They call it Fiji's "Forgotten North" but once you've been there, you'll find it unforgettable. Many international travellers are familiar with the big resorts of the Coral Coast of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, where the capital and international airport are located, and the castaway getaways on the offshore Mamanuca Islands. Unfortunately, most miss the persuasive and insidious charms of the northeastern part of the archipelago.

Eco-tourism and "soft" adventure seem to be the current sweetheart notions of every nation-in-the-sun as the western world’s travel consultants hustle to provide increasingly offbeat answers to their affluent customers' increasingly strident cry: "Where is there that's new to go? And what shall we do when we get there?" Different locations provide different responses. In some places, eco-tourism does more harm than good. The well-meaning hordes scramble across virgin territory in pursuit of elusive rarity. But here in Fiji`s North is where you'll experience what many tell you is the real Fiji. Here you will find no crowds, but pure nature & real adventures.

At 5,500 square km, Vanua Levu is the second-largest island in the Fiji chain, but despite a couple of luxurious resorts it has none of the international hustle and "sophistication" of Viti Levu. Visitors are still rare enough to be welcomed as guests, and quickly become friends.

Even further off the beaten South Pacific tourist track is Taveuni, just east of Vanua Levu. About 42 km long and 15 km wide, dominated by a central spine of volcanic cones, Taveuni is a lushly verdant island rich in indigenous birdlife and exotic flora, deemed one of the most important of all the South Pacific islands in terms of biology and conservation. What draws many visitors is the scuba diving and its proximity to what many claim are some of the world's finest dive sites.

Attractions for visitors emphasize the outdoors though you shouldn't miss the stained glass windows at the old Catholic mission at the village of Wairiki and the world famous ‘International Dateline’.

Maravu Plantation Resort is probably some of the best places in the Fiji Islands for a wedding or honeymoon. Although only a few miles from the local airport, the first thing guests will notice is the complete sense of seclusion. The resort is accessible only by a dirt road, and there are only 20 Bures (bungalows) on the plantation, so a feeling of peace and privacy pervades.

The second thing visitors will notice is the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, remarkable even by island standards. Expect plenty of personal attention,...

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