On Friday 21 July, CW editor Julie Samaras caught Fiji Airways’ debut direct flight from Canberra to Nadi, heralding the first regular service from Canberra International Airport since March 2020. Julie spent three glorious days in Fiji, courtesy of Fiji Airways, before returning on the Tuesday morning flight to CBR, landing her back in the office by 1pm. Here are some highlights of her midwinter getaway to tropical Fiji, where happiness is a way of life.
Fiji Airways direct to Nadi
Fiji Airways’ new direct route between Canberra and Nadi is a game-changer for international travellers from the capital region, who’ve largely been funnelled through another airport, usually congested Sydney.
Now, in just four hours, you can be in tropical Fiji paradise. But your friendly Fiji experience starts the moment you board, as crew members welcome you with dazzling smiles and a heartfelt “bula!” (Once in Nadi, you can then catch Fiji Airways flights to an array of destinations in North America, Asia and the Pacific – a convenient option for Canberrans.) The return flight from NAN to CBR is around 4 hours 45 minutes.
Servicing the new route is the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 Max 8, an aircraft Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron describes as “right sized” for our market. It seats 170 passengers – eight in business class and 162 in economy – which also means the customs queues on departure and arrival at Canberra International Airport are short and fast.
Over dinner alfresco at Sofitel Fiji’s beachfront Solis Restaurant, Fiji Airways executives told me that Canberra travellers are different to other Australians, seeking experiences beyond resorts, such as adventure holidays.
Demand for the service suggests the decision to choose Canberra from a hotly contested field to become the award-winning airline’s fifth Australian destination, after Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, is sound. From 1 October, the twice weekly service linking CBR and NAN will expand to three times a week – Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Return ‘Lite’ fares in economy are priced from $726.
Rest assured that you’re in very good hands. Fiji Airways was recognised as the Skytrax Best Airline in Australia & the Pacific at the 2023 World Airline Awards, one of seven recent international accolades Fiji’s national airline has received.
You can also relax a little longer with their Resort Check-in service that allows guests to check into international Fiji Airways flights at selected resorts; you’re issued with your boarding pass, and bags are tagged and securely transported to the airport. At the airport, all you have to do is head straight for security and immigration. (Tried and tested: my bag made it safely back to Canberra.)
For fares and bookings, visit fijiairways.com/en-au
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Occupying a prime beachfront position in the beautifully manicured Port Denarau precinct a short drive from Nadi is the upscale Soiftel Fiji Resort and Spa, where our group stayed for three nights.
My well-appointed ground floor room was airy and luxurious, with a spacious ensuite and views to the beach across lush lawns studded with coconut palms. Clusters of bananas were ripening on trees just outside my door. Moments after entering my room, I was welcomed with a complimentary fresh coconut – along with another warm “bula!”
Sofitel Fiji caters for a range of holidaymakers, with a popular kids’ club for under 12s, a teen zone, the Waitui adults only beach club at the western end, and Republik nightclub.
There are plenty of activities and facilities to avail yourself of – or not. On our one free day, I participated in standup paddleboarding, kayaking, and a fun aqua aerobics class, and made time to relax poolside, read a book in a shady cabana by the beach, and watch a free in-room movie. I strolled to the nearby tourist hotspot of Port Denarau in under 15 minutes for a spot of shopping, though ended up buying traditional made-in-Fiji Bula shirts for my sons back at Sofitel. Although I didn’t visit them, the resort also has a fitness centre and an indulgent spa and hair salon.
Dining options are varied. I luxuriated in the impressive breakfast buffet at the Bazaar Kitchen & Bar each morning, bypassing the cereal and toast aisles for the fresh tropical fruit (papaya, pineapple, watermelon) and traditional Fijian and Indian options, such as steamed coconut Lolo buns, and taro leaf pinwheels with tamarind chutney. You can build your own traditional English fry-up or Asian breakfast soup, or choose from sushi, French pastries, European meats and cheeses – and even desserts. Plus barista coffee, tea, fruit juices, smoothies and fresh coconut water. Sit indoors or alfresco, or grownups can dine in the adjacent child-free pavilion.
La Parisienne Café, on the upper level near reception, offers a simple menu, ideal for a light breakfast, lunch or snack.
On the Sunday night, we secured a late 8.30pm dinner booking at Waitui Bar & Grill on the quiet western perimeter, which offers a la carte dining at its finest – like the menu at Solis Restaurant in the bustling central zone, where we enjoyed an exclusive three-course dinner with Fiji Airways executives on Monday, our last night in Fiji. The modern Fijian menu showcases plenty of fresh local produce, such as Yasawa lobster, Navua prawns, Pacific Ocean tuna, and Vuda pork. The flavours are exciting and well-balanced, and the dishes beautifully presented. Choosing one of the amazing desserts is challenging, but will not disappoint.
For Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa rates and bookings, visit sofitel-fiji.com
Tivua Private Island with Captain Cook Cruises
Saturday morning dawned sunny and warm (19oC minimum – chilly by local standards) as we headed to Port Denarau for an 8am departure on Captain Cook Cruises’ deluxe half-day island experience to Tivua Private Island. Greeted with a glass of bubbles, we boarded the high-speed transfer for the 30-minute trip to this small, white sandy island surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters – the epitome of a tropical paradise.
