As far as winter escapes go, you’ll struggle to go past Fiji

Winter can be a wonderful and magical season, all rugged up, mulled wine by the fire, all snug as a bug in a rug.

However, I am sure many of us wish for that warmth that only the tropics can deliver — that dose of vitamin sea, warming of the bones and pina coladas at sunset. If there is one destination on earth that delivers on all of this it really is the magical islands of Fiji.

When I think of Fiji and the feeling of stepping off the plane at Nadi airport, instant warmth always encapsulates my bones, pure happiness always the first feeling. As the locals sing to you, playing their ukuleles, your daily life stresses melt away. Passing through immigration and hearing that sound of your passport being stamped (yes, that sound!) you know that your tropical island escape is ready and waiting.

Vic, our trusted taxi driver in his yellow cab, always without fail is waiting for us. We get in and chat about life, how the weather’s been and of course always a hot topic in Fiji, rugby! Vic drops us off at the Port Denarau to meet our speed boat transfer, ready to take us to the incredible Tokoriki Island, an adults-only resort, located within the Mamanuca Islands.

Of all the wonderful places I have experienced in the world this maximum-72-guest resort is definitely right up there as one of the favourites, and it is little surprise in was 2021 it was voted into the Conde Nast Travellers Readers Choice awards. We are again greeted with singing and more smiles and handed cool wrapped-up towels, paired with a revitalising tonic to get us into the groove of island time. It reiterates to us that the next few days are going will provide the ultimate setting in which to reset and recharge the batteries.

The combined recipe of our internet-free beachfront villa — which hosts its very own infinity edge pool, beautifully manicured lush gardens blooming with hibiscus and frangipani flowers, an exquisite day spa and Asian-inspired food — delivers exactly what the doctor ordered. We love in particular the Oishii (appropriately meaning delicious or tasty) Teppanyaki restaurant that only seats four couples. We all sit around in awe, the chef entertaining us with his culinary skills. The prawns with yum-yum sauce a complete standout, so much so I when I think seafood I automatically think of eating these prawns in Fiji!

Sadly the time has come to leave our winterless wonderland. We are sung the rather tear-jerking Isa Lei farewell song as we bid our goodbyes, though I must add not without just one more time of Steve being called Sitiveni (we often chuckle about this) — just another finite point of difference that evokes amazing memories of Tokoriki.

Our seaplane gracefully takes us off into the sky to take us back to the mainland. The bird’s eye view of the array of islands scattered among the Pacific Ocean below is so picture-perfect we just take it all in. Back at the airport I make sure to stock up on as much Pure Fiji product as my bag will allow so when I am home in Dunedin I can transport myself back to the land of many bula greetings, palm trees swaying and cheerfulness all round.