Fiji, The Heart of the South Pacific

The Fiji Islands at the crossroads of the Pacific, have an interesting blend of various cultures, Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian, European and Chinese. This blend is reflected in the food, language, architecture and ambiance. Colonial Levuka, the old European trader settlement and Fiji’s former capital, has been officially designated a historic town. A number of buildings date from its boom period in the late 19th century.  The main streetscape is surprisingly intact, giving the impression of a town that has stopped in time.

Likewise, Suva’s British influence is reflected in its many colonial buildings. including Government House, the Suva City Library and the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Many features of Fiji’s richly diversified past were suppressed with the old religion in the mid to late 19th century. Pre-Christan costumes, hairstyles and body decoration are far removed from today’s conservative dress style. On the contrary, the chiefly system and village structure has remained mostly intact, partly due to laws protecting Fijian land rights.  Which many years ago prohibited Fijian labor on the cotton and sugar plantations.

Today as a visitor observe time-honored traditions, explore ancient relics, experience well-preserved cultures and share in past legends.  In like manner, they are retold around the kava bowl, Fiji’s traditional ceremonial and social drink.

Located on the 180th meridian, Fiji is a nation of 333 islands at the “Crossroads of the Pacific”. If you can imagine images of an exotic, beautiful land with uncharted and deserted isles, pristine winter white beaches, crystal clear waters, calm azure lagoons, awesome scenery, picture perfect sunsets and a dreamlike escape from the pressures of the world, then you have found paradise and it is Fiji.

Fiji is a very hospitable land of blue-green lagoons, lush rain forests, pine forests, mountains and 1,666 kilometers (1000 miles) of white sand beaches spread over 300 islands scattered across 709,660 square kilometers (200,000 square miles) of ocean.

Dining in Fiji offers a multi-ethnic culinary experience. Whether dining at your hotel, island resort or “in town”, you’ll find a palate of flavors from India, China, Korea, Japan, Europe and America as well as the best of Australia, New Zealand and the freshest from our South Pacific waters. Restaurants run the gamut from 5-Star international to 24 hour air-conditioned coffee shops. And yes, for those who crave the familiar tastes of home we have a McDonald’s and a Kentucky Fried Chicken!

Additionally, world renowned Australian beef and New Zealand lamb as well as fresh local seafood. Can be found in most hotels and restaurants as can the specialties of Fiji’s cooking heritage. Indian culture also contributes many delicious signature dishes, among them the “roti parcel” featuring Indian curry wrapped in the Fijian version of a pancake.

The restaurant and culinary revolution in America over the past 15 years has not gone unnoticed in Fiji. Hotels, resorts and independent dining establishments constantly vie to create culinary masterpieces. To push the envelope so to speak and create a culinary experience that is not only satisfying but constantly evolving. Most also offer specific culinary themed nights including the ‘magiti’ an opulent culturally-based Fijian feast. Accompanied by the traditional “meke”, an exhilarating song and dance experience. In addition, the “when in Rome philosophy” reaches a zenith with beach or poolside BBQ’s that one would expect in a tropical island paradise.

Of course, a holiday in Fiji is incomplete if you haven’t experienced Fiji’s best known and most popular outdoor cooking experience ‘lovo’. Using an underground oven of smoldering rocks, Fijians cook a variety of foods wrapped in banana leaves. Covered with earth and coming out after several hours of “slow” cooking with a faintly smoky flavor. However, Lovos produce succulent, tender meats, chicken, seafood, and the centerpiece of the feast, a whole suckling pig.

In addition, with the explosion of fine dining all across Fiji has come, as it has in North America, a growing appreciation for wine lists of distinction with a natural emphasis on superior wines from our neighboring trading partners . Not to mention,  wonderful reds (Shiraz and Cabs) from Australia and whites (Sauvignon Blancs) from New Zealand.

Ready to book a trip to Fiji?  Browse available South Pacific cruises or luxury Fiji hotels.

The post Fiji, The Heart of the South Pacific appeared first on .