noticed the tip of one of the buoys.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We were all smiles and I was blowing a kiss to the Fijian who saved us," Ms Clark said.</p> <p dir="ltr">They were quickly found by the tender boat driver.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He apologised and told me he was so scared and he had radioed the captain that he lost us," Ms Clark said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a written response shared with the outlet, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji explained that the tender boat had blown away from the site, with the surface conditions making it difficult for the operator to find and follow the divers’ bubbles.</p> <p dir="ltr">The cruise operator said the situation was unprecedented and that changes were made to the “already tight” safety procedures following an internal review.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though rare, Ms Clark said cruise companies should still be prepared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I think it's really important that operators are prepared for those situations that may be rare but can still occur," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">It isn’t the first time bad weather has caused strife for cruise ships this year, after wild weather prevented the Coral Princess and other 20 other vessels from docking in Brisbane for several days in July, prompting 2,000 cruise passengers to be stranded onboard.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1132f612-7fff-01a0-e883-6eb88fbf4626"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Justine Clark</em></p>

Cruising

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Fiji for the pleasure seekers

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coming close to perfection, a cruise through Fiji’s Yasawa Islands won Bev Malzard’s vote – and heart.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After a four-hour flight from Sydney to Fiji and arriving in Nadi I immediately switched to ‘Fiji time’. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I strolled out to grab a cab to take me to Denaru Island – the island where all the fabulous hotels hang out together.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After checking into the elegant Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, my companion and I scoped out the hotel to explore what we could do for the next two days – easy: eat, sleep, spa, pool. We tried fine dining, classic poolside snacks, brekkie on the Lagoon Terrace and a meal outside at Salt, where we sheltered under an umbrella while some welcome, cooling rain arrived the same time as dessert. Day two called for a day at the pool with intermittent trips for indulgent treatments at Mandara Spa – mmm, too good.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next day we embarked on a four day cruise on MV Endeavour that would take us up through the northern group of Yasawa Islands on Fiji time. Early in the piece we got used to making quick, crucial decisions – what to do today? Stay onboard and gaze at the horizon or read, go ashore to swim, snorkel, and walk along pristine beaches and visit local villages – hardly worth deciding really.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Long, white, sandy beaches beckoned even the most tentative swimmer; the waters are safe and serene.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One night after dinner we all joined in for the Reef Endeavour Cup – we purchased tiny hermit crabs and put them to work for the big crab race. NO crabs were injured in this exercise. The following day the dozy crabs were released into their new home, the famous Blue Lagoon – it’s all about location.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Still on Sawa-L-Lau, a few of us were intrigued by a staircase built on the side of a cliff that started on the beach, stopping a few metres up the side. We climbed the stairs and paid a local man $10 and he opened a door behind some scrub in the side of the cliff. Curiouser and curiouser . . .</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We scrambled down a few damp, muddy steps, and beneath us appeared a glorious iridescent pool cupped in the middle of a cavernous cave. The water was exquisite aqua – no blue could ever match this. We dived in and looked up to the eye in the sky. We were deep inside a magical cave swimming in cold, clear water. This has to be one of the great swims of my life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With holiday joy providing a new colour to my aura, I realised that the ‘secret pool’ was just one of the parts that make up the rare and beautiful sum of what Fiji is.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Bula that accompanies the obligatory lei on arrival at Nadi airport has nothing on the bellow of ‘buuuulaaaa’ that welcomes guests at the Outrigger on the Lagoon, an hour’s drive away on the Coral Coast.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Staff welcome arrivals, and a talai (personal butler) hands each guest a refreshing towel and cocktail, and waits while we soak up the view from the reception area – clear across the top of the resort to the ocean – before whisking guests and luggage away to settle in.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My talai offers to unpack and iron my clothes and promises to return each afternoon with champagne and canapes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The next morning we’re off to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes with our guide, Kini Sarai, ex-Fiji rugby international who now works at the Outrigger and coaches the local rugby 7s team that the resort sponsors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s a fair hike through the forest and over vegetated areas of the 650ha of dunes, but we are surrounded by beauty every step of the way. Back ‘home’ we jump aboard the resort’s buggy, and are whisked up to the Bebe Spa Sanctuary. At the top of the hill beside the resort, it’s a dream.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I am cocooned in a bathrobe and led to my private treatment room. An hour later, scrubbed, wrapped and soaked, I’m led to the shower on a balcony overlooking the ocean.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another hour later, massaged, soaked and moisturised, I watch the sun drop into the ocean from the resort’s Kalokalo Bar where I sip champagne wishing my Fiji time will never end.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Written by Bev Malzard. Republished with </span><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/fiji-for-the-pleasure-seekers.aspx"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wyza.com.au.</span></a></em></p>

Travel Tips

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You must try these 5 unforgettable Fiji experiences

