Editor's Note: As we continue to practice social distancing (opens in new tab), we encourage readers to check the Centers for Disease Control website (opens in new tab) for the latest information on how to travel safely. In the meantime, you'll love bookmarking this Instagram travel guide.

"Bra. Welcome back to Fiji."

This hospitable greeting is used by Fijians to welcome visitors to their beautiful archipelago. Typically, a traditional Fijian welcome song ("Bula Maleya" (opens in new tab)) or farewell song ("Isa Lei" (opens in new tab)) is sung before a handshake or hug. The tenderness of the music almost brings tears to my eyes.

Fiji attracts tourists year-round from neighboring New Zealand and Australia, similar to how mainland Americans enjoy tropical vacations in Hawaii or the Caribbean: an 11-hour trans-Pacific flight from LAX or SFO to Viti Levu (Fiji's main island), may deter some Americans from making the trip, but the 50 shades of blue ocean waters of Fiji are a wonderful reward.

The rich culture of this island nation is woven into many experiences common throughout the country, including kava ceremonies, home-style meals (Indo-Fijian cuisine is a must), Polynesian dancing, and fire-walking ceremonies. Thanks to a collectivist culture that values interconnectedness above all else, Fiji has been ranked among the happiest countries in the world in past Gallup International polls (open in new tab).

While it is unlikely that you will visit all 333 Fijian islands in one trip, this Instagram guide below will help you narrow down your itinerary to unmissable experiences for your South Pacific vacation.

Honeymooners traveling to Fiji often fantasize about idyllic overwater bungalow accommodations with swimming access. The Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay (opens in new tab) is particularly popular among American couples with its 22 overwater brestyle (traditional Fijian cottage) villas perched above the lagoon at the center of the resort. Nanuku Auberge Resort (opens in new tab), known for its skillful incorporation of Fijian culture, is a 550-acre beachfront resort with luxurious villas with sweeping ocean views, private beach access, and private pools. The very exclusive, adults-only Royal Dove Island Fiji Resort (opens in new tab) is located on a 10-acre private island with 16 villas surrounded by beka lagoon (great for snorkeling). Bottom line: there is no shortage of romance in Fiji.

People come from all over the world to snorkel and scuba dive in Fiji. Known as the soft coral capital of the world, Fiji's reefs are teeming with 1,200 species of tropical fish, manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and reef sharks. While Pacific Harbor is considered the adventure capital of Fiji, other popular spots for underwater recreation include Natadola Beach, Savusavu, Supermarket Reef, Great Astrolabe Reef, Rainbow Reef and Great White Wall. Get your fins ready.

No trip to Fiji would be complete without experiencing a traditional kava ceremony. The kava root is powdered, strained, and steeped like a tea before drinking at room temperature. This daily ritual consists of sitting in a circle around a communal bowl of kava, with the leader serving each person. (Kava is more popular than alcohol in Fiji. The brown liquid has a rather earthy taste, but should help you relax and sleep.

For a rich cultural experience, it doesn't get more authentic than a visit to a local Fijian village. The Sigatoka River Safari Tour takes you to 15 villages, with an afternoon jet boat ride to the villages. After walking through the villages and touring Fijian houses, tourists will gather at a community center to participate in a traditional kava ceremony. After introductions, the local village women prepare a home-style lunch, after which everyone dances to Fijian music. Before departure, there will be an opportunity to present gifts (typically money or children's toys) to the village chief for the entire village to enjoy. Warning: be prepared to get soaking wet during the boat ride back to the town of Sigatoka.

Spend the day at the Mala Mala Beach Club (opens in new tab) on a private island. Splash on the pristine beach, splash in the infinity pool, relax in a cabana, and enjoy craft cocktails and world-class cuisine. Walk the perimeter of the small island, taking in the endless calm waters. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding equipment is available, but the must-do activity here is to jump off the end of the pier into the clear blue waters. There are no accommodations in Mala Mala, but the 25-minute ferry to and from Port Denarau is paired with a hotel shuttle service for door-to-door travel.

People may be surprised to learn that Fiji has a large Indian population that makes up 30-40% of the country and influences Fijian culture, including religion. Sri Siva Subramaniya is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere and is located in Nadi, Fiji. This bright and beautiful temple is one of the few examples of Dravidian architecture found outside of India. Everyone is welcome here, but conservative clothing must be worn inside (no bare arms or legs allowed).

If you fall in love with Fiji, book your trip here (opens in new tab).

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