Day 8 (March 13, 2025): wrapping up Fiji and on to Vanuatu

We wanted to maximize our morning at the resort, so we were up bright and early, and when the breakfast buffet opened at seven, we were there! After that, we went back to the infinity pool, which we had all to ourselves, and then did a swim in the lagoon adjacent to our bure. We got cleaned up and packed, and by 11:30. We were on our way back to Nadi airport. We gassed up the rental car and returned it, all with no problems or hitches, checked in for our flight, cleared customs, and enjoyed lunch at the Fiji Airways business lounge. 

The flight to Vanuatu was 20 minutes late, resulting in numerous apologies from Fiji Airways. (We remarked to each other that in Canada, an airline can be five hours late and they would be hard-pressed to apologize!) Vanuatu is one hour behind Fiji, so it was close to 4:30 when we landed, after a very smooth and enjoyable flight. We secured the rental car, got SIM cards for our phones, got some Vanuatu currency, and set off for the hotel in Port Vila’s rush-hour traffic. Even though it was only one flight, we were still very tired by the time we checked into the hotel. We got caught up on the BBC News and forced ourselves to go out for dinner at the hotel restaurant - being neither hungry nor energetic. By 8:30 PM, we were in bed! The Vanuatu exploration can wait till tomorrow to begin.


Sunrise over the lagoon. It truly is a paradise. But even in paradise, coffee helps.

So many birds around our bure. 

The resort is a well-manicured village, with a narrow cement roadway throughout, to accommodate the golf carts which carry people and supplies all over the resort. 

The hotel reception area reflects traditional Fijian architecture.

BULA means hello in Fijian. 

Back to the infinity pool!

We had the entire place to ourselves.


The view of some neighbouring islands. 

And a couple of final ‘Pam and Dave shots’ in front of our bure and the lagoon.

As we waited for our flight to Vanuatu, a rain storm moved in over the mountains adjacent to Nadi airport.

Fiji Airways has acquired some new French-made ATR – 72–600 turbo prop aircraft.

Leaving the beautiful Fiji’s Vito Levu behind.

The beauty of the South Pacific.

Flying over the island of Efete in Vanuatu. This is the coastline just south of the capital, Port Villa.

Upon final approach into Bauerfield, Port Villa’s airport.

Our first steps in Vanuatu. 

Vanuatu’s airport is a pretty humble place.




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