Escape To Fiji

Fiji’s islands are a piece of paradise in the South Pacific

- Tamsin Cocks

Swaying lazily in a rope hammock strung between two palms, I gaze through half-closed eyes at the glittering South Pacific, mesmerized by the dramatic ombré effect of inky blues blending into an emerald lagoon. Add to this the perfect cerulean sky, a crescent of unblemished white sand and the fact that the only way to get here is a five-hour boat ride from Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island), and I’m basically living out my desert-island fantasies.

In fact, for filmmakers, this is the archetypal island paradise, with blockbusters from Blue Lagoon to Castaway being filmed on neighboring islets in the Yasawa and Mamanuca island archipelagos. Several seasons of the hit TV show Survivor have also been filmed nearby.

The Yasawas and Mamanucas are hugely popular with tourists seeking a piece of heaven. A chain of about 40 volcanic islands, they range from literal strips of sand in the ocean to hulking isles with jungle-clad mountains, indigenous village populations – and idyllic resorts to suit a range of budgets.

At the ultra-luxury end are options such as Turtle Island Resort – the actual film setting for the 1980 Blue Lagoon remake – which boasts a $2,600-a-night exclusive island retreat accessible via private charter, and has been the honeymoon destination of choice for A-listers such as Britney Spears. At the other end of the spectrum are options like Beachcomber Island – a hedonistic party patch of sand for those on a budget.