<p>With a bounty of natural and cultural marvels, Fiji is more than just a place to stop and flop on the sand. These five unforgettable experiences highlight Fiji’s most tempting offerings – unique animal encounters, breathtaking scenery, tantalising cuisine and a touch of luxury.</p> <p><strong>Swim with sea life </strong></p> <p>Every swim in Fiji’s sparkling South Pacific waters redefines the colour blue. Known as the “soft coral capital of the world”, the islands of Fiji are brimming with opportunities to go below the surface. And you don’t need to be a seasoned deep sea diver to experience it. Swimming and snorkelling should be fun, leisurely activities where you can go at your own pace. In Fiji, this is what it’s all about. </p> <p>Fiji’s pristine beaches mean you can grab a snorkel and head straight out to explore the reefs just offshore. Most hotels and resorts will have snorkeling equipment to hire. Otherwise, you can often purchase it from the general store fairly inexpensively. For guaranteed sightings of vibrant coral and colourful fish, organising a day trip will be your best bet. </p> <p>Beqa Island Lagoon off the coast of Viti Levu is a great place for beginners. The protected reef boasts thousands of exoitic fish and anemones with regular sightings of turtles, giant clams and sharks. This is also where you can opt for a truly unique, though slightly terrifying experience. Feel the thrill and majesty of swimming side by side with the ocean’s most formidable creatures. Shark Reef Marine Reserve was established in order to study and preserve the population of sharks of Fiji’s coral coast, and now offers gutsy visitors a chance to get in the water with them. </p> <p>Would you prefer a swimming buddy with less teeth? Head to Naviti in the Yasawa Islands for the chance to swim with Manta Rays. At the south end of the island, Manta Ray passage is teeming with these velvety creatures, gliding through the water. To watch them from above is breathtaking. To swim alongside them is something else entirely. Be sure to visit during Manta season, between May and October.</p> <p><strong>Discover the islands from above</strong></p> <p>If you’re lucky enough to fly in during the day, you’ll get an entrée of what Fiji’s 330 islands look like from above. For a full course, it’s worth booking a scenic helicopter flight.</p> <p>Fiji has dozens of helicopter tour companies so do your research and choose an operator with a good safety record. Opting for a Fijian-owned and run company is a nice way to ensure your tourist dollars go towards empowering and supporting the local community. </p> <p>A popular flight route takes you on an aerial tour of Denarau, the largest integrated resort in the South Pacific. You’ll see the lush landscapes and perfectly maintained gardens of some of the biggest luxury resort chains in the South Pacific. </p> <p>Heading further inland, discover Fiji’s overgrown jungles and striking mountain landscapes. Soaring above the Mt. Evans Range, expect to see rugged volcanic formations, pockets of wild orchids and spectacular waterfalls.</p> <p>Perhaps the most popular scenic flight is the joy ride to Heart Island. Home to Tavarua Island Resort, this heart-shaped island is surrounded by balmy waters with pumping surf breaks. Each year, surfers come from all over the world flock to this heart-shaped island to take on Cloudbreak. </p> <p>Scenic helicopter flights can be expensive, but are often a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Most resorts will have a handful of preferred tour companies they recommend to their guests. You can also organise scenic flights independently, or in advance through a travel agent. </p> <p><strong>Spend a day at the spa</strong></p> <p>Nothing says “holiday” like a relaxing spa treatment. Visitors to Fiji are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting pampered. Each resort will often have its own on-site spa, and some even offer in-room treatments so you don’t even have to go anywhere to receive a fabulous massage. </p> <p>One of Fiji’s most renowned luxury spas can be found at Yasawa Island Resort. The Bavari Spa is essentially set on the sand, with double doors opening up to a pristine, private beach. The signature treatment is a four-handed Bavari Rhythm massage which entails two masseuses working out all your knots and melting away your troubles in smooth, synchronised movements. </p> <p>Another highly-recommended outfit is the Sheraton Resort and Spa on Tokoriki Island. It’s one of the largest day spas in Fiji and is part of an adults-only island for the utmost relaxation and tranquility. Try the Fijian Warm Seashell Ritual. As the name suggests, this treatment uses locally-sourced shells to deliver a glorious massage with the help of sought-after <em>Pure Fiji</em> spa products. </p> <p>Some resorts offers complimentary massages as an added bonus, and others have great deals that include a spa treatment as part of your package. Prices will vary between locations, but visitors will find a range of affordable day spas on Denarau and Viti Levu, as well as a host of up-market outfits in the luxury resorts. You don’t need to be a guest of a resort to utilise their day spa but bookings are essential. </p> <p><strong>Take a cooking class</strong></p> <p>Fijian food is a family affair at its core. The act of cooking and eating together is central to the local way of life, not unlike Australia, However, the methods and flavours are unique to Fiji and vary from island to island. </p> <p>Visitors have a number of cooking schools to choose from when visiting Fiji. One highly-rated outfit is the Flavors of Fiji Cooking School in Nadi. Begin with a tour of Nadi’s thriving vegetable market, where you’ll pick out fresh produce to take back and turn into something tasty. Back at the nearby school, you’ll learn to cook up to eight local specialties under the guidance of experienced Fijian foodies. You’ll head home with a full belly, loads of recipes and a newfound love of cooking. </p> <p>Many resorts also offer their own cooking classes. Some are run by the chefs of the restaurants, and others bring in instructors from the local community to teach traditional Fijian cooking methods. At an all-inclusive resort, this is often a free activity. Otherwise, it may come at an additional cost. </p> <p><strong>Explore the rainforests on foot</strong></p> <p>Fiji’s color scheme is dominated by breathtaking blues and golden sands, but there’s another hue that is hard to miss. Thick forests and undulating jungles showcase every shade of green you can imagine. From sweeping valleys to towering mountain ranges, Fiji’s wilderness areas are unlike any other. That’s not to say you need to take on the most challenging hike and spend your entire holiday out of breath. Some of the most scenic walking routes are also the most leisurely. </p> <p>A trip to Tavoro Falls is not to be missed. Located in Bouma National Heritage Park on the island of Taveuni, this jungle hike encompasses a series of waterfalls with a few challenging stretches along the way. From the final vantage point, the views out to neighbouring islands are well worth the effort.</p> <p>The Sigatoka Sand Dunes offer an interesting hiking experience. Spread across 600 hectares, some of the dunes stand as high as 60 metres tall. Choose between a one or two-hour trail, discovering the excavated sites of the early Lapita people and the fascinating surrounds of Fiji’s first national park. </p> <p>You can also enjoy a stroll through the botanical gardens in Lautoka and learn about the medicinal uses of Fiji’s native flora.</p> <p><em>Written by Bethany Plint. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/fiji-experiences/">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Cruising

