When people think of "Fiji" they automatically assume white sands and crystal blue waters everywhere. Im sure many who arrive to Fiji and park up at Denarau Island must be hugely unimpressed. Unfortunately, the truth is if you want that crystal blue water experience you must get off the mainland otherwise you might find yourself sitting on a beach likened to Mission Bay in Auckland.
Sunset beach is aptly named because of its perfect vantage point for watching the sun go down. It is also the area where outdoor weddings are performed and is due to have a brand new reception and conference centre built in the near future.
I did a swoop through the Mananuca Islands in Fiji at the end of last year to a range of properties and the one that stood out was the fantastic Mana Island 30km west of Nadi.
To get to Mana Island you need to catch a launch out from Denerau Marina and this ride will take you roughly an hour and a half through crystal clear fijian waters. If your of the blinging variety you can also opt to fly in by helicopter or private seaplane as Mana conveniantly operates a landing strip. On arrival you cant help but fall in love with the place immediately as the boat weaves its way through coral reef, palm trees line the shores and a party of local fijians will welcome you with singing and an enthusiastic BULA!!!
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| Landing pier at Mana Island |
Mana Island harbours 3 swimmable beaches on its shores and is a huge island. South Beach has some of the best snorkelling right off the beach, a pontoon to swim out to and lounge off, extreme sports such as kayaking, parasailing and windsurfing, a chapel for weddings and also an a la carte restaurant. South beach is also the side where 4 honeymoon bures are located in a secluded area and come with their own beach buggies.
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| South Beach |
On the North side the beach is a lot more mellow great for those wanting to just sunbathe, read a book or perhaps have a cocktail off the beach bar.
Mana has 6 different room categories. Honeymoon Bure, Beachfront Bure, Ocean front suite, Deluxe Ocean View, Ocean View and the lead in Island Bures. Although some of the categories are looking a little outdated and in need of a refurb (which is on the cards) the Island Bures are great value and have all been recently refurbed in fresh modern decor. They are also the only room type to have outdoor showers, a great perk! For those with families I would recommend the ocean front suites that are 2 story and extremly spacious.
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| Beachfront Bure |
Dining on Mana is limited to 2 restaurants, the A La carte restaurant on south beach or the smorgasbord/buffet to the north. The food is rotated with a different theme each night and is plentiful. I would strongly advise purchasing a meal plan on booking as once your in the islands, you really have no other choice than to dine at these 2 restaurants and it will save you a heck of a lot of money.
For those with kids Mana has a fantastic kids club that is stocked full with daily activities for the kids to do you will barely see them throughout your stay (if thats what you would prefer).
I only managed to stay at Mana for one night which was far from not long enough. Of all the resorts throughout the Mamanuca group of islands it by far exceeds all expectations and not only offers something for everyone but at a great rate. Fijis prices have steadily been hiking up for years making it nearly impossible for anyone to get out to the islands on a budget. But my advice, if your going to do Fiji you've got to do it well or theres no point in going at all, pay that little bit extra and get out to the islands, mainly Mana. It will be well worth your dollar.
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| North Beach |
For bookings contact Mana on http://www.manafiji.com/
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