Island Cuisine – the long lunch in Pacifica

From a tall ship to a waterside restaurant, Fiji and Vanuatu have the perfect long lunches.

You can’t get much better than an afternoon spent on an island paradise in the middle of the magnificent Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. Add to that a beautiful cruise and a Lazy Lunch and it’s the perfect afternoon. Captain Cook Cruises Fiji operates the Lazy Lunch Cruise departing daily from Denarau Marina at 12.30pm and returning at 6.00pm.

Set sail aboard tall ship Spirit of the Pacific to the exclusive island of Tivua – an atoll surrounded by a circle of white sandy beach and 500 acres of coral gardens.

After experiencing a traditional welcome Kava ceremony on board, on arrival at Tivua guests will enjoy a delicious tropical buffet lunch including fish, chicken, sausages, salads and fruit. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also included and available all afternoon on the island.

After lunch spend the afternoon snorkelling the magnificent reefs, go glass bottom boating, kayak or paddle board around the island, play some volleyball, feed the fish or take part in coconut husking, weaving and Lali beating demonstrations.

Diving lovers can choose to dive at several sites around Tivua with five star PADI Diving. From beautiful coral gardens to bommies to its newest dive wreck, ‘Raiyawa’, Tivua has enough to captivate the beginners, reinvigorate the occasional diver, and fascinate the advanced divers.

Those who prefer to simply relax can lie on the beach on a comfy beanbag in a beach hut, take a leisurely swim, sleep on a hammock, have their hair braided or indulge in a spa treatment.

A complimentary Captain Kid’s Club is available for 90 minutes during the afternoon and includes special activities like Treasure Hunts, Sand Castle building and fun kid’s games.

The Lazy Lunch cruise is priced at FJ$187 per adult and FJ$123 per child (3-15 years). Prices include tall ship transfers to and from Tivua Island, Tropical buffet lunch, afternoon tea, beer, wine and soft drinks on Tivua, use of snorkelling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, beach hammocks and volleyball, guided coral viewing on glass bottom boat, coconut husking, weaving and Lali beating demonstrations, Captain’s Kids Club and transfers from Nadi and Denarau hotels and Coral Coast hotels for a small additional charge. For further information and bookings visit www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com

Ramada Resort Port Vila

The 80-room Ramada is Vanuatu’s newest resort, located just five minutes from the heart of Port Vila and 15 minutes from Bauerfield airport the Ramada offers guests fabulous unobstructed views of the sandy white beaches and turquoise waters of the Erakor lagoon. But that’s not all, the Aririki Restaurant is now a hot spot for the capital’s diners with menu offerings good enough to tempt guests and vistors alike.

For sarters try Chaud Froid de Thon aux 5 Epice, Chutney de fruits frais (hot and cold tuna with fresh fruit chutney) or Soupe de Crevettes Parfum d’Asie (Thai coconut prawns soup, red curry, lemongrass) and follow up with Filet de Poisson Selon la Pêche (fish fillet from the fisherman, vanilla sauce and sautéed vegetables) or go for the renowned Vanuatu beef as in Filet de Bœuf au Poivre du Vanuatu or for something fishy the Poulet Fish Façon Thaï (poulet fish Thai style, poached and perfumed with ginger and green onion, sesame oil). Then get tempted by the dessert list which includes Mousse Passion and Chocolat au lait (passionfruit and milk chocolate mousse, sweet and bitter) and Tiramisu Glacé (iced tiramisu, our way). Prices are surprisingly reasonable with entrees starting at VT1500, mains from VT2200 and all desserts VT1100. Be among the first to try this French/Asian influenced Pacific fare.