Category: Fiji Culture

No one knows how to relax and unwind better than Fijian locals – they seem perpetually at ease. However, the island nation also has a rich history which has blessed locals with colourful traditions and rituals. 

Traditional Fijian massage effortlessly combines the Fijian knack for relaxation and this culture to create something truly special and unique. 

What are the origins of traditional Fijian massage?

There are over 100 inhabited islands in Fiji spread out over 194,000sq kilometres throughout the Pacific Ocean. In the past many of these islands did not have access to western medicine, instead using their own traditional healing techniques passed down generation after generation. 

Traditional Fijian massage is one such technique. In the past, and even today, work on Fiji's remote islands is hard and physical – watch a local climb a coconut tree and you'll agree! If the muscles ache after a hard day working locals head to their village's masseuse to ease their pain.

While the technique itself is often different from island to island, the end result is the same – complete and utter relaxation. 

What are the benefits of Fijian massage?

Some Fijian massage involves deep tissue massage using the edges of the feet, a technique that's more effective at loosening muscles than most that use hands and elbows. 

Others use locally sourced, natural ingredients such as nut and coconut oil, along with long rhythmic strokes of the hands. Fragrant tropical aromas and deep tissue massage creates a feeling of bliss that has to be felt to be believed. However, a true modern Fijian spa experience combines the best of all of the island nation's techniques to provide a massage unlike any other. The end goal is to ease tension, loosen muscles, detoxify the body and enable relaxation.

To find out more about traditional Fijian massage techniques and to experience ultimate relaxation for yourself, why not book a stay at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort today?

We don't just think Fijians are the happiest people in the world, we know it! After speaking to 54,000 people from 55 countries, the results of a Gallup study found 92 per cent of Fijians to be happy or very happy with their lives, placing them in the number one spot.

So, what's the secret to their happiness? We think we have a few ideas…

The unbeatable community spirit

Whether immediate family or neighbours, the bond Fijian people share is enviable. Due to Fiji being comprised of predominantly smaller villages, residents are able to maintain strong connections with others living there, resulting in unbreakable ties and a tight-knit community like no other.

Fijians often share child care duties and ensure that the elderly are well looked after and respected. Resources are shared to ensure no one ever goes without, and in times of hardship, people pull together to confirm just how strong Fiji's community spirit really is.

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort you'll experience this hospitality first hand and see how our staff bend over backwards to ensure all guests have the best time possible. Here's what past guests had to say on TripAdvisor:

"Staff were outstanding and made my partner and I feel at home from the moment we arrived", said one reviewer. Another followed with, "The setting is beautiful and the staff is filled with truly the nicest people on the planet." 

Stunning scenery and enviable climate conditions

if you regularly woke up to shimmering oceans, palm-dripped beaches and balmy blue skies we think you'd be pretty happy too! Not only is Fiji home to some of the world's finest landscapes, it's also a haven for warmer weather.

A healthy exposure to sunlight is believed to increase the brain's production of serotonin (these are the neurotransmitters responsible for making a person feeling happier), and with Fiji receiving annual temperatures of 24.9 degrees Celsius on average, it's not surprise that Fijians are in such good moods!

Tropical flavours and fantastic food

Succulent fresh fish, tropical fruits and Asian-inspired curries are just some of the delicious delights synonymous with the cuisine of Fiji. The majority of these food items are locally grown and sourced, meaning that many Fijians get to enjoy feasting on such incredible ingredients every single day. And if that's not enough to make anyone smile and lick their lips, we don't know what will! 

Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, guests can enjoy dining on authentic South Pacific fare from breakfast right through to dinner, and trust us you'll never go hungry! 

There's no better place to experience the happiest country in the world than at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Find out how we can make your trip to Fiji one to remember by getting in touch today. 

If you're feeling excited for your luxury couples holiday to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, why not start the celebrations early by learning how to create three tropical South Pacific-inspired cocktails in your very own home?

So, what are you waiting for? Dig out the cocktail umbrellas, shaker and rum, and have your own little Tiki party!

Pina colada

It's a tropical cocktail classic, and one that features a heavenly blend of three typically Fijian ingredients: rum, pineapple and coconut. The below recipe yields two glasses, so adjust accordingly depending on your party size.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cup ice.
• 50 ml pineapple juice.
• 50 ml white rum.
• 30 ml coconut cream.
• Pineapple wedges and glacé cherries to serve.

Method

• Pulse all ingredients except pineapple wedges and cherries in a blender until smooth.
• Pour into chilled highball glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges and glacé cherries.

Passion fruit mojito

Give the classic mojito a tropical twist by adding the fruity flavour of passion fruit – you won't regret it!

Ingredients

• 1 tsp brown sugar.
• 5 – 10 fresh mint leaves.
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice.
• 1 tbsp passion fruit syrup (this can be found in most supermarkets).
• 2 tbsp white rum.
• 70 ml soda.
• 1 cup ice cubes.
• Lime wedges and extra mint to garnish.

Method

• Muddle (gently combine) mint, sugar and fresh lime juice at the bottom of the glass.
• Stir in rum, passion fruit syrup and 70 ml soda.
• Add ice cubes to fill and garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs.

Mai Tai

While the Mai Tai may have originated in Oakland CA, this tropical concoction certainly embodies the island flavours of Fiji. This rum-based cocktail yields one serving.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp dark rum.
• 2 tbsp light rum.
• 2 tbsp orange juice.
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice.
• 1 tbsp Curaçao.
• 1 tbsp lime juice.
• 1 tsp white sugar.
• 1 tsp orgeat syrup or 1 drop of pure almond extract.
• Dash of grenadine.
• 1 cup ice cubes.
• Fresh mint to garnish.

Method

• Place all ingredients into cocktail shaker (except grenadine) and shake for 20 – 30 seconds until shaker is frosty on the outside.
• Strain into short glass filled with ice cubes.
• Add a dash of grenadine into the top and garnish with fresh mint and a straw.

These three cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to our Fijian-inspired recipes, that you can learn to create here. And of course, you can enjoy all these and more in our very own bar lounge when staying at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.