The Pacific Islands have always been popular, especially with tours returning from Australia or New Zealand, taking in some R'n'R before heading back. The Pacific has started to expand and we can now offer a variety of islands, depending on your requirements.

Situated in the South Pacific, 3,000 kms east of Australia, Fiji comprises 322 islands, 105 of which are uninhabited. The three largest are Viti Levu (Great Fiji), Vanua Levu (Great Land of the People) and Taveuni.

The islands are packed with attractions that can be found nowhere else and offers a unique experience for visitors. This is an unspoiled, unique environment of extreme beauty and tranquility, floating adrift in splendid isolation. 

Until the turn of the 20th century, Fijians were canibalistic as many missionaries found out! Now they are the friendliest and nicest people you could ever meet. Tourists can pay to see fire-walking ceremonies, although the ritual does remain a religious penance.

Tourists can pay to see fire walking ceremonies, although the ritual does remain a religious penance. Local dishes include kakoda (marinated local fish steamed in coconut cream and lime) and duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable).

"I had a memorable experience at the end of the 80’s when my passports were stolen the night before I was due to leave for home, via Australia. Through a very good friend, I was issued with a temporary Fijian passport which got me back home. That’s their hospitality."  Edwin Doran

It is very difficult to find a better place to finish your tour than the magical tropical island of Fiji in the South Pacific. As a result of being so far away from the main mass populated areas, particularly the West, and its proximity to Australasia, Fiji and its islands have never been over developed commercially.

The other fantastic benefit of this controlled tourist accommodation expansion is that the local people also remain quite brilliant. They are enormously friendly with wide gorgeous smiles permanently on their faces. They are so welcoming.

As with so many of our relationships which have developed over the years, Fiji is particularly special, and much treasured by us. I am not going to name the person who arranges our fixtures as I don’t want our opposition approaching him. He does such a great job.

Fiji is a poor country and we ask every tour to bring something with them that will benefit the school you are playing. This can be a playing kit. When I took Richmond U17’s there in 2001, we took a set of jerseys, which were very much appreciated after a tough game at the fantastic Sigatoka Stadium where the entire school had turned out to watch us.  600 school kids all singing together. As you can see, I’ve never forgotten it.  Neither will you forget your visit to this amazing island!

We’ve always believed in finishing well. Originally, our last post on a round the world tour used to be 5* The Regent.  It was run by Andrew Thompson who was the Fijian national rugby coach (several international players worked there) and we enjoyed preferential rates.  It was taken over by the Sheraton next door and lost its wonderful Fijian ambience.

So we had to find another excellent hotel suitable for our customers, and after considerable searching, we chose the Warwick, which used to be the Hyatt.  It has swimming pools, four floodlit tennis courts, two glass backed squash courts, a fitness gym, the hire of mountain bikes, horse riding (on the beach), snorkelling, glass bottom boat, fishing and diving. And, the staff will play a few games of rugby 7’s with you!

One and a half hours drive from Nadi along the famous Coral Coast, the Warwick Fiji, long established as one of Fiji's most popular resorts, nestles amid 25 acres of tropical gardens on the edge of a white sand beach overlooking a calm lagoon. The hotel's 248 rooms and deluxe air conditioned suites, each with its own television and fully stocked mini bar, offer wonderful panoramic views.

The rooms are large and carefully decorated to reflect the hotel's true tropical ambience and provide a quiet and comfortable retreat at day's end.  There are also two pool bars, a sunset bar and a nightclub!  It goes without saying that dressing in grass skirts for the tour final night beach BBQ is obligatory!!

• Cafe Korolevu ~ Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Wicked Walu ~ Located on a private island, you will be served seafood grills, charbroiled steaks, salads and sumptuous desserts.
• Pappagallo ~ New Italian restaurant
• Sazanami ~ Fine selection of Japanese cuisine
• Lagoon Mixed Grill ~ Situated beachfront, offering a selection of lunchtime snacks, assorted grills and salads.