Fiji Islands

Between Australia and French Polynesia, there is a region of the world whose mere mention is enough to trigger a yearning for the Antipodes, sunscreen and turquoise seas - the islands of Fiji. Made up of 322 islands, the main ones being Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, the islands of Fiji are very deserving of their reputation as heaven on earth. 

A Nirvana for surfers, A Walhalla for hikers and a paradise for budding explorers, Fiji is primarily a paradise of hedonism, with the starting point naturally being its sumptuous beaches, including the islands of Lau, accessible by boat from Viti Levu. Once you're there, when the spirit of the Pacific has won you over, you can share a kava with the locals, the traditional relaxing drink of the Pacific Islands - an unforgettably authentic experience. An expedition on the beach of the virgin island of Monuriki, near Mamanuca, richly deserves a whole afternoon, both for the wonderful spectacle that surrounds you and the feeling that you are alone in the world. Many other idyllic places await you if you head to the waters of the Yasawa Islands, Fiji's famous archipelago. Here, the word splendor takes on a whole new meaning with its sandy beaches bordered by a lushness created by palm trees and dense shrubs. This is the perfect place to have a go at scuba diving in an environment inhabited by graceful and quivering Manta rays, the peaceful companion of divers that Fijians christened the "Devil of the sea". And if you can bear to leave the splendors of the lagoons for a short while, why not head to the mainland where you can encounter the people and their customs. There's no better way of doing this than losing yourself in the Suva market in Vita Levu. This town will give you a real feel of Fijian culture, with the Pacific Center for Arts and Culture, or simply by attending an impromptu rugby match.