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Everything you need to know about returning to Fiji

It couldn’t be more exciting to have Fiji back on our travel radars. But there are a few things we need to know – and plenty of resorts, tours and restaurants we need to reacquaint ourselves with. To help you plan your next tropical escape, here’s your ultimate Fiji travel guide.

Fiji COVID rules

The first thing you’re likely wondering is: how easy is it to return to Fiji? And the answer is ‘very easy’.  You just need to have all your ducks in a row before you fly. Firstly, you will need proof you’re triple vaccinated. Before leaving Australia, travellers over the age of 12 will need a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) that’s supervised and verified by a medical professional who can give you a written record of the result.

Drone shot of the Fiji Islands
It’s easy to visit Fiji Islands. You just need to have all your ducks in a row.

You will also need to have your first three nights’ accommodation booked at a Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) property, plus a CFC airport transfer. The CFC certification is awarded to businesses that are deemed COVID safe, and there are hundreds of choices. Another must is medical travel insurance that covers COVID (it’s best to book with a travel agent and check the fine print).

Two days after arriving in Fiji, it’s mandatory travellers take a supervised RAT at their resort, and then you will need another negative COVID test result (PCR or RAT) prior to returning to Australia, and to complete the Australian government’s Digital Passenger Declaration. However, Australia’s federal health minister, Greg Hunt, recently announced that international arrivals will no longer need to be tested for COVID-19 before travelling after April 17. You will still need to be fully vaccinated and wear a mask on flights to return to Australia. Entry requirements will continue to change as more people start travelling overseas, so keep up-to-date with Fiji’s rules.

White sand beach in Fiji Island
Keep up to date with Fiji’s rules.

Fiji Hotels

Whether you’re staying on the main island of Viti Levu or taking a boat, helicopter or seaplane to a distant island chain, there are plenty of choices when it comes to Fiji accommodation.

COMO Laucala Island

COMO Laucala Island is one of the latest COMO Hotels and Resorts to open and its clifftop location above azure waters is nothing short of stunning. This private island resort is in Cakaudrove Province, in Fiji’s north. Guests arrive to the island’s airstrip after a 45-minute private air charter from Nadi International Airport. Settle into one of 25 luxury residences (complete with butlers) that are on secluded beaches and atop hills. The island is covered with rainforests, lagoons, mountains and coconut groves, and one of the biggest selling points is the 18-hole designer golf course.

Aerial shot of the clifftop accommodation, Como Laucala in Fiji Islands
COMO Laucala Island’s clifftop location above azure waters is nothing short of stunning.

Six Senses Fiji (reopening April 1)

If sustainable travel is a priority, you’ll love Six Senses, in the Mamanuca Islands. Guests stay in beachfront villas and residences that are 100 per cent solar-powered and spend their days meeting the resident iguanas, exploring the house reef, learning about the growing kitchen garden and making their own kombucha and body scrubs. There is also diving and surfing (Cloudbreak is only 20 minutes away) on your doorstep.

Interiors of Six Senses Resort in Fiji Islands
If sustainable travel is a priority, you’ll love Six Senses, in the Mamanuca Islands.

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

If you’re searching for somewhere to spend a few nights on the mainland, the sprawling InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is a great option. The resort was one of the first to open when international tourist flights resumed in December 2021 and it’s a popular choice with families, couples and business travellers. Not only is it beside a white-sand beach (with a healthy house reef), it also has a handful of restaurants, a family pool and adults-only pool, a day spa, children’s centre and gym.

Pool area, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Fiji Islands
Spend a few nights on the mainland at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa.

Fiji tours

Whether you’re keen to surf world-class waves, scuba-dive amid vibrant reefs, hike through rainforest or plant coral, Fiji has a wealth of activities to choose from, including a few you may never have heard of.

EcoTrax Fiji

One of the country’s most unique experiences is EcoTrax Fiji, where travellers hop aboard a modified electric bike to ride old sugar cane railway tracks. You can pedal the bike or use an accelerator so you can cruise along, venturing through rainforest, over rivers and past villages. Located on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, the award-winning three-hour tour also sees passengers stopping at a remote beach to swim, snorkel and enjoy local fruit.

Pedaling in EcoTrax Fiji Tour, Fiji Islands
Hop aboard a modified electric bike to ride old sugar cane railway tracks.

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Hot Glass Fiji

Another little-known tourist experience is Hot Glass Fiji, the country’s first glass-blowing studio. We love this place because it’s not what you expect to find in Fiji yet it offers a fascinating alternative to typical island tours – and a great experience for travellers who love being creative and learning from locals. There are a few different lessons you can sign up for, with options starting from a quick 30-minute session for anyone aged seven years and older to a more detailed class where you can make three glass pieces to take home. Alternatively, you can simply pop along to the studio to purchase a special souvenir. You will find Hot Glass Fiji in Korotogo, on the Coral Coast.

Colourful glasses made in Hot Glass Fiji, glass-blowing studio in Fiji Islands
Hot Glass Fiji is the country’s first glass-blowing studio.

Fiji cruising

Cruise ships have returned to the high seas and Fiji’s specialty is small-ship cruising, where crowds are smaller and port stops are more intimate.

South Sea Sailing

For full-day sailings and charters, South Sea Sailing has introduced a new 78-foot catamaran to its fleet. Called SABRE, this custom-built sailing catamaran is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and was specifically made with modern day-trippers in mind. There is plenty of seating and a full bar, which you can enjoy while you journey through the Mamanucas, stopping to swim and snorkel.

Sabre boat, Sailing in Fiji Islands
Sabre was made with modern day-trippers in mind.

