Fiji - 1 month - Suggestions PLEASE!

Hello Fellow Travelers,

I am planning a trip to Fiji for approximately Feb 20 - Mar 20, 2011. Flying into Nadi and flying out of Suva.

The details:

Traveling with my boyfriend. I am a seasoned traveler, he has only been to resorts and has not traveled much.

Budget Travel with the exception of accommodation. We don't mind paying extra for comfort, privacy.
Prefer Private Bures. NO DORMS.

Love the beach, gorgeous blue water a must. Finding the perfect beach and chilling is what we want.
Diving, snorkeling and good swimming.

Relaxation.
Prefer not being in trendy, packed locations.
Experience Fijian Culture is very important to me
Partying is not a must. We do enough back home. :)

Right now the plan is this:

Nadi to the Yasawa Islands. We have the Octopus in mind for 1 week but, would love to hear of any MUST SEES in and around the area. Is the Flyer (7, 14 etc) deal a good thing? Is Oarsman Beach a must?

After Yasawa we are thinking of traveling along the north coast through Koroyamitu National Park, Nananu-i-Ra etc, Lomaiviti Group, Caqalai Beach, Suva and possibly to Kadavu and Namosi Highlands.

That is what I have come up with as of now but, I am still in research mode and I am hoping to get some other ideas, routes, itinerary.

Has anyone rented a car in Fiji? Expensive, tips?

I would be so grateful for any suggestions.

Thank you so much!

Alicia

I forgot to ask about the Coral Coast Scenic Railway? Is it worth taking for the experience?

The Octopus Resort on Waya Island is fantastic. The resort organises 'cultural' things like village visits (market and church visits). You can do excellent snorkelling right off the beach there and also hike up the mountain.
Also its nice to stay at the Stoney Creek Resort on Vitu Levu, for a completely relaxing time. The views of the mountains from there are fantastic. Close by is the hot springs (within walking distance). A bit further away is the beautiful orchid garden.
I didn't find the Sigatoka region as nice - but the Sigatoka River Safari (a thrilling adventure on the river in a jet boat where you also visit a village) is worth it. The Taveuni hill fort is also worth a visit.

I agree with asminparis The Octopus resort is great and the Sigatoka jet boat ride is also great.

if you want

Relaxation.
Prefer not being in trendy, packed locations.
Experience Fijian Culture is very important to me

consider Danny's Village Homestay on the Coral Coast

photos at this link

http://www.fijihomestays.com/guests-photos

hope this helps

me and my family loved it on Caqalai island.... snorkeling right outside your bures, you can go for a snorkel before breakfast and walking out to snake island at low tide and swimming back is pretty cool.
i hang out with the boys from the band and they took me over to Moturiki a few time and got to see some village life
and cos' there is no alcohol for sale on the island it doesn't attract the whole party scene, if you like a drink it's ok to take your own.....and they have heaps of kava there.

all the Yasawa Group Islands are nice as are the Mananuca's, the mainland is ok but really not much incomparison to the islands, youve definitely got the time so jump a plane (the remote coral view from up there is supuerb though the small plane is 'interesting') or ferry to Vauana Levu (stay Daku Village and they'll look after you for trips etc) and the Garden Island (name?) for the vegetaition and driving. I've not been to this one but aparently its worth it. Both other island s are way different from the Viti Levu and the nice but kinda tourist swamped surrounds.