The national drink of Fiji, kava (yaqona) drinking is much more about the ceremony than the actual taste. Some say it has a peppery flavour while others liken it to drinking from a muddy puddle. The beverage is made from the pounded roots of a pepper plant, mixed with water, and consumed from a coconut shell passed from one person to another. Keep the afternoon free, as the drink will cause a mild narcotic effect putting you straight onto Fiji time.

Take your pick of white sandy beaches, sparkling blue water and a rainbow of marine life on Fiji’s 300-something islands – you really do get what you see in the travel brochures. Keen divers look no further than the Mamanuca Islands, which lie to the west of Nadi. In fact, the islands are the water sports mecca of Fiji with enough snorkelling, surf and marine wildlife to suit the most adventurous in your travel party.

A well-kept secret of Fiji is the Garden of The Sleeping Giant, tucked at the base of Sleeping Giant Mountain (6.5km from Nadi Airport). What began as a private garden of more than 30 varieties of Asian orchids (owned by actor Raymond Burr) is now an excellent place to spend the day. Picture manicured lawns – which make particularly good picnic spots – bordered by wild and unruly native rainforest.

Make sure your lunch has settled before visiting the Museum of Fiji where there’s an impressive display about cannibalism. Other displays of Fiji’s history, culture and evolution through time are less gruesome and more educational – although the chewed shoe of missionary Thomas Baker is a sight to behold.