Savusavu, Fiji

Because Savusavu is a truly off-the-beaten-path town, taking part in local culture is part of the experience. Visit the Savusavu Farmer’s Market, Monday-Saturday from 7:30am- 5:30pm to shop for locally grown produce, freshly caught fish, handmade jewelry and arts and crafts. Credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to bring plenty of cash! If you’re going on a Saturday, get there early for first dibs on some excellent Fijian souvenirs.

Savusavu’s population is primarily accounted for in its villages, so a day trip to one of these communities is an eye-opening adventure--the traditional village of Vuadomo is a must-visit! When visiting a new village, guests must participate in a welcoming ceremony with the village chief, known as “kava.” In this ceremony, visitors present the chief with a gift –often a small amount of money. Visitors must then ask the chief for permission to see the beautiful Vuadomo waterfall. If agreed, some locals will guide travelers to the waterfall to swim and enjoy its pure beauty.

Pearls are lovely, but a Fijian colored pearl is coveted. Visitors can tour the J. Hunter Pearl Farm and Showroom to get a true understanding of the history of pearling in Fiji and how the first commercial pearl farm came to be. The 1.5-hour tour starts in the showroom, quickly followed by a glass-bottom boat tour over the actual farm. Guests are welcome to snorkel over the farm, but must use their own snorkel equipment. If taking the tour in April, May, October or November, you might see the pearl technicians harvesting the pearls. This is the best way to see some of the world’s rarest pearls!