Before the emergence of the tourism hub at Denarau and the myriad island resorts which today wow guests to Fiji, there was the Coral Coast.

Stretching along the southern coast of Viti Levu, the main Fijian island, the area is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant reefs. It is also said to offer something a little more authentic than the global resorts further to the north-east.

Driving along the Queen’s Road on my way to visit, this seemed to be the case, as I passed immaculate churches and mosques, BBQ and vegetable stalls, all to the stunning rise and fall of the coastline. Dozens of small towns whiz past, with children playing by the roadside – a different world to the bustle of Denarau.

The journey certainly seemed closer to how local Fijians might experience their islands than what travellers might find in the larger, more developed parts tourism capital, Nadi.

Now, the Coral Coast is obviously famous for its stunning views. Here the white sandy beaches and lush tropical landscapes stretch for nearly 100 kilometres and are a haven for snorkelers and divers. The area is dotted with traditional Fijian villages, eco-resorts and luxury hotels, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking relaxation, while the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a must-visit.

But the Coral Coast is also a gateway to the interior of Fiji and a great base for adventure and cultural tourism. The rainforests and river valleys provide opportunities for hiking, river tubing, zip-lining and more. A great example is Sigatoka River Safari which sees intrepid guests speed up the longest river in Fiji to explore some of the local villages which make up the fertile plains of the south coast.

Breaking Travel News recently enjoyed the experience – with more here.

Based out of the same location is the Off-Road Cave Safari which sees guests jump into adapted Land Rovers and head deep into the Fijian interior. When I visited in September, the mainly Australian guests were enjoying the bumpy ride along dirt tracks through local villages. The experience is a chance to take in some of the local fauna – including three types of tobacco, ‘British,’ ‘Fijian’ and ‘illegal’ – while there is an abundance of wildlife to get to know.

The views over the surrounding mountains are worth the price of admission alone, with great marble giants reaching into the clouds.

The highlight is a chance to visit largest cave system in Fiji, the Naihehe Cave. On arrival, guests are invited to partake in a kava ceremony with a local priest in order to gain acceptance and access to the caves. This involves mixing the crushed root of the plant with water to create a mildly sedative elixir the colour of mud. Widely revered among local communities, the drink plays an important role in all manner of ceremonies, from celebrating births, marriages and birthdays, right through to funerals and religious festivities.

After a few small sips, I was strongly advised to “drink it like tequila, not wine” and quickly finished my bowl. Trust me, it does not taste as bad as it looks.

Although relatively accessible, guests to the caves do have to duck under some low hanging rocks, wade up to their knees and be relatively shore-footed in order to gain access. But it is worth the effort, and I was captivated by the three large chambers which compose the interior during the hour we spent inside.

The location was home to the Nabuavatu clan during the tribal warfare days of Fiji, with local guides able to delve into some of the local history. The cave system allowed the Nabuavatu to seek refuge and defend themselves – until as recently as a century ago. Safe to say, neither the cannibal forebearers of local tribes, nor the British colonial forces which once terrorised the area, emerge with much glory.

When it comes to accommodation, the Coral Coast offers visitors a combination of relaxation and adventure. Resorts cater to all types of travellers, from luxury seekers to those on a budget.

At the top-end of the market is the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, a place local Fijians revere as the best on offer and visit on special occasions. The resort is an hour from Nadi but feels remote and secluded.

Even at full occupancy, there is enough space that each of the hundreds of guests can find their own personal sanctuary. Echoing the layout of a traditional Fijian village, the rooms and suites are spread out across 35-acres of beachside tropical gardens. Many also overlook Natadola beach, considered by many to be the best in the country, and among the best in the world. 

During my visit, a particular favourite was the Spa InterContinental - currently in the running for the title of Fiji’s Best Resort Spa at the World Spa Awards. Here, guests can experience a range of treatments, drawing from the healing native herbs and plants nurtured in the on-site herb garden to provide a quintessentially Fijian way of relaxing.

I enjoyed the Natadola Bay Honey Retreat, a 90-minute rejuvenating journey drawing on locally produced honey. The experience begins with a sugar and honey scrub, followed by a yoghurt honey wrap and facial. After a rich milk and honey cleanse, the skin is treated with an organic antioxidant mask of honey, yoghurt and turmeric, which is also locally grown and can be seen being cultivated during both the off-road and river safaris. It’s quite an experience and highly recommended to even the most devoted spa aficionado.

Elsewhere, InterContinental Fiji offers strong meetings, incentives, conferences and events facilities. Guests enter via a discreet, private staircase, to keep those in suits from interfering with those in swimming trunks, and vice-versa. The secluded Watercourt precinct features a pillar-less ballroom that seats up to 600 guests, while an additional three theatre-style meeting rooms can each house up to 110 delegates. It’s hard to think of a better location for a meeting.

Finally, Club InterContinental acts a resort-within-a-resort. Perched high on the hill overlooking the sea below, the adults-only space creates a haven of relaxation and serves a mean Martini.

The property is considered Oceania’s Leading Family Resort by the World Travel Awards.

A little along the coast, Naviti Island Resort is a large, sprawling property aimed squarely at the family market. The arrival is a sight-to-be-seen, with the elegant lobby giving way to the resort-proper, spreading itself languidly along the shore, with manicured lawns that would make Augusta National Golf Club blush.

There are 38-acres to explore, alongside golden sand beaches designed to allow the stresses of the outside world to slip away. Unusually for the region, Naviti is an all-inclusive property, with four distinct food and beverage outlets, including the Chinese restaurant, Bamboo Terrace. There are also an array of activities, such as water sports, golf and tennis, while I also found time to duck into the Joy Spa.

For those on longer breaks, the Naviti Resort is ideally located near the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, the first national park in Fiji, as well as the beautiful Biausevu Waterfalls and Kulu Wild Park.

More Information

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is home to 333 of the happiest islands in the world. From its crystal-clear azure waters for breathtaking diving experiences to miles of pristine beaches for casting away your cares, Fiji has something for any traveller searching for an ultimate vacation experience.

Fiji was recognised with the titles of Oceania’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination and Oceania’s Leading Tourist Board at the World Travel Awards earlier this year.

Find out more on the official website.

Chris O’Toole