As a Survivor fan, I was convinced my first trip to Fiji would involve Jeff Probst, a CBS film crew, and at least one gratuitous B-roll sequence of me gazing dramatically into the distance. But alas, my introduction to the South Pacific nation swapped bamboo shelters for air-conditioned hotel rooms, and rice rations for five-star meals. A tough assignment, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make. (You better believe I still got my pensive, Parvati-worthy footage, however.) After six nights island-hopping around Fiji, I came away with a deep appreciation of the country’s natural beauty, chic resorts, and warm hospitality. It’s certainly much more than the place where Survivor, Love Island, and Cast Away have filmed, but Fiji’s TV and film lore did have me disproportionately delighted nonetheless.

Overview

Situated roughly 1100 miles south of the equator and comprised of over 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is brimming with coral reefs, world-famous surf breaks, rainforests, white sand beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. And that’s just the natural realm. Luxurious resorts, some with overwater bungalows known as bures, draw visitors to top-notch restaurants, indulgent spas, cool bars, and fun beach clubs. And thanks to the friendly Fijian people, you can experience all of the above while wrapped in the warm glow of the bula spirit. In Fiji, you’ll often be greeted with the word “bula,” but it doesn’t simply mean hello—it also represents Fiji’s joyful, generous, and welcoming ethos.