Page 16 - Explore Magazine Spring 2016

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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.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SPRING EDITION