Page 15 - Explore - Autumn/Winter 2019

ith no particular plans for Christmas we decided to are stunning. For those who wanted you could swim in the cool
head to Fiji and experience a Blue Lagoon Cruises clear waterholes and even dive underwater between one cave and
W adventure in the Yasawa Islands. Our experience began another. It was pitch black but the Fiji Princess crew were there to
with two nights on the main Island of Viti Levu where we took the guide you and it really was a memorable adventure.
opportunity to do a day trip to the recently opened Malamala
Beach Club on Malamala Island, a short 25 minutes by fast That evening we went ashore to Tamasua Village where the village
prepared and cooked a seafood dinner for the guests. We were
catamaran from Port Denarau. What a great way to spend a day
away from the tourist mecca of the Denarau hotel strip. seated cross-legged on mats, Fijian-style, and it was truly an
authentic experience. The local village children helped the adults
Malamala Beach Club primarily caters for adults and in addition to with serving and clearing. Chairs were available for those who
its gorgeous turquoise-blue waters there is an infinity pool and a weren’t comfortable sitting on the ground and guests were provided
great bar and restaurant where you can dine barefoot while enjoying options if they did not want seafood. The food was delicious and
the ocean views and breezes. If Beach Club beats are your thing straight from the sea. After dinner we were again treated to some
hang around the pool/bar area. If you want a more tranquil time, emotionally rousing Fijian entertainment and on return to the vessel
there is plenty of space to find your peace. Better still, rent one there was the option to watch the classic movie, Blue Lagoon,
of the cabanas on the quiet side of the island and enjoy the butler starring Brooke Shields, which was filmed in the Yasawa Islands.
service with food and drinks delivered to your private haven.
Christmas day was so relaxing with
Late morning on Christmas Eve we checked in for our Blue Lagoon breakfast, lunch and dinner served
cruise at Port Denarau. As we were on a 4-night itinerary we were
transferred by a fast cat to meet the Fiji Princess in the Yasawa on-shore under the shade. There was a
Islands. There are 3, 4 and 7-night options and the vessel only full bar kiosk set up on the beach and
returns to Port Denarau each Friday.
breakfast including eggs your way and
The transfer out was very comfortable, and we were offered delicious Christmas cake to finish.
complimentary drinks and canapés on the way. We boarded the
Fiji Princess at anchor in a bay in the Sacred Islands just south of the On our final full day, we set sail after breakfast for Drawaqa Island.
Yasawas and shortly after set sail for Nanuya Island where we would On arrival there was an informative presentation from a marine
stay for the next two nights. The vessel’s stern was tied to a coconut biologist primarily about coral reefs and the significant conservation
palm tree on the beach and we were able to jump or dive off the work that is in play to protect the reefs. Options for the afternoon
back of the boat and swim in to the beach – we loved that freedom. included hand-line fishing, scuba or snorkelling trips. We chose
Of course, there were also on-demand transfers by tender for the the snorkelling trip. I have snorkelled on reefs in most of the Pacific
short distance to the beach. Blue Lagoon Cruises owns part of this Islands and elsewhere and I have to say this was spectacular. The
island so much of the area was reserved for the private use of Blue reef is in very good condition with a beautiful array of colourful
Lagoon guests. The beach and surrounds were stunning and kayaks, live corals and reef fish. The crew had set up umbrellas and
snorkelling gear and paddle boards were available for those who refreshments on a beach on Drawaqa Island and it was just a magic
wanted them.
day. Our final night was a barbecue dinner under the stars on the
The vessel’s stern was tied to a coconut Sky Deck of the ship followed by last-night madness with a disco and
palm tree on the beach and we were dancing in the Lounge bar. It was great fun.
able to jump or dive off the back of the The next morning we were back in Port Denarau saying goodbye to
new friends and being serenaded with the traditional Fijian farewell
boat and swim in to the beach – we song, Isa Lei, by the delightful crew. Happy, relaxed and tanned we
loved that freedom. headed back home to New Zealand.

Christmas day was so relaxing with breakfast, lunch and dinner
served on-shore under the shade. There was a full bar kiosk set up
on the beach and breakfast including eggs your way and delicious
Christmas cake to finish. Lunch was a barbecue and dinner a Fijian
lovo feast including turkey which made it feel like Christmas, Island-
style. The Christmas desserts, prepared on board the ship, were
exceptionally good with one of the best pavlovas I have ever eaten
– and I have eaten a few – plus another Christmas cake! Any fears we
held about missing out on traditional Christmas fare were allayed.
The Christmas dinner was followed by a meke, a traditional Fijian
entertainment from the local villagers.
The next day, Boxing Day morning, we had the option of a hike across
the Island which was well worthwhile, including a stop at Lo’s Tea
House with delicious fresh baking and for me, a local lemon tea. In
the afternoon we set sail for a visit to the Sawa-I-Lau Caves, which

David Libeau, helloworld Travel General Manager – Marketing, celebrated the festive season in a
non-traditional way with turkey and Christmas cake on a private Fijian beach.

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL : EXPLORE : AUTUMN/WINTER EDITION 13