In this episode, Norman Schafer speaks with William, managing director of Rivers Tubing Fiji, about an unforgettable journey along the Navua River. Guests are taken upriver through gorges, rapids, and waterfalls to a remote village accessible only by boat, where they glimpse authentic daily life untouched by tourist routines. Along the way, travelers enjoy a riverside feast blending Western and traditional Fijian dishes, swim beneath the Wainikavika waterfall, and float downstream on inner tubes through rapids suitable for all ages. William also shares the deep ancestral story of his family’s connection to the river, adding a powerful cultural layer to the adventure. With Fijian songs echoing off canyon walls, this tour weaves together nature, history, and hospitality in a way few experiences can.

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In this episode, Normand Schafer speaks with Sava, the assistant resort manager at Mantaray Island Resort, who has spent the past seventeen years building her life and career in the Yasawa Islands. From her first role at the front desk to becoming a central leader at the resort, Sava shares what it means to live on a remote island, balance traditions with modern resort life, and welcome guests into a community that feels like family. Listeners will discover how local culture, marine conservation, and the spirit of the Yasawas shape the guest experience—from snorkeling with manta rays and diving vibrant reefs to the warmth of staff drawn from nearby villages. This conversation reveals the heart behind one of Fiji’s most loved island resorts.

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In this episode, Norman Schafer speaks with Struble from Fiji Airways about how the national airline connects travelers from North America, Asia, and beyond to Fiji and the wider South Pacific. With routes reaching Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, and Australia, Fiji Airways serves as the perfect hub for exploring remote island nations while also offering travelers a seamless Fiji stopover. From the moment guests board, they are welcomed with the warmth of the Fijian “Bula spirit,” experiencing authentic culture, flavors, and hospitality that set the tone for their entire journey.

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In this episode, Norman Schafer speaks with Natasha, General Manager of Weddings and Events at Tour Managers Fiji. From meet-and-greet arrivals with serenades to tailor-made itineraries, the team specializes in crafting seamless journeys for weddings, conferences, family groups, and luxury travelers. With logistics handled and Fijian culture woven into every detail, they ensure each experience is effortless, authentic, and unforgettable.

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In this episode, Norman Schafer speaks with Ritesh Deo, Food and Beverage Manager at Capricorn International Hotel in Nadi. Just minutes from the airport, the hotel is a trusted stopover for transit and short-stay guests, offering clean, comfortable rooms, complimentary airport transfers, and the true warmth of Fijian hospitality. Guests enjoy on-site dining, spa services, and easy access to shopping and local attractions—making it a seamless choice whether arriving late, departing early, or extending a Fiji holiday with a convenient stay.

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In this episode, Norman Schafer sits down with Brendan, owner of Beachcomber Island Resort, to explore what makes this seven-acre island in the Mamanucas such an iconic getaway. Surrounded by turquoise waters and a thriving marine park, guests can snorkel with turtles, enjoy basket weaving, coconut climbing, Fijian dancing, and daily cooking classes. Each room offers sweeping ocean views, while excursions range from Cloud 9 and Mala Mala Beach Club to deep-sea fishing and scuba diving trips. Conveniently located just 40 minutes from Port Denarau, the resort even offers private transfers timed with international flights—ensuring every holiday begins and ends smoothly. Whether you crave cocktails on the beach, cultural immersion, or adrenaline-filled reef adventures, Beachcomber delivers the quintessential Fiji escape.

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In this episode, Norman Schafer speaks with Allison, Executive Chairman of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, about the company’s legacy of exploring the South Pacific and the unique experiences they now offer. From full-day sailing adventures in the Mamanuca Islands—complete with snorkeling, diving, coral planting, and glass-bottom boat tours—to their iconic sunset dinner cruise with Fijian music, cocktails, and a fresh island buffet, every outing is designed to showcase Fiji’s natural beauty and warm culture. Guests often say it feels like more than just a day trip—it leaves them with a deeper connection to Fiji and its people. With sustainability, authentic Fijian hospitality, and even new adventures like mermaiding on the horizon, Captain Cook Cruises continues to deliver unforgettable memories on the water.

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In this episode, Norman Schafer speaks with Gareth, owner-director of Barefoot Manta and Barefoot Kuata Resorts, about Fiji’s most unforgettable marine encounters. Guests come here for more than just island beauty—this is where manta rays glide through feeding stations just offshore, where reefs flourish after years of careful protection, and where scientists and marine biologists work alongside the resorts to study sharks and rays. At Barefoot Kuata, visitors can join shark snorkels or even the legendary bull shark dive, while Barefoot Manta offers snorkeling right from your room and one of the region’s best spots for manta encounters between April and October. Beyond the water, the spirit of Fiji comes alive through genuine staff connections and the resorts’ deep partnership with local communities. It’s eco-tourism at its finest, blending conservation, culture, and adventure in one of the world’s most breathtaking island settings.

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