Fiji (Pacific Islands)

One of the world's more exotic destinations, Fiji is a tropical paradise like many others in the Pacific Islands, made up of 322 islands nearly two thousand miles (3,219km) east of Australia. Once feared as the haunt of cannibals and fierce warrior tribes, today Fiji is regarded as being inhabited by supremely friendly and welcoming people who are full of joie de vivre and consider it rude to rush. It has been said that Fiji is where people wear flowers in their hair not to impress, but simply because they like to.

Flowers there are aplenty blooming on these scenic, lush islands where the sun shines every day and orchids hang over waterfalls that plunge into jungle pools behind palm-fringed beaches. Visitors here can swim with manta rays, snorkel over coral gardens, scuba dive on the famous Astrolabe Reef, or ride the amazing 20ft (six-metre) waves known as the 'Cloud Breakers' off Tavarua.

The Fiji archipelago is the hub of the South Pacific with more than 85 flights a week landing at Nadi airport on the main island of Viti Levu. From there it is easy to access the offshore island resorts or the other large islands of Vanua Levu or Taveuni. Viti Levu has several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva, which is a shopper's paradise and offers an upbeat nightlife.

The offshore coral atolls of the Mamanuca Group are the gem in Fiji's tourism. Here there are lots of up-market beach resorts, water activities and day cruises. Backpackers head further north to the Yasawa Group where secluded beaches, locally run beach resorts and great snorkelling offer the ultimate chill out destination.

The country is blessed with some of the finest scuba diving (notably soft corals) and surfing waves in the world. Specialist resorts and live aboards catering exclusively for these markets offer the ultimate adventure holiday. And Fiji's rich culture and traditional lifestyle, along with its friendly people, offer a great backdrop for exploring.

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