Three Things You Should Definitely Do In Fiji

By Daniel Resnik on April 21, 2015 in Other

Photo: Daniel Resnik

When you’re away on holidays it usually means relaxing, over-indulging and not doing too much. That’s usually my agenda anyway, but I recently discovered a holiday with a twist.

Volunteer work is not usually mentioned when discussing holidays to exotic destinations, so whilst staying at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort recently, it came as a surprise to read how much the resort helps the local community through aiding in the building of schools and hospital wards, and assisting other important local ventures. It surprised me even further that hotel guests can volunteer their time and assist the resort’s engineering team with all aspects of the construction phase, from basic labour to more skilled trade work.

When it was suggested we should volunteer some holiday time to participate in this project I wanted to run and hide, but as soon as we arrived at the little village in the Sigatoka Valley and met some of local school children and their teacher at the Conua School, my negativity dissipated.

After spending the morning working on the project we all enjoyed a well-earned lunch (which was packed for us by the resort), before resuming for a few more hours of hard yakka, then returning to the resort via Tavuni Hill Fort, one of Fiji’s most significant cultural sites.

It was a fulfilling day and I look forward to one day seeing the completed project.
Bookings can be made at reception with 24 hours notice and a resort activities attendant hosts both groups and individuals.

Take Part In A Charity Golf Day

Another great event in Fiji is a charity golf day that takes place at the renowned V J Singh designed golf course at the InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa golf course. This once a year charity event is organised by the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, with all proceeds of the day going to the local hospital.

The event has been staged now for a few years and is supported by all resorts, local businesses and whoever wants to participate and contribute to a great cause.

As a guest I was thrilled to have been able to contribute to a local cause and also managed to have a great day in spite of losing lots of golf balls!

Relax On Cloud 9

Moored on Ro Ro Reef in the Mamanuca Islands, this two-level floating structure has a bar, an Italian pizza oven and a DJ who cranks up the beats. Cloud 9 caters for weddings, special functions and for guests who just want to indulge in a day of relaxing.

The water surrounding Cloud 9 is crystal clear and perfect for swimming and snorkelling in between cocktails and pizzas.

It takes about 45 minutes by boat to get to from Port Denarau, or if you are staying on an island in the Mamanucas, simply ask the activities desk at your resort for a water taxi or boat transfer.

Our group went by speedboat from Castaway Island and it took only 15 minutes.

A return visit is definitely on the cards the next time I’m in Fiji.

How to Get There:
The Travel Café Bondi
www.whitestartravel.com.au
(02) 9130 1345

Where to Stay:
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort: www.outriggerfiji.com
Castaway Island: www.castawayisland.com

Cost of Volunteering:
Cost is AUD$60 for adults and AUD$40 for children aged five to 15. 30 percent of this fee is used to cover expenses with the balance going into a building fund to pay for construction materials.

Cloud 9:
AUD$99.50 for adults and AUD$49.50 for children (3-12yrs)