Captain Cook Cruises

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is expanding its conservation and education programs with marine biologists hosting lectures on three-, four- and seven-night cruises. The talks will be about topics such as coral bleaching and crown-of-thorns starfish. Other Captain Cook initiatives are themed around citizen science projects, becoming ocean ambassadors and planting coral. One of Captain Cook Cruises’ biggest selling points is its variety of itineraries, which range from the classic Fijian tourist activities (such as snorkelling) to remote villages on and around Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu.

Aerial shot of Captain Cook Cruises in Fiji Islands.
One of Captain Cook Cruises’ biggest selling points is its variety of itineraries.

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This cruise through the Pacific is the perfect way to lean into slow travel

    Slow travel is encouraging us all to take our time and truly experience our journeys, and cruising has always been the perfect way to do just that.

    The slow travel trend isn’t going anywhere. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, travellers are opting for extended travel, allowing for a more immersive experience – as well as the time to actually feel reset and rested at the end of the journey. Part of that travel style is choosing the best method of travel. With none of the hassle, plenty to enjoy between ports, and port stops that allow time spent in a new place with a new culture, cruising may just be the slow travel answer.

    And Royal Caribbean‘s new 16-night Long Adventure cruise itinerary from Sydney to Honolulu might just be the perfect slow adventure to get you started. After all, nothing says slow travel like getting on island time.

    Immersive travel itinerary

    moorea lagoon Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish
    Dive into underwater worlds. (Credit: Getty/ Global Pics)

    On this journey connecting Australia to Hawaiʻi, guests have a chance to experience destinations and culture that typically aren’t combined into one leisurely-paced trip. From tropical South Pacific islands to the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi, each port offers its own rewards. Not to mention sea days in between to rest and reflect.

    Stop in Papeete, Tahiti, to watch waves roll over black and white sand beaches. Or wander through tropical beauty at Paofai Gardens. While in French Polynesia, gaze on the jagged green peaks of Moorea. Here, snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish in the Lagoonarium. Later, experience the lesser-travelled Raiatea – where coral gardens practically explode with marine life and inland hiking trails lead to waterfalls. End the journey with the golden beaches and rich culture of Honolulu.

    More time to connect

    wave rider on anthem of the seas royal caribbean
    Use sea days to make new memories together.

    The essential factor that makes cruising the ultimate form of slow travel? Time on board is never wasted. On Anthem of the Seas® during your Long Adventure cruise, that could look like booking a seat for world-class theatre productions and live shows. Or spending time together in one of the many pools, bars and lounges for all moods.

    Head to the adults-only Solarium, an indoor-outdoor retreat sitting right at the front of the ship for epic views from the swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area. With something on every night, take in the onboard entertainment and nightlife. Like We Will Rock You – the West End musical featuring the legendary hits of Queen.

    Built-in pauses

    RCI Vitality℠ Spa
    Enjoy a spa treatment at Vitality Spa.

    We so often forget to factor in time to pause and reflect when we travel, but sea days are a built-in deep breath. Take advantage of resort-style living at sea to disconnect and avoid the trap of a frantic holiday schedule.

    On Anthem of the Seas, expansive spaces have been designed specifically to help guests relax, reset and enjoy the journey. Spend time together enjoying onboard entertainment, dining, or lounging by the pool. Head to the observatory to check out an unpolluted night sky. Or, for something truly special, book a restorative massage or rejuvenating facial at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Remove travel hassle

    royal caribbean anthem of the seas royal loft balcony room
    Unpack once, and return to your own comfortable room every night.

    Instead of sweating as you run from one airport gate to another, getting grumpy because everyone is sleep-deprived or having to unpack and pack over and over again, travel time is spent creating new memories together. Simply depart from Sydney and let the rest be taken care of for you.

    Unpack once, and return to the same comfortable room every night. This all-inclusive cruise brings together accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport in one seamless experience. It’s a more considered way to travel, offering exceptional value and removing logistics.

    Dine at your leisure

    Izumi Sashimi
    Dine on flavours from around the world.

    With world-class dining and a choice of over 18 dining options on board Anthem of the Seas, indulge your senses at any time (and never feel rushed). Take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining concept, allowing guests to choose from multiple complimentary restaurants, each with its own distinct style.

    Or, book in for an elevated experience at specialty dining venues, with flavours from around the world. Tuck into Jamie’s Italian, led by the celebrated British chef Jamie Oliver. Enjoy Japanese delicacies at Izumi. For something really special, join the Chef’s Table, where up to 14 guests can indulge in a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier.

    And with 11 bars and lounges to choose from, there’s always a new spot to enjoy a tipple. Like the unique mixology experience at Bionic Bar, or caipirinhas at the ship’s Latin-themed club, Boleros.

    A taste of diverse cultures

    Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea
    See Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea.

    Let Anthem of the Seas transport you overnight between diverse international ports. With cruising, there’s no need to pick just one destination. The longer, more immersive Transpacific cruise itinerary allows travellers to experience a range of destinations and cultures all across Oceania.

    Head inland at Papeete to discover the story behind one of Tahiti’s most iconic treasures at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Visit the sacred Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaning into the relaxed local rhythm in Uturoa commune. And delve into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.

    The luxury of time

    royal caribbean solarium
    Relax in adult-only areas of the ship.

    The greatest luxury that cruising provides is that of time. More time to disconnect, more time to explore, and more time to enjoy the journey at your own pace. This Long Adventure voyage isn’t just about racing from destination to destination; it’s about how you get there. Taking your own time, both on sea days and during days on land.

    Start planning your Long Adventure at royalcaribbean.com.au.

    Everything you need to know about returning to Fiji - International Traveller