by Chris Dobson
BULA!
My first introduction to Fiji was in 1978, as a passenger on the P&O cruise ship, Arcadia.
My fondest memory was being invited to the ‘Coke-tail’ party put on by the captain for all the kids on board. I don’t recall a thing about actually being there – but I still have the invite to prove I was! Oh, and I vaguely remember something about local Fijian craft markets and bouncing along a bumpy road in the back of a tourist truck to see something???
Come 1998, and I found myself back in Fiji, heading straight to Beachcomber – the ‘Party Island’.
Beachcomber is very popular with the 18 to 35 year olds, and offers all the usual ‘island’ activities – water sports, scuba diving, island hopping, traditional meals and nightly live music.
All the meals were included in the room price – or dorm price as was my case.
My ‘bunk’ of choice was in the 98 bed unisex dormitory with no walls! The largest traditional ‘bure’ in all of Fiji, filled with young people wanting to experience Fiji on a budget.
I remember the first morning opening my eyes and the first thing that came into focus was 4 Fijian legs walking past my bed – about 2 metres away on the path.
Although Beachcomber is still hugely popular there is now some competition on Bounty Island thanks to reality TV show ‘Celebrity Love Island’.
Beachcomber was everything I imagined a Fijian island would be.
2007 and I was off to Fiji again. This time with husband, 2 kids and the in-laws in tow, Beachcomber was not going to cut it.
After a stint on the mainland at the magnificent Outrigger on the Lagoon, we headed to Castaway Island – the family friendly choice!
It was gorgeous.
The bures were excellent, the food sensational and there was plenty of things to do. We island hopped, fished and spent time in the pool, on the beach, and exploring the island. Special meal times were held for kids, leaving parents to eat in peace for two hours while the kids club kicked into action. It was the perfect Fijian island escape.
There are so many more islands in Fiji to explore, but next on my ‘wish’ list is Vatulele Island – I just need Elle McPherson to vacate my room on The Point – and then it may still be ‘wishful’ thinking.
Have you also been to Fiji or Castaway Island like Chris? Is it somewhere you would love to go? Let me know in the comments below.
Years of travelling the globe have seen Chris Dobson make this passion her livelihood.As part of the TravelManagers group here in Australia, Chris is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to get back on the road.
Chris lives in Western Australia with her husband and young family.
