‘Take A Cruise Around the Mamanuca Group’
Being a pharmacist can be hard, but Shazia Nisha has learned much earlier in her career to take time out to rejuvenate. Ms Nisha chose pharmacy as a profession because she wanted to make an impact in patient care.
The 36-year-old has been on the job for 12 years. She works at the Pharmacy Hub in Lautoka. Interaction with patients can be hard,said Ms Nisha.
“Pharmacists are the most accessible providers within the healthcare system and it gives me great satisfaction to be able to interact and impact patient’s health,” she said.
Raised in Lautoka, Ms Nisha loves the local sceneries, and would often visit some sites to relax.
On the side, Ms Nisha models as she believes it is her way of showing Fijian beauty.
Where in Fiji would you take visitors to?
Mamanuca Islands.
A cruise around the island is so beautiful than what you see on magazines and social media.
What is your favourite spot for coffee or pie?
The Coffee Hub.
It is my one-stop-shop.
What is one place that is on your bucket list?
Seventh Heaven Fiji.
Its new product launched during the Fijian Tourism Expo 2023 is worthwhile, and I want to watch the sunset and stay overnight.
For a two- day stopover it makes sense to base yourself near Nadi, rather than venturing further to the likes of the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains, where you’d eat up most of your visit simply travelling to or from a resort. Conveniently, there are some fabulous five-star options on Denarau, only half an hour from the airport. Each is a complete hideaway brimming with locallyinfused restaurants and bars, not to mention palm-fringed pools tailor-made for soaking up the sun.
Among them is Sheraton Fiji
Golf and Beach Resort, which sports a light and fresher aesthetic following a refurb early last year. It’s home to three great restaurants, along with a five-acre farm, championship golf course and a handy day spa for well-earned pampering.
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa is also a great option just down the road. A standout feature is the adults-only Waitui wing, which also encompasses a poolside restaurant and beach club. Sunset drinks at Suka Bar are essential too. Guests at the Sofitel and Sheraton can also take advantage of Fiji Airways’ Resort Check-In, allowing you to drop bags and collect boarding passes for your flight (excluding the U.S).
Another Denarau favourite is the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji – built around a gorgeous central pool and home to six multicultural restaurants. Lomani Wai is arguably the most memorable of the bunch; its three-course menu served with water around your toes in the lagoon pool.
Further afield are the overwater bungalows of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, about 50 minutes from Nadi, and the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort, roughly an hour away. The latter is set within 35 beautiful acres alongside the lapping waves of Natadola Beach.
If you have your heart set on an island escape, the exquisite Likuliku Lagoon Resort – a short hop by air or sea – allows one night stays. Its overwater bures are divine, and sunset at its Fijiana restaurant is unforgettable. Nearby Six Senses Fiji has a two night minimum. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a tropical treat – and you don’t even have to leave the resort. That said, you would be missing out if you didn’t.
Things to do in Fiji
When your fingers are pruned from the pool, muscles turned to jelly from massages, or you’re just in the mood for a little sightseeing, there’s plenty to see and do only a short distance from Denarau, both on land and at sea.
Add in a splash of snorkelling or paddle boarding, maybe a little island hopping, plus some time getting to know the locals, and you have exactly what the doctor ordered.
Malamala Beach Club, perched on its own island some 25 minutes off the coast, delivers all of this and more. Fringed by reef, the circular island boasts a bar and restaurant plating up fresh island fare, along with an infinity pool and beach massage.
Captain Cook Cruises’ day trip to Tivua is another fine choice, especially if you have limited time. Departing Denarau on a tall ship or luxury cat, it skirts the coast and cuts through the sea to the nearby island, where beach hammocks, private cabanas and a myriad of water activities await.
Those who want a taste of Fijian culture can also enjoy a host of activities on-island including weaving coconut fibres – the resulting magimagi rope is regularly seen in traditional buildings – and a quintessential kava ceremony.
Raising the stakes even higher, Island Hoppers offers a bird’s eye view of the jewel-like islands and crystal clear waters, with helicopter day trips to the likes of Castaway and Beachcomber, as well as romantic Tokoriki.
Inclusive of transfers to and from Nadi International Airport, Hoppers’ packages range from private lunches beneath swaying palms through to your very own private island for a day. Short 20-30 minute scenic flights are also available.
Traveller