Fiji: Go Troppo

36 ESCAPE SUNDAY JANUARY 17 2016 ESCAPE.COM.AU

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THE sun sets behind a row of palmtrees as a ukulele strums softly.Lamps along the beach are

already lit and our icy cocktails sit before us on the rear deck of Fiji Princess, which is tied casually to a fat palm tree.

Here on Nanuya Island in Fiji’s Yasawa Group, just a short distance to the west of the main island, Viti Levu, it’s every bit the stereotypical tropical island dream portrayed in travel brochures. Hardened travellers may wince at this cliche setting, but there is plenty to like about this intensively relaxing getaway to “paradise”.

These islands’ proximity to well-developed Port Denarau, its string of swish resorts and the neighbouring international airport at Nadi, ensures a regular stream of sulu-wearing, sun-kissed tourists seeking the simplest of holiday options among this delightful volcanic chain with its impossibly perfect beaches, clear spa-temperature waters and intoxicating sunshine.

Despite occasional political ructions, Fiji remains high on the list of Australians seeking a blissful tropical escape from the daily grind. Much

credit must go to the Fijians themselves for their strict enforcement of Pacific Time, a kind of local timezone where urgency and adherence to schedule is actively ignored. An annoyance to some uptight Westerners who demand strict punctuality, the smiling Fijians all but refuse to comply to our slavish agendas.

This may sound like a recipe for mayhem, but the world ticks along at a pace the Fijians enjoy and guests can either “get with the program”, relax and kick back or tear their hair out.

Here on Blue Lagoon Cruises’ flagship vessel, the 68-passenger Fiji Princess, it’s a balance that seems to be working nicely. Over the past decade, I’ve sampled the company’s special style of Fijian small-ship cruising several times and, let me say, it hasn’t always been this way.

In the past year, the new owners have employed new management and marketing, revamped the cabins and public areas, installed wi-fi and overhauled the dining experience, an aspect that had become neglected under previous regimes. Hot breakfast, for example, is now cooked a la carte,

supplemented by cereal and fresh fruit. Pod coffee machines are now in many cabins and, depending on your fare package, can include mini bar. The wine list is expanded and Fiji’s own brand of flavoured rums has created a new selection of cocktail sensations.

Activities available from the ship have been modified as well with stand-up paddleboards augmenting the kayaks and snorkelling at various locations. The crew now invite guests to go on their fishing excursions and a cross-island walk is now an option for guests who want to try to ameliorate the effects of the generous meals.

Scuba diving was once offered in conjunction with the local resort, but that has now moved to nearby Barefoot Island, itself recently upgraded, and home to the popular manta ray swims.

Blue Lagoon Cruises have also aligned themselves with Vinaka Fiji, a voluntourism enterprise that supports the existing school system by placing volunteers within the community to assist teachers with literacy and numeracy. We visit a couple of schools and are treated to enthusiastic receptions from the children singing, dancing and

performing impromptu numbers to thegreat entertainment of all.

Then there is the namesake attraction, the blue lagoon itself, more a brackish grotto but a highlight nonetheless with the lurid blue water amid towering basalt walls broken by shafts of light piercing the shadows. Movie buffs will recall the movie scene featuring the frolicking nubile forms of Christopher Atkins and Brooke Shields. While the modern blue lagoon may be far removed from that contrived 1980s cinematic vision of paradise, it still affords a genuine escape to warm and blissful relaxation.

The 68-guest Fiji Princess sails three regular itineraries through the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups, from three to seven nights. Weekly departures for the seven-night cruises are from Denarau Marina, with guests on the three and four-nights cruises transferred by high-speed boat.

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ESCAPE ROUTE

LAZY DAYS: The Fiji Princess seen from the shore where guests can enjoy dinner on the beach.

Go troppoFIJI

Paradise has become even more pleasurable with a revamp of a Fiji favourite, writes Roderick Eime

Love Fiji? Share your favourite photos with us on Instagram @escape_snaps

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Fiji: Go Troppo

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