Reflection: Fiji Paradise With A Spin
Does happiness grow on trees?… I sometimes wonder, reflecting on my recent Fiji experience as I visualize lines of coconut trees, Wimbledon like tennis courts, clear blue seas, glorious sunshine and endless Fijian smiles.
Bula Bula Vinaka
Denarau, a man-made island, typically renowned for its upscale resorts and Kiwi “go-to” winter escape destination, hosts the Fijian Tennis Open in May each year.
Photo: Tourism Fiji
Held at the rather nice Denarau Golf & Racquets Club which neighboured our accommodation, the Sheraton Villas resort. Rather than overlooking another balcony, we were fortunate enough to overlook the pristine Fiji lawn tennis courts, in my eyes an idyllic setting. If it wasn’t for my tennis coach, David Mustard (“Dijon” for short), the event would have slipped passed my radar. As an active relaxer and keen tennis player, it turns out the Fiji Open presents the perfect solution to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and allows you to earn the feeling of deserving that cocktail after a day’s competitive exercise. Plus, the opportunity to channel Caroline Wozniacki on a tropical island!
The popular event boasts 175 players, 35 events, and 357 matches across 8 lawn courts and 4 hard courts – each surface is laden with chilly bins filled with electrolyte water and 30 degree heat!
In all, it’s a 5 day affair running from Wednesday through to Sunday, with a full cultural welcome including authentic Fijian fire dancers and a closing night surrounded by several stunningly carved wooden placards.
The tournament schedule consists of round robin for the competitive league and knock-out for the social play. You can enter as many events as you like; Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles across various age groups and be prepared to make friends predominately with our beloved Australians and, of course, the Fijian hosts.
Although 9 times out of ten I needed to say “game, set, match and congratulations” to my opposition, this did not impact the level of fun I had in taking part. I absolutely loved it. I could just hear Dijon, my coach, saying, “Your game will always improve, Rome wasn’t built in a day”. For mixed doubles, I was fortunate to partner with an Australian tennis coach. I admired his patience and good sportsmanship, demonstrating this tournament is just as much about having fun as it was about competition – smashing. Upon reflection, not only were great memories made, but the experience has built my resilience and patience. As Roger Federer would say “I have learnt to be even more patient”.
My time in Fiji reconfirmed the idea that “Island Time” is called that for good reason. So, if you’re lucky to sneak in some early games, think about adventuring out to sea to explore the wider Pacific in the afternoon. I’m by no means an advanced PADI diver, but Fiji was some of the best coral I’ve seen. I would liken it to a fluorescent pastel version of the rainbow – it was simply magnificent! Other than exploring the underworld, you would find me lying poolside admiring the lines of coconut trees swaying ever so gently against the bright blue Fijian skies and engaging in conversation with the beautiful local people.
Fueling your body with any worldwide cuisine was no problem, it just costs a little more to dine with a Fijian backdrop, that’s all. My recommendations would be to enjoy Chantara Thai at the Radisson, Mamacita for tacos and margaritas, Neptunes for casual seafood & seaviews, or to keep it court local at the Denarau Golf and Racquet club for scrumptious woodfire pizzas and where Heineken is cheaper than the local Fijian bitter brew. For the avid golfers, try Ports O’ Call where you can receive a free green fee with your meal.
Well, as they say, “all good things must come to an end”, but here is a little tip for your journey home from the tropics: “always check your handbag interior”. Otherwise you could be in for a long night with biosecurity back home. Incredibly, as I foraged for my last Fijian coins for one last bottle of Fijian water, I discovered a little lizard friend looking nervously up at me. In a state of shock, I served this one to my tennis buddy to field because I was pretty scared! She kindly escorted our friend back to its natural habitat, which followed closely by the call “flight NZ53 to Auckland now boarding.”
I encourage all those passionate about tennis to give this a go. Return flights can be as low as $499 return, airport transfers were the easiest I’ve come across and restrings available at the tournament – ace!
Oceaniatennis.com/newsite/latest/fiji-open-2019/
