Urmila Singh Returns to Fiji After 55 Years and Finds Pure Joy
Fifty-five years. That's how long I lived in Canada before finally returning to Fiji with my family. This wasn't just another trip for research or reconnaissance. This was deeply personal. I wanted my children and grandchildren to see where their grandparents came from, to walk the same streets and feel the ocean breeze that shaped my earliest memories. As a travel advisor, I've sent countless clients to beautiful destinations, but there's something different about bringing your own family back to your roots.
The moment we arrived, I understood why this journey had to happen. My grandchildren, who had only heard stories about Fiji, were finally standing where their family history began. Watching their faces as they took it all in reminded me why I fell in love with this place so many years ago. The warmth wasn't just in the weather. It was in every interaction, every smile from strangers who felt more like neighbors.
The Laid-Back Island Life
What surprised me most was how easy everything felt. Getting around Fiji is simple, and the people are genuinely friendly in a way that feels refreshing after years in busy North American cities. There's a pace here that forces you to slow down, to notice things. Nothing comes out of a box or freezer. The food is fresh, the air is clean, and the beaches stretch out before you without the crowds or commercialization you might expect.
One of my favorite discoveries was taking a road trip around the island. As you drive along the ocean, small restaurants and local resorts dot the coastline, each one an invitation to stop, eat, and enjoy the beach before continuing on. These aren't places you'd find on typical tourist itineraries. They're the kind of spots where locals gather, where the seafood was swimming that morning, and where the staff remembers your face by the second visit. I found myself pulling over constantly, not because I was tired, but because every curve in the road revealed something worth stopping for.
The Fijian way of life is something you have to experience to understand. It's laid back, yes, but it's more than that. It's a philosophy of happiness that permeates everything. The locals aren't performing friendliness for tourists. They genuinely seem to love their lives and want to share that joy with visitors. For my family, coming from the fast pace of city life, this was transformative.
Who Would Love This Destination
I truly believe Fiji is for everyone, every generation. I watched my grandchildren splash in warm waters while I sat under a palm tree with my own children, all of us experiencing this place together but in our own ways. Couples seeking romance, families wanting quality time, solo travelers looking to reset their nervous systems, retirees chasing sunshine and simplicity. Fiji welcomes them all with equal warmth.
What I know now, having experienced it firsthand, is that Fiji rewards those who plan thoughtfully. There are so many different islands to explore, each with its own character and offerings. My advice to clients now is to do the research, choose two or three islands that speak to your travel style, and give yourself enough time at each one. Rushing through Fiji defeats the purpose entirely. Each island offers a different experience, and understanding that before you go makes all the difference.
Ready to Plan Your Fiji Adventure
This trip changed how I'll recommend Fiji forever. I'm not just quoting brochures anymore. I can tell you exactly which coastal restaurants are worth the detour, how the light hits the water at sunset, and why leaving extra days in your itinerary will reward you in ways you can't anticipate. Going back to nature, leaving the big city behind, enjoying the weather, the beaches, the atmosphere, that's what Fiji delivers. And now I can help my clients experience that same magic, whether they're seeking a multigenerational reunion like mine or simply chasing the legendary Fijian happiness. I cannot wait to send travelers there and hear their own stories of falling in love with these islands.