Best things to do in Fiji, according to a local

The Ahura Resorts’ director of operations and sustainable development knows all the best things to do on his beloved island home.

Sia Rasalato from Fiji's Mamanuca Islands gives Escape his top tips for seeing Fiji.

Fiji is my favourite...

Destination because it is home! Everyone likes to go home for holidays. Besides being the closest group to the main island, the Mamanuca Islands are best known for their white, flawless sandy beaches and spectacular sunsets. But beyond the beach, the islands offer a wide range of biodiversity hotspots and are home to some very rare species like the Malolo crested iguana, and native dry forest plant species – many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Fiji is Sia's favourite destination

I work in paradise but I love to visit…

The main island of Viti Levu. You’ve got some very interesting and fun activities in the highlands, like freshwater rafting, ziplining, cross-country trekking, mountain biking with ebikes, and visiting some native forest reserves.

Or I just go home to the second-largest island in Fiji, Vanua Levu, to my 48ha farm where I get to feel the most relaxed atmosphere in the entire world. The great thing is, you can reach the main island in just 45 minutes by speed boat from Malolo Island, home to the two resorts I work for – Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Malolo Island Resort.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji

Fiji is perfect for families because…

It is very accommodating. Everyone is welcomed to share the beauty, tradition, culture, and knowledge that the citizens of this country have to offer. There is always something for everyone to learn, enjoy and be happy about.

As part of the Kids Club program at Malolo Island Resort, children have the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of these majestic islands, visit the local village and preschool, and also have the chance to experience and explore the unique marine ecosystem sanctuary surrounding the resort.

Children learning Fijian at Malolo Island Resort

Couples love it for…

The secluded and private locations of its couples-only resorts. They offer everything that couples would love to do and spend time on.

It’s idyllic, but Fiji also offers…

The whole package. From the frequent flights to and from Fiji, to the proximity of tourist destinations to the airport, the beautiful scenery, and the friendliest people that one could ever meet.

Mamanuca islands

The food in Fiji is...

Largely influenced by the ocean, with lots of fresh seafood dishes plus tropical fruits, tubers and starchy root vegetables. It’s just divine – one of the best cuisines in the South Pacific. At Likuliku Lagoon Resort we have an extensive market garden where we grow fresh produce for both resort kitchens, as well as propagate dry forest native plants for our reforestation project on Ahura Leases and beyond. The chefs from both resorts come to pick their fresh veggies, fruit and herbs each day and the proceeds go towards funding further conservation work.

Fresh seafood at Likuliku Resort

The Fijian people are…

The world’s very friendliest people that one could ever come across.

The best time to go is…

May to November – that’s the dry season. However, all year round is a good time to be in Fiji.

The best time to visit Fiji is in the dry season

You should pack…

A lot of environmentally friendly sunscreen because the sun will definitely be greeting you once you step out of that plane. Pack light, as we’ve got you covered with everything that you need for a vacation.

A way you can give back during your stay is…

Observe and learn a few pointers about the Fijian culture and language, visit the communities to see first hand how the natural resource owners go about their day, and inquire and participate in any environmental activities happening at the resort you are staying at, because your contribution goes a long way in assisting those communities improve their livelihood.

Through the Ahura Resorts Conservation Foundation we are able to implement projects such as providing storage for clean drinking water, assist with waste management and develop infrastructure in the community, maintenance work on the local kindergarten, provide employment, and assist with education sponsorship.

Originally published as Best things to do in Fiji, according to a local