Member Postcards

Living on Fijian Time

Indagare contributor Hutton Beckcom recently stayed at Navatu Stars Resort in Fiji with her husband and shares her impressions.

Each of us has an imaginary place in our minds where we retreat to hit the reset button. For me, this place was always one where the sun’s rays stretch on endlessly over my tanned skin, the pristine white sand is always warm and everyday includes a tall cocktail made with fresh fruit and accompanied by a beloved book.

This summer, I found my fantasy destination at Yasawa Islands in Fiji.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620"] Courtesy Navatu Stars[/caption]

It took two planes, a van, a seaplane and a boat to get there. While the 11-hour flight from LAX to Fiji was rather monotonous, the seaplane was exhilarating.

Our six days in the Yasawas began with alfresco yoga followed by French press coffee and a breakfast of coconut, passion fruit, buttery croissants and freshly squeezed fruit juice. I thought that—because I grew up in the American South —I’d experienced the greatest level of hospitality, but I was mistaken; the Fijians are the most welcoming people I’ve ever met. We quickly made fast friends with the hotel staff. With only ten bures (villas) on the island, the staff knew everyone by name and exclaimed, “Bula Hutton!” each time they saw me.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620"] Courtesy Navatu Stars[/caption]

During our vacation, we went snorkeling at a gorgeous coral reef, hiked to a hilltop for stunning sunset views of the plantations and island and drank delicious cocktails. We also got a taste of Fijian culture by taking part in a kava ceremony, watching the local choir sing hymns and learning about the endless uses for all the parts of the coconut tree.

Our day is easy . . . always easy in this place.

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