United Nations
Local Expatriate Spouse Association
For UN international staff and their families
Beyond Suva
Day Trips and Weekend Breaks
There is a good range of resorts and places to visit within a two hour drive of Suva. If you are staying at a resort overnight, make sure you ask for the ‘local rate’. Note that the closest swimming beach from Suva is 45 minutes away at Pacific Harbour! Favourites Day and Weekend Trips of LESA members include the following:
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park: (11km north of Suva, along Princes Road): Really lovely natural rainforest with bush walks, streams, waterfalls, swimming holes. Pay first at the Visitor Information Centre on the left-hand side of the road, then it is possible to drive into the park on the right-hand side of the road. Don’t leave valuables in your car. Entry is only $1 for a local, so make sure you take your UN ID Card with you (otherwise it is $5).
Uprising Beach Resort: (Pacific Harbour, Ph: 345-2200; enquiries@uprisingbeachresort.com): ‘Flashpacker’ resort right on the beach; very welcoming to Suva residents who want to eat at the restaurant and use the pool for the day.
The Pearl Resort: (Pacific Harbour, Ph: 345-0022 stay@thepearlsouthpacific.com): Luxury hotel beside the beach; good food; nice pool; barbeque lunch on Sundays with live music.
Pacific Harbour Arts Village: (One hour from Suva along Queen’s Road): Arts Village with craft shops and restaurants; daily cultural shows (except Sunday); children love the Tiki Pool (part of the Tsulu Backpackers); simple food at the poolside restaurant.
Takalana Bay and Moon Reef Dolphin Trip: (King’s Road to Korovou, then 40km along coast road, Ph: 991-6338 takalana@gmail.com): Gorgeous spot on the hill overlooking the sea; budget accommodation in just two bures; good home cooking; Excellent day trip for snorkelling and dolphin watching, check out their Blog.
Leleuvia Island Resort: (Continue towards Nausori Airport and turn to Bau Landing. Then a 30 minute boat transfer, Ph: 330-1584, 336-4008, 359-5150) Lovely coral island with white-sand beaches; budget accommodation.
Caqalai Island: (King’s Road to Waidalice Bridge, then a 30 minute boat transfer, Ph: 875-1244 / 992-9473 / 362-0388) Another lovely coral island with white-sand beaches; budget accommodation. Bookings: caqalai@vitiwatersports.com
Toberua Island Resort: (Continue out past Nausori Airport to Nakelo Landing, then a 20 minute boat transfer, Ph: 347-2777, 347-2666 toberua@connect.com.fj): One of Fiji’s earliest luxury resorts; fantastic food; can be on the island within an hour of leaving Suva.
Voli –Voli Beach Resort (Kings Road to Raki-Raki)
Wananavu (Kings Road to Raki-Raki)
Many resorts along the Coral Coast: Consult your guidebook or ask around for recommendations.
Longer Trips
There’s a huge array of places to visit: the Yasawas, the Mamanucas, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu Island, the highlands of Viti Levu, and more! Consult your guidebook or ask around for recommendations. Ask for ‘local rates’ when booking, and keep an eye on the newspaper for special deals.
Of note: Most resorts are child friendly except ones that are catered for adults only. The Intercontinental Natadola, Shangri-La Fijian Resort and Sofitel (Denarau) have notably good kids' clubs and organized activities. Intercontinental has a remarkably large children's pool.
by Naoki Takyo