In this episode, we talk about a “where to go next” choice that many Fiji travelers overlook: heading north on Viti Levu to the Sunshine Coast for a calmer, more authentic-feeling resort base with world-class diving nearby. Start with Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with a specialist at https://farandawayadventures.com if you want help deciding which Fiji region fits your travel style and how to plan and book your routing without guesswork. Normand Schafer interviews Sandy from Volivoli Beach Resort to explore why this headland property has become a favorite for divers and why non-divers still love the setting, culture, and community connection.
Sandy begins by describing the journey from Nadi as a coastal drive through villages and farmland—an immediate clue that you’re traveling into a different rhythm. If your “next” in Fiji is about getting away from the busiest zones, the Sunshine Coast becomes a compelling answer. Volivoli’s setting reinforces that: 17 acres on a headland with wide ocean views from every room and a shoreline shaped by a natural sand spit that extends into the sea. That kind of geography creates a sense of space and openness that many travelers want next—especially after long flights, busy schedules, or a first stop in a more central hub.
The episode then makes the strongest “go next” argument for divers: access to Bligh Waters, described as a major soft coral diving region, with 90+ dive sites available through the resort’s operations. Sandy explains that this variety means you can stay longer and keep seeing new underwater scenes, which matters if your “next” is driven by marine life. She also highlights RA Divers, Volivoli’s on-site dive operator with a dedicated boat fleet, which makes it easier to build a trip where diving is central without complicated logistics. A notable detail is the training initiative Sandy describes from the COVID period, where locals from surrounding villages were invited into an internship pathway to earn international-standard qualifications. That kind of investment suggests a deeper connection between resort and region—and it often shows up in the guest experience through guiding quality and pride of place.
For travelers deciding where to go next who may not dive every day, the episode offers options that still feel uniquely Fiji. Sandy describes hiking to the “Nambada” Waterfall, including a village welcome and a kava ceremony, connecting nature and culture in one experience. She also discusses a dolphin encounter framed as respectful and conservation-minded: snorkel nearby, and if dolphins choose to engage, it becomes a highlight because it’s unscripted. Sustainability appears through mangrove repopulation and coastal restoration, reinforcing that reef health is protected rather than taken for granted.
The emotional reason to go next is hospitality. Sandy describes staff who learn names quickly, remember returning guests, and make travelers feel like part of the family. Weekly traditions—Thursday night meke with lovo-style cooking and a Sunday barbecue—add a simple reason to stay long enough to catch the rhythm of the place. If you’re choosing “next” in Fiji and want a region that blends serious diving with culture, community, and calm, connect through Far and Away Adventures.com and plan with a specialist at https://farandawayadventures.com.
