It was early September when my close friend Emily and I met-up in Fiji. A fellow Canadian, she’d been traveling Australia for the past few months. Neither of us had been to the South Pacific before, and were committed to be in this adventure together. We were excited, too.
Instead of resorts, we decided to book Fiji homestay getaways – where you live in a separate bure (home suite) typically in a local village, immersed in the daily life and culture of locals. We didn’t know what to expect, but were open to whatever would be.
First Fiji homestay remote and welcoming
Our first stay was in Malakati village on Nacula Island, so far from society that it’s actually hard to believe people live out here. These tiny remote islands are well removed from the first world comforts I’ve been surrounded with for 27 years. The children in kindergarten have never seen a car, an airplane, or even left their islands. They take a small boat to the closest island that has a school. Never mind wheels on the bus, try motor on the boat!
To eat we sat on floors, cross legged, with achy first world knees. Being women, we had to respect the village and its Chief by wearing a sulu, which is a skirt past our knees. We toured local swimming caves, a popular spot to experience another one of Mother Nature’s beautiful creations.
Although we differed from the people of Fiji, they accepted us with open arms. They invited us to play volleyball, drink Kava root, and connect even more by sharing jokes, stories and pictures.
Blue lagoon a real life paradise
The next Fiji homestay was Sunrise Lagoon, located on Nanuya Island – site of the famous Blue Lagoon movie paradise. We easily could have spent an entire week here, it was a fantastic mix of culture and civilization.
Emily and I were able to walk right across the entire island in just 20 minutes, landing us at the blue lagoon, and a small bar. This was our first taste of civilization since arriving in Fiji, so we ordered drinks and enjoyed the beach.
This homestay had a few more comforts like a shower, and a table to eat at. A couple other travelers were staying here, too, and our host cooked delicious meals for everyone. We also visited Lo’s tea house, where the owner makes incredible donuts and lemonade from scratch.
Swimming with sharks before dinner
The reef shark snorkel tour took us out on a tin fishing boat to the local shark spot. We got right in, and in no time were able to swim with two white tip sharks! Even though they are known to be safe to swim around, it was still nerve wracking. Our guide did some spearfishing at the same time, retrieving our shark dinner right out of the sea.
Our final Fiji homestay on Waya Island delivered the best food yet. Not only that, but we were back to being the only travelers so we had the small resort all to ourselves. It was like having a personal chef!
The closest village was 20 minutes by walking, and so we went. The people here became like family to us. They were hilarious and brought us into their homes to meet others. At one point I came across a very out of tune guitar and played a little Johnny Cash for everyone.
Beauty one could only dream of
The most beautiful sight was the strip of white sandy beach that emerged during low tide, leading to the closest neighboring island. Crystal clear blue water sparkled on either side as we walked across the sand bridge. Growing up in the prairies I could only dream of something this beautiful!
Clearly it was the perfect place to end our Yasawa Islands trip. I’m glad we left the mainland and visited the small surrounding Islands. With almost 300 to choose from, you can’t go wrong.
Riches and memories beyond measure
If you ever find yourself in Fiji, do like we did and just go with the flow. Meet the locals. Let them guide you. Do the tours. Drink the kava root. Eat the doughnuts. We couldn’t help but feel rich along the way – not in money and material things, but in unforgettable experiences.
Looking back now, our riches include the wonderful memories of the time spent in Fiji, the home of some of the kindest and most grateful people I have ever met. We couldn’t help but leave with deep appreciation for those who welcomed us so warmly, and opened up their lives, homes, and hearts to us. We got more than we ever could have imagined from the Fiji homestay experiences.
Before this trip, little did I think that eleven nights in the countryside, surrounded by mountains, ocean and farms, would make such a mark on me. Little did I know it was the peace I needed, and suspect everyone could use in their lives.
Fiji left my heart full, and my soul soothed. It was paradise for real.
Brittani Schick discovered her love for adventure as a kid on the sandy shores of Lake Winnipeg during Manitoba’s hot summers. Today, an adult in Whistler, you’ll find her hiking, cycling, paddling, snowboarding, and generally living life to the fullest.
