Culture Meets Paradise — The Perfect Island Getaway in Fiji

Overlooking the grounds of Outriggers Fiji Resort. (Photo: Brittany Jones-Cooper)

Simply saying the word Fiji conjures up visions of crystal blue water, palm trees, and fruity drinks. And, that’s all there.

But for tourists, there are two different Fiji’s. One filled with culture and tradition, while the other is simply, paradise. Luckily, you don’t have to choose one or the other, because Outriggers resorts has found a way to tap into them both.

Located about an hour from the Nadi Airport is the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. The luxury property is ingrained in the community, and manages to provide an five-star experience that feels both authentically Fijian and accessible.

Many of the other larger resorts are located on the manmade Denarau Island, and while they are certainly lovely, the whole area just feels like you’re in a tourist zone.

Meanwhile, the drive to Outriggers is filled with scenic rolling hills, blanketed in bright green tropical foliage. Every 10 minutes or so, you pass a village filled with locals going about their daily lives.

The lush green rolling hills of Fiji. (Photo: Brittany Jones-Cooper)

Once at Outriggers, it is instantly obvious that the Fijian staff are what make this resort such a special place. Walking through the doors feels like walking into a party where you know everyone. The incredibly friendly staff smiles at new guests in a way that is both genuine and contagious. It doesn’t take long to realize that their enthusiasm is reflective of the bigger Fijian attitude. People who grew up on this tiny island are warm, caring, and welcoming. Stepping into Fiji time means more than taking life at a slower pace, it’s about embracing the sense of community.

On the resort side, Outriggers has everything you would expect and more. In addition to traditional hotel rooms, the property also features several bures, or traditional Fijian huts. These open air bungalows immediately connect you to the land, as you listen to the trees rustling outside your window.

Recreationally, the large pool is the ideal place for families to play the day away, and there’s also an adult pool for those who really want to embrace the idea of Fiji time.

A peek inside of a bure. (Photo: Brittany Jones-Cooper)

Beyond its endless amenities (i.e. a butler, tennis court etc.), the best thing about Outriggers is how connected it is with the community. The city of Sigatoka is a 10-minute drive, and the resort provides daily transportation and tours through the city. Experiencing Fiji like a local is easy, as you walk through a local market, shop for fresh produce, kava root, and even fresh mussels plucked from the surrounding waters that same day.

A local village chief preparing Fiji’s famous drink — kava. (Photo: Brittany Jones-Cooper)

For many, visiting a local village can be a transformative experience, and the resort’s ties to the community allow for these one-on-one interactions. Sitting in a meeting bure while a chief led us in a traditional kava ceremony is a moment I won’t soon forget. The chief told me the famous drink would taste like hot chocolate…it didn’t. But it was worth every sip.

To be completely transparent, the beach at the resort leaves a little to be desired. It’s on a lagoon, so the shoreline is dramatically affected by the tide, and it’s not the idyllic beach experience you dream of when you think of Fiji.

For that, consider splitting your time and venturing out to Castaway Island.

The resort on Castaway Island is also operated by Outriggers and is only accessibly by boat, seaplane, or helicopter. (Photo: Castaway Island)

The ferry out to Castaway takes about 1.5 hours, and along the way it stops at different islands to pick up and drop off passengers. On a clear day, you can see forever, and if its possible, each island is more stunning than that last.

As you glide through the crystal clear water, Castaway emerges with dense trees and a pristine beach. Guests are welcomed by staff, who stand on the perfect sand and sing a welcome song. Stepping of the boat feels like stepping onto an oasis — a perfect piece of happiness somewhere in the south pacific.

Castaway Island consists of 174 acres of land owned privately by the resort. The only lodgings on this island are the hut-looking bures, many of which are located directly on the beach. In fact if the tide is high enough, waves will actually splash against your door.

Watching the sunset from Castaway Island. (Photo: Brittany Jones-Cooper)

This is a place where time has no meaning, and days are filled lounging by the ocean, snorkeling, or exploring the water by SUP. Unplugging isn’t only an option, it’s a requirement. The rooms don’t have WiFi or TV’s, so any entertainment must be of the old school variety.

Only when you arrive back at home will you realize how truly relaxed you are. Somewhere along the way, all of your stresses melted away, you feel the urge to say “Bula!” as you pass strangers on the street, and you realize that you’re not wearing a watch.

Chances are, you’re still on Fiji time.

WATCH: Exploring Castaway Island in Fiji

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