Fijian Culture
Village Tour – Qamea Island
Visit a Fijian village on the neighbouring island of Qamea and slip into our Fijian way of life. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and observe everyday village life. During the school terms, we also visit the village school. Though sometimes shy; the school children are always curious and are happy to chat with you. Our village tour is offered once a week. A small contribution from you of FJ$25 per person is required to go towards the village community fund.
Complimentary
Sunday Church Service – Qamea Island
The Christian religion was established in Fiji in 1838. Along with the Fijian chiefly system, the Church forms a key part of Fiji’s social structure. Fijian church services are renowned for their harmonious song. Interested guests are invited to Togo Village on the neighbouring island of Qamea, for either their Catholic or Methodist Services, which are held in the Fijian language.
Complimentary
Cooking Demonstration
Our weekly informal cooking demonstration is a fun way for our chefs to share their culinary skills on cooking Fijian style with the freshest ingredients sourced locally. Sample some of our favourite local dishes including coconut prawn curry cooked in freshly squeezed coconut milk, hand-made roti flatbread and condiments made with seasonal fruits including coconut, papaya and pineapple. Discover the secret to preparing the best coconut lime ceviche (kokoda – pronounced ko-kon-da), a favourite dish served at every special menu event.
Complimentary
Medicine Talk
Bush medicine is still very much a part of Fijian life today and is widely practiced in the homes of many Fijian families. Our gardens and native bush are filled with plants rich in medicinal value offering cures for a wide variety of ailments including high blood pressure, aches and pains, skin irritations and boils. Join the activities crew on their weekly medicine talk which includes demonstrations on how to collect and prepare bush medicine.
Complimentary
Kava & Talanoa Session
Once a week our Activities Crew hosts a yaqona session. Kava, also known as yaqona, is an infusion prepared from the root of Piper methysticum, a type of pepper plant. It is extremely important in Fijian culture and in the old days was used ceremonially by chiefs and priests only. Today, kava is a part of daily life; not only in Fijian villages but across the many races in Fiji. It is used for welcoming, bonding and for traditional story-telling sessions.
Complimentary
Coconut Show
Once a week our Activities Crew hosts a unique Coconut Show. For at least 4,000 years, the Coconut Tree and its Fronds have been a useful and important staple for Pacific Cultures. This special tree is known to have many uses, from it roots to its tips (leaves), from culinary to non-culinary. In fact, in the South Pacific, it is considered as the “Tree of Life”!
Complimentary
Handicraft Show
Tapa (traditional bark cloth) and hand woven pandanus mats play a key role in Fijian society. No traditional Fijian ceremony takes place without them. While tapa is still kept strictly for more formal occasions, hand woven pandanus mats are commonly used in Fijian households for floor covering. In Fijian village life, the task of creating these crafts rests with the village women. We are fortunate to have the women of Togo village visit us once a week to demonstrate how to make tapa, hand woven pandanus mats and other Fijian crafts.
Complimentary
Meke – Traditional Fijian Dance
Once a week we host a ‘make’ evening where the art of song and dance is used to tell stories and legends of the old Fijian days. The make is performed by both men and women dancers who are supported by a large group of musicians and singers.
Complimentary