Pacific Harbour’s Arts Village is a mixture of historical fantasy and contemporary local flavour. Cultural performances include boat tours around the adjacent lagoon, temple and market tours and traditional displays of Fijian fire walking, all guaranteed to induce ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’.

Fiji’s hidden hot springs gem is believed by locals to have healing properties. Irrespective of its claims, the three pools, warm mud baths and lush natural backdrop combine to make a seriously relaxing experience.

Many parts of the coast along Viti Levu are covered in mangrove forests. These areas are extremely rich in wildlife and are favourite spots for local fishing. A boat journey through the meandering corridors of the mangrove forests up the Rewa River Delta daily from Nausori makes for an adventurous journey.

Perched high on a hill overlooking the dusty Kings Road on the northwestern side of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, The Church of Saint Francis Xavier is a must-visit for its unique marrying of European and Fijian. Straw mats instead of pews meet beautiful frescos, originally commissioned by the former chaplain to the famous Von Trapp family of The Sound of Music fame.

The traditional dance of the indigenous people of Fiji Islands, experiencing a meke is almost unavoidable, particularly if you’re staying at an island resort. Well-known meke types are fan dances performed by women, and spear or club dances performed by men. The locals dress entirely in the national costume of flower leis, grass skirts and tapa cloth. The men perform warrior dances while the women sing.

For peace and tranquility, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant on the road between Nadi and Lautoka, at the foot of the Sabeto mountains is the place to go. Formally a private orchid garden now open to the public, beautiful orchids and flowering plants abound here.

Situated deep in the Sigatoka Valley, the caves are popular with tourists and locals alike. Once a fortress of Fiji's last pagan tribes, the caves contain a priest chamber, sacred pond and great Cathedral Chamber. The caves are still considered sacred today and locals still frequent to pay tribute to their ancestors.

Fiji boasts spectacular vistas aplenty, however, for unparalleled views, take a day trip from Nadi or Lautoka to scale the 'sleeping giant', Mount Batilamu. The ascent takes hikers through the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park past tempting waterholes, through small villages, and up to green-swathed, panoramic summits.

Fiji has been called 'the soft coral capital of the world' and few seasoned divers will deny that Fiji has some of the finest scuba diving in the South Pacific. Diving is possible year-round, with the best sites including Beqa Lagoon, Rainbow Reef or the Somosomo Straits with the famous Great White Wall.

One of Fiji's natural highlights, the dunes near the shoreline of the Sigatoka River have been forming for millions of years. Windblown and rugged, these dunes are a far cry from those of the Sahara – the sand is grey-brown in colour and covered with vines and shrubs. The dunes are also one of the largest burial sites in the Pacific.

A must-see for culture vultures, Nadi’s Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Illustrating the architectural diversity for which Fiji is well known, the three-part temple is dedicated to the deity Murugan whose statue, specially carved in India, is housed in the main temple.

A growing number of surfing camps are off southern and western Viti Levu. There's surf throughout the year with the best swells out of the south from March to October. Fiji's waves typically break on coral reefs. Most of the well-known spots are off Viti Levu and can often only be reached by boat.

Located in the heart of Suva's botanical gardens, the Fiji Museum houses an extensive archaeological collection dating back 3,700 years, including cultural objects representing both Fiji's indigenous inhabitants and other communities that have settled in the island group over the past 100 years. Of particular note is the rudder of the HMS Bounty of mutiny fame.

Taveuni has a number of popular trekking trails found all over the island. The Lavena Coastal Walk and Tavoro Falls offer some wonderful hiking opportunities with well signposted tracks to follow. For those who are serious, the Vidawa Forest Walk, the trek up to Lake Tagimaucia and the Des Voeux ascent are particularly challenging climbs.

With all of the crystal clear waters that surround these islands, there is no shortage of watersports to be found. Diving, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, fishing, water boarding, kayaking, and much more can be found on almost all the Fiji Islands. You can also swim in numerous waterfalls found in the forest, coastal parks and reserves.

Watch for fruit bats, parrots and marine turtles. You should also check out the acres of orchids and flowering plants in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at the foot of the Sabeto Mountains, and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes off the main Queens Highway on Viti Levu.

Ideal water conditions, big waves and a year round breeze makes windsurfing in Fiji amazing. Most resorts offer the sport – with instruction too – but if you’re a pro and are looking for something special, the best windsurfing can be found in the Mamanuca group of islands.