Indeed sailing is an integral part of Fijian history dating back to the 1500’s when an armada of giant war canoes set sail north of Egypt, allegedly carrying treasures from the King of Solomon. Sailing through Indonesia and into the South Pacific a double hulled canoe called ‘Kaunitoni’ with a great warrior chief aboard finally landed at Vuda Point on Viti Levu. Fijians today acknowledge Vuda Point, which lies between Nadi (pronounced Nan-di) and Lautoka, as the landing site of their Melanesian ancestors.

The main island of Viti Levu is likely to be your arrival point, as airports are located at Nadi and Suva on the ‘big island’. Denarau Island is far away enough from Nadi to avoid aircraft disturbance yet close enough so that within an hour of touching down you could be sipping cocktails beside your hotel pool. An island by name, Denarau is connected to Viti Levu by a short bridge over a tidal stream and is home to international luxury resorts, a golf course and marina. Sheraton, Westin and SonaiSali Resorts are located on the (black sand) beach with prime sunset viewing positions.

If you’re travelling by boat to the Yasawa or Mamanuca (pronounced Ma-man-ooth-a) Islands, it’s likely you’ll depart from Port Denarau Marina.

Other areas popular on Viti Levu are the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour on the south coast and the Sunshine Coast on the north side of the island, which overlooks Bligh Water. A road rims the entire island, skirting volcanic peaks that dominate the central landscape.