If you’re looking for the quintessential Fijian holiday straight out of the brochure – you know those pictures that show dazzling white beaches kissed by turquoise water shaded by coconut palms struck with a hammock – look no further than the Mamanuca or Yasawa Islands.

The Mamanuca’s are a volcanic archipelago of 20 islands west of Viti Levu and south of the Yasawa Islands. Mostly islets rather than full sized islands, some of these are so small they disappear below the Pacific Ocean at high tide. Easily accessible by boat from Port Denarau Marina, it’s also a short seaplane flight to Mamanuca Island resorts. Protected from ocean swells by the Malolo Barrier Reef, which lures divers and snorkelers, islands worth checking into are Likuliku Lagoon and Tokoriki Resorts, while sailors should head straight to Musket Cove Resort with its lively marina and yacht club vibe.