A few years ago, after having spent a year working in New Zealand and after finishing the cherry harvest, my partner and I decided to take a break and go on a trip to the famous “Fiji Islands”. We had heard wonderful things about this place, with its crystal clear waters and incredible landscapes, so we couldn’t resist the temptation to visit it.

From the moment we arrived on the islands we were greeted with music and the most vibrant colours we have ever seen. The locals greeted us with their typical “bula”, which is like saying “welcome”, and made us feel at home from the very first moment.

The archipelago consists of some 333 islands in the South Pacific with spectacular beaches, coral reefs and rainforests. After being a British colony, the Republic of Fiji gained its independence in the 1970s… We started to get to know it through its main island, Viti Levu.  We decided to do the Fiji Experience Tour, which is a four-day tour of the island.

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We started at Robinson Island, which is about two hours from Nadi, the country's main town, where we attended a jaw-dropping fire dance show. We also learned how to peel coconuts and hunt giant crabs in the jungle at night. We had to cover their eyes to catch them and put them in a bucket. Afterwards, we let them go, of course.

We trekked through the jungles to reach lagoons where we had the most fun, with lots of water mirrors with waterfalls, the best! We also visited traditional villages where we tasted kava, a grey and bitter drink made from the pepper plant that the locals drink as if they had more kava than blood in their veins, sharing the ceremony among all the members of the family.

On the tour we were also taken to a school where the children showed us dances and songs. We left them gifts such as pencils and notebooks so that they can continue learning. It was very moving to see the precariousness of Fijian society and how in spite of everything they are so warm and hospitable.

Following the excursion, we went rafting on a river, not very complex, but the raft was made of reeds in a very artisanal way. It was great fun. And it served to distract us and for the group to socialise. The last day of the tour was through the centre of the island, passing through the market to get to know the way the local people manage themselves and to be able to access all the exotic (for us) products they have. We felt part of the culture for a little while, appreciating the richness of Fijian society.

Finally, in Sabeto Valley we visited some hot springs where we enjoyed the benefits of the water and the mud. We all ended up brown, full of mud, but we had a lot of fun.

What else is there to do in Fiji? Let me tell you about the volcanic islands you can explore. The most important are the Mamanuca Islands, where you can buy the famous Bula Pass and access the hop on/hop off catamaran service that connects you to the different islands. I recommend you hire the option with food included, as it's cheaper. With this pass, you get to all the resorts on these islands. We chose to stay at Beachcomber, the place with the most atmosphere, where there are parties and activities for young people, because the islands are quite quiet.

We also decided to visit the Yasawas Islands and stayed at the Wayalailai Hotel, where all the staff is very friendly and when you arrive in the boats, the staff greets you with flowers and shouts of "bula"! It is a very recommendable place to go as a couple, as it is very romantic and quiet. During the dinners, they play music and during the day they prepare the food on the beach so you don't have to move. However, keep in mind that these are places where there is no electricity or water available all day, so the heat can be intense. If you need to work during your trip, be aware that internet is not available everywhere and you will have to pay extra.

After that stay, we went to Nabua Lodge, a very relaxing experience, but one that can be boring for people who like to do a lot of activities on their holidays.

The food on the islands is very fresh and tasty, with fish, fruit and local produce. Fiji's water is one of the best in the world, extracted from wells on the islands without human contact, which ensures maximum purity, so be sure to try it!

Although not all places have paradisiacal beaches like the ones you can see in the pictures or brochures, and not all accommodations have all the amenities, you can definitely find spectacular places. Fiji is an ideal place to relax, surrounded by beautiful scenery and incredible experiences, so don't think twice and plan your next trip to Fiji!