White-sand beaches, picture-perfect landscapes and year-round tropical temps make Fiji a textbook example of an island paradise. And of all the things that make this amazing archipelago a great vacation spot, there’s one thing that sets it apart from its island counterparts — its Bula Spirit.
Directly translating to “life,” if you ever visit Fiji, you’ll hear the term Bula a lot. Like the Italian prego or the Hawaiian aloha, Bula is more than just a common phrase, it’s a way of life. Bula is a greeting, a wish for good health and a commitment to warmth and kindness, and travelers who make the trek to Fiji can expect to feel the Bula Spirit in everything they do.
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330 Islands of Happiness
Fiji consists of 333 islands that feature vast, rugged landscapes, colorful coral reefs and palm-dotted beaches. The region’s unparalleled beauty has the magical ability to transport all those who visit into a vacation state of mind and Tourism Fiji said it best when they wrote, ‘Fiji is open for happiness,’ as it's nearly impossible to feel anything but joy when you escape to this island getaway.
Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni are three of the largest and most inhabited islands in the area. They’re also some of the most traveled thanks to their easy access to lush jungle hikes, seafaring adventures and vibrant historical sights. Of course, the smaller landmasses of the archipelago have their appeal, too. The Yasawa Islands, for example, are a popular spot for island-hopping holidays whereas Laucala Island is a favorite spot amongst the world’s rich and famous such as Red Bull Co-Founder Dietrich Mateschitz.
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Luxury in the sun
When it comes to luxury on the islands, there are endless ways to live largely. Whether you arrive by a private helicopter or seaplane, escape to a lavish adults-only resort, indulge in fine dining and freshly squeezed cocktails or spend the day cruising the Pacific on an exclusive yacht with all the bells and whistles, Fiji has options for opulent living for every type of traveler.
The region is also world-renowned as a great place to catch up on some serious R&R, namely with a legendary Fijian massage. There are two popular styles of Fijian massage — Bobo Massage which incorporates long strokes, kneading and palm-over-palm motions to enhance total wellbeing and deep-tissue barefoot Fijian Massages which focus on alleviating tension while simultaneously increasing circulation, mobility and flexibility. For ultimate luxury, book a beachside massage where crashing saltwater waves and a soft breeze will act as the perfect backdrop to your island fantasy.
Of course, fabulous massages aren’t all that Fiji has to offer. Unplug and recharge at one of the area’s many retreats and wellness programs. Alternatively, find your Zen with a sunrise beachfront yoga session or unwind in a natural hot pool like Sabeto or Savusavu Hot Springs.
Originally appeared in the summer 2022 issue of The Compass magazine.
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