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5 unforgettable Fiji experiences to try

<p>With a bounty of natural and cultural marvels, Fiji is more than just a place to stop and flop on the sand. These five unforgettable experiences highlight Fiji’s most tempting offerings – unique animal encounters, breathtaking scenery, tantalising cuisine and a touch of luxury.</p> <p><strong>Swim with sea life<span> </span></strong></p> <p>Every swim in Fiji’s sparkling South Pacific waters redefines the colour blue. Known as the “soft coral capital of the world”, the islands of Fiji are brimming with opportunities to go below the surface. And you don’t need to be a seasoned deep sea diver to experience it. Swimming and snorkelling should be fun, leisurely activities where you can go at your own pace. In Fiji, this is what it’s all about.<span> </span></p> <p>Fiji’s pristine beaches mean you can grab a snorkel and head straight out to explore the reefs just offshore. Most hotels and resorts will have snorkeling equipment to hire. Otherwise, you can often purchase it from the general store fairly inexpensively. For guaranteed sightings of vibrant coral and colourful fish, organising a day trip will be your best bet.<span> </span></p> <p>Beqa Island Lagoon off the coast of Viti Levu is a great place for beginners. The protected reef boasts thousands of exoitic fish and anemones with regular sightings of turtles, giant clams and sharks. This is also where you can opt for a truly unique, though slightly terrifying experience. Feel the thrill and majesty of swimming side by side with the ocean’s most formidable creatures. Shark Reef Marine Reserve was established in order to study and preserve the population of sharks of Fiji’s coral coast, and now offers gutsy visitors a chance to get in the water with them.<span> </span></p> <p>Would you prefer a swimming buddy with less teeth? Head to Naviti in the Yasawa Islands for the chance to swim with Manta Rays. At the south end of the island, Manta Ray passage is teeming with these velvety creatures, gliding through the water. To watch them from above is breathtaking. To swim alongside them is something else entirely. Be sure to visit during Manta season, between May and October.</p> <div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><iframe width="748" height="561" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MUUcnASsBVA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div> <p><strong>Discover the islands from above</strong></p> <p>If you’re lucky enough to fly in during the day, you’ll get an entrée of what Fiji’s 330 islands look like from above. For a full course, it’s worth booking a scenic helicopter flight.</p> <p>Fiji has dozens of helicopter tour companies so do your research and choose an operator with a good safety record. Opting for a Fijian-owned and run company is a nice way to ensure your tourist dollars go towards empowering and supporting the local community.<span> </span></p> <p>A popular flight route takes you on an aerial tour of Denarau, the largest integrated resort in the South Pacific. You’ll see the lush landscapes and perfectly maintained gardens of some of the biggest luxury resort chains in the South Pacific.<span> </span></p> <p>Heading further inland, discover Fiji’s overgrown jungles and striking mountain landscapes. Soaring above the Mt. Evans Range, expect to see rugged volcanic formations, pockets of wild orchids and spectacular waterfalls.</p> <p>Perhaps the most popular scenic flight is the joy ride to Heart Island. Home to Tavarua Island Resort, this heart-shaped island is surrounded by balmy waters with pumping surf breaks. Each year, surfers come from all over the world flock to this heart-shaped island to take on Cloudbreak.<span> </span></p> <p>Scenic helicopter flights can be expensive, but are often a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Most resorts will have a handful of preferred tour companies they recommend to their guests. You can also organise scenic flights independently, or in advance through a travel agent.