One of the world's more exotic destinations, Fiji is a tropical
paradise in the South Pacific, made up of 322 islands nearly two
thousand miles (3,219km) east of Australia. Once feared as the
haunt of cannibals and fierce warrior tribes, today Fiji is
regarded as being inhabited by supremely friendly and welcoming
people who are full of joie de vivre and consider it rude to rush.
It has been said that Fiji is where people wear flowers in their
hair not to impress, but simply because they like to.
Flowers there are aplenty blooming on these scenic, lush islands
where the sun shines every day and orchids hang over waterfalls
that plunge into jungle pools behind palm-fringed beaches. Visitors
here can swim with manta rays, snorkel over coral gardens, scuba
dive on the famous Astrolabe Reef, or ride the amazing 20ft (6m)
waves known as the 'Cloud Breakers' off Tavarua.
The Fiji archipelago is the hub of the South Pacific with more
than 85 flights a week landing at Nadi airport on the main island
of Viti Levu. From there it is easy to access the offshore island
resorts or the other large islands of Vanua Levu or Taveuni. Viti
Levu has several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva,
which is a shopper's paradise and offers an upbeat nightlife.
