SOUTH PACIFIC CIRCLE – FIJI

My plans were changing while I was traveling and some pieces to the trip were last minute.  This was one of them.  I stayed in Fiji, 3-nights, 4-days.  However I only had 2 full days in Fiji. 

I did not put much thought into hotels, and on each of the islands I went to hotels were limited.  Fiji was not one of them.  Fiji has a vast amount of options compared to the next two destinations. 

However, I was determined to use my points and miles where possible.  This hotel I booked with my Capital One Venture X card, utilizing the travel credit.  I booked three nights.  Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.  

It had been some time since I had stayed at a Sofitel.  So I didn’t know what I was about to enjoy.  Hands down, this was a very nice enjoyable resort hotel.  I definitely recomend it.  The hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport. 

My stay included breakfast, which was a buffet.  I did not get any photo’s of the buffet as I was sick upon arrival the entire next day. Here are some photos of the resord to look at. 

My short stay on Fiji impressed me as a developing nation that is attempting to cash in on the tourism.  They have an airline and push aviation on the island.  They have a booming hotel industry fighting for your visit.  The tourist areas are improving welcoming guests to the island.  Hopefully this will spreadout to the rest of the island. 

I had origionally booked a culture tour for the night of the first full day on the island.  Since I was under the weather, I decided that I would just skip it.  But as the day went on, I called and asked if I could post pone it 1 day.  They said yes. 

The night of the second day, remember I was origionally not scheduled for this, I met my tour van out front of the hotel.  The van had about 15+ people already and I was the last guest. 

We arrived first and waited for 3 more van’s to arrive with guests.  Once they all arrived, we found our place setting with our name.  They welcomed us with culture and music.  Then discussed the schedule for the night and immediately went into a walking tour. 

I learned a lot on this tour.  About the historic culture and history of the Fiji’an people.  How they lived, and survived.  How they are changing and improving their people.  Although I would rate the overall evening a B-, they have improving to do, I would still recommend this tour. 

The tour was booked on Viator, and is called Cultural Night Tour, Fiji.  Included transportation to and from hotel, along with a dinner. 

Side note, On our van was a group of 4 people also from USA.  They will also be on my flight the following day to Samoa.