<span> </span></p> <p><strong>Spend a day at the spa</strong></p> <p>Nothing says “holiday” like a relaxing spa treatment. Visitors to Fiji are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting pampered. Each resort will often have its own on-site spa, and some even offer in-room treatments so you don’t even have to go anywhere to receive a fabulous massage.<span> </span></p> <p>One of Fiji’s most renowned luxury spas can be found at Yasawa Island Resort. The Bavari Spa is essentially set on the sand, with double doors opening up to a pristine, private beach. The signature treatment is a four-handed Bavari Rhythm massage which entails two masseuses working out all your knots and melting away your troubles in smooth, synchronised movements.<span> </span></p> <p>Another highly-recommended outfit is the Sheraton Resort and Spa on Tokoriki Island. It’s one of the largest day spas in Fiji and is part of an adults-only island for the utmost relaxation and tranquility. Try the Fijian Warm Seashell Ritual. As the name suggests, this treatment uses locally-sourced shells to deliver a glorious massage with the help of sought-after<span> </span><em>Pure Fiji</em><span> </span>spa products.<span> </span></p> <p>Some resorts offers complimentary massages as an added bonus, and others have great deals that include a spa treatment as part of your package. Prices will vary between locations, but visitors will find a range of affordable day spas on Denarau and Viti Levu, as well as a host of up-market outfits in the luxury resorts. You don’t need to be a guest of a resort to utilise their day spa but bookings are essential.<span> </span></p> <p><strong>Take a cooking class</strong></p> <p>Fijian food is a family affair at its core. The act of cooking and eating together is central to the local way of life, not unlike Australia, However, the methods and flavours are unique to Fiji and vary from island to island.<span> </span></p> <p>Visitors have a number of cooking schools to choose from when visiting Fiji. One highly-rated outfit is the Flavors of Fiji Cooking School in Nadi. Begin with a tour of Nadi’s thriving vegetable market, where you’ll pick out fresh produce to take back and turn into something tasty. Back at the nearby school, you’ll learn to cook up to eight local specialties under the guidance of experienced Fijian foodies. You’ll head home with a full belly, loads of recipes and a newfound love of cooking.<span> </span></p> <p>Many resorts also offer their own cooking classes. Some are run by the chefs of the restaurants, and others bring in instructors from the local community to teach traditional Fijian cooking methods. At an all-inclusive resort, this is often a free activity. Otherwise, it may come at an additional cost.<span> </span></p> <p><strong>Explore the rainforests on foot</strong></p> <p>Fiji’s color scheme is dominated by breathtaking blues and golden sands, but there’s another hue that is hard to miss. Thick forests and undulating jungles showcase every shade of green you can imagine. From sweeping valleys to towering mountain ranges, Fiji’s wilderness areas are unlike any other. That’s not to say you need to take on the most challenging hike and spend your entire holiday out of breath. Some of the most scenic walking routes are also the most leisurely.<span> </span></p> <p>A trip to Tavoro Falls is not to be missed. Located in Bouma National Heritage Park on the island of Taveuni, this jungle hike encompasses a series of waterfalls with a few challenging stretches along the way. From the final vantage point, the views out to neighbouring islands are well worth the effort.</p> <p>The Sigatoka Sand Dunes offer an interesting hiking experience. Spread across 600 hectares, some of the dunes stand as high as 60 metres tall. Choose between a one or two-hour trail, discovering the excavated sites of the early Lapita people and the fascinating surrounds of Fiji’s first national park.<span> </span></p> <p>You can also enjoy a stroll through the botanical gardens in Lautoka and learn about the medicinal uses of Fiji’s native flora.</p> <p><em>Written by Bethany Plint. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/fiji-experiences/">MyDiscoveries</a>. </em></p>

International Travel

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The sweet way Duchess Meghan honoured Prince Charles with her jewellery

