Once renowned as the ‘Cannibal Isles,’ Fiji is now better known for its friendly, easy-going people and warm generosity.Immigration and colonisation have seen the country develop into a fascinating blend of cultures including Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian, European and Chinese.

This cultural mix creates a rewarding diversity that is reflected in the variety of food, languages and traditions.The Fiji archipelago was first settled about three and a half thousand years ago by the Lapita people. Linguistic studies have shown that they may have come from Vanuatu or the eastern Solomon Islands.During the 19th century, Fiji developed into a trade centre for the South Pacific and in 1874 the country became a colony of Britain.

Between 1879 and 1916 Indians came to Fiji as indentured laborers to work on the colonial sugar plantations.

After the indentured system was abolished, many Indians remained as business people and independent farmers. Fiji gained independence from Britain in 1970.

Unlike many other countries, the indigenous people have not lost their traditions and some aspects of life today are as they were a hundred years ago.

Traditional Fijian society is based on communal principles developed from village life. The people of a village share the obligations and benefits of community life and are still led by a hereditary chief. Everyone in a village works together to grow crops, prepare food and build homes.

This communal system works as an extended family unit that allows no-one to go hungry or uncared for.

Come along on a Fijian Village Visit!

Later, we’ll head into Rakiraki town to explore the market where you can taste freshly-picked local fruits like papaya and pineapple and vegetables including taro and tapioca brought down from farmers in the mountains, buy fresh spices, and shop for traditional Fijian goods.

For our last stop of the day we’ll explore our nation’s cannibal past. Just over a century ago, Fiji was known as an unforgiving nation where cannibalism was a symbol of dignity and pride conducted for many reasons, from celebrating a victory against a rival tribe, building the foundation of a new home, or as part of the grieving process of members of a tribe.

The fighting claimed its last victim, an English missionary, in 1867. Just minutes from the resort lies the grave of cannibal chief, Ratu Udre Udre, who ate the most humans in recorded history. He collected a stone for all 999 of them, which have been left at the foot of his grave that we’ll visit.

Note: Please sign up a day in advance and we’ll let the kitchen know to pack you a lunch so we don’t have to rush back and you can make the most of your day in our beautiful highlands.

From there, we’ll take the newly upgraded 1km jungle track to the waterfall (which can be wet and slippery at times so proper footwear is essential).

Upon arrival, we’ll walk right under the waterfall, take in the beautiful scenery, and cool off in the pristine, crisp swimming hole beneath the falls, then enjoy our packed lunches.

Keep an eye out for small spouts of water coming off the side of the falls, there’s a legend that every time someone is born, a new spout opens, and when they pass away it closes, only to open again when another new life begins.

Note: Please sign up a day in advance and we’ll let the kitchen know to pack you a lunch so we don’t have to rush back and you can make the most of your day in the rainforest.

Listen to some good tunes, snack on canapes served by our on-board steward, and sip free-flowing champagne and beer as the sky turns from vibrant coral, to burnt orange and fiery red—it might just be the most stunning sunset you’ve ever seen.

Feeling brave? Jump off the boat into the warm waters, basking in the last glowing embers of the sun before it dips into the ocean for itself.

We’ll have you back in time for dinner.