Fiji: Five things to do on Denarau

Incredibly, the attractions at Big Bula Inflatable Waterpark are deflated every night and blown up again the following morning. Photo / Megan Singleton

Megan Singleton has ideas for energetic visitors to Denarau.

If flying and flopping is too boring for you, there are a few options to amuse the energetic - or hungry - on Fiji's Denarau Island.

1. Island hopping

Take a South Sea Cruises island-hopping tour from the Denarau Marina. Pack your sunscreen and grab a towel from your hotel for a day around the islands, including Modriki Island where Tom Hanks screamed for Wilson and where coconuts lie in the sand, saying HELP ME! Lunch and drinks, including alcohol, is included and you'll be home about 6pm.

2. Big Bula Inflatable Waterpark

This new inflatable water park is walking distance from the Denarau resorts. It's full of water slides, climbing walls, waves and bouncy games and open to all ages. You're meant to be 85kg max, but the monster water slide can take everyone. Incredibly the park's attractions are deflated every night and blown up again the next morning. Great fun for families looking for something different. See Megan's photo blog on the waterpark here.

3. Sunburn spa treatment at Sofitel

When the inevitable happens, as it did to me, I booked in to So Spa at the Sofitel for their Dilo After-Sun Soother. It's 60 minutes of cold compresses soaked in miracle potions and wrapped around hot pink skin while healing dilo nut-infused lotion is used for the massage. It also includes an incredible head massage with oil that is great as a leave-in conditioner for as long as you can stand it.

4. Dine at the marina

A week is a long time to dine in a resort, but the great thing about Denarau is that not only can you eat at any resort dotted along the beach (and some can charge back to your room from other hotels), but the marina is packed with eateries including the Hard Rock Cafe, Lulu and Cardo's, which are all good. If there's a game playing back home that you want to see, you'll likely find it playing here.

5. Eat Mexican at the Wyndham

Mamacita Mexican restaurant at the Wyndham Resort is coming up two years old. It doesn't matter where you're staying, just wander along the beachfront and drop in for lunch.

Not only is the food great but it gives you a good excuse to snoop around another resort to get ideas for next time.

The writer flew courtesy of Fiji Airways from Christchurch to Nadi en route to LA.