Page 17 - Explore Magazine Spring 2016

DAY 2 NATADOLA BEACH, CORAL COAST
The drive from Nadi Town towards the Coral Coast takes 15
you into the countryside past fields of sugar cane to
Natadola Beach, a popular spot with surfers and voted
one of the best beaches in the world. Once you set eyes
on it you will see why: its curve of white sand offers a
tranquil escape from the busy pace of Denarau. With
just two hotels to choose from, Yatule Resort & Spa at
Natadola Beach is a small, secluded resort with Fijian-
style bure accommodation either overlooking the beach
or lagoon-style pool. Nearby Natadola Bay Championship
Golf Course is very popular with guests, its sea views
providing a stunning backdrop to every game.
DAYS 3 & 4 MUSKET COVE, MAMANUCA ISLANDS
A short helicopter island-hop lands you in Musket Cove
in the Mamanuca Islands, a chain of 20 islands not far
offshore from Nadi and Denarau that can also be reached
easily by boat. Musket Cove Island Resort is an all-time
Kiwi favourite with holidaymakers as well as yachties,
its marina bustling with boats mooring for a few days to
stock up on supplies – and of course for a drink or two
at the famous Musket Cove Yacht Club Island Bar which
sits proudly on its own little island. It’s the perfect place
for a sunset drink. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters
in the Mamanucas is always a treat and at low tide the
sand bar just off the resort is a spectacular snorkelling
and sunbathing spot. There is always ample time to get to
know the colourful reef fish and enjoy a picnic on the sand.
DAYS 5 & 6 PARADISE COVE, YASAWA ISLANDS
On the move and in the air again, a short seaplane
transfer glides you right onto the beach at Paradise
Cove Resort in the Yasawa Islands. Coral reefs, swaying
palm trees and islands unfurl beneath the plane as it
approaches and circles the island to spot turtles basking
along the shoreline. It’s a perfect welcome to the outer
islands. The Yasawas offer a true slice of Fijian culture and
hospitality. While they’re a bit of a boat trip away from
the mainland they are also easily reached by seaplane
or helicopter and well worth it. Paradise Cove Resort
certainly lives up to its name. Nestled along a white sandy
bay, the accommodation bures are spacious and feature
open-air bathrooms set amongst leafy tropical vegetation
that make for a magical outdoor shower experience.
Some oceanfront bures also feature their own luxurious
plunge pools overlooking the sea. There are activities
and sightseeing aplenty: a visit to nearby Soso Village is
colourful, fun and bursting with singing, clapping and lots
of smiles. Most of the resort’s staff live at the village and
travel to and from work by boat. Paradise Cove’s head
chef crafts his menu around the available seasonal fruit
and produce, most of which is grown locally. The “catch of
the day” is purchased exclusively from the villagers every
day. The food here is some of the best in the Yasawas.
For sightseeing, the gigantic manta rays are a highlight.
Seasonal visitors to the islands, these gliding plankton-
eaters drift in the channels between the islands to
feed, and swimming amongst them is an unforgettable
spectacle. If you are not keen to do that, they can also
be seen just below the surface from above the water. For
a perfect close to the day, grab an inner tube and a cold
bevvy for a relaxing bob around on the ocean as the sun
slips below the horizon.
DAY 7 DENARAU
My time of exploring Fiji and some of its lesser-known
secrets draws to a close and it’s time to head back to the
mainland for one last night. It’s been a bit of whirlwind
trip, but a true taste of Fiji beyond its usual flop and drop
persona. I’ll definitely be back for more.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SPRING EDITION