by Laura Pittman (
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I'm a mother to three, living in and loving Fiji since 2001. I also do wedding and portrait photography under my business, Island Encounters Photography, based in Nadi, Fiji. www.islandencountersphotography.com
Treasure Island is aptly named, for it is indeed a treasure amongst the various Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. I highly recommend Treasure Island as either a day trip (from
First Landing Resort, through
Subsurface Fiji), or as a holiday destination. The island is, of course, gorgeous--fringed by palms, hammocks and thatched shade bures. The water actually takes your breath away. THIS is paradise.
Rooms are clean and comfortable, and all within close proximity to the beach. It takes about 30 minutes to walk around the island, giving you the tranquility of a serene escape, without the claustrophobic feeling some of the other smaller islands can lend. My favourite feature of the island is the infinity pool which overlooks the Mamanuca Islands.
There is a small gift shop (full of--you guessed it--treasures!), a restaurant, bar, ice cream stand, dive shop and office/reception area. There is also a playground, volleyball court, sea turtle breeding pool (very cool) and a couple of Fiji Banded Iguanas (endangered species unique to Fiji).
While some of Fiji's islands have a reputation for backpackers and partying, Treasure Island has more of a family feel. The pool and beach are all kid-friendly, and there is a Kid's Club that the children can take part in so the parents can relax. The snorkeling is quite good--not the best I've seen in Fiji, but scores better than the mainland. On a clear, calm, day it can be a surreal experience. They sometimes do a "dive experience" in the pool and my 9 and 7 yr. olds were able to scuba dive for the first time, which was a real highlight! I've been to Treasure Island four times now, and each time was an excellent experience for myself and my family. A picture is worth a thousand words, so enjoy!
