What does your imagination conjure when you think of Fiji? Is it glorious, soft sandy beaches lapped by water as warm as a bath? Maybe it’s a hammock slung between palm trees where you can doze off right beside the ocean? Or perhaps you’re thinking about the friendly Fijian welcome song and flower necklace that will greet you when you arrive?
Well you’d be right on all fronts! You can expect all of this, plus turquoise lagoons, traditional kava drinking ceremonies, sacred sights, island-hopping and places to stay that suit every style and budget. But if you and your travel companion are looking to add some contrast to your beach break - here are 4 Fiji island holidays paired with cool city stopovers!
Getting to Fiji from Europe involves flying almost around the world, so it’s best to make the most of the journey and combine this South Pacific paradise with somewhere in the Americas or Asia. We have a few Fiji multi-stop flight ideas to get you thinking, plus a list of our top 10 things to do in Fiji. Basically, anything is possible (ask us about your ideas, no matter how weird or wonderful they seem!)
If you’re after a multi-centre holiday that’s packed with contrast, twinning Fiji & Hong Kong is a great place to start.
First up, you’ll enjoy a buzzing, 3 night Hong Kong city break; sail across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry and enjoy views over Kowloon Bay and Hong Kong island. Then dip into a back street eaterie for some authentic and tasty dim sum, take the peak tram up to Mount Victoria for breath-taking views or watch the world’s largest ‘Symphony of lights’ laser show that takes place from the rooftops of the skyscrapers each evening!
Then mix in some contrast! A 10 hour flight from Hong Kong brings you directly to Fiji, abundant in warm hospitality and a relaxing ‘island time’ schedule. Head out into the stunning Yasawa Island chain and make your way to the dreamy Blue Lagoon - few days’ spent basking in crystal clear waters beside white sands and palms and snorkelling amongst a captivating array of tropical fish is guaranteed to fully restore your work/life balance!
Since 2016, Fiji Airways will be flying direct from Singapore to Nadi, Fiji. That’s great news if you like the idea of combining a little of South East Asia with a Fiji beach break.
Fiji offers plenty on the main island (Viti Levu), from water sports to cultural village visits, jungles and waterfalls. Many visitors decide to head out to the islands for a boutique stay in the attractive Mamanucas or Yasawa island chain. Here you’ll find that dreamy deserted island, slower paced and utterly laid back, with opportunities for everything from a luxury stay to a budget dorm room.
On the way home, why not consider breaking your journey half way? A 10 hour flight from Fiji brings you directly to Singapore, a city that will satisfy any kind of traveller! Kids will love Singapore Zoo or the night-time safari - this zoo is constantly rated amongst the best in the world, and we love the close-up views you will get! Adults will love this clean city with abundant shopping opportunities plus the swanky and iconic Raffles Hotel – home to the original Singapore Sling cocktail.
Heading west from Europe, it’s easy to twin Fiji with a west coast USA stopover for example, with Los Angeles. LA is one of those destinations that can please everybody; families will love the theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Six Flags, beach bums will be spoilt for choice with Venice Beach and Santa Monica, and Hollywood fans can trace their heroes’ footprints on the Avenue of Stars.
After the glamour of LA, you might be looking forward to some quality down time on the beach, which is exactly what Fiji offers by the bucket load. If you’re looking for luxury, why not make a beeline for the LikuLiku Lagoon Resort, set on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Islands. This secluded, adults-only paradise is set beside a lagoon and it’s the only place in Fiji where you can stay in an over water bungalow (or ‘bure’ as they’re known in the Pacific). Snorkel in the clear waters of the lagoon, visit Sacred Sites, sail out to explore a deserted island or get pampered in the hotel’s top-end spa. Pure holiday bliss!
If you’re on a budget, the islands are definitely not out of your budget. Grab a pass for the Yasawa Flyer boat which lets you island-hop throughout the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands and includes transfers and accommodation pre-paid.
Fiji and Australia are ideal companions; with such short flight times and convenient flights to Fiji from Brisbane (3.5 hours), Sydney (4) and Melbourne (4.75), you easily add on a trip to Fiji.
Sandwich in a side trip to Fiji, with convenient direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney and it next to no time; you could be sipping a cocktail from a hammock on a private island (which is definitely a snap for Instagram)!
Sydney is a striking arrival city for any holiday; the glistening harbour, the sails of the opera house and an alluring al fresco lifestyle. If you yearn for the great outdoors, a short drive out of Sydney brings you to the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley wine regions for walking and wine tasting.
Melbourne offers a different kind of charm with plenty of sports and arts on the doorstep. A little further into the state of Victoria you can discover the irresistible ‘little penguins’ of Philip Island, Yarra Valley wineries and the scenic Great Ocean Road coastal drive.
If you’re keen to visit Fiji but don’t know where to start – get in touch. We can create any route to Fiji, but other destinations that are easy to twin with Fiji are Seoul and Hawaii. Our Fiji specialists are ‘Matai’ certified, so you’ll be planning your trip with somebody who’s been to Fiji, understands the different islands and resorts and can offer first-hand recommendations so that your trip goes off without a hitch. For more inspiration, see our tailor-made Fiji holidays (including flights) or Fiji trip ideas (which exclude flights).
To speak to a Fiji specialist, call us on +44 1273320580 or make an enquiry by email.
After finishing her Geography degree, George settled into a digital marketing role and never managed to take a gap year. That didn’t stop her pooling every available week of annual leave to visit the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, Australia and Venezuela. She joined Travel Nation in 2011 as Digital Marketing Manager and has since added Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia to her visited spots. When George isn't at work you can find her walking her dog and thinking up new ways to use her Travel Nation travel fund to visit any destination accessible from SFO where her American in-laws are based (Hawaii, anyone?)
