Today was our last full day in Fiji. We had a slow start to our day. We had planned on driving to the other side of the island to do a bit more exploring but we ran out of time. So instead, we drove about 15 minutes down the road to visit the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. It is supposed to be beautiful with a lovely beach. When we arrived we were turned away because only resort guests were allowed on the property. So we tried to figure out something else to do that was close by. I remembered reading about Flora Tropica Gardens. When we looked it up, it was a short drive from our rental property. Unfortunately, our internet service was spotty and GPS had us turn down the wrong road. We drove up and up on a steep and narrow dirt road. We ended up at a dead end on someone's property. When we made it back down to the where we turned off of the main road, we saw this little sign on the road right next to where we were.
The website said Flora Tropica Gardens had daily tours, but sign on the gate said tours were by appointment only. We called the number on the gate sign but no one answered the call. We left a message and then walked in the unlocked and open gate to look for someone to see about a tour. We followed the first of many signs that said "this way". Turns out the signs were pointing the way to the actual trail. We followed the trail for a bit and then turned back to the entrance. We didn't see any workers in the gardens.
The trails at Flora Tropica Gardens were made with elevated wooden walkways. Everything was so lush, vibrant, and green.
There were identification signs posted showing the name and country of origin of plants, trees, and shrubs. A sign said the gardens have more than 250 varieties of palm trees and 40 types of fruit trees. It was such a pretty trail and so well laid out. I would have liked to have a guided tour to tell us more about how the gardens were started and kept up.
I loved the way this flowering tree arched over the walkway.
There was no sign by this tree so I am not sure what it is. The red parts felt velvety and soft.
There were gorgeous views out to the ocean. There was a stairway leading up to another trail, but we turned back after about 15 minutes and headed back to the entrance. The ocean view from the higher trail must have been amazing.
My husband looking out towards the ocean view of Savusavu Bay.
Boogs posing in his souvenir tropical shirt. He is such a cutie.
This is a Teddy Bear Palm. The brown part was very fuzzy looking.
Heading back down the trail. Man there were a lot of steps!
About 30 minutes after we left, I got a message from the person running the tours saying they were closed today. Oops, I guess we were trespassing. Someone forgot to lock the gate.
We made it back to Sega Na Leqa, our rental, in time to meet Veri, the masseuse, for an end of trip massage for each of us. After our massages, we swam in the pool while a chef cooked our dinner for out last night in Fiji. The food was, once again, delicious! I was so happy not to have to cook dinner or clean the kitchen on our last night.
Last sunset in Fiji.
I really enjoyed this view from the back deck during the two weeks we were there. Sega Na Leqa is such an amazing, comfortable, and well thought out property. We are truly going to miss it.
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