Two Trips, Two Vibes
Fiji has a way of pulling you back — like the tide, but with more coconuts.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice, and each trip offered a completely different experience. First was a stay at the polished and pampering Shangri-La on the Coral Coast. The second was a journey farther afield, out to Treasure Island, where life slows down, shoes become optional, and time itself seems to politely excuse itself from the conversation.
Two trips, two vibes — but one undeniable truth: Fiji is different from your average tropical getaway.
Part One: Shangri-La — Easy Breezy Island Luxury
Staying at the Shangri-La is like checking into a postcard — one complete with perfectly raked beaches, swim-up bars, and sunsets so good you’ll think they’ve been Photoshopped by the management.
If you’re looking for ease, comfort, and a base where you can sip, swim, and snooze without a worry in the world, this is it. Everything is curated, manicured, and ready to be enjoyed with minimal effort required.
But while the Shangri-La gave me a gorgeous introduction to Fiji, it was only after I left the mainland that I realised: the real magic wasn’t behind the front desk. It was out past the horizon.
Part Two: Treasure Island — Into “Fiji Time”
Taking a boat to Treasure Island isn’t just about changing locations. It’s about changing mindsets.
The moment you step onto that tiny slice of sand, something shifts. There are no cars. No schedules. No “We should be doing something productive” guilt. Instead, there’s just the slow, soothing beat of Fiji Time — a national pastime where nobody rushes, stress is optional, and the most urgent decision you’ll face is whether to snorkel before or after your third fresh coconut.
Island life here is pure, uncomplicated bliss.
Mornings meant barefoot walks around the island (which, impressively, you could circle in under 20 minutes if you felt wildly ambitious). Afternoons were for snorkelling among rainbow reefs, lounging in hammocks, and realising you could, in fact, survive just fine without checking your email every 11 minutes.
Nights brought bonfires, quiet conversations under the stars, and the occasional impromptu ukulele performance that, frankly, could’ve taught Spotify a thing or two about creating the perfect playlist.
Why Fiji Hits Different
Sure, there are countless tropical paradises on this planet — but Fiji brings something extra to the table (and no, it’s not just another fruity drink with a paper umbrella).
Here’s what sets Fiji apart:
The People
Fijians might just be the friendliest humans on Earth. Smiles aren’t reserved for paying guests; they’re a genuine part of everyday life. You feel welcomed, not processed. Every “Bula!” (hello) is heartfelt, and after a few days, you’ll catch yourself smiling back without even realising it. The kids even nicknamed one of the staff at Treasure Island “Huggy Guy”, and did so in the nicest, most innocent way you could imagine. He knew each kid by name. In fact, the entire staff did, because Fijians and their values are rooted in family. When you arrive, you become part of that family.
The Culture
Fiji’s rich indigenous culture isn’t hidden away in souvenir shops or tacked onto a dance night once a week. It’s alive, woven into everyday life. Traditional ceremonies, music, food, and community spirit aren’t “for show” — they’re just how things are.
The Water
I’ve snorkelled in some stunning places — Hawaii, and parts of Southeast Asia — but Fiji’s water clarity is simply next-level. Imagine swimming through liquid glass, surrounded by fish so colourful you’ll think someone cranked the saturation slider to 200%. Yes, there are sharks but, like you, they too are on Fiji time, and don’t want anything more to swim on by – no conflict, no confrontation. Just an existence. And it’s exactly what we need to do in that moment. Just exist.
The Vibe
Some tropical places still feel, well… busy. Like, the beach is just a backdrop for your third meeting of the day (albeit a sandy one). Fiji refuses to be busy. It reminds you, gently but firmly, that doing nothing is doing something — and often, it’s exactly what you need. You realise: doing nothing here isn’t lazy. It’s purposeful. Restorative. It’s the quiet reminder you didn’t know you needed — that rest is not a reward, but a right. Fiji teaches you that paradise isn’t a place you visit — it’s a pace you remember. And once you’ve felt it, it’s hard to forget.
Snorkelling, Stargazing, and Unplugging
From the moment I dove into those crystal waters around Treasure Island, it felt like entering another world. Schools of fish, vibrant coral gardens, even the occasional turtle cruising by like he had an important but very slow appointment to keep.
And when the sun dipped below the horizon? Fiji turned the dial even higher.
The stars here aren’t just stars — they’re a full-blown event. No city lights. No distractions. Just the endless dark sky, the Milky Way spilling across it like someone knocked over a cosmic jar of glitter, and me, lying on the sand, camera pointed upward, grinning like an idiot.
Some of my best astrophotography moments were captured right here — and no photo could ever fully do it justice.
Final Thoughts: The Soul of Fiji
Both the polished resorts and the unplugged islands have their place. If you want pampering, the mainland’s ready. If you want to wonder, hop a boat.
But whatever you choose, Fiji isn’t just a destination — it’s a reset button for your brain. It gently but firmly reminds you to slow down, look around, breathe deeper, and remember that sometimes, the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing.
And if you can time it right?
Do absolutely nothing under a million stars.
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