5 days in... FIJI

Your Home and Garden editor Kristina Rapley describes her dream holiday as being “intrepid with a layer of luxury”. This is what her five perfect days in Fiji would look like.

My husband Ashton and I are ocean lovers, so beachfront accommodation is definitely number one on our holiday wish list. Beautiful interiors and surroundings are a must, and being able to escape to our own private spot would be a bonus. We also like to get out and about and experience other cultures, meet local craftspeople and sample the cuisine. I could happily lie out by the pool and read all day but Ashton gets a bit restless, so a mix of relaxation and adventure would be ideal.

DAY THREE

The couple will leave Malolo Island today and transfer by boat to Matamanoa Island, where a beachfront bure with private pool awaits. They’ll burn o some energy with one of the

resort’s many activities including coconut bowling, canoeing and scuba diving. A sunset massage at Veidomoni Spa, uniquely located in a tree house surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, will help the couple wind down after an active day.

DAY ONE

The luxe touches start as soon as Kristina and Ashton land in Nadi. They’ll be transferred by seaplane straight to Tropica Island Resort on Malolo Island, where their secluded beachfront bure with private plunge pool and river rock outdoor shower is located just metres from the water’s edge. That evening, they’ll toast to their dream holiday over delicious Fijian tapas and take their pick of fresh fruity cocktails from the sunset bar.

DAY FOUR

Kristina says she and her husband love to experience the culture of the places they choose to holiday. Today the couple will island-hop to nearby Monuriki, the island made famous by the movie Castaway, and to the Sacred Islands, which o er a picturesque spot to swim and relax. They’ll then visit the town of Tavua, where they’ll shop for pottery, jewellery and other handicrafts, perfect for souvenirs and gifts to bring home.

DAY TWO

Waking up to the sound of waves lapping is the very definition of holiday bliss. But this feeling will soon switch to excitement as a snorkelling safari takes Kristina and Ashton deep into the underwater wonderland of Fiji, where the excellent water clarity will allow them to spot some of the most incredible corals and brightly coloured fish in the world. A private dinner under the stars will cap o what has been a perfect day in paradise.

DAY FIVE

Kristina and Ashton’s idyllic Fijian getaway is coming to an end – but it’s not over yet! This morning they’ll travel by boat to Malamala Beach Club, where a private cabana awaits, complete with champagne on ice. The couple will laze away

their final hours in Fiji sunbathing, eating and reading in between dips in the pool, before they depart on a flight back to Nadi airport. To create your own five-day itinerary, visit nowtolove.co.nz/5daysinfiji