After many years of quiet neglect, the Pacific Harbour Arts Village is set for revival.
A Bure Kalou again stands tall in the village precinct. A traditional and towering structure, it and a neighbouring bure, are the centrepieces of the village. Mekes and other performances have resumed there.
Local artist Carson Young, who worked with artisans Isaac King and Sailasa Tora and others to craft the bure—harnessing traditional techniques and materials—says he hopes it is something that brings pride to many.
The Arts Village has been redeveloped by its owner Yatu Lau in partnership with the Damodar company, the chain responsible for Fiji’s most successful malls and cinemas.
Shop spaces and public areas have already been renovated, and are awaiting their new tenants. Pacific Harbour is an hour’s drive from Suva and Sigatoka. A revitalised Arts Village will expand the offerings to visitors and locals in the area, which is marketed as Fiji’s ‘adventure capital’, and is the favourite beach destination for Suva locals.
Where to stay
Nanuku Auberge Resort
Nanuku Auberge is a multi-award-winning luxury 5-star private resort known for its food, the professionalism and warmth of its staff and cultural experiences including star-gazing, ‘kava’ ceremonies for children and a Fijian food safari, which takes you crabbing, taking a medicine walk and helping to prepare the lovo for your evening meal.
The Pearl Resort
The Pearl is a popular event, conference and wedding venue, due to its proximity to the capital and beautiful view over the Pacific. Its restaurant perched on a point right near the ocean is a particularly lovely spot.
Uprising Resort
The Uprising Resort is best known for its super laidback vibe, its annual Music Festival and as the home base for the Fiji Rugby 7s team that won gold at the 2016 Olympics. Since then, many international and local rugby teams have stayed and trained at the resort, making use of the special facilities there.
Ultiqa Fiji Palms
The Ultiqa Fiji Palms Resort is right on the beach, but also offers an inviting pool and spa. Apartment-style accommodation means it is perfect for families wanting a bit of extra space.
ultiqahotelsandresorts.com.au/property/ultiqa-fiji-palms-beach-resort/
Vale ni Vula
Vale ni Vula is a welcoming property in the residential area of Pacific Harbour that includes three bedrooms, a pool, fully equipped kitchen and lots of thoughtful details.
Where to eat
The Establishment
This sprawling restaurant and bar on one of Pacific Harbour’s many water frontages is famous for its Sunday feasts — with great seafood, roast, salad and dessert options —and as a venue for big local events and sunset drinks.
Beach Bum Burgers
Turn left after entering the road to the Uprising Resort and you’ll find this cottage restaurant. The gourmet burgers for which they are named are generous and tasty, but also excellent are the hand cut chips, and daily specials. Be sure to ask Juliet or her staff what is fresh.
Chicken and Ice Cream Shack
A popular stop-over for people travelling the Queens Road. Open Mondays-Sundays from 8am-11pm. PH: 297 7885
Indulge Wines
This wine shop and café has a good range of wines, beer and spirits and serves perhaps Pacific Harbour’s best flat white. A small selection of pastries is also available. The store is inside the compound of a service station but the comfortable chairs and clean, airconditioned space create a comfortable little bubble.
Hibiscus Street, Pacific Harbour (at the Mobil Service Station)
Shopping
Adorn Pacific
Based at the Arts Village, Adorn Pacific produces stunning handmade jewellery using quality metals, saltwater pearls, and hand-collected shells. If you are looking for delicate local gifts for yourself or a friend, this is the place to find them.
Lighthouse Boutique
Tucked at the back of the Lighthouse Boutique, past the racks of clothes and jewellery displays, you will find paper treasure, stacks of numbered prints by artist George Bennett. Well-known as an illustrator of Fiji’s plants and palms—his designs have also graced stamps and Fiji’s paper currency—the black and white prints in Pacific Harbour depict Fijians in ceremonial dress.
Pacific Harbour Arts Village
Things to do
Whitewater Rafting
A day with Rivers Fiji experiencing the narrow valleys and steep limestone walls of the upper Navua gorge while white-water rafting is a quite unforgettable experience.
River Tubing
Cruise down the Navua River in an inner tube – it’s a peaceful, slow way to see the countryside. The tour by River Tubing Fiji includes a village visit, picnic by a waterfall, and of course, tubing down gentle rapids.
Fiji Horse Sanctuary
Morika Hunter and her family founded the Fiji Horse Sanctuary as a safe place for Fiji’s mistreated horses. It survives with the help of local and overseas supporters, and is now a centre for a new generation of riders and horse lovers.
The Horse Sanctuary – riding, rescue and rehabilitation
The Pearl Golf Course and Country Club
Whether you’re a pro or an amateur golfer, this international standard 18- hole course is a great way to spend a day out under the Fiji sunshine. The course also has a decent country club surrounded by tropical gardens, so you can unwind on the 19th hole.
Beqa: Adventure from your Pacific Harbour launchpad
Pacific Harbour is also the departure point for many adventures on Beqa, Yanuca and their fringing reefs.
Diving
Dive deep into Fiji’s protected shark reef reserve and encounter different shark species amongst shipwrecks in the pristine blue waters off Beqa Island.
Beqa Firewalkers
Go back in time and witness a cultural showcase on Beqa Island where men of the Sawau tribe walk on dangerously hot ‘lovo’ stones unfazed and without injury. Ask your hotel how to book this experience or visit rosiefiji.com
Dune Buggy Mud Fun
Drive your dune buggy ride into Pacific Harbour’s hinterland. Terratrek’s morning tours end at a hidden waterfall, where you can swim, and enjoy the picnic lunch provided. Non-driver—no problem; you can join as a passenger! It’s an exciting way to see a different part of Fiji.
Jewel of Fiji Day Tour
Your day starts with a motorised long boat ride up the Navua River, then a welcome to a local village with kava, sightseeing, lunch and entertainment. Then you’ll continue up to a waterfall swim and bilibili ride.
discoverfijitours.com/jewel-of-fiji/
