Your Fiji long weekend guide
Not just a dream – here’s how to spend a long weekend in tropical Fiji
When you think of a weekend away, most would think of somewhere in driving distance. But what if there was somewhere you could get to just a short three hours away? A palm fringed paradise that will have you returning feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to take on a new week after a long weekend in the place where happiness finds you.
Well, there is, and that place is in the 333 islands of Fiji. Leaving on a Friday afternoon*, you can be watching the sun go down with a cocktail in hand that same day and enjoy a weekend of beach time, luxury accommodation and pampering a world away from New Zealand.
Here’s how to do it!
Depart Auckland aboard Fiji Airways Friday afternoon and land just in time to watch the sun set over the stunning Mamanuca Islands.
Friday
Ask your boss for the Friday afternoon off and head to the airport - it’s time to get away.
11am: Check in for your Fiji Airways flight from Auckland Airport and enjoy a cold one as you prepare to transition to ‘Island Time’. Flying out of Wellington or Christchurch? Fiji Airways operates on Wednesdays and Sundays out of the capital, and Thursdays and Saturdays out of Christchurch.
4:10pm: You’ve made it! Touch down at Nadi International Airport, step of the plane and be instantly greeted by year-round tropical temps and the world famous bula spirit. It’ll take you about 30 minutes to clear customs before your transfer will be waiting to take you straight to the resort.
5pm: Arrive at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and check in to the Waitui Beach Club, the ultimate adults-only retreat in the heart of Denarau Island. Enjoy your complimentary cocktail and cold lavender scented towel at check-in before being whisked away on a golf buggy to your home away from home for the next couple of nights. And better yet, your mini bar is complimentary and restocked daily!
6pm: After a flight you’ll want to refresh before you settle in to watch the sunset over the Mamanuca Islands at Solis, Sofitel’s restaurant, while enjoying a cold one and decadent lobster dinner.
If you fancy carrying on the night, take a local taxi to Port Denarau. Taxis are always $7 around the Island and make sure you have cash on hand to pay the driver. There are several spots to enjoy around the marina - Cardo’s is always alive and pumping, and if you’re lucky, you might even have a live band serenading you into the night.
Saturday
Book online prior to your trip, for an epic day out at one of Fiji’s premier experiences
9am: It’s time to report to reception where a bus will pick you up for what’s about to be an epic day out. Pick from one of the following experiences or several others:
Malamala Beach Club: This is the world’s first beach club located on its very own island. Spend a day enjoying the good vibes at its beachside cabanas, cocktails, white-sand beaches, infinity pool and upbeat tunes.
Sabre South Sea Sailing: Set sail on a 78-foot sailing catamaran and enjoy a gourmet lunch and drinks in between swimming and snorkelling in the waters surrounding the Mamanuca Islands.
Captain Cook Tivua Island Day Trip:
A tiny jewel in the Mamanuca Island group, Tivua Island is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. Relax and unwind or try paddleboarding, kayaking or partake in a traditional Kava ceremony.
4pm: Return to Port Denarau after an epic day out and jump on the bus back to Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa for some down time before dinner.
7pm: Get reception to grab you a taxi and head to Kanu by Lance Seeto (this will be $25, don’t forget cash!) Located on the main strip in Nadi town, Kanu uses native ingredients and traditional techniques to create a contemporary dining experience that celebrates the best Fiji has to offer.
Sunday
Enjoy a sleep in and a gourmet buffet breakfast at Sofitel’s Waitui Beach Club before enjoying all the luxuries of this adults-only sanctuary. Perch up at the pool bar to work your way down the cocktail list, or if being poolside is more your thing, park up on a daybed and enjoy the view of the palm-fringed beach and butler service all day long.
3pm: After a long day of relaxing on island time, it's time to settle in for some well-deserved pampering. Sofitel Spa infuses French and Fijian techniques into your experience, the scent of frangipani infused oils and the sound of waves crashing beachfront, each treatment will have you feeling a world away. Each treatment also includes an open-air outdoor shower and a private whirlpool spa bath to relax in after.
5pm: It’s time for happy hour with complimentary cocktails and canapes served at the Waitui Beach Club until 6pm. It’s a tough life, we know …
6pm: As your last night in Fiji arrives, head to the beach front and watch the magic of a Fiji sunset while enjoying dinner poolside.
Monday
6am: One of the best things about staying at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is its Fiji Airways check-in desk, which takes away the pressure of getting to the airport. Check in and drop off your bags at the resort before heading to the buffet and making the most of the extra hour before you need to head to the airport.
7am: Jump in your airport transfer and arrive at Nadi International Airport and make your way through customs. Once you’re through, enjoy a spot of duty-free shopping and a coffee as you wait to board your Fiji Airways flight home.
8am: It’s finally time to head home after you’ve enjoyed a weekend of relaxation, pampering, and finding happiness in the Pacific Island nation.
*This itinerary is based on Auckland departure, flights also run regularly out of Wellington and Christchurch.
Like the sound of a long weekend in Fiji?
Book now at houseoftravel.co.nz and visit fiji.travel/open to find your happiness.
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