Don Menzies Managing Director Travelcom

When you're Fiji bound you often just want to flop onto a white sandy beach as soon as possible – but I discovered it is well worth the extra effort to travel north to the Yasawa Islands.

There are a several idyllic small boutique alternatives which are surrounded by amazing live coral and marine life, plus the opportunity to enjoy a more authentic Fijian village experience than you would get on the mainland or other islands.

A complementary bus transfer from Nadi Airport or surrounding hotels will drop you at Denarau Marina to catch the Yasawa Flyer.

A few extra dollars grants you access to the ‘Captain's Lounge' where there are comfy couches, air conditioning, drinks and nibbles.

This option is great value, especially as it can take up to five hours to reach the northernmost resorts.

I'd recommend sitting on the right-hand side so you can see all the gorgeous islands up close as the boat drops off and collects new passengers along the way.

Keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles too.

Our first destination was Mantaray Island Resort, about three hours from Denarau.

This small resort has fantastic snorkelling and diving right off the beach.

I did an introductory diving course and the coral looked like it was glowing in the dark!

We were surrounded by bright blue starfish, parrot fish and I even saw a stingray hiding under a rock.

I was nervous, but the dive equipment wasn't heavy once you're in the sea.

Although breathing underwater is surprisingly loud – the air rushes right past your ears on the way to the surface.

The resort itself has dorm facilities suitable for back-packers and private bures with ensuite raised over the sand.

Mantaray guests pay a meal plan fee which covers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There's plenty of options though so you could easily stay for 10 days and eat something different every day.

You don't have many choices in the Yasawa's, but the meal plans are great value, much cheaper than mainstream resorts.

Next I checked out the Blue Lagoon Beach Resort. This is one of the Yasawa's most popular resorts so you need to book at least 12 weeks in advance.

It's ideal for couples and families and has beanbags scattered along the beach and a casual bare-foot restaurant where the floor is covered in sand.

Island resorts don't generally operate kids' clubs, but Fijians love children and they will always make you and your family welcome.

The rooms and facilities are really modern and there are rooms to suit all budgets.

From Blue Lagoon we took a day trip to the Sawailau Caves which you can swim inside.

At low tide you can dive half a metre down and swim into one pitch black limestone cave which is an amazing experience.

The locals shine torches across the water for you and show you around while you hold onto a floatation device. Very cool.

Our next stop was Nanuya Island – a quiet, serene resort for couples and honeymooners.

The tree top bures have amazing views but it pays to be fit – otherwise a beachfront bure is your best bet.

Bounty Island Resort is closer to Denarau (only 35 minutes) and is a popular stop-off heading to or from the Yasawas.

It is one of the few island resorts to have its own swimming pool. It has a nice beach, turtle sanctuary, and rooms to suit all travellers.

The Seaspray Day Sailing Adventure is great day out whether you are staying in Denarau or coming from one of the Mananuca Islands.

A barbecue lunch and unlimited drinks are included and you get to visit Mondriki Island where Tom Hanks filmed the movie Cast Away.

Snorkelling, a kava ceremony, and a visit to a Fijian village (including the local school) are a real eye-opener.

It's a great cultural experience – Fijians are so happy to see you and are always smiling. I don't think they ever have a bad day!

One thing to remember is that all boats operate on Fiji time.

They often run behind schedule so be flexible and make sure you allow enough time to get back to Nadi to catch your flight home.