Escaping to Fiji
Naisali Island
By Chris Millikan
 Over two glorious weeks we’d scrambled in-and-out of tiny
eight-passenger planes and on-and-off powerful motor launches, island hopping
and sightseeing around some of Fiji’s far-flung islands. My hubby Rick and I
wrap up our remarkable whirlwind discovery tour on Naisali Island.
Three-minutes across a sheltered lagoon by boat, this
105-acre, palm-fringed private island bordered by mangroves brings us further
new experiences as we explore around Nadi-town on ‘mainland’ Viti-Levu and
Sonaisali resort itself.
 On our first magical evening, we set sail on a romantic
Sunset Cruise, boarding a sleek white catamaran from the sandy beach. Cruising
offshore at a leisurely pace, we and several other couples nibble seafood snacks
and fresh-cut veggies; warm evening breezes blow softly as we go. When the sun
slowly drops lower over the calm waters, pinks, reds and purples streak clear
skies with splendour; our hostess fills delicate flutes with crisp sparkling
champagne. Several times we all toast the good life in Fiji’s paradise.
Next afternoon our bula-shirted driver taxi-tours us around
Nadi’s finest. Bustling shops, cafes and locally made handicraft outlets parade
along mainstreet. “Not so long ago this city was a little community of farmers
and shopkeepers,” he remarked, “but the international airport…and
tourism…quickly made it Fiji’s third largest city.”
 Irresistible scenarios unfold: fields where third and
fourth generation farmers hand-harvest and stack dusty cane onto flat
train-car-beds. Overloaded yellow and red sugarcane trains puffing laboriously
along narrow tracks criss-crossing the highway, slowly pulling loads to Lautoka,
Fiji’s sugar city. Glistening bullocks plow tiny cassava plots; smiling women in
floral sulus sell sweet oranges from rustic roadside stands.
On the edge of downtown towers an artistic Hindu temple
saturated with colour, one of Nadi's most visible landmarks. Largest of its type
in the southern hemisphere, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the centre of
worship for Fiji's Hindu community. Back on the island we relax and unwind in
the peaceful ambience of our spacious beach bure set amid lush tropical gardens.
 One afternoon while Rick joins one of the daily snorkeling
trips to renowned Malolo Barrier Reef and snorkels among fish rainbows and
exotic corals, I soak in the private spa on our veranda, enjoying uninterrupted
ocean views. When he returns, we choose an activity from a wide range of water
and land sports…trying out a pedal-boat. We splash and laugh up and down the
beach in golden sunshine.
Later that evening, string-band-island-rhythms float upon
perfumed breezes around the pretty pool. Sipping on our turquoise, pink and
apple green cocktails, we chitchat with newfound friends about the charm of
Fiji’s welcoming, friendly people, spectacular sunsets and clear turquoise
waters.
Joining others for dinner under the stars, we drift toward
elegant tables set on white sugar-sands amid blazing tiki-torches. Beneath the
stately palms, uniformed chefs stand behind brazier-banks, poised to parade
sizzling delicacies our way. Surprising satays, local seafood, lamb, crisp
salads utilizing greens and tomatoes grown right there…and chunky
root-vegetables…keep everyone busily munching, savouring and licking their
fingers. Effusive toasts and rollicking hilarity launch new rounds as perfect
wines splash smoothly into goblets: crisp Rieslings temper spicy tidbits;
aromatic Pinot Noirs follow cold, refreshing Chardonnays.
Post-dinner ennui enveloped us…until we spy a
flower-decorated table filled with beautiful desserts and specialty coffees.
Grinning broadly, uniformed pastry-chefs call out merrily, “ Bula! Bula!” and
assist us with little tarts, cakes and creamy puddings… ending our last
wonderful days on a sweet note.
Flying home from Nadi International Airport we know we’ll
soon return to this beautiful island nation for more servings of warm
hospitality and enjoyable experiences.
Travel Planner:
Flying to Fiji: Air Pacific
www.airpacific.com
Very Sweet Suite Accommodations; Sonaisali Resort
www.sonaisali.com
Touring Fiji: Rosie The Travel Service
www.fijifvb.gov.fj or phone 679 722 755 |