<p>Duchess Meghan has made a habit of wearing <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-hidden-messages-behind-duchess-megan-s-royal-tour-jewellery" target="_blank">jewellery with special meaning</a> throughout her royal tour with husband Prince Harry.</p> <p>Now, the latest symbolism from her travelling collection has been revealed, and is a very sweet tribute to her father-in-law Prince Charles. The 37-year-old, well known for wearing sustainable jewellery, was snapped in Fiji wearing two gold bracelets connected to a charity started by him, Turquoise Mountain, reports <a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-pippa-small-jewelry-prince-charles/" target="_blank"><em>People</em></a>.</p> <p>Worn during a welcome ceremony to Fiji and again at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney, they were made by artisans who are members of the charity.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821673/meghan-and-harry-bracelet-close-up-main.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/96a7fa4a45834073a3ba5a16289d177b" /></p> <p>The organisation works across Afghanistan, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia, with the aim to “preserve and regenerate historic areas and communities with a rich cultural heritage and to revive traditional crafts, to create jobs, skills and a renewed sense of pride,” according to its <a rel="noopener" href="https://turquoisemountain.org/" target="_blank">website</a>.</p> <p>Established in 2006 by the Prince of Wales, the foundation has trained more than 6000 artisans.</p> <p>The gold bracelets – Oshna and Omeen bangles, valued at $AU198 and $269 respectively – are part of jeweller Pippa Small’s Turquoise Mountain Collection with the British ethical designer a favourite of Duchess Meghan’s.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821671/megan-close-up-bangle.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/386eac233cbe4d19ac266dbd4ea7afcc" /></p> <p>Awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2013 for her ethical jewellery and charity work, Small works with the Turquoise Mountain foundation in Afghanistan and Burma training and employing artisans to promote traditional skills, and hopes to introduce Syrian refugees to the program.</p> <p>“It creates jobs and it gives people a sense of pride and a sense of identity,” Small said of Turquoise Mountain in an interview with <em>People</em>.</p> <p>“I’m so thrilled that she was wearing those bangles,” she said. “Even though they were just simple bangles — they look incredibly chic on her of course — but it’s what’s behind them that is so utterly amazing.”</p> <p>This isn’t the first time the Duchess of Sussex has paid tribute to Prince Harry’s father on the current royal tour. According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a24109850/meghan-markle-prince-charles-tennis-bracelet/" target="_blank"><em>Town &amp; Country</em></a>, she wore a diamond tennis bracelet, a gift from Prince Charles, when she and her husband arrived in Fiji.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Security scare: The real reason Duchess Meghan was rushed out of Fiji market

<p>Duchess Meghan has been rushed out of the busy Suva Municipal Market because of a “security risk”, while the couple are in Fiji for their Royal tour.</p> <p>Apparently, the area was too crowded with the Duchess’ security detail suddenly cutting short her visit after only six minutes, according to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/10/meghan-markle-security-scare" target="_blank">Vanity Fair</a></em>. The Royal had been speaking with female vendors there.</p> <p>A palace aide has revealed that the decision was made because the markets were “a lot busier than expected,” with hundreds gathered to see the Duchess – she and Prince Harry have been incredibly popular in Fiji during their stay and given the warmest of welcomes.</p> <p>There had been speculation that the evacuation was due to Duchess Meghan’s pregnancy with royal reporter Emily Andrews describing the atmosphere in the market as “hot and humid,” which could have been affecting her.</p> <p>But a royal insider has said that Duchess Meghan is doing well, but that the sheer scale of people forced the security detail’s hand. The 37-year-old was there to meet vendors involved in the UN Women’s project ‘Markets for Change’.</p> <p>“The walk around the market was meant to be a 15-minute engagement and an extension of Meghan meeting some of the female vendors who have been involved in the U.N. Women’s project ‘Markets for Change,’ but the engagement was shortened because of crowd management,” said the royal insider. </p> <p>“The duchess met the women she was meant to meet, but the walkabout was shortened because it was a lot busier than expected.”</p> <p>According to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/prince-harrys-incredible-response-to-palace-aides-during-emotional-conversation/news-story/eb9a3953b7efba30651e199b81f35fa9" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>, the Duchess was seen whispering in a palace aide’s ear just prior to being whisked away. One witness said she looked “concerned” as she entered the market.</p> <p>“When she got into the market she looked really disengaged, not her usual self at all,” they relayed to The Mirror.</p> <p>“She stopped to speak to a pineapple seller on one of the stalls and had a very blank and disengaged look on her face, which is very unlike her.</p> <p>“It was very hot and humid in there so perhaps it wasn’t the best environment for a pregnant woman.</p> <p>“After speaking for about a minute she broke off and spoke to the same aide again before she was whisked out of the market very soon after.”</p> <p>Duchess Meghan graciously waved apologetically to the throng that had gathered for a glimpse of her as she was ushered away.</p>

News

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Megan Gale shares gorgeous photo of newborn daughter Rosie

