10 days of salty hair, sandy feet and many naps under coconut trees. 📷: Kymberley O’Neill

I made it to 29-years-old before taking my first holiday to Fiji. As a matter of fact, I’ve made it to 29 without even taking a ‘holiday’. Every trip to date has been en-route to a new chapter, a relocation for study or for work.

The first morning of our Fijian holiday was spent taking a lesson in the local language, building the now foundation of our strong language abilities. We’ve since remembered the all important ‘Bula‘ (hello), which I’m sure everyone catches on with the moment the step off the plane as it’s something that is said and repeated (sometimes twice or more) every time you cross paths with another. ‘Vinaka‘ (thank you), and of course ‘Kerekere dua tale‘ (one more please). Although the official language of Fiji is English, learning a few words here and there to use along the way, in my eyes, always adds to the experience, connects you more with your surroundings, and adds to the memories.

Our stumble across Heniuwa became the holiday highlight. 📷:Kymberley O’Neill.

The following day, we ventured outside the compounds of the resort into the real Fiji. The closest village to us was Tagaqe and just so happened to have one of the best restaurants on the Coral Coast, possibly even the whole of Fiji as the table next to us had just driven all the way from Nadi. Taking in the spectacular views of the Coral Coast from Heniuwa while enjoying, easily the freshest and most satisfying meal and homemade ‘bush’ lemonade we will ever have, was certainly a highlight. From Coral Coast to plate.

Most days were spent playing hide and seek with the fish, though admittedly we were always the ones left seeking. 📷: Kymberley O’Neill

In the turquoise waters around the stunning South Pacific archipelago we were mesmerised but the abundance of life, Clown fish aggressively protecting their anemones , Trigger fish feeding on coral, Damselfish ducking in and out of their hiding spots. We also spotted Butterfly Fish, Angelfish and Moorish Idols. A lobster tucked away and a sizeable Blacktip Reef Shark. It didn’t matter whether we were on the Coral Coast or in the Mamanuca Islands where ever we were the waters were full of life.

Fiji has worked its way into a very special place in our travel log. The people are warm and welcoming, the ocean is vibrant and captivating, and life on island time is something we all need to follow every now and then.

If you would like to know more about our trip, or would like to share you experiences too please leave me a comment. Likewise if you are planning to book a holiday to Fiji in the near future please do not hesitate to get in touch.