Island Seclusion: Undiscovered Escapes for a Secret Retreat

8. Beqa Island, Fiji – The Island of Firewalkers

Far removed from Fiji’s well-known tourist hubs, Beqa Island offers a raw and mystical island escape that few travelers ever experience. This small, jungle-clad island is home to the Sawau people, famous for their tradition of firewalking—a sacred ritual passed down for centuries. Unlike the larger Fijian islands, Beqa has no roads and no mass tourism, just a handful of family-run beachfront bungalows, giving visitors a true sense of island seclusion. The surrounding waters of Beqa Lagoon are world-renowned for shark diving experiences, where divers can encounter tiger sharks, bull sharks, and reef sharks in crystal-clear depths. If diving isn’t your thing, explore hidden waterfalls deep in the jungle, kayak through mangrove tunnels, or take part in a traditional kava ceremony with locals. The island’s peaceful atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make it one of Fiji’s best-kept secrets. Best for: Shark diving, cultural immersion, and off-the-grid relaxation. How to get there: Fly to Nadi, Fiji, then take a boat from Pacific Harbour to Beqa Island.