I stretch back, turning my face towards the sun to soak in the warm rays beaming from the cloudless sky. My toes slide beneath the soft, white sand and I breathe a sigh of contentment.
The peace doesn’t last long as my three-year-old barrels out of the turquoise water towards me. He has spotted yet another pretty blue starfish – one of many that shimmer below the surface of the pristine South Pacific Ocean. The water here, off Fiji’s Coral Coast, is alive with colourful reef fish, which glide between your legs and under the kayaks of tourists-turned-explorers.
It’s fish feeding time, so my son, husband and I meander up the beach towards the peer that stretches out into the ocean. The fish come in their hundreds as we join other Warwick Fiji guests to throw food into the soft, rippling waves.
With the excitement soon over, we weave between hammocks back to our home for the next 10 days. We are told it’s one of the best rooms in the resort and we have little reason to doubt the claim. The spacious balcony provides 180-degree views and we have the pleasure of watching the sun set spectacularly each evening as we prepare for the night’s family activities. No one offers up a smorgasbord of activities quite like the Fijians.
Located about a half an hour’s drive from the small township of Sigatoka, the Warwick stretches over 28 landscaped acres and offers tennis, swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding and a daily timetable of bingo, yoga, toad races and beach volleyball.
If relaxation is what you’re after, you will be indulged in this piece of paradise. But those seeking adventure won’t be disappointed either. The Coral Coast – a stretch of beach between Korotoga and Pacific Harbour – is named after the large coral reef located offshore. Waves crash into the bank that protects the calm waters of the lagoon. Before the ocean stretches lush green hills, which are home to numerous villages and adventure-fuelled activities such as white-water rafting, zip lining and off-road safari tours.
For now though, I’m happy to dip my toes in the water and watch the sun slowly sink into the horizon as the stars begin to twinkle in the beautiful, sunburnt orange sky.
IF YOU GO:
Getting there: Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Nadi International Airport. Visit virginaustralia.com.au. I recommend organising hotel transfers before your departure.
Staying there: Warwick Fiji is located on Queens Road on the Coral Coast. It offers garden- or ocean-view rooms, deluxe rooms and suites. There is also an adults-only side of the resort. Visit warwickhotels.com/fiji-resort.
PLAYING THERE: The Warwick has five restaurants plus two bars. Be sure to reserve a table at the Wicked Walu Restaurant to enjoy dinner on the resort’s private island.
