Fiji holidays: everything to love and look forward to

The startling clear waters of the Yasawa Islands are simply irresistible. Photo / Supplied

Earlier this year, Covid 19 raged in Fiji, leaving New Zealanders heartbroken watching the toll it took on such a beautiful nation. So many Kiwis have fond memories of holidays there, not only for the islands' physical beauty but for the warmth that emanates from its people everywhere, every day.

With cases now gradually – thankfully – falling, and October 10 marking Fiji Day, here we compile a selection of uplifting messages from Kiwis sending their support to one of our favourite island nations.

Fiji, we will see you soon.

Alexia Santamaria – Travel Writer

Dear Fiji, I miss you so much and my heart breaks for you in such a devastating situation. I've visited your islands many times - everywhere from Denarau to Suva to tiny fishing villages in Macuata. And every time I return thinking I should laugh more because Fijians seem to joke and smile and giggle over everything; what a beautiful way that is to live. I know many of you won't be so smiley as this terrible virus rips through your villages and towns, but please stay strong. One day this will all be over and you can welcome the world back to the sunniest, most wonderful place on earth. We can't wait to see your smiling faces when you do.

Favourite holiday spots
Where to start? Maybe Tokoriki Island - the resort is stunning and no one in the world gives massages like those Fijian ladies. I also love the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva - I was staying there when the Fijian Sevens team brought home gold from Rio de Janeiro - that display of national pride was unforgettable. Malamala Beach Club is a fab day trip from Denarau - and if you're ever near Vuda, Tukuni is the most incredible social enterprise restaurant serving authentic local cuisine and supporting communities.

Fijians seem to joke and smile and giggle over everything; what a beautiful way to live. Photo / Supplied

Seta Tamanivalu – Former All Black and Canterbury Crusader, Proud Fijian-Kiwi

Dear Fiji, Covid 19 has kept families apart for so long, and words can't express how much I miss my home, my family, and my friends - they haven't even seen my kids since they were born. In Fiji we say it takes a village to raise a child, because growing up, we all lived, played, worked, and grew together as part of a community. Once borders reopen safely, my partner Brittany and I will take our kids home to the beautiful Yasawa Islands in Western Fiji. It will be a homecoming. While they see my boys growing up through video calls, it's not the same as holding them for the first time. Many of my family and community have lost their jobs or income since Covid-19 closed borders. I'm grateful that Fijians are so resilient. Despite Covid-19, cyclones and storms every season, they get up and go again. It's that quiet strength, instilled through their faith and ability to live off the land and sea, that fills me with hope, despite everything.

Favourite holiday spots
I'm very biased! I'm from the village of Yasawa I Rara, the northern part of the Yasawas. I grew up on those beautiful beaches, dreaming of playing rugby internationally. The clear waters of the Yasawa Islands are amazing, and definitely where Kiwis must visit when they can. It suits any budget - from dorms and eco-retreats to five-star resorts. There's also heaps of activities, from mountain trekking, hiking, snorkelling to boat rides to the famous Blue Lagoon caves. But the best part of Yasawa is the people. They are friendly, welcoming, and love hosting visitors. We joke around a lot and treat everyone like a friend. No formalities, just family.

There's much to do in Fiji, from mountain trekking, hiking and snorkelling to cruising to Blue Lagoon with the Yasawa Flyer. Photo / Supplied

Robert Oliver – Chef, Author, TV presenter

Dear Fiji, Oh how I miss you. I spent as much time in Fiji as I did at home in 2018 and 2019, filming Pacific Island Food Revolution. There is so much I miss. My friends, the market in Suva, the laughter- that's real laughter, right from the belly. But most of all, I miss the food! I will be back as soon as those borders open.

Favourite holiday spots
I grew up in Suva, so have a real fondness for its funky urban vibe. Many tourists miss it altogether, but shouldn't! Stay at the grand old lady on Suva's waterfront, the Grand Pacific Hotel. It is to the South Pacific what Raffles is to Singapore; an elegant counterpoint to Suva's somewhat raucous nature. Eating in Suva is easy – go to the Bowling Club for cheap local food, or The Barbelle for a terrific y taukei (indigenous Fijian) lunch. Check out The Curry House in Suva's CBD for banging Indian kai and for dinner, you can't do better than Sangeeta Maharaj's Eden Bistro and Bar. And that market! Best time to go is Saturday morning when all of the vendors from outside of Suva come with their unique offerings: ivi (Polynesian chestnut), ota (river fern), vakalolo (taro based dessert), endless fruit and (endless) laughter. It's a foodie's dream.

The best time to experience Suva market is Saturday morning when all of the vendors from outside of Suva come with their unique offerings. Photo / Alexia Santamaria

Nicole Whippy – Actress and Director

Isa Fiji, My tūrangawaewae. The vanua/whenua where my placenta lies under a mango tree in Service St, Suva. The whare where my Mum grew up, where I lived for the very first years of my life and where I directed the Fiji vignette for the feature film, Vai. My first memory is my grandmother feeding me freshly squeezed pawpaw juice on our porch. Viti - I feel so hopeless watching you from afar. You are in my heart and thoughts every day. I can't wait to come back, take that first step off the plane in Nausori and get knocked out by that hot Suva heat that smells like home.

Favourite holiday spots
We already have our next adventure back home planned, starting at the Holiday Inn Suva in a great central location. After catching up with whanau we'll visit Waisila Falls for a freshwater swim and a kid-friendly hike in the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. We'll drive down to bustling Pacific Harbour to swim at Deuba, our favourite childhood beach. Then we'll drive to Natadola Beach, stopping en route for handicraft shopping at Sigatoka Markets. We love to stay at The Yatule Resort where the local massages are amazing and you can dine barefoot at their beachside restaurant. Finally, we'll drive to Nadi and stay overnight at The Fiji Gateway so the kids can play on the waterslide while we sip on mojitos and eat the best homemade roti and curry from our secret spot (it's actually the international airport arrivals' cafe just across the road from Gateway). In the morning we'll go by bus to Vuda Marina to catch the catamaran ferry out to The Yasawas, crossing our fingers that we'll see dolphins en route to Octopus Resort, an all-inclusive family-friendly resort with a special connection to the local village.