Outback Hotel Fiji Opens In Ba Highlands, Offers Adventure

Ba, just over an hour’s drive from the Nadi International Airport, has a new hotel. But not quite in town. Outback Hotel Fiji opened its doors for operation last month.

It is located in the peaceful highlands of Verelevu Village which is a 20 minutes’ drive from town. Proud owner David Ravinesh Sami invested $250, 000 into the property.

It has been the dream of the 36year-old to open a traditional hotel.

According to him, the hotel is the first “Real Fiji” themed hotel in the area.

Mr Sami had worked in the tourism sector for 15 years.

Prior to opening the hotel, he had done his market research about the place which led him to make the investment.

“What we provide is the real Fiji setting for people who visit here. “We want our customers to experience the way life is in a village based community.”

“Our concept and theme is ‘Real Fiji’ and we let our customers know that there is something available here as a real Fiji,” he said.

Activities

Mr Sami also said that they provide a wide range of activities for their guests.

“People usually travel to Navua for white water rafting but now they can come to the hotel and enjoy this service up in the highlands of Ba,” he added. “We also have a horseback ride to the Navala Village to see the traditional bures which are one of the historic places.

“The environment here is very authentic and we charge $115 for a horseback ride to Navala Village.” Tour guides are available while lunch and bottled water are provided throughout the tour.

“We usually organise picnic trips near the river, hiking in the rugged mountains, waterfall and cave visits.

“Most of our customers like horse riding to see the beautiful scenery of Ba,” he added.

Restaurant and Bar

Its restaurant called the “Chilo Restaurant” caters for approximately 50 people.

The restaurant is also available for hosting birthdays and smaller events.

The bar, Black Rock Bar, was named after the black rock mountain located near the hotel.

The restaurant offers traditional meals that are cooked using traditional methods, he added.

What we provide is the real Fiji setting for people who visit here. We want our customers to experience the way life is in a village based community. David Same Owner, Outback Hotel Fiji

Photo: Kathrin Krishna The entrance of Outback Hotel Fiji.

Photo: Kathrin Krishna From left: Bartender Yogesh Kumar and Nemani Tamanisaqa with Outback Hotel Fiji founder David Ravinesh Sami and Naomi Rerega on November 4, 2017.

Photo: Outlook Hotel Fiji A meal served at the hotel.