What a journey its been so far but there is light at the end I was one of 5 ladies who were the first agents to fly to Fiji post covid-19. Before we can even board our flight a negative PCR test must be completed no less than 72 prior to departure. Be sure to download the Care Fiji App prior to arrival into Fiji as this is the app you will be required to use to check in and out of locations.
Our day started nice and early a 6.30am flight on FJ914 with Fiji Airways. Upon arrival at Sydney Airport we were greeted by Fiji Airways staff representatives who were eager to see us ready to board.
Paper documents in hand like old times for check-in and bag drop a few extra documents such as your vaccine passport and proof of vaccine and a negative covid PCR test are requested and now we are ready to board.
Once onboard the aircraft Fiji Airways crew members ensured everyone’s needs were met. As the first flight into Fiji we were lucky to be given complimentary thank you cards, a chocolate brownie and a glass of champagne to celebrate this milestone.
The flight was just under 3 1/2 hours and before we knew it we were in Fiji and the locals were eager to greet us and celebrate.
The airport was full of happiness and the beautiful smiles of the Fijian people, from singing to dancing to tears of joy once we made it through the arrival terminal and into bag collection and customs we were greeted by Fiji Tourism and were off to the Hilton Beach Club and Resort for 3 nights.
The streets were filled with locals who had made signs with ‘Welcome Home’ and ‘Bula’ locals where dressed in traditional clothing.
Upon arrival at the Hilton we were greeted by front desk and hotel staff with as a welcome song and lei. Check-in was an easy process and before we knew we were transported to our beautiful single beachfront balcony room. A few moments to take in all the excitement of finally being able to travel internationally. We headed down by the pool for some light refreshments.
Later that afternoon we had a hotel inspection at the Sheraton Fiji Resort with an official opening in March 2022. What can i say this hotel is going to look amazing once completed. We enjoyed dinner tonight at one of Hilton’s restaurants on its grounds called Maravu. It was an earlier night for us all with full day at sea the following morning.
Day 2
Off to breakfast with a view and our PCR testing for or fight home. PCR testing is completed within the first 48 hours of arrival into Fiji and this testing is completed on the grounds of the hotel. Reception advised us of what time and date we needed to have our test completed to ensure we were able to board the flight home.
After testing it was a quick change into our swimming costumes and we were off to the port of Denarau for a full day sailing on the wonderful catamaran by South Sea Sailing. Your transfers are included from your hotel when you book this day cruise. We were greeted with a welcome song and introduction from the cruise leader Liz who of course has to go through some safety protocols before we can begin to sail. Mimosas in hand and we are sailing the amazing seas of Fiji. Our destination was Malolo Sand Bar and all we had to do was sit back and relax on the many seating options to choose from seated booths, bean bags, trampoline nets over the water below.
Shortly after we had light morning tea refreshments accompanied with a song from the crew and soon after lunch was served by the crew. Before we knew it we had arrived at Malolo, crew began to unpack the variety of activities you can do to explore from snorkelling to paddle boarding, sliding down the slide and into the warm waters for a short swim to the sand bar where the crew had set up beach umbrellas and chairs to enjoy a swim or simply sit and relax and watch the day go by.
After a full day of sunshine and wonderful company it was time to head back to port to enjoy another relaxing night of free time.
Day 3
A day filled with hotel expectations our first hotel was the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa followed by The Doubletree by Hilton on Sonaisali Island with a hosted lunch by our wonderful host Shristi. And our last hotel inspection for the trip was the Radisson Blue Resort. Greeted with a refreshing coconut drink.
After a day of hotel inspections, we enjoyed a final dinner and drinks at Nuku one of Hilton’s other restaurants on the grounds.
Sadly it is was time to say our goodbyes to all the wonderful staff and people of Fiji with our flight back home on FJ911 on 09.30am om the new aircraft A350 and of course we had to end this wonderful trip with an upgrade business class.
A big thank you to itravel, Fiji Tourism, Fiji Airways, Hilton Beach Club & Resort.
Vinaka.
#OpenforHappiness
