After an emotionally challenging time, selling my home of 45 years, an island escape, which included lots of swimming and sunbathing seemed a great idea. Tickets were booked and I arrived at Hideaway resort, on the Coral coast of Viti Levu Fiji. Hideaway resort is a one and half hour transfer from the airport which gives you time to enjoy the passing countryside.Thatched roof fruit stalls on the side of the road, with a bountiful supply of watermelon, pineapple and mangoes. The beautiful African Tulip trees with their vibrant orange blossoms, Unruly grassy paddocks,with creeping weeds fighting for their right to be there and the odd lazy cow, chewing its cud, as it stands in the shade of whatever is available, passing the hot afternoon away.
Hideaway resort is placed on the edge of the coast, which, as well as having a very large swimming pool, the beach offers opportunities to swim, snorkel and look for treasures in the sand.Most rooms looked over the water, either encouraging you to get up and go swimming when you first woke or snuggle further down and just appreciate the stillness. Paddleboarding, kayaking,diving and surfing were all available. Instructors were provided if needed. (I am a snorkeller from way back so was happy with just exploring) A spa providing many beauty therapy treatments, was kept busy.People, who in their normal life, don’t think “pamper” now made up for lost time. A complimentary 15 min foot massage was provided to every guest which possibly played a large part in introducing many to the pleasures of “time for yourself”.Pool activities were aimed at having fun rather than ending up with abs like Rocky 2. and all ages joined in. Hideaway suits everyone.
The local villagers can be seen wading in the waters of half tide, looking for octopus hidden in the rocks. They carry sharp pronged spears or knives which they poke into the hole. The octopus winds its tentacles around this and is then dragged out of its hole(Sounds easy but I am sure there are many who”get away”.) Apparently with each tide the rocks just get filled again as someone new takes the home over.
Unfortunately the coral is dying. Such a shame. When I first visited Beachcomber Island,about twenty years ago, the coral was spectacular – so healthy and so colourful. Apparently there is a move to bring in experts to try and kill the Crown of Thorns starfish which plays a large part in the destruction of the coral. It engulfs it and then feeds off it. Brightly coloured fish darted every which way. Lemon, white and black stripes, Nemo, black angel fish, orange, brown and green,. Not very large but rewarding to see them returning.
Local buses run frequently and cost 2 dollars Fijian to get to Sigatoka, a small township about 30 mins drive from the resort. The one I caught to get me to the township was just an ordinary one, as we have in NZ but the one coming home had no windows and rolled up blinds which I presume you let down if it is raining!! .There was a beautiful vegetable market which all produce was very cheap. Carrots, tomatoes and tiny finger bananas were stored in my carry bag to bring home. Absolutely beautiful.
Teenagers seem to be the same everywhere. Some with no jobs, looking miserable and restless. Others I met were vital and interesting. One was a taxi driver, who, will own his own business in not too many years time I would think.. Energetic. Enthusiastic. No thoughts of leaving Fiji as with the involvement of China, he can just see things really moving forward. Another was a young woman, who explained how I caught the bus(She forgot to tell me to keep my ticket as it is collected as you leave the bus so there were a few anxious moments as I tried to remember if I had kept it or tossed it. luckily I had kept it) She wanted to be a lawyer. She will study at the University of South Pacific unless she can win a scholarship. With her attitude, I would be very surprised if she wasn’t successful. Lovely to hear these young ones so positive about the future of Fiji.
One of the popular evening activities was watching the fire walkers. The fire had been burning all day. The walkers removed the huge logs which were still very well alight, and scraped the stones into a flatter pattern then 6 of them proceeded to walk over these burning hot stones in bare feet. How can this happen????
The beautiful 83 foot schooner, Seaspray runs trips out to the clean, sandy beaches of the Mamanuca Islands. Anchoring off Modriki,snorkeling and exploring the uninhabited island fills in a pleasant hour or two. (This island is very close to Castaway where the famous Tom Hanks “Castaway ” film was set. ) Coral once again was dead and not as many fish as around Hideawy but still very pleasant to be in the tepid waters. A tiny shark passed by, suggesting there may be bigger ones not too much further out. A visit to the village of Yanuya provides a Kava cermon as a welcome to the guests.. Kave is far from a pleasant drink but fascinating to be part of the ceremony. The village is self sufficient so there opportunities to purchase crafts from the women are made available. A visit to the local school which has 135 children, some boarders from outer islands and staffed by 7 teachers provides an insight into the private and secure world of these villagers.
Evening entertainment is usually provided by local villages. While amateurish, they were good to watch. Hips twirling in their hula skirts, (wondering if this was harder than pole dancing and wondering if I would give it try)war challenges being offered by bare chested warriors and guitar strumming (the same ones who serenaded you in your bures if you hadn’t gone to happy hour) , to sing songs of the Pacific.
A very beautiful country which is slowly being brought into the 21st century by the presence of the Chinese. Will they be able to blend both cultures successfully?? I intend to go back and see for myself.