Latest news with #Bula

Herald Sun
04-07-2025
- Herald Sun
Fijian local says Fiji's Coral Coast is a bucket-list must
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Salote Naisua is the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort's Guest Experience Manager, and this is why she thinks you need to visit the Coral Coast for some serious R&R. The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort in the Coral Coast because of its unique guest experience and the setting. Beyond the stunning scenery, it's the authentic Fijian atmosphere that sets it apart. They have also recently finished a significant refurbishment with refreshed rooms and elevated amenities. The best thing about it… Is that the hosts at the resort are truly exceptional. They embrace you as their own, sharing their 'Bula spirit' and hospitality. It feels like being welcomed into a family rather than just a guest. Last time I was there I… Thoroughly enjoyed the Fijian firewalking and cultural experience. Starting with storytelling and a kava ceremony, we delved into cultural legends passed down through generations. The highlight was seeing the Bega Warriors walking on fire. Make sure you… Check out the resort's award-winning Bebe Spa Sanctuary situated on the Lomalagi Hill next to the main resort. It's a tranquil escape offering rejuvenating spa experiences in a breathtaking setting offering ocean views. I'd recommend indulging in their Traditional Fijian Bobo Massage, which is a de-stressing massage using elbows and forearms, passed down through many generations. The best place to eat is… The Sundowner Bar & Grill, the resort's iconic steakhouse on the beachfront. My go-to order is the surf and turf. I recommend booking a dinner slot during sunset for incredible views. If you like adventure… Book the activities package at the resort as this allows you to try out all the different activities such as paintball, night snorkelling, golf driving, archery and many more. Another fantastic adventure offering near the resort is EcoTrax. Cycle the old sugar cane railway on EcoTrax's electric mounted bicycles, winding along the coastline through villages, mangroves and rainforests. You will learn the history of the sugar cane industry, once Fiji's biggest export, as well as about the Fijian way of life as you meander through the countryside, meeting locals along the way. You should pack… Light clothing and sunscreen due to the very warm climate in Fiji. It's perfect for families… As well as couples and solo travellers because it has dining and swimming pools that are specific for families and adults only. The recent refurbishment includes a new water slide at the main pool, a hit among families. For adults, I recommend watching the sunset from Kalokalo, which is an adults-only bar. A tour you should do is… The Sigatoka River Safari. Cruise up the majestic Sigatoka River on a jet boat to visit Fijian villages and experience a day in the life of real Fijians. The best time to go is… Around June when the weather is nice and cool. However, the magic of Castaway Island transcends seasons, making it a delightful destination throughout the year. The resort I stay at is… Castaway Island, Fiji. It is a small island resort located in the heart of the stunning Mamanuca Islands. Known for its authentic Fijian hospitality, it is the perfect place to disconnect and reconnect into a tropical island paradise. Last time I was there … I discovered that the high returnee rate is a testament to the warm hospitality provided by the hosts on the island. Make sure you visit… Malamala Beach Club as your day trip destination. Visit it to experience the magic of Fiji islands, it is truly a paradise. The pristine beaches, excellent snorkelling, and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal day trip. Go to immerse yourself in Fijian culture, indulge in local cuisine, and witness a stunning sunset. Originally published as Salote Naisua says Fiji's Coral Coast is a bucket-list must

USA Today
03-07-2025
- USA Today
Thinking of visiting Fiji? Love Island USA, cheap flights and no visa make now the time
You got a text! But are you getting a flight? If the latest season of Love Island USA has you considering seeking your own romance in Fiji, it could be a great time to go, and you won't be alone. According to Expedia, hotel searches for Fiji were up 30% in June compared to June 2024. "While current season data is still pending, last year's Season 6 showed a clear lift," Tourism Fiji said in a statement. "According to Skyscanner, searches for Suva, Fiji rose 70% year-over-year, with an 18% spike after the June 12 premiere and a 46% jump following the June 3 Casa Amor episode." Here's what you need to know if you're going to plan your own trip. How do I get to Fiji from the US? Fiji Airways has nonstop flights from Dallas, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco. As part of the oneworld airline alliance, it allows for easy connections from other U.S. cities on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. According to Expedia, round-trip flights from Dallas and Los Angeles to Nadi Airport in Fiji are available for as little as $753 in September, though itineraries on other dates and from other cities are likely to run into the four digits. Is a visa required to visit Fiji? According to the State Department, visitors with a U.S. passport are not required to get a visa to visit Fiji if they plan to stay for less than four months. Is it safe to go to Fiji right now? Fiji is generally considered a safe destination for visitors. The State Department currently has Fiji listed under a Level 1 "exercise normal precautions" advisory. "What makes Fiji so famous is its people, who are known for their amazing 'Bula' hospitality, cheeky sense of humor and living culture centered around family and community," Tourism Fiji said in a statement. "Travelers to Fiji cannot help but soak up some of the Fijian happiness that is so pervasive – you arrive in Fiji as a visitor and leave as family. Fiji's endless supply of beaches and pristine, crystal-clear ocean waters offer an ideal vacation destination for divers, honeymooners, friends and families, or simply those looking to relax and get away from it all." Is $100 a lot in Fiji? The exchange rate for Fiji is somewhat favorable, with $1 USD currently worth $2.24 Fijian. According to Expedia, the average hotel price in Fiji is $340 per night.


Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
10th Anniversary Of Fiji Airways Wellington Service Celebrated
Wellington Airport is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Fiji Airways flying direct between Wellington and Nadi today, marking a decade of connecting the capital to the heart of the South Pacific. 'Since the start of this service on the 25th of June in 2015, Fiji Airways has carried 195,000 passengers to and from Wellington,' says Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke. 'This has been a hugely popular service connecting Wellingtonians to the Pacific and beyond. We love seeing the distinctive Fiji Airways aircraft here and helping fuel their growth and success. 'Thanks to this service, we've seen a 60% increase in Wellingtonians travelling to Fiji while the number of Fijian visitors into Wellington has increased fifteen-fold over the last 10 years. 'The increasing connections through Nadi have also meant we've seen a big increase in visitors from the United States, Canada, Japan, UK and India. 'Travellers from Wellington can now skip Auckland and fly straight from Nadi onto popular destinations like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas and Vancouver. 'The improved connections with Samoa and Tonga are also boosting demand, with Fiji a perfect hub for services across the Pacific.' "We are delighted to be able to celebrate this momentous 10-year anniversary with our Wellington whānau," says Andre Viljoen, CEO and Managing Director, Fiji Airways. 'Our direct flights between Wellington and Nadi have increased to up to three times a week, highlighting the demand for this route and the importance of the New Zealand market - our second biggest source of arrivals. We look forward to continuing to greet Wellingtonians onboard with a big Bula welcome and smile for many years to come as they fly to our home and beyond.' In April this year Fiji Airways proudly became the newest full member of the oneworld Alliance. To celebrate the 10-year milestone, Wellington Airport and Fiji Airways have teamed up to give away to flight packages to Fiji and beyond. Prize 1: Return flights for two adults and two children (aged 2 – 11) from Wellington to Fiji.


West Australian
09-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Sorensen's tackle could be season-defining: Panthers
Penrith players believe Scott Sorensen's match-saving tackle against Wests Tigers could prove season-defining, with their bid for an NRL five-peat still alive. Sorensen provided a hero's play late in the Panthers' win over the Tigers on Sunday, rushing from the other side of the field to stop Jahream Bula inches from the line. Prop Lindsay Smith then provided a similar effort on the next set, getting back to help deny Bula again with the Panthers leading 18-14. The Panthers' win meant they finished the round in 13th spot but just one point out of the top eight, after a horror start to the season had them sitting last after 12 rounds. Penrith players saw similarities between Sorensen's effort, and Viliame Kikau's famed effort to hold Melbourne's Justin Olam up after the siren in the Panthers' 2021 grand-final rematch. Kikau's desperate play has for years helped Penrith set the standards for success, and teammates believe Sorensen's effort on Sunday can have a similar effect. "We'll look back on that as a pretty defining moment. It was huge," fellow second-rower Liam Martin told AAP. "I remember the (Kikau) one, where he slid and held (Olam) up over the line. "It's just those little plays that you just value ... They're just little plays that probably not a lot of people notice, but they get so valued in our team. "It gives you so much confidence when you see stuff like that happening, your teammates doing that, and you just build energy off it." Penrith face a tough run ahead to keep their season revival on track, with a trip to Auckland without State of Origin players after the bye. They then face Canterbury off a five-day turnaround, before having the Bulldogs again, Melbourne and Canberra on their run home. Martin admitted the Panthers may have lacked that kind of desperation in their game as they went 2-6 to start the season, a point Nathan Cleary agreed with. "That's probably been the difference between winning and losing games," Cleary, who was involved in both tackles on Bula with Sorensen and Smith, said. "At the start of the year we weren't doing that at all and it was biting us in the butt a fair bit. "That's what we want our DNA and identity to be like. And we definitely applaud plays like that. "Then it starts to become something that happens just by DNA ... there were even a few of those last week (against Parramatta) as well." Sorensen, for his part, dodged the praise after Sunday's win. "It's no different to anyone else in this team," he said. "It's just doing your job, and tonight was my time to do my job. It's as simple as that."


Perth Now
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sorensen's tackle could be season-defining: Panthers
Penrith players believe Scott Sorensen's match-saving tackle against Wests Tigers could prove season-defining, with their bid for an NRL five-peat still alive. Sorensen provided a hero's play late in the Panthers' win over the Tigers on Sunday, rushing from the other side of the field to stop Jahream Bula inches from the line. Prop Lindsay Smith then provided a similar effort on the next set, getting back to help deny Bula again with the Panthers leading 18-14. The Panthers' win meant they finished the round in 13th spot but just one point out of the top eight, after a horror start to the season had them sitting last after 12 rounds. Penrith players saw similarities between Sorensen's effort, and Viliame Kikau's famed effort to hold Melbourne's Justin Olam up after the siren in the Panthers' 2021 grand-final rematch. Kikau's desperate play has for years helped Penrith set the standards for success, and teammates believe Sorensen's effort on Sunday can have a similar effect. "We'll look back on that as a pretty defining moment. It was huge," fellow second-rower Liam Martin told AAP. "I remember the (Kikau) one, where he slid and held (Olam) up over the line. "It's just those little plays that you just value ... They're just little plays that probably not a lot of people notice, but they get so valued in our team. "It gives you so much confidence when you see stuff like that happening, your teammates doing that, and you just build energy off it." Penrith face a tough run ahead to keep their season revival on track, with a trip to Auckland without State of Origin players after the bye. They then face Canterbury off a five-day turnaround, before having the Bulldogs again, Melbourne and Canberra on their run home. Martin admitted the Panthers may have lacked that kind of desperation in their game as they went 2-6 to start the season, a point Nathan Cleary agreed with. "That's probably been the difference between winning and losing games," Cleary, who was involved in both tackles on Bula with Sorensen and Smith, said. "At the start of the year we weren't doing that at all and it was biting us in the butt a fair bit. "That's what we want our DNA and identity to be like. And we definitely applaud plays like that. "Then it starts to become something that happens just by DNA ... there were even a few of those last week (against Parramatta) as well." Sorensen, for his part, dodged the praise after Sunday's win. "It's no different to anyone else in this team," he said. "It's just doing your job, and tonight was my time to do my job. It's as simple as that."