8 unexpected ways to spend your next Fiji getaway

Break free from the poolside holiday trope and see what Fiji really has to offer.

A trip to Fiji will, naturally, be one of relaxation. Ideally with a cocktail in hand and a body of water glistening nearby. What’s often overlooked, however, is the rich culture and endless adventures that this oasis of a country serves on a platter. Find unexpected things to do in Fiji; from private islands resembling a page from a travel brochure to off-the-grid tours reminiscent of a time before all-consuming technology to serene bike rides across pretty terrain.

There’s plenty of time to relax on the sand and read a thriller novel by the pool, too – just ensure the trip is long enough to fit everything in. There’s truly more to Fiji than meets the eye. And for the uninitiated, here’s a little secret: Fiji’s low season spans from January to April. It’s perfect timing for those who love to flit off to a different nation on a more affordable budget.

Read on for a healthy range of activities and sights that showcase the friendly nature of Fijians. For good measure, there are plenty of lounging options, too.

Discover another side to this tropical paradise. (Image: Prem Kurumpanai)

1. Sleep in the middle of the ocean

In the middle of crystal-clear Fijian waters, Seventh Heaven is a solitude-seeker’s ideal retreat. With nothing but the ocean, companions, accommodating staff and a decked-out restaurant/bar/hotel hybrid, the rest of the world will drift off to the periphery as Seventh Heaven becomes the centre of the universe.

While this floating paradise is open to those looking to whet their whistle during the day, the Exclusive Overnight Retreat offers two guests an unrivalled and inimitable experience. A seven-course sunset dinner, all-inclusive beverages, luxurious private king suite and a personalised snorkelling tour merely scratch the surface of this two-day reprieve from the real world.

Experience sunset from your private suite in a floating paradise.

2. Trek off-the-beaten-path of Fiji

Specifically designed as a ‘non-touristy’ journey through Fiji’s verdant forests, experienced guides and Fijian communities have collaborated extensively to create Talanoa Treks. The hikes instil a deeper understanding of Fijian culture in guests, who can ascend Mt Tomanivi, rest in rural homestays, learn about traditional practices and witness a Fiji rarely found in travel brochures.

The utmost care and consideration have been poured into Talanoa Treks, one of few experiences that shines a light on the long and winding history of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island.

Hike Mt. Tomanivi and stay in rural homestays. (Image: Tourism Fiji)

3. Meet local Fiji families

For an unconventional and enviable getaway, Off The Grid Tours Fiji is your answer. Deep within the country’s interior, fresh tamarind juice and traditional cooking lessons await. Over the course of a day you’ll meet with local families as they showcase their knack for creating culinary delights, all while listening to stories and pearls of wisdom from those who reside in the villages. It’s not uncommon for the adorable kids to brandish their school projects, too, which is as wholesome and heartwarming as it sounds.

A trip to a secluded Indian farm will produce intense memories of fresh roti long after the trip concludes, while the fresh fruit market will likely deem every other version of fruit nearly inedible. Nothing comes close to the freshness of Fijian produce.

Meet local families and savour their culinary creations.

4. Relax in Fiji’s best resorts

As a nation with over 300 islands, it isn’t feasible to explore its entirety in one holiday. Suffice it to say, Fiji requires multiple trips in one lifetime – but Six Sensesdeserves a visit every single time.

Boasting an astonishing 24 pool villas, this Malolo Island resort is the epitome of an island getaway. Split the time between private pools and the neighbouring ocean, pausing any water-based frivolity for a nourishing meal at RaRa, the onsite restaurant that injects the bula spirit into every drool-inducing bite.

For a flawless night’s slumber in Fiji – and long after you leave – Six Senses offers a comprehensive sleep package designed to solve any issues you have when pillow o’clock comes around. Choose from the three-day, five-day or 10-day program and embark on your own journey to a serene snooze. The spa facilities conduct a thorough wellness screening before enlisting the help of technology to track your sleep throughout your stay, while daily spa treatments, yoga and meditation sessions are all tailor-made for individual guests. To target your sleep habits from all angles, nutritional guidance is also available.

An uninterrupted evening’s sleep to the harmonious sound of the ocean might quickly become a holiday highlight.

Relax with tailored sleep programmes and discover serene slumber. (Image: Stu and Lia Photography)

5. Stay on a private Fiji island

It’s easy to forget just how close Fiji is to Australia when you’re relaxing on your own private island, seemingly without another human occupying the planet.

Touted as the only resort with direct access to the mind-boggling Great Sea Reef, Nukubati promises privacy for up to 10 guests. The eco island is designed to be chartered for small groups, giving you the freedom to scuba dive among the reef’s sea life, unwind on the verandah of a stunning beachfront bure and feast on the flavours of the South Pacific, all completely undisturbed.

6. Explore Fiji’s culture and history

Let the tour guides take the wheel as you explore culturally significant locations around Fiji with Finding Islands Tours. Historical sites, public gardens and cultural centres can often be overlooked by the uninitiated, so this is a golden opportunity to dive deeper into Fiji and its traditions.

Kava bars can be found across the nation but the tour guides will show you the best local spots for a coconut shell of Fiji’s calming tonic. Often used in traditional ceremonies, kava has gained international attention of late, but no one produces this therapeutic liquid gold quite like Fijians.

Dive deeper into Fiji and its traditions. (Image: Facebook/@FindingIslandsTours)

7. E-bike through Fiji’s beautiful nature

A fresh seafood banquet will look all the more ravishing after a bike ride through sweeping mountain ranges and flourishing villages – and, for the adrenaline hunters, rocky terrain that requires concentration and sturdy leg muscles.

Embark on a four-hour guided tour with iBike Fiji as an expert leads you along paths that rarely see a footprint, fresh coconut juice providing nourishment along the way. You’ll be whisked to places so stunning you’ll have a physical reaction.

Grab an e-bike and head out for an adventure. (Image: Bare Kiwi)

8. Buckle up for a 4WD safari

Kick the adventure into high gear and trade a bike for a four-wheel exploration beast with Fiji 4WD Safaris.

Once seat belts are buckled, take off to the highlands and marvel at the beautifully preserved landscape. With three safaris to choose from, it’s a matter of whittling down your interests: ziplines and hot-spring mud pools make a highly anticipated appearance on the Sabeto Safari, Viti Levu’s highlands welcome guests on the Ancient Trails Safari, and the Sky Park Safari features a fascinating journey through Tualeitā.

Find more Fijian wonders to add to your itinerary at fiji.travel.