Imagine you’ve landed in paradise at Nadi International Airport and the preparation begins to take a dip in the clear indigo-colored South Pacific Ocean and sip a tropical cocktail or two while sunbathing on a beach on a private island. Welcome to Fiji! You’re likely excited for this dream vacation while unaware of the complete eudemonia you’re about to experience in this stunning island nation.
Here are three memorable Fijian experiences to anticipate:
Kava Ceremonies
Fiji’s visitors will have a chance to participate in at least one Kava ceremony. The gathering takes place in a small space with Fijian warriors wearing grass-like skirts called Sulu. The warriors sing, dance, and chant in celebration of welcoming guests or for other special occasions. During the ceremony, participants can drink kava, an herbal remedy made from the Piper methysticum plant native to the islands.
Warriors blend the kava powder with water and pass around a coconut-shaped shell to each guest to drink. The beverage is known to have a sedative effect. In my experience, it tastes like dirt, but each time I drank it I felt relaxed and slept well.
The kava ceremony is a traditional cultural ritual for encouraging social bonding, community connection, and a sense of well-being.
Immersive Culture
Bula, a popular word meaning more than just hello (it also means welcome, good health, and good life), is used byFijians to greet everyone, every day, all day. This four-letter word is therapeutic, as its connotation promotes positivity and aligns with the Fijian cultural motto, “Where happiness comes naturally.”
A Warrior Welcome is also common upon arrival to most islands and resorts in Fiji. A unique experience is at Barefoot Kuata Island Resort. A warrior stands on top of a mountain in the middle of the ocean welcoming guests with a spirit dance.
On other islands, visitors are greeted by a small group of locals with songs, and, of course, a big bula. It’s tradition for Fijians to also sing goodbye when guests depart.
In my opinion, the most authentic cultural experience takes place while touring a village. Guests wear sarongs and no hats to respect the village’s sacred customs. You can arrange a short walking tour or an overnight stay to learn about the village’s history and connect with the Fijian people.
Culinary Delights
If food is the way to your heart, then Fiji will win you over with its fresh and flavorful cuisines. I ate fish and seafood nearly every day because Fiji has plenty of it all, prepared grilled, steamed, and even smoked (my favorite!).
Fijian curries like Butter Chicken and Chicken Curry are popular dishes influenced by Indian cuisines with delicious blends of local ingredients and spices. Every meal is served with several options of exotic tropical fruit and seasonal vegetables.
A traditional cooking method in Fiji is lovo, an outdoor experience where Fijians dig a pit in the ground, add stones, light a fire, and cook a variety of fresh food. Visitors are invited to indulge in a lovo feast.
Fiji is more than rejuvenating, it’s a place where you’re told, “Welcome Home!”
For more about Fiji, visit www.tourismfiji.com.