Greeted by a smiling Fijian ukulele player wearing a sulu and singing the traditional Bula Maleya welcome song, we walked down the private jetty to find our beachfront shade cabanas. Each was set for two guests, with fresh towels, recliners, a delicious brunch, fresh juices, champagne – and stunning ocean views. Bliss.
After a refreshing dip in the pristine waters where three resident baby sharks circled us, I circumnavigated our gorgeous isle in about 20 minutes. Accompanied by a qualified marine biologist, a group of us snorkelled over the healthy reef just offshore to observe a jaw-dropping variety of tropical fish and corals of all kinds.
The half-day experience (8am-11.30am) is limited to 30 adult guests, before the first day cruise arrives around 11.30am.The morning cruise is ideal for tourists seeking a luxurious island experience before departing Fiji on an evening flight same day.
Half-day cruise (adults only) priced from $449 FJD; transfers from Nadi hotels included. Day cruises priced from $224 FJD (accompanied child from $89 FJD). Bookings: email [email protected] or visit captaincookcruisesfiji.com
About Six Senses Fiji
While we didn’t stay overnight, our group of journos and travel writers was invited to Six Senses Fiji for a taste of this luxury eco resort which has a focus on sustainability and wellbeing. Located on idyllic Malolo Island, with sandy beaches and an aquamarine lagoon, Six Senses Fiji offers 24 beautifully appointed pool villas with private decks, and 11 multi-bedroom residences, each featuring a pool, kitchen, dining room and generous living spaces.
After a 45-minute boat trip from Port Denarau to the island, we stepped ashore to smiling staff singing Bula Maleya in perfect harmony. We then sipped refreshing mocktails poolside before a quick tour, stopping at the outdoor alchemy bar. Here, shaded by majestic ‘Vunabaka’ trees, we were guided through a session of creating our own body scrubs – hydrating or detoxing – from a selection of natural products, many grown at the resort. (My hydrating scrub used brown sugar, coconut flakes, fresh papaya, aloe vera, and noni oil. With no preservatives, it was used within 24 hours – and it was luscious!) Guests are invited to make their own beauty products that can be used in their choice of treatments at the resort’s magnificent spa.
Our delectable lunch at the Tovolea restaurant was enhanced by the glorious views overlooking the pool to the beach and sparkling ocean beyond. The modern menu celebrates fresh local ingredients, some grown onsite, served in exciting ways – such as delectable kokoda (coconut cream cerviche), tuna tartare, prawn and soba noodle salad. General manager Mark Kitchen revealed that Australia is the resort’s top market, followed by the US, and New Zealand, and a fast-growing Asian market.
After lunch, it was time for a complimentary spa treatment – either a massage or an ayurvedic health assessment. From the welcome lounge, my highly skilled therapist led me to one of the four treatment bures – our own private sanctuary – for an express yet relaxing 30-minute neck and shoulder massage. Herbal tea was served at the outdoor relaxation area, where I made use of the cold and hot plunge pools, steam room and waterfall shower.
Feeling rejuvenated, I followed the boardwalk through the Iguana Reserve, home to 39 critically endangered Fijian Crested iguanas, once thought extinct in the wild. An eagle-eyed staff member pointed one out, almost perfectly camouflaged among the leaves of a nearby tree. Remarkable! Conservation efforts at the resort have seen iguana numbers increase from 17 in 2018 to 39 (as of 2 August 2023).
Back at the pool, we took part in an energetic aqua aerobics session (other activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing), before heading to the ice-creamery for a refreshing treat. (My coconut and mixed berry sorbets hit the spot.) Then it was back to the jetty for a harmonious Isa Lei Fijian farewell song as we boarded the late afternoon boat to Port Denarau.
For further information, email [email protected] or visit sixsenses.com/en/resorts/fiji
What to pack
During our getaway in late July, Nadi’s winter weather sat in the 20s (min circa 20, max circa 28), it was fine and sunny with some cloud, and humidity around 60 per cent. My idea of Goldilocks weather – not too hot, not too humid, just right.
It’s easy to pack carryon only. I wore sneakers, capri pants, a light cotton shirt and a jacket on the plane, and packed sun-safe swimwear, a sarong, sunfrock, sunglasses, sunhat, sandals, [long] shorts, long-sleeve cotton shirts, and a kaftan. Simples! The resort supplied beach towels, bath towels, robe, slippers and essential toiletries, and Captain Cook Cruises supplied snorkels and fins, so no need for me to pack those items.
The Fijian people seem genuinely happy and friendly, and most speak English fluently. Beyond the resorts, it’s recommended to dress modestly. I experienced mixed emotions on my final morning – rejuvenated, and happy to have spent three glorious days (and four nights) in paradise, but sad to be leaving so soon. “Vinaka” (thank-you), Fiji.
Julie Samaras travelled to Fiji as a guest of Fiji Airways, named the Skytrax Best Airline in Australia & the Pacific at the 2023 World Airline Awards.
