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10 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2026 By Michael MacQueen Who among us hasn't at some time dreamt of escaping to a tropical island? Don't get me wrong, our life here in the Four Seasons Beaumont is great! But who wouldn't enjoy lounging on a beach in some exotic location, umbrella drink in hand, while the waves gently lap against the shore? With that vision in mind, I'd like to introduce you to two of our favorite island destinations, one that you may be familiar with, and one a bit further afield. There are thousands of islands in the Pacific offering remarkable geographic and cultural diversity. Two standout destinations for Leah and I are Viti Levu, Fiji, and Kauai, Hawaii. While both feature stunning beaches, lush landscapes, tropical climate, and rich cultural traditions, each provides a distinctly different travel experience. Character, Culture and Overall Vibe Viti Levu, the largest and most populated of the 100 permanently inhabited islands of Fiji, is known for its rugged interior mountains, dense rain forests, and broad river valleys. It reflects Fiji's multicultural heritage, blending indigenous iTaukei traditions with influences from Indo-Fijian communities. Everywhere you go in Fiji you'll be welcomed with a smile and the greeting "Bula," which literally translates to "life," but is generally used as "hello" or "welcome." It was refreshing to come to a country where the people are still genuinely nice and not merely looking to cash in on the tourists. And you'll love hearing them sing to new visitors when you arrive at Nadi International Airport. Kauai, often called the "Garden Isle," is smaller than Viti Levu and is sculpted by erosion, producing steep sea cliffs, deep valleys, and iconic features such as the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of Hawaii). It is deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian culture, where language revival, hula traditions, and historic sites reflect the legacy of the Kingdom of Hawaii and its Polynesian heritage. Leah and I find it more relaxing and less commercialized compared to other Hawaiian Islands, such as Oahu or Maui. Accommodation, Cuisine and Activities There are many similarities between the two islands in terms of accommodation, cuisine, and activities. Both offer luxury resorts and spas, ideal for seniors seeking rest and personal attention. In Fiji, our favorite is the Sofitel Resort and Spa on Denarau Island, located about 20 minutes from the Nadi International Airport. We like that there is an "adults-only" section of the hotel (the Waitui Club), including private cabanas, a swim up bar, and an ocean-view restaurant serving delicious Fijian dishes. In the family area of the hotel there are four more excellent restaurants (including a buffet), a nightclub, and a small shop. In Kauai, we have often stayed at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa in Poipu on the island's sunny south side. This luxury hotel offers lush gardens, acres of pools, ocean-view dining and a championship golf course. Both of these hotel options are fairly expensive, with the Grand Hyatt costing approximately double the Sofitel. Of course, there are many less expensive options on both islands. In Kauai, you might select a hotel closer to the airport in Lihue or a resort on the north shore in Princeville. If you travel a bit further from the airport in Nadi, the Coral Coast (about a 90-minute drive) offers a wide selection of options, including over-the-water bungalows. And if you want to visit one of the other Fijian islands, it's a short ferry or plane journey to Yasawa, Mamanuca, Taveuni or Kadavu. The further you get away from Viti Levu, the more pristine the islands become. There are many activities to enjoy on both Viti Levu and Kauai and most revolve around the water and the incredible coral reefs. In Fiji, we took a catamaran to one of the outer islands where we snorkeled among beautiful tropical fish. And for you more adventurous types, trips where you swim with manta rays and sharks are available. We toured the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple and went parasailing off Denerau. We also visited one of the local villages to participate in a traditional kava ceremony. Kava is a Fijian drink made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant and is known for promoting relaxation, stress relief and better sleep. And while all those properties of kava might be accurate, we thought it tasted a bit like muddy water! In Kauai, we've kayaked up the Wailua River to a beautiful waterfall, rode ATVs on the Kipu Ranch, went tubing down an old sugar plantation irrigation Viti Levu, Fiji, and Kaua'i, Hawaii: A Tale of Two Islands " … for you more adventurous types, trips where you swim with manta rays and sharks are available. We toured the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple and went parasailing o Denerau."

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