Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cing at weekends. The sea is good for
swimming
, although the murky lagoon is rather off-
putting, blackened from the surrounding muddy mangrove estuaries.
Denarau Island
Denarau Island
was once a swampy mangrove forest but with substantial landfill, reclama-
tion and landscaping, and, more recently, hotel and residential development, it is now a pic-
turesque but heavily manicured environment. The island now boasts large resorts - includ-
ing global giants
Hilton
,
Sofitel
,
Westin
,
Sheraton
and
Radisson
- standing in a line along a
sombre grey beach, which in places has been powdered white with imported sand. The beach-
front is divided by a rocky point:
west beach
, facing Malolo Island, has the
Sheraton
and
Radisson
resorts and is good for beachcombing, with stronger waves and often littered with
driftwood; the
north beach
faces Nadi Bay, with tranquil views overlooking the Sleeping
Giant, a shapely mountain feature separating Nadi and Lautoka. The man-made lakes, canals
and inlets of an eighteen-hole championship
golf course
take up much of the island, with
several holes hemmed in either side by hotel apartments and premium residential properties.
Port Denarau
The latest development to grace Denarau is
Port Denarau
, a modern and sterile shopping
centre and marina complex built from corrugated iron and resembling an industrial sugar
mill. The complex boasts half a dozen
restaurants
, some with views overlooking the silvery
waters of Nadi Bay towards the stunning mountains. You'll also find tour operators, car
rental outlets, a beauty and massage outlet and
shops
including a branch of ubiquitous em-
porium Jack's (daily 7.30am-9pm); a beauty and massage outlet; Newsagency (Mon-Thurs
7am-7pm, Fri-Sat 7am-9pm), good for topics and with a Post Fiji counter; and Yee's Deli,
