Fiji unveiled: CNN’s Fresh Routes explores island culture & cuisine!

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Explore Fiji enchanting islands with CNN Fresh Routes: Dive into vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and exotic cuisine this month.

Spanning more than 300 isles in the South Pacific, Fiji’s allure as a travel hotspot has soared. This month, CNN’s Fresh Routes embarks on an exclusive exploration of Fiji, immersing in its rich culture through indigenous music, breathtaking scenery, and delectable cuisine.

CNN’s first stop is Malolo Lailai, part of the Mamanucas archipelago, a short hour’s boat journey from Fiji’s primary island, Viti Levu. A native, Cakacaka, leads CNN in gathering elements for Kokoda, a classic Fijian ceviche. He demonstrates spearfishing, an integral part of his life since childhood. Further, he introduces “nama,” or seagrapes, a staple in Fijian cooking. The journey continues to the historic Musket Cove Island Resort, dating back to 1976, where Cakacaka crafts traditional lolo, a coconut cream. The resort, known for its marina, beaches, and numerous villas, remains a prime attraction on Malolo Lailai.

Then, CNN ventures to Savusavu in Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-biggest island, to encounter Neelam Rattan. Rattan, an enthusiast of free diving — an underwater dive relying on breath-holding — educates visitors globally. She takes CNN to Natewa Bay, an exceptional diving locale where lush rainforest converges with the sea. The bay, vast and profound, harbors untouched coral reefs and a rich array of marine life.

CNN’s final visit is to Pacific Harbour in Viti Levu, hosting the annual “Woodstock Uprising Music Festival.” The festival features a variety of Fijian artists, showcasing local talent. CNN meets festival judge Laisa Vulakoro, the renowned Vude Queen. Vude, a traditional music form blending island rhythms with reggae, disco, R&B, and Fijian vocals, is her specialty. Vulakoro recounts her journey to fame and global performances, her battle with brain cancer in 2008, and invites CNN to her tranquil home in Wainadoi, a serene space outside the urban hustle that fuels her creativity.

The 30-minute special airs on:

• Saturday, 13th January at 7:30pm HKT
• Sunday, 14th January at 1:30am and 12pm HKT
• Monday, 15th January at 6:30am HKT

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