We were in Fiji for a week from the Feb 1, main island Viti-Levu. Stayed in Radisson Blu, Port Denarau. Port Denarau is separately and privately managed area and you get several star class hotels in a small area. It's beautifully landscaped and way better than the rest of Fiji.
I met a couple of SriLankans who had recently arrived from the Gulf in the hospitality areas. They are all happy.
We rented a self drive Toyota van and drove to Suva, and visited other waterfalls and villages. Met two judges that we personally know, who had been there for a while. Suva is 200 kms from Port Denarau, but the max speed is 80 kmph, there are speed cameras and the road is not in very good condition and repairs are continuously being done. The rain damages it again. So it take nearly 4 hours to get to Suva from Port Denarau.
Port Denarau is just 15 mins drive from Nadi, where one of the International airports is located.
Fresh food seems to be reasonable. Kurumba costs 2 FJD on the roadside and many fruits that are found in SL is available. Pineapples are quite tasty. Large ambarella fruit is there but they aren't that tangy.
Most major businesses are Indian owned. These are the descendants of Indian labour brought into Fiji between 1879 and 1916. Over 60,000 labourers came from various parts of India to work in the cane industry.
The hotel was absolutely fabulous. The facilities, the staff attitudes execellent. During the week we stayed there were two days where they had GM's Cocktails, free Wine, Beer & Cocktails with Canapés (various kinds of finger food) served from 5.00 to 6.30 PM free for guests. All other days live music and various events like dancing troupes for entertainment. What does our star class hotel offer?
Note : One of the SL boys told me that the spouse is not allowed to work if you are on a work visa. Only the visa holder can work.
A few photos..
Evening entertainment - Traditional Cook Islands & Hawaiian Dancing - Includes Fireball (Gini-Bola) with both males & females
Thatched Bula Bus providing transport within Port Denarau
Ambarella - jumbo sized 2 FJD per plate - Suva Markets.