Translating to life, bula (pronounced boo-lah) is a cheerful greeting you’ll hear from the moment you arrive in Fiji. It means a lot of things – hello, how are you, hope you’re doing well – but it basically comes down to the same thing: welcome to my homeland. It’s this warm sense of welcome that you’ll feel during a stay at the luxe Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort on the island nation’s Coral Coast. It’s easy to pass the days at this five-star paradise just lazing about under a shady palm tree, but for an unforgettable holiday with all the trimmings, tick these experiences off your bucket-list…
Related article: South Pacific Island Getaways:Your Holiday & Honeymoon Guide to Fiji
Hit the beach, of course
Located on a sandy lagoon beach (pictured above), the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is built like an authentic Fijian village and is perfect for those looking to soak up the sunshine. There are plenty of activities on offer, like beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkelling and diving or surfing excursions; but even just taking a relaxing stroll along the water is enough to complete any tropical island idyll. Our advice? Top off a day in the water and feel rejuvenated with an indulgent couples spa treatment at the amazing hilltop Bebe Spa.
Discover Fiji’s countryside
Make your stay truly memorable when you join a knowledgable guide on the new EcoTrax tour and visit local villages and deserted Fijian beaches. The tour includes transportation on electric velocipedes (electric bikes mounted on the old sugarcane tramline), making it an experience you won’t soon forget.
Go island-hopping and stay the night
For an amazing toes-in-the-sand experience, consider splitting your holiday and spending a few days at the Outrigger’s sister resort, Castaway Island. Situated on a pristine private island in the heart of the Mamanuca Island group, the resort offers traditional, thatched-roof bure accommodation. Looking to holiday like an A-lister? Book yourselves one of the beachfront bures and arrive via helicopter (both properties have helipads).
Toast the sunset at a floating bar
Something you really can’t miss while here is taking a trip out to Cloud 9. Arguably the coolest floating bar in the world, this chilled hangout is accessible from the Outrigger by 15-minute high-speed boat ride and is the perfect spot to enjoy a few sundowners. You can also swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters below – heaven!
Be a cast away for a day
Discover what it’s like to be a modern-day Robinson Crusoe when you’re dropped off (with a picnic hamper and drinks, of course) onto the uninhabited Monuriki Island. The anonymous island featured in the film Cast Away, this deserted heaven is where Tom Hanks’s character spent four years alone with only a volley ball nick-named Wilson for company. Unlike Tom though, you’ll have the luxury of knowing your captain will return to pick you up in time for sunset drinks. Cheers to that!
Tee off at the golf course
Golfers, you’re going to want to visit the nearby PGA-rated Natadola Golf Course, home of the Fiji International. This par-72 course has something for pretty much everyone and it’s advised that players “Leave their egos in the car park”.
Looking for a dreamy place to stay in Fiji? We’ve got plenty of inspiration…
