Great Expectations

11-18th February - Yasawa Islands, Fiji

A lap around NZ was amazing but was still pretty tiring. Well actually it wasn't, but it could have been in theory and I always welcome a lie down. What we needed therefore, was a week sized slice of white sands, blue skies and palm trees.

What we got was Fiji. In the rainy season. Our boat pitched and rolled its way across the stormy seas to the volcanic Yasawa islands but we got to our resort without getting too wet.

Otto and Fanny’s was traditional Fijian old school. There were only 2 other people there when we arrived and the grass roofed bure seemed deserted. This might have been perfect, if the sky hadn’t been picking up the ocean and dropping it onto our heads. Fortunately, the food was a delicious and sociable affair and helped us forget about the mosquitoes. And when the skies did clear, the isolated beach felt like it was a million miles from anywhere.

The second half of the week was spent on Manta Ray island, which although only a few islands down the chain, could not have been further away. The new resort had fantastic accommodation, more hammocks that you could shake a coconut at and pretty good food. There was also a fantastic weekly cava ceremony (local drink that looks like muddy water), exceptional snorkling and even trips to see Manta Rays (in season).But when it came down to it, it was a resort and it could have been Spain for all the people there and the vibe created.