Meet Audrey + Volivoli
Credit: Volivoli
Can you please tell our audience about who you are and about Volivoli?
I am Volivoli’s Reservations Director. I’ve been working for Volivoli for 9 years but have loved the people and the place even longer! Volivoli is a boutique four-star resort on the Suncoast of Viti Levu in Fiji. We pride ourselves on the amazing natural and cultural experiences we share with guests. We are just minutes from the famous Bligh Waters where you can see Fiji’s best soft coral. We’re also near one of the best produce markets in Fiji, and the largest waterfall too.
What initially drew you to working with Volivoli?
I was drawn to work with Volivoli after visiting in 2014. We went out for a dive in the Bligh Water on a site called Vatu Express, and it was the most colorful fun dive I had ever experienced. Back on land, I loved getting to know everyone at the resort. From the groundskeepers to the General Manager, everyone was so friendly, welcoming, and warm. When I visited again in 2015, everyone remembered my name! This had never happened anywhere else. It made me realize, Volivoli was special, so I had to be a part of it!
What do you hope to share with travelers on about this property?
I would like travelers to know that the 2.5 hour trip from Nadi is worth it! Although we are remote, we have all the modern amenities you could ask for- air conditioning, internet, amazing food and drinks, a day spa, and a state-of-the-art dive operation with a fleet of 5 purpose-built dive boats. We offer guests the chance to see the heart of Fiji but still have the comforts of home.
Credit: Volivoli
What does the average traveler not know about Fiji?
I’d say many travelers do not realize there is so much more to see when they get off the beaten path. Many people come to Fiji and stay within 30 minutes of the airport. Getting farther out, you meet the greatest people and truly are immersed in the culture. The people of Fiji are the friendliest people on Earth! It is very safe, and people are very welcoming. If you are making the trip all the way over, take the extra few hours and get out of Nadi and Denarau for a real Fijian experience.
What is the one thing every traveler must do when they visit Fiji?
Drink kava! Kava is the traditional drink of the south pacific and plays a critical role in the culture. Kava is drunk to celebrate, to mend relationships, to mourn, to relax, to party- Fijians will find any excuse to share laughs and stories over a bowl of Kava. I highly suggest joining in!
What is so special about Volivoli/Fiji from your perspective?
Hopefully from my answers above you can tell it’s the people. My friends and vuvale (family) at Volivoli are kind, thoughtful, and attentive to everyone’s needs. They make you feel like family, and that you belong there. While our activities, like the best soft coral diving in the world, are what gets people to visit once, the people are what make our guests come back year after year.
What do you love most about travel (in general)?
I love the friends I make while traveling. I can meet so many different people and learn about their lives. It makes me feel closer to all of humanity.
If you had 24 hours to experience the best of Fiji, what would you do?
My ideal day in Fiji would be to start the day off with a dawn dive on the house reef at Volivoli to say hello to the seahorses and scorpionfish, also hoping for a manta to swim by. Then I’d have breakfast and go out to dive in the Vatu Ira Marine Park. Back on land, I’d go to the highlands with my friend and our F&B manager, Tito, to visit his village, hike to a waterfall, and slide down a natural waterslide. On our way back down, we’d have some fresh pineapple on sticks and stop at the local apiary to get some honey. I would end the day with a lovo (Fijian bbq!) and stories over a bowl of kava.
What is your favorite travel secret?
A smile is the best currency in the world! Being friendly, patient, and understanding makes every travel day better and can lead you to unexpectedly wonderful places.
Credit: Volivoli