”Ni Sa Bula” (Hello) from Fiji. Do you want to see the real Fiji, experience the culture, traditions and feel the islands of Fiji?  Seeing Fiji for my sixth time, I was excited to spend a few nights on the Coral Coast, float away on a Captain Cook Cruise and play a castaway at Castaway Island Resort.

I arrived on the main island, did some sightseeing in Nadi, stopped by a little hotel called Club Fiji for a great lunch, then headed down the Coral Coast. Fiji accommodations include bures (traditional island lodging) hotel rooms, villas and even dormitory-style lodging.  I was heading to the Outrigger Fiji, one of the newest choices on the main island of Fiji. On arrival I discovered an enchanting garden setting with walking paths that meander through tall palms and fragrant frangipani. In the early morning I took a stroll along the calm beachfront and enjoyed a relaxing swim in the impressive freshwater pool. My breeze-cooled bure and the layout gave the feel of staying in a traditional Fijian village with lots of extras! The bures are thatched in traditional design with vaulted ceilings lined with exquisite hand-painted masi bark cloth. Even though I was alone, the Vale Ni Kana restaurant was very romantic and the menu was so innovative that I had trouble even choosing an appetizer.  I left the Outrigger with a warm heart and only because I knew I had a cruise of the islands ahead of me, an experience not to be missed!

Making my way to the dock, I was taken to my cabin with Captain Cook.  What can I say about this cruise? We visited remote beaches, snorkeled in incredible reefs, relaxed at breathtaking locations, hiked trails on secluded islands, visited a school where the children sang and danced for us, enjoyed traditional Fijian entertainment and were addressed by our first names by the staff who became my family.  My favorite things you ask?  All cabins are outside -I saw waves and water from my pillow!  No hallway to walk down, my door opened up to the deck, my curtains could stay open and I could see the stars from my bed and let the waves lull me to sleep. In the morning, I tiptoed along the deck to get a cup of coffee and meandered back to my room, put something on and watched the ocean and palm-fringed islands while I woke up! 

On island stops there are walking trails, snorkel trips to reefs, scenic lookouts and village visits.  Of course we were free to relax on board, or read a great book on the beach, but those crystal-clear bays and lagoons are hard to resist, especially when the excursions are included in the cruise!  I got a close and awesome look at colorful coral and marine life and shared fish stories with divers at dinner.

We arrived back at the dock far too soon and I admit I was one of the last to disembark. This was a trip I'll return for and bring the love of my life!  I can hardly wait to wake up floating next to an isolated, romantic island with miles of beaches to get lost on and although I met many dear friends from all over the world on this cruise, I look forward to standing on deck under the stars with my someone special!