In this episode, we talk about what makes a resort feel unforgettable even after the beach photos fade—design that reflects the destination, staff who make you feel welcome, and experiences that go beyond simply “staying somewhere nice.” Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning Fi… In this episode, we talk about what makes a resort feel unforgettable even after the beach photos fade—design that reflects the destination, staff who make you feel welcome, and experiences that go beyond simply “staying somewhere nice.” Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning Fiji with expert help, and you can explore more at https://farandawayadventures.com. Host Norman Schaefer is joined by Darcita Naidu, Director of Sales at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, to explore why Outrigger is so widely loved on Fiji’s Coral Coast by both families and couples who want luxury and culture in one place.

Darcita explains that Outrigger’s identity starts with how it feels. The resort aims to deliver a Fijian sense of place through its design and hospitality, so guests don’t feel like they’ve arrived at a generic beachfront property. She highlights bure-style accommodation—traditional-inspired architecture with modern comfort—as one of the biggest visual and emotional signals that you are in Fiji. She also describes the resort’s lush landscaping and the stream that runs through the property, creating a sense of movement and immersion as guests make their way toward the ocean. From the first greeting—“bula”—the tone is meant to be warm, welcoming, and unmistakably local.

For travelers who want a seamless trip—especially families—Darcita outlines the kids club and nanny service structure. She explains that the kids club is complimentary for in-house guests and is divided into two age groups: 3 to 7 and 8 to 12, with activities designed for each. A key point she emphasizes is parental approvals for activities, so families can tailor what their children do based on comfort, whether that’s swimming, beach activities, or other options. She also notes that when families want siblings together, there can be flexibility for kids to join a younger group.

The episode also explores how Outrigger brings culture into the week in a way that feels approachable for resort guests. Darcita shares that dining and evenings are a big part of the experience, with five restaurants and five bars and themed nights that add variety. She describes traditional entertainment offerings like the meke show, which showcases ancestral dance and can include warrior-style elements, and a Polynesian-style show that may feature fire twirling. Beyond performances, she mentions cultural participation opportunities such as kava ceremonies and hands-on learning experiences like kokoda preparation, basket weaving, and storytelling about why certain traditions matter.

Service details are another key theme. Darcita describes Talai Butler's service included in many room categories and explains how this kind of personalized support can shape a stay—helping with check-in and check-out, assisting with bags, and acting as a point of connection so staff can respond quickly when guests need something. She emphasizes the goal is not to intrude, but to make guests feel supported and cared for—especially if someone is unwell, needs help with dining reservations, or wants to create a special “wow” moment. This blend of service and connection is part of why many travelers leave feeling like Fiji was not just a place they visited, but a place that welcomed them.

Finally, Darcita shares updates and enhancements, including new private pool bure inventory and courtyard rooms designed with families who want extra space in mind. If you’re considering Fiji’s Coral Coast and want a resort experience that balances luxury, cultural warmth, family support, and thoughtful touches, this conversation gives you a grounded sense of what Outrigger is designed to deliver. When you’re ready to plan, Far and Away Adventures can help match the right room type, the right timing, and the right Fiji itinerary so your Coral Coast stay fits perfectly into the bigger journey. more

In this episode we talk about Rivers Tubing Fiji and why their Navua River day feels like a rare combination—adventure you can actually do as a family, nature that feels wild and cinematic, and a village visit that’s respectful and real. If you’re planning Fiji and want help choosing experiences tha… In this episode we talk about Rivers Tubing Fiji and why their Navua River day feels like a rare combination—adventure you can actually do as a family, nature that feels wild and cinematic, and a village visit that’s respectful and real. If you’re planning Fiji and want help choosing experiences that fit your pace and location, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer speaks with William, Managing Director of Rivers Tubing Fiji, and the conversation walks you through the full experience so you can picture it before you book it. William explains that guests are picked up from resorts around the country and brought to their base, with the boat departing at 10:00 a.m. The day begins with a boat ride about 17 kilometers upriver through the gorge—moving through rapids and past waterfalls—before reaching a remote village that is only accessible by boat. That “only by boat” detail matters, because William explains the river is the community’s highway for market, school, hospital, and daily life. Instead of turning the village into a staged tourist stop, William says their approach is to support the community without changing its way of life. Guests walk through the village and see daily life as it is—people weaving, fishing, hunting, and farming—creating a kind of authenticity that many travelers don’t expect to find on a “fun adventure” day. After the village, the tour heads downstream to a waterfall stop with a short five-minute walk in, where guests can swim and reset in a beautiful natural pool. Then it’s time for a riverside lunch right on the riverbank, and William describes a buffet-style meal that intentionally includes familiar options for picky eaters and kids—barbecue-style chicken, lamb sausages, bread—alongside traditional Fijian foods like fish in coconut cream. One of the most memorable details is that guides collect fiddlehead ferns from the forest and boil them in front of guests, serving them with local root crops, salads, and fruit, so the meal becomes a relaxed introduction to local ingredients without feeling intimidating. After lunch there’s another safety briefing, life jackets go back on, and the tubing begins. William describes the early rapids as smaller and suitable for most ages, with larger rapids appearing toward the final sections. The key is choice: guests can opt in or skip the bigger rapids by riding in the boat. He also explains how they handle very young children—kids as young as two or three can float with parents on larger tubes with guides assisting, and children are put into the boat before the bigger rapids—making the experience accessible across comfort levels. We also talk honestly about the logistics depending on where you’re staying. William notes that for travelers based in the Nadi/Denarau area, it’s a very early start (pickups around 6:30 a.m.) and can become a long day—he describes it as about a 12-hour trip from Nadi—while those staying on the Coral Coast or near Pacific Harbour have later pickups and shorter transit time. Seasonality comes up too. William says wet season (typically November to April) often means higher water and better rapids, but the tour runs year-round, and Fiji weather can surprise you even in drier months. more