Yes there is cheap babysitting, but Fiji has come a very long way. On a recent getaway to Fiji I was pleasantly surprised to find golden sands, beautiful weather, amazing day spas, some leading Australian restaurants now in operation and of course that casual friendly atmosphere that Fiji is known for. And to top all this off, it is only three hours from Brisbane to your hotel and then you are in paradise.
By complete coincidence, we started working with Moo Moo the Wine Bar and Grill in Brisbane and the Gold Coast the week before they launched their Fiji outpost at the Westin Island Resort and Spa, so I was lucky enough to also enjoy some Moo Moo Fiji hospitality while I was away.
Bringing some sparkle to the resorts in Denarau Island in Nadi are the new range of Australian restaurants – Joining Moo Moo’s famous Wagyu steak as a signature dish, is the Walu Kokoda, a local Fijian fish sourced fresh from local waters. Without a doubt, Moo Moo’s arrival is just what Fiji needed.
I can also recommend Cross at the Radisson – their fish curry is amazing. A trip to Daikoku was a pleasurable experience. I know what you are thinking – “sushi in Fiji”! And I was also judging by the outside of the building, which resembled an old building from the 80’s in the middle of Iraq, but the service was friendly and the sushi was extremely fresh and appetising. Sydney’s Flying Fish has also opened in the Sheraton Fiji and as a nod to their big sister restaurant, it does the chain proud. And if you want to mix with the locals in a casual atmosphere, Cardos on the water is the place to go. There is live music most nights, or in my case karaoke as I fancy myself a bit of a singer (no one else does) and a cheap and cheerful beverage and food selection.
I also had the chance to catch up with Bob and Libby from Naisoso Island. The master planned community currently under construction has just announced Peppers will manage their 5 star hotel, with construction to start in 2011.
Naisoso is located in tranquil Nadi Bay on the Western side of Fiji and encompasses 112 acres of freehold land including 3.5km of untouched, golden sands. Land has been divided into112 residential lots, including 50 marina berth plots averaging 1700 sq m and 45 beach plots averaging 2000 sq m.
Sitting by the ocean, outside my beach bungalow at the Sheraton Resort, sipping a cocktail and watching the sun go down is my idea of amazing – a few days of this and you don’t want to go home, trust me I can’t wait till my next visit.
So after being invited to Fiji 100 times and turning it down due to my incorrect preconceived notions, I will now be saying yes to any invitation I get to this beautiful country and you should too.
