Nadi

Home to Fiji’s largest airport, Nadi is a town that most visitors to the country pass through on their way to holiday resorts on the coast. More and more people, however, are building Nadi into their travel itinerary as word gets out that Fiji’s third-largest city is a hidden gem.Beautiful, secluded beaches, a vibrant town centre and numerous important cultural attractions make a stay here a relaxing and enlightening experience. The bustling Port Denarau is great for shopping with a number of exclusive boutiques and upmarket restaurants, while the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool – half-an-hour’s drive from town – are a popular way to escape the city streets for some mucky relaxation.If you’d prefer to hit the beach, then head down to Wailoaloa Beach or New Town Beach where you can sip a cocktail on the golden sands as the gentle waves of the South Pacific lap against the shore. There are also plenty of dining options along these beach fronts, offering everything from traditional Fijian fare and Indian dishes to Western favourites.If you’re looking for something a bit more active then check out the excellent 18-hole golf course just outside town. For a tranquil day out, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, a ten-minute drive north of Nadi, houses a beautiful collection of native plants and flowers, including an impressive orchid collection. The garden was started by actor Raymond Burr – famous for his television role as Perry Mason – in the late 1970s and now contains over 2,000 species of orchid as well as an array of colourful Fijian plants. The TV star’s former holiday home is also open to the public in the garden which is open every day except Sunday.The most impressive of Nadi’s cultural offerings is undoubtedly the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a fine example of traditional Indian architecture and is treasured by the island’s large Indian population and visitors alike.Nadi is relatively safe but stick to daylight hours for exploring the city’s attractions and keep an eye on your valuables when out and about.