Page 16 - Explore Magazine Spring 2016
P. 16

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                        A FIJI SAMPLER







          A scenic helicopter ride, a touch or two of culture, awesome manta rays and bobbing on the ocean at sunset.
               Explore Editor Tracey Mehrtens samples some of Fiji’s best holiday experiences in just seven days.



                                                                        DAY 1 DENARAU
                                                                        First stop after touchdown is the Hilton Fiji Beach
                                                                        Resort & Spa at Denarau, a classy way to start the
                                                                        trip before heading further afield to the Mamanuca
                                                                        Islands to the west of Nadi and the Yasawa Islands to
                                                                        the north. Renowned as a “flop and drop” destination,
                                                                        Fiji offers this style of holiday in expert style, but there
                                                                        are also plenty of other layers to a visitor experience.
                                                                        As a self-confessed lover of mainland Fiji I was looking
                                                                        forward to seeing a bit more of the island nation
                                                                        beyond the popular hubs of Denarau and Nadi. Before
                                                                        leaving Denarau, a taste of local food was definitely
                                                                        called for at Tu’s Place, a cheerful establishment on
                                                                        the main road between Nadi Airport and Nadi Town.
                                                                        Frequented by locals and visitors alike and open for
                                                                        all-day dining, the restaurant is co-owned by Fijian Tu
                                                                        and his Kiwi partner Ian, and the menu is a fusion of
                                                                        Fijian and international dishes with more than a taste
                                                                        bud tickler of spicy, locally grown chillies – don’t be
                                                                        fooled by their size! Some of the highlights on the menu
                                                                        include kokoda (marinated raw fish, Fijian-style), Thai
                                                                        curries and local favourites such as rourou (taro leaves)
                                                                        and lolo (fish cooked in coconut milk). All are best
                                                                        washed down with a refreshing “Fiji baby” – locally
                                                                        brewed Fiji Bitter beer.





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