Somewhere Wonderful in Fiji Is Waiting

Fiji is one of the best places on earth to go snorkelling and scuba diving, and where better than one of the largest barrier reefs in the world? Home to countless species, from tuna and marlin to giant trevally, sharks and manta rays, this is a cornucopia of colour and marine life. The reef predominantly surrounds Kadavu Island, and its distance from large populations of people has ensured the coral diversity remains unspoilt. Also, visibility is excellent, and its cosy Pacific environment means the water temperature is perfect for underwater exploration.

While there are several magical national parks across Fiji – we recommend Bouma National Heritage Park and Colo-I-Suva Forest Park for forests, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails – there are none quite like Sigatoka, not least because it’s one of the smallest national parks in the world, at just 1.77sqkm (0.68sqmi). The fine greyish-brown sand here rises as high as 60m (197ft), formed by coastal erosion for thousands of years. Its ancient status has made it a rich archaeological site, with excavations revealing ancient pottery, stone tools and even human remains.

This eye-catching landmark is the largest Hindu temple in the Pacific and lies south of Nadi, a city on the main island. The multicoloured spectacle boasts Dravidian architecture, which is incredibly rare outside India. Indeed, the wooden artefacts adorning the building’s dramatic rooftop were brought over from India specifically for this spiritual hub. Take plenty of pictures from the outside, but remember this is a profoundly spiritual, religiously important place. So, treat it with respect, take off those shoes and follow the rules set out by the temple custodians.

Divers, take note. This extremely well-priced resort on the small island of Nanuya Balavu is home to the only accredited freediving operator in Fiji, which runs two- and three-day courses from an island surrounded by coral and, unsurprisingly, manta rays. More than 7,000 species of fish live in the area, and expert instructors can take divers of all levels to caves, walls, caverns, pinnacles and coral gardens via drift dives, night dives and many more underwater adventures. The resort itself caters for every budget, with cheap dorms, treehouse bures (a hut similar to a cabin), reef bures and beachfront villas.

This dreamy island retreat is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for peace and tranquillity. Explore the rich volcanic vegetation on the island, relax on the curved white-sand beaches or snorkel in the crystalline waters of the Pacific. At the resort, there’s an infinity pool, a tennis court, a cocktail bar and a high-quality restaurant dealing in international and Fijian-inspired cuisine. The treetop spa offers treatments, including deep-tissue massages, with mesmerising ocean views. There are 47 rooms to choose from – 10 stand-alone beachfront villas, 24 beachfront bures and 13 garden-view resort rooms. We recommend booking a villa or bure if you can; they all come with an outdoor shower, a plunge pool and a romantic thatched gazebo.

Stay in the heart of the second-largest city in Fiji and book a stay at this surprisingly budget-friendly hotel. With two pools, a spa, a gym, a restaurant and a bar, the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel provides its guests with all the modern luxuries you’d expect. The 92 well-appointed rooms are spacious and airy, with subtle yet stylish furnishings that tastefully nod to Fijian culture. Meanwhile, the seaside location keeps you close to a range of excellent beaches and snorkelling waters, or you can head farther inland to Koroyanitu National Park, which is less than an hour away.

Fiji meets Italy at this laid-back beach restaurant. It’s an open, ocean-facing shack, built mostly out of bamboo and offers some of the best grub on the island. You can get delicious coffee and traditional Fijian fare made with fresh produce, but we highly recommend the wood-fired pizzas. So, grab yourself a few slices, bring your own beers and sit on the decking as the sun sets over the Pacific. Bliss.

Head to the Warwick Fiji hotel on the Coral Coast to find one of the most picturesque restaurants in Fiji. Romance is well and truly in the air at Wicked Walu, with an atmospherically lit indoor setting and a postcard-worthy outdoor decking area, perfect for sunset spotting with a glass of wine. It also happens to be the most highly rated seafood restaurant in the country, which is no mean feat when you’re on an island with a population that has been catching and eating fish for centuries.

Tokoriki Island Resort houses a uniquely intimate restaurant that every visitor in Fiji has to try. The bure-set restaurant can only seat four couples, meaning the atmosphere is relaxed, and the highly trained chefs and staff can tailor your experience to you. The food is extremely authentic teppanyaki dining, with a small but mouth-watering menu that is as entertaining to watch being made as it is to taste for yourself.