2025 is in full swing and most of us are back at work after summer break, so of course, it's time to book in another holiday.
Before we know it, daylight savings will be slipping away and the weather will turn - but it's not all bad, because we happen to live very close to a bunch of tropical islands. Fiji is an obvious choice - in fact, they welcomed a record-breaking 225,926 Kiwi guests last year. Packed with stunning scenery, fun activities and the world's friendliest locals, we know it and we love it - but there are a few common misconceptions about Fijian getaways. I recently spent a few nights in the island paradise, and I un-learned a lot of clichés, so here are my top tips.
You can visit fancy resorts and use their facilities without actually staying there
We've all watched the Instagram stories of rich influencers island-hopping and staying at a different resort every few days and wished we could do the same, right? Well, it's kind of easier than you think.
I joined a shark snorkelling excursion that left from Denarau in the morning and took me to Kuata Island - not only did I have an epic time making friends with reef sharks, but I was able to spend a good three hours soaking up the vibes of the island's Barefoot Resort. I made myself at home on the day beds, walked on the white sand and pulled up at the beach bar - no one would ever know I wasn't a paying guest!
You can also get day passes to Malamala Beach Club, where you can eat and drink in the restaurant and enjoy the pool, or get a more rustic experience spending the day on Tivua Island doing kava ceremonies, cruising on a glass-bottomed boat or kicking back on the beach with all-inclusive drinks.
You don't need to go in a couple or a group
I did four nights in Fiji completely on my own, and it was a vibe! I was nervous that I'd stick out like a sore thumb or have no one to talk to, but I made so many friends, and also LOVED having the alone time.
Almost anywhere you stay or visit in Fiji is going to offer some group activity or cultural experience, and there's no better way to break the ice with your fellow travellers. Plus, they're genuinely awesome. I was made honorary 'chief' at the kava ceremony I joined at Tropica Resort, and our guide Ziggy sang and played guitar for us all while we chatted, feeling a little *wavy*.
Don't get me wrong, I love kids, but the fact that Fiji has a bunch of adults-only resorts, like Tropica, really helps when you're trying to chill solo. Get a massage, grab a book and just make sure you have a funny answer prepared for the odd 'where's your husband?' question.
You can save big by staying in an apartment
Planning a trip to Fiji can often involve scrolling through endless resort websites that all look the same, trying to work out location and compare value. I was really surprised to find you can enjoy all the epic things about Fiji while staying in an apartment near the port, giving you amazing access to all the islands and not skipping on creature comforts.
The Palms Denarau still has a lush pool and tropical gardens, but it's not a sprawling beachfront property you never leave. Their apartments are super well kitted out and there's an onsite cafe/restaurant with modern Pacific cuisine, but the real benefit is the location. The Denarau ferry terminal is a three minute stroll, setting you up to join any day trip that takes your fancy. The port itself also has shops, cultural shows and great restaurants to check out - the Mexican spot called Mamacita's has banging tacos, margaritas and queso.
I'd never normally have considered an apartment in Fiji, but it's definitely worth considering, especially if you have a short trip and a lot planned! Let's be honest, no one really needs much convincing to book a trip to Fiji, but hopefully these little hacks will let you do it a bit differently next time! Monika travelled to Fiji as a guest of Tourism Fiji.