<p>Megan Gale and her partner Shaun Hampson have treated their newborn daughter and three-year-old son, River, to a relaxing holiday in Fiji, and it’s giving us a serious case of the green-eyed monster.</p> <p>The Aussie supermodel took to Instagram to share a beautiful snap of her nine-week-old daughter, Rosie May Dee, and it’s the cutest thing you’ll see all day.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BcHAFpnHMJa/" target="_blank">A post shared by MEGAN GALE (@megankgale)</a> on Nov 29, 2017 at 10:30pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>While baby Rosie was napping, the <em>Australia’s Next Top Model</em> judge took followers on a virtual tour of her exclusive, luxurious retreat at Vomo Island Resort, where accommodation can cost up to $12,000 per night. Scroll through the gallery above to see inside!</p> <p>“Taking you on a tour of one of the most spectacular and beautiful places that I’ve ever been so fortunate enough to stay at," she wrote. “So wonderful to be welcomed back to our Fijian ‘home’ at [Vomo Island] for our second visit, this time with our little girl – I can’t rate this place enough.”</p> <p>The mum-of-two also showed off her post-baby bod, commenting that she would be sad to see the marks of her pregnancy fade away.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDcNM0HGKl/" target="_blank">A post shared by MEGAN GALE (@megankgale)</a> on Nov 28, 2017 at 1:19pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I'm a bit sad my linea nigra (Latin for black line) on my tummy is almost gone," she captioned the body-positive snap. “I love this little badge of honour as it's one of my last little physical reminders of my pregnancy with Rosie. I LOVE that she’s out and with us but I’m missing being pregnant as well.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Megan Gale/Instagram and Vomo Island Fiji Resort.</em></p>

Family & Pets

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How to get a real taste of Fiji on Denarau Island

<p>If you're heading to Fiji for a holiday, chances are you'll soon find yourself on Denarau Island.</p> <p>It's a tourist trap, and for good reason. Located less than a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, Denarau is home to eight major resorts, perched along the beach like trophy wives.</p> <p>This is the Fiji cliché. It's where you'll be sitting by the pool, one hand holding a cocktail, the other scribbling "wish you were here" on a postcard. If you're not careful, you will quickly turn into a pampered brat.</p> <p>So here are four things worth leaving the confines of your resort for.</p> <p><strong>Eat</strong></p> <p>I know, you didn't splash out on a luxury holiday just to cook your own meals. But the <a href="http://www.flavoursoffiji.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Flavours of Fiji cooking school</span></strong></a> lets you whip up a seven-course feast of Fijian and Indian dishes – and best of all, you get the recipes to take home with you.</p> <p>We each get our own cooking station, and are led by Ethee, the Fijian instructor, and Arti, who takes the Indian portion of the class. The women refer to us throughout the class as "fellow cooks", which is a very generous assessment when it comes to my skill level. Luckily, Ethee and Arti are on hand to help with every step as we dice, chop and simmer our way through the three-hour lesson, producing ika vakalolo (fish in coconut cream) and rourou (boiled taro leaves).</p> <p>We also make dhal soup and chicken and potato curry, accompanied by handmade roti. My favourite dishes are the desserts – tavioka vakalolo (cassava in coconut cream) and coconut barfi (Indian fudge). The cassava balls are drenched in a rich caramel sauce, and the barfi tastes exactly like a Mackintosh's toffee. We leave with full bellies, and the sweet satisfaction of having well and truly earned our lunch.</p> <p><strong>Drink</strong></p> <p>If you like pina coladas, then you'd better pay a visit to the <a href="http://fijirumco.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fiji Rum Co store</span></strong></a>, which is located at the Denarau Golf and Raquet Club, opposite the Sheraton Resort. Fiji and rum are a match made in heaven – the spirit's main ingredient, molasses, is made from sugar cane, which is grown organically throughout the island nation. Fresh, pure water is abundant, and the humid climate is perfect for maturing the beverage, giving it a complex flavour.</p> <p>And flavour is what you get – everything from white chocolate, to coffee, to coconut (essentially a pina colada in a bottle). The store offers tastings of each of its rums for a small fee, and it's not long before I'm ferrying home a bottle of banana rum liqueur in my suitcase.