Fijian Culture
Proud cultural traditions and strong family values make for the happiest people in the world
The Fijian culture is an extremely important part of VOMO’s ethos. Fiji has an ancient and living culture and this is celebrated at VOMO. The genuine warmth and hospitality of the Fijian people needs to be experienced to be appreciated. You hear about the friendly people of Fiji but it is not until you stay at VOMO that you will fully understand how the Fijian way of life integrates so harmoniously with hospitality. The Fijian culture is much about community and family, just as VOMO is. Here at VOMO you will find heartfelt luxury.
Each week, usually on a Wednesday evening, VOMO hosts all guests for a cocktail party, followed by an authentic and very entertaining Meke and Lovo night. In the morning, the Lovo pit is prepared where some of the evening meal is cooked in the traditional Fijian method under the ground. The evening ceremony includes a selection of Meke dances and songs performed by the VOMO family of staff. Guests also have the opportunity to try the national ‘drink’ called Kava in a ceremony following the Meke and throughout the evening dinner service of the Lovo.
Following the Meke, VOMO’s chefs present a Fijian-inspired buffet featuring local ingredients and authentic island dishes. We can confidently say you will remember the Meke as a highlight of your stay.
The Kids Village at VOMO also integrates the Fijian culture into the children’s programme through several of the activities included.
Throughout your stay you may be able to celebrate the Tree of Life with us where we educate guests about the coconut palm tree and its importance as part of Fijian life through various discussions, demonstrations, and activities that are part of the optional daily program.
Kava
Kava or kava-kava is a crop of the western Pacific.
The roots of the plant are used to produce a drink with sedative, anesthetic, and entheogenic properties.
Kava is used for medicinal, religious, political, cultural and social purposes throughout the Pacific. These cultures have a great respect for the plant and place a high importance on it. In Fiji, for example, a formal yaqona (kava) ceremony will often accompany important social, political, religious, etc. functions, usually involving a ritual presentation of the bundled roots as a sevusevu (gift), and drinking of the yaqona itself.
Village tours
Immerse yourself in the real Fiji and visit one of our local villages.
A highlight for many guests is to visit a Fijian village in the islands. It’s around 30 minutes by VOMO speedboat to the island. On arrival, take a walk through the village to witness community life in an island village. Receive a traditional blessing from the Chief and tour the Chiefly Bure. There will be time to interact with the locals. As part of our Pack For A Purpose initiative, you can bring gift items from home to donate to the families in the village if you wish.