Fiji is a day dream turned to life. This tropical paradise is like a postcard come to life, filled with sandy white beaches, ridiculously clear, aqua blue waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Take a step onto any one of the 333 islands that Fiji calls home and you will quickly realise it's no dream, just your ultimate tropical getaway.

?? About Fiji - Fiji is made up of 333 islands and 500 islets (small islands). Rich in tradition, culture and friendly locals, the Pacific nation of Fiji offers a beauty unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Fiji is the perfect location for every type of traveller. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a child-friendly family trip or a relaxing, solo adventure you're after, Fiji offers something for everyone.

LANGUAGE

The traditional languages in Fiji consist of Fijian and Hindi, with English also spoken across the island. Remember, a smile and a “Bula” go a long way! Language Tip - Words with a 'd' in them have a silent 'n' in front of it. So Nadi is really pronounced 'Nandi' and so on.

Fijian cuisine falls into two broad categories, Fijian and Indo-Fijian. If you're a fan of Indian flavours and spices then Indo-Fijian food is for you, it consists of rice dishes, chili additives and robust flavours. The more traditional Fijian fare uses fresh local produce, combining various seafood's including; prawn, crab and lobster that are offset with the sweetness of local fruits such as mango, papaya and pineapple.

For a truly unique experience you will never forget, try sampling food that is prepared using the ‘Lovo', a traditional form of cooking where food is prepared in an underground oven, using hot rocks.

Local drinks: Kava (non-alcoholic traditional drink made from root of the Kava plant) and Fiji Bitter.

Local food: Fresh local seafood and tropical fruits are available in abundance.

??TOPOGRAPHY

Fiji has a similar topography to many of the surrounding South Pacific islands that make up a large part of its natural beauty.

Most of the islands that make up beautiful Fiji have a volcanic origin with some smaller islands based on coral deposits. Fiji is dominated by mountainous terrain of mostly dormant volcanos, with Mount Tomanivi at 1,324 metres, the highest peak.

??CLIMATE

Fiji is one of the world's most desired holiday destinations in part due to the incredible weather. Minimum temperatures rarely fall below 26 degrees celsius all year-round and water temperatures average between 25 – 28 degrees celsius.

Note: November – April is the wet season, however these brief and localised showers only make the following rainbows shimmer brighter.

?? KEY TOURIST HOTSPOTS

A trip to Fiji offers sights, scents and sounds that will stay with you long after your trip. If you're looking for inspiration, try these incredible activities;

1. Nadi Markets - Explore the open air market at Nadi. Shop until you drop among hand crafted artefacts that show the unique cultural influence of both the Fijian and Indian heritage.
2. Garden of Eden - Explore Fiji's 'Garden of Eden' on Taveuni Island. With more than 80% protected as national park this 60-foot-high waterfall is worth the trip in alone.
3. Fiji Museum - Learn about the incredible history of your Island home at Suva's Fiji Museum. Start 3,700 years ago with Fiji's inception and work your way forward. The adjacent botanical garden site makes for a romantic afternoon.
4. Cloud 9 - Fiji's only two level floating bar and Italian wood-fired pizzeria, located in the middle of the Mamanuca Islands. A short 40-minute boat ride from Denarau will take you to this unique floating paradise.
5. BEACHES - Fiji is home to some of the most idyllic and beautiful beaches in the world. With so many beaches to choose from it's hard to pick only a few. The most notable beaches include;
   1. Natadola Beach – (Viti Levu Island). Just 30 minutes outside of Nadi is Viti Levu's best beach. With an incredible natural beauty, it is the ultimate place to relax and recharge. The consistent waves and stable water depth also make this a fantastic beach for swimming and snorkelling.
   2. Matana Beach – (Kadavu Island). Picture an unspoilt slice of tropical paradise where crisp, white sand stretches as far as the eye can see. It's not a fantasy anymore, it's Matana Beach. With rich, turquoise blue water and a gorgeous backdrop of swaying palm trees and mountains, this is heaven on earth.
   3. Matamanoa Beach – (Mamanuca Islands). The word 'Matamano' translates to 'feast for the eyes' and that makes sense for this secluded gem of a beach. Shaped like a horseshoe and with white sand underfoot, you will lie under a towering cone-shaped peak made of volcanic rock and wonder how you will ever go home.