</p> <p><img width="500" height="259" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/22088/image-fiji-one-_500x259.jpg" alt="Image Fiji One -"/></p> <p><strong>Explore</strong></p> <p>A shuttle picks us up from our resort to take us to the town of Sigatoka, just over an hour's drive from Denarau. It's home to the <a href="http://www.sigatokariver.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sigatoka River Safari</span></strong></a>, where we experience a wild jetboat ride with the charismatic "Captain Jack" (whose real name is actually Josh).</p> <p>Captain Jack, who completed his jetboat training in New Zealand, keeps up a steady stream of banter – or "bula-shit", as he calls it – as we cruise down the river. "You see that mountain? The movie Avatar was filmed there," he informs us, deadpan as anything. He's also a big fan of 360-degree spins, and soon has us all soaked and squealing. I'm sitting next to the captain, and am accidentally flung against him as we round a particularly sharp corner. He makes a big show of pretending I have thrown myself at him, telling the rest of the boat in a stage whisper: "I hope my girlfriend doesn't find out." But it's not all thrills and spills.</p> <p>There are 52 villages along Sigatoka River, which stretches 120 kilometres. The River Safari works with a dozen of these villages, with a portion of the ticket price going back to them to help out with various community projects. The tour visits a different village every day on a rotating roster so they aren't constantly overrun with tourists.</p> <p>We pull up to the river bank to visit the village of Vunarewa, where we take part in a traditional kava ceremony and enjoy a shared lunch of sausages, chicken, pikelets and fresh fruit. Then it's time for dancing. A pair of beautiful little girls who have more rhythm than I could ever dream of possessing take me by the hand and whirl me around, as the local men have a jam session on the ukuleles.</p> <p>There couldn't be a more stark contrast between Vunarewa, which has no electricity and consists of a few ramshackle huts, and the glossy resorts of Denarau. But this tiny glimpse into the villagers' way of life offers a hint as to why Fiji is considered one of the happiest countries on earth. The smiles on our faces remain long after we leave.</p> <p><img width="499" height="265" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/22087/image-fiji-two_499x265.jpg" alt="Image Fiji Two"/></p> <p><strong>Play</strong></p> <p>If you've relaxed yourself into a stupor at your resort, perhaps you need to seek some thrills. It won't take long to find them at <a href="http://www.adrenalinfiji.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Adrenalin Fiji</span></strong></a>, the country's largest provider of watersports and adventure activities.</p> <p>The giant, rainbow parachutes dancing high above the waters around Denarau soon catch our eye, and look like just the sort of thing that our group - who are more Bridget Jones than Bear Grylls – might be able to handle. We jump on the back of a boat, and nervously wait to lose our parasailing virginity.</p> <p>The boat boys click us into a tandem harness, and we are swept up 200 metres into the sky. We soar over the turquoise waters, looking out over the Mamanuca Islands, and down on tiny Denarau, with its perfectly manicured resort grounds and swimming pools.</p> <p>After 10 glorious airborne minutes, the driver decides it's time to start lowering us down – even from that far up, we can see his cheeky grin glinting in the sun. Sure enough, he's sending us into the drink. We squeal as our legs hit the water, but he hoists us right back up again.</p> <p>It's a fitting metaphor, in some ways. On Denarau, I feel like I've only scratched the surface of Fiji – but it's still a great place to dip your toes in.</p> <p>Have you ever been to Fiji? What was your experience like? Do you think you’d like to go back? Please share your story in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Siobhan Downes. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/03/a-personal-paradise-on-dolphin-island/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>A personal paradise on Dolphin Island</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/03/fiji-travel-story-siobhan-downes/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Learning to relax on Fiji time</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2015/12/best-countries-to-visit-in-2016/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Top 10 countries to visit in 2016</strong></em></span></a></p>

