Ask the front desk for directions, sign-in (safety first!), then head to the trailhead of the bush walk and run or hike the hour-long route, which is marked with small, hand-painted wooden signs that lead to the highest point on the island. Think of it as a welcome digital detox and take to mother nature to break a sweat. There isn’t a gym in sight on Castaway, just like there are no phones or televisions in the bures (traditional Fijian bungalows) and wifi is limited to the resort’s open-air Sundowner Bar. Our adventure started on Castaway Island, a private resort owned by the Outrigger Hotel Group. Others, though, are learning this is a destination for active adventures-the islands are alive with untouched jungle, rugged coastline, pristine reef, and small villages with a rich culture and history to be explored. Today, sun-seekers fly to the South Pacific island chain to flop on its secluded beaches. ![]() The fighting claimed its last victim, an English missionary, in 1867. Just over a century ago, it was known as an unforgiving nation where cannibalism was a symbol of dignity and pride conducted for many reasons, from celebrating a victory against a rival tribe or as part of the grieving process of members of a tribe. We’re the first guests to visit the island since it was devastated by Cyclone Winston in February 2016, the most violent tropical storm to make landfall in Fiji’s recorded history.įiji isn’t foreign to violence. We dock as the private resort’s smiling staff’s harmonized voices and strumming guitars fill the air to welcome us ‘home’ with a resounding “ Bula!” (pronounced boo-lah, a traditional Fijian welcome meaning ‘life’). The sky turns from vibrant coral to burnt orange, and the boat engine quiets to a hum. Nearing the island as the sun sets, tropical rainforest surrounded by untouched coral reef comes into view. The captain of the speedboat we’re on points to our final destination, Castaway Island(“Qalito” to locals), which is, from afar, a speck in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. We’re travelling 26.5 kilometres due west from Port Denarau on Viti Levu, the largest of the Fijian Islands, towards the Mamanuca Islands archipelago.
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