Located in the heart of the South Pacific, the Mamanucas are a chain of 20 islands and have some of the most established resorts in Fiji. From the Nadi International Airport (NAN), you can travel to your island destination by either ferry, private boat, sea plane or helicopter. The Mamanucas are a playground for lovers and families alike. Even though there are several adult-only islands, there are islands that are perfect for family getaways. Once you step foot on any island, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of Fijian hospitality. 

What to Expect 

Majority of the population in Fiji speak Fijian and Hindi, but English is also very prominent. Bula! That’s one word you’ll hear anywhere you go while traveling in Fiji. It’s like our ‘hello!’ or ‘how are you?’ Pick up the habit of saying Bula in Fiji, you’ll notice that you’ll get a friendly response.

The islands are all very different. So it’s a good idea to know what you’re looking for and to do some research about each one. Questions you need to ask yourselves are: Do you want to snorkel directly off the island? Do you want to dive? Do you like to hike?… Islands vary greatly and these are important factors that will enhance your experience. The one thing every island offers is great beaches. And there is always an abundance of water activities available. Diving is very popular and great for beginners! Here’s a list of a few  activities you can expect to enjoy on your trip:

• Snorkeling
• Deep sea fishing
• Island hopping
• Para-sailing
• Kite surfing
• Kayaking
• Village tours (if invited)

Some of these activities will be included in your stay at your resort, but additional activities will be at your expense, so make sure to budget ahead of time what you’d really like to do.

What to Eat

Just like the various activities on the islands, there are many local as well as foreign influences in the cuisine.  Many of the island chefs come from Australia or Asia which greatly plays a role in Fijian cuisine. One excellent chef you can find in the Mamanucas is Lance Seto who is an award-winning food and travel writer, author… currently based at Castaway Resort. No matter what chef though, you can expect to eat lots of seafood while you’re there.

The most famous Fijian delicacy likely is Kokoda (pronounced Ka-con-da) which is raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk. Often served with peppers, onions and tomatoes. Making good Kokoda is challenging. Fijians shave their own coconut and the right amount of each ingredient is very crucial, almost like a pastry recipe. If you are curious to try, check out Vomo Island Resort’s recipe:

Your Adventure 

Though Fijian accommodations are a wide variety, whether you choose a luxurious private resort, a more modern affordable island or a budget traveler, your Fijian adventure will give you the chance to escape from the real world and transport you to a stress-free paradise.

Want to travel to Fiji! Contact Stefanie at AAV Travel via email at info@aav-travel.com or visit the website www.aav-travel.com for more information.

For more images from Fiji, check out photo gallery on the Facebook.