Fabulous Fiji

Flowers are everywhere in Fiji. Frangipanis and hibiscus and many other beautiful flowers seem to grow wild. We recently spent 7 wonderful days in Denarau at the Sheraton Villas. The people were a huge part of the most delightful experience. The women were immaculately dressed in colourful uniforms denoting their roles and what part of the resort they worked. Many wore brightly coloured frangipani or hibiscus flowers behind their ears. We were greeted with “Bula” by everyone we passed. This literally means good health and is generally used to say hello. “Vinaka” was another term that was used liberally. It means thank you. When the two words are used together it basically means good health and is used as a warm welcome. We certainly felt welcome. Staff always referred to us as family. Singing was a highlight. A group of staff would form a choir at breakfast and sing happy birthday to anyone celebrating that day. On another occasion the domestic staff paraded through the foyer singing. The harmonies were amazing. Such a pleasure to listen.

Each evening just as the sun began to set, there was a display of dancing, torch lighting and fire twirling by young men and women dressed in native costume. As the sun slipped below the horizon the sky lit up in an array of colours, red, pink, orange and grey, changing every few minutes and lingering long after the sun disappeared. The other phenomenon of the sunset was the incoming bats. The sky filled with thousands of bats flying across skyline highlighted by the backdrop of the setting sun.

The food was all delicious. Several restaurants could be chosen from at the Sheraton serving food ranging from fine dining, Asian and an extensive buffet. Buffet breakfast was available every morning or an a la carte breakfast could be had at Tatavu. Cocktails were served by friendly waiters by the pool. Pina coladas were a favourite. Our favourite meal was at the Radisson Blu Teppanaki restaurant. The service was perfect and the food scrumptious.

We spent many hours relaxing by the pool and reading, preferring to take it easy rather than take up some of the activities on offer. The pool water was clean and warm with plenty of space and reclining chairs for all. The only improvement that could be made would be more shade around the pools. We got rather sunburnt the first day.

We ate early every evening and were mostly in bed by just after 8. A few mornings we went for short walks around the golf course and to the nearby shopping centre and busy marina.

An unforgettable holiday.

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