International Travel

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Learning to relax on Fiji time

<p>I'm in the middle of the ocean and for some reason it smells like freshly baked pizza. We're crashing through choppy waters in a longboat on our way to Cloud 9, a floating bar located on Ro Ro Reef in Fiji's Mamanuca Islands.</p> <p>Thankfully, I've remembered to take my Sea-Legs. But any hint of nausea soon fades away when, out of nowhere, a two-level pontoon appears. It is blasting Michael Jackson and Wham! and other cheesy 80s hits. It is emitting the curious pizza fragrance from a massive wood-fire oven, where you can order a slice to line your tummy before making your selection from the fully stocked bar. It is, in short, paradise.</p> <p>We are hoisted up onto the bar, and I choose the naughtily-named Sex on Cloud 9 cocktail. I sit back savouring the view as fellow patrons practise their diving skills off the top deck, and snorkel in the turquoise waters below. That's not just a travel cliche, by the way. The sea which holds the Mamanucas is the brightest blue I have ever seen.</p> <p>Splash! I accidentally knock my cocktail off the edge of the bar, sending it flying overboard. I watch guiltily as it drifts away, and vow to make a donation to the sea turtles later.</p> <p>It's my first time in Fiji and I can't believe how much I am enjoying myself. I had always thought I wasn't a suitable candidate for an island holiday. I can't swim. I am more or less allergic to the sun. And the thought of wearing a bikini induces great anxiety (my flatmate caught me trying to sneak a pair of boardshorts into my suitcase and told me sternly, "you absolutely cannot wear those").</p> <p>But against all odds I have found my happy place at Tropica Island Resort, an adults-only haven nestled in a private bay on Malolo Island. It's less than a two hour catamaran cruise from Port Denarau Marina, but the change of pace is so immediately obvious that you could be light-years away from the bustling tourist strip.</p> <p>"Bula!" As we glide into shore, the resort staff are waiting on the pier to greet us with a song. "Welcome home. You're on Fiji time now."</p> <p>Fiji time is a concept that visitors to the archipelago will come to be very familiar with. It means time is irrelevant - things will simply get done when they get done. It goes hand in hand with another popular Fijian phrase, "sega na lega" - no worries. It's basically a Type-A personality's worst nightmare.</p> <p>Losing all sense of time has its benefits, however. Happy hour at the resort's sunset bar on the water's edge can very easily turn into happy hours, sipping White Lady cocktails - an order which elicits a giggle from the waitress - and watching the sky put on a dreamy technicolour show of purples and oranges.</p> <p>Fiji time is also an excuse to laze around in my beachfront bure. Tropica has 12 of these postcard-perfect thatched roof villas, which each have balconies complete with a romantic porch swing overlooking the ocean. Every bure also has its own secluded little garden with a selection of sun loungers and hammocks beneath the palm trees.</p> <p>I become quite attached to my hammock, until one morning I emerge from my bure to find a rock-hard coconut has landed beside it - just inches from where my head would have been. I hesitate for just a moment, glancing at the ominously wobbly palms above. Sega na lega, I think to myself, climbing back in. Death by coconut wouldn't be the worst way to go.</p> <p>It's only been two days, but I can't believe how much Fiji has changed me.</p> <p>If you do find yourself experiencing cabin fever, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the island, with an activity shed well-stocked with water toys and all kinds of fun to be had with the friendly staff - everything from cooking demonstrations to crab racing to coconut bowling.</p> <p>For an extra charge, the resort can also arrange offshore excursions, like a visit to the heavenly Cloud 9 - about a half hour ride away in the longboat - or a day trip to Mondriki, the uninhabited island where the Tom Hanks blockbuster Castaway was filmed.</p> <p>Feeling adventurous, we head out in the boat on a snorkelling safari, and I am forced to face my fear of the water. One of my mates at the resort has sorted me out with a noodle so I can float, and after a few false starts, I realise it is actually possible to put your head under without inhaling gulps of salty water up your snorkel.</p> <p>I'm pretty chuffed with this new skill, and spend the next hour drifting above the coral in a meditative state, enjoying a rainbow of tropical fish with punky orange eyelashes and pointy noses.</p> <p>Back at Tropica, I only feel slightly guilty about my fishy friends as I select the beautifully fresh catch of the day for lunch - snapper - which is followed by a fruity Peach Melba for dessert. I waddle back to my hammock and fall into a food-induced slumber.</p> <p>Even more relaxation can be found by participating in a kava ceremony. There had been much build-up to our encounter with this potent Pacific crop, which Fijians dry out, crush into powder and combine with water to produce a drink known as "grog".</p> <p>Sunny, one of the resort's charismatic entertainment boys, surveys our group with a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he prepares the kava bowl. "Is it your first time?"</p> <p>Unlike alcohol, which gets a party started, kava works to calm a party down. After a few bowls, a boisterous crowd can be reduced to a blissful stupor, thanks to its sedative properties. Kava can also be taken in tablet form to treat anxiety - the idea is that it melts all of your worries away. You can get these from most souvenir shops. I may or may not have stocked up.</p> <p>It's completely normal to lose all feeling in your tongue when drinking kava, Sunny assures. "You'll transfer that numbness from your tongue to your brain, from your brain all over your body, and you'll be just fine.</p> <p>"You'll be on Fiji time, no rush."</p> <p>When receiving your bowl, it's customary to clap once and say "bula", before drinking it all in one gulp. After handing the bowl back, you clap thrice to show your appreciation.</p> <p>Kava tastes about as unappealing as it looks - like water that has been used to clean filthy socks. But there is no doubt the effect is pleasing, and before long, my tongue is tingling and I feel utterly at peace. I glide back to my bure, pausing along the way to have a delightful conversation with a frog. As I sink into bed, I feel as though I am being rocked gently by the ocean waves. It's the best sleep I've ever had.</p> <p>Possibly the best thing about kava is that it leaves no hangover, which is just as well, considering the next morning we are making our glamorous exit from the island - in a helicopter.</p> <p>Under normal circumstances, I would be terrified. But for some reason, I can't wipe the grin off my face as the resort staff serenade us for the final time, while the whirring of the chopper blades grows louder. Then it's up, up and away from our tropical paradise. In the blink of an eye, we have soared over the glittering Mamanucas and are hovering above Denarau Island.</p> <p>"Welcome back to DenaVegas," the pilot says.</p> <p>Maybe I've gotten too much sun. Or perhaps it's the kava. But my introduction to Fiji has ended on a literal high.</p> <p>In fact, you could say I'm floating on Cloud 9.</p> <p>The writer travelled courtesy of Tourism Fiji and Tropica Island Resort.</p> <p>Written by Siobhan Downes. First appeared on <strong><a href="http://www.Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></a></strong>. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/a-look-inside-first-class-cabins/">Inside 8 first class cabins that will amaze you</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/most-photographed-locations-in-london/">London’s 8 most photographed locations</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/holiday-ideas-for-animal-lovers/">8 holiday ideas every animal lover needs to experience</a></em></strong></span></p>

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