Fiji, South Pacific

10 Feb

There are places that stay with you long after you’ve returned home — places where the air feels softer, the colours glow richer, and the pace of life slows to something deeply peaceful. Fiji is one of those places. From the moment we arrived in Tosuva, we felt as though we had stepped into a gentler rhythm of life, one filled with stories, culture, and tropical beauty in every direction.

Our journey began with a drive through the town of Tosuva, a drive that became an unexpected window into everyday Fijian life. We passed the local jail, the cement factory humming quietly in the background, and homes that proudly displayed memorials outside their doors. Each one seemed like a gentle tribute to family, to lineage, to the generations that came before.

And, of course, we noticed the dogs. Fiji’s dogs wander freely, but they aren’t stray — they belong to everyone. They trot confidently around town, loved and fed and gently cared for by the entire community. There’s something incredibly touching about that unspoken responsibility, a reminder of how connected and collective island life truly is.

Then, paradise revealed itself.. Nanuku Resort rose from the palms like a dream — tropical, tranquil, and impossibly beautiful.

From the moment we stepped into the resort, we were greeted by sweeping views over the bay, where tiny islands dotted the horizon like emerald jewels. Palm trees swayed lazily overhead, their leaves whispering in the warm breeze. The air was heavy with the scent of hibiscus, their bright petals used in decorations everywhere we walked.

The pool stole our hearts instantly — a shimmering, inviting blue, complete with a swim-up bar where the cocktails were as colourful as the sunsets. We stretched out on luxurious sunbeds, cocktails in hand, soaking up the sunshine and the soundtrack of the ocean.

Nanuku takes pride in honouring Maori and island traditions. Every activity, every welcome, every detail seemed carefully woven with cultural respect — from storytelling to music to the gentle artistry of their daily ceremonies.

Hidden amongst the palms and lush foliage sat the bubbling hot tub. From there, we sank into warm water while gazing out over long stretches of soft white sand. Palm trees leaned toward the sea as if reaching for the horizon. Sitting there, overlooking the bay, the world seemed to pause — everything still, peaceful, perfect.

Lunch was a celebration of Fiji’s culinary heritage. We feasted on traditional dishes — rich coconut-based curries, fresh seafood cooked in island spices, taro, cassava, and the ever-present lovo flavours that speak of earth, smoke, and tradition. The meal alone felt like a journey through Fijian culture.

As we enjoyed our drinks, we were serenaded by men in grass skirts, their harmonies drifting through the warm afternoon air. It was the perfect blend of hospitality and heritage — and it made the moment unforgettable.

From Nanuku, we made our way into Suva, Fiji’s lively capital. The first thing that caught our attention were the buses — completely open, without windows, letting the ocean breeze serve as natural air-conditioning. Children leaned out, laughing and chatting, utterly carefree. It made us smile and gave us a tender appreciation of the simple, joyful pace of island life.

The buildings in Suva tell their own stories. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart stood proudly among them — beautiful, imposing, and deeply significant to the community. Its architecture, its quiet presence, its place in local life all added to the vibrant tapestry of the city.

Fiji had a way of wrapping itself around us — with culture, beauty, warmth, and a sense of belonging. It was a day made of small wonders and breathtaking scenery, of gentle moments and unforgettable views. A place that felt both exotic and deeply comforting, all at once.

Fiji wasn’t just paradise — it was peace.Fiji is more than a destination — it’s a feeling.

2025-02