Traveling Cattle Class - FIJI

Fresh white towels, Pure Fiji products galore, bathrobe and slippers, outdoor bath tub, hibiscus and lei in the shape of a love heart placed on the bed, stunning grounds, buffets, bula love, smiles, relaxing spa treatments, 18 hole world renowned golf course, decked out gym, pool over looking Natadola Beach. Styling.

Kim, Diana & Mum enjoying cocktails in the pool

5 days of high class living soon evolved into backpacker dorms, wearing thongs in the shared showers, being grateful of that stolen hand towel now bath towel, basic breakfast, 3:30pm free scones and an average dinner. No poolside service but an amicable, fun atmosphere where exploring the Fijian waves along the coral coast is a daily possibility.

Intercontinental Golf & Spa Resort to the Beach House.
It was a Sunday afternoon when we drove out of the manicured gardens and followed the bumpy Queens Rd along the Coral Coast. This is true Fiji. Slowing down at each undeveloped village entrance allowing us to admire the variety of colours. A flash of bright eyes and gleaming teeth, local smiles and bula waves. Their slow demeanour, dragging of their sandles, chilled and relaxed composure. It was soon learnt that 'Fiji time' was no joke. Do you blame them? Coconuts in the trees, fish in the sea, fruits plentiful, being surrounded by the soft rustle of palm trees. Why rush? Life is good.

The Beach House had it's characters. The inmate typical drunk, American loud mouths, Dutch sly creepsters, the innocent till proven guilty promiscuous English, the occasional embarrassing Australians and the odd Euros who stood out like a sore thumb. Each personality, however subdued in daylight; as the sun sets over the pristine ocean, the bar kicks into full force and with the aid of terribly mixed music the nightlife and it's madness begins. Fijian bitter jugs, drinking games and 'oh no I've been locked out of my dorm' is the recipe for scoring as an English backpacker. Lucky Thomas! He now has a desire to visit his Swedish sugarbabe as her 'smitten' words invite him to her much cooler home. Breakfast is slow and the exuberant cheer from last night is gone. Day time is much more quiet. Rainforest walks, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, jewellery making and the ongoing task of sunbaking till you almost resemble a Fijian can only be complimented by a good book. The peaceful sounds of soft tinkling coral as water laps up the beach and the light bristle of the palms above allows the mind to unwind and as you slowly swing in you hammock you look over the calm lagoon at the unridden waves outside. Breath taking.

Jamie & I at Beach House

Only 200m paddle outside the lagoon, there is a fun, sucky right hander. Sitting out there with only one other person you glare at the cracks in the reef below. The 15ft deep crack only half a meter wide unsettles me as I sit in 5ft of water. Sight of the waves and the land is humanity's limit, what is present below as I look out for the oncoming set is unknown. I felt safest standup paddling inside the lagoon trying to spot the deep blue starfish below. I knew there was nothing down there but the added adrenalin made me paddle harder and catch anything that resembled a form of a wave. Just to keep busy. Just to keep my mind off the possible spectators.

With a great atmosphere and prime location the Beach House will be a place I recommend to fellow surfers travelling on Vitu Levu (main island).