The small plane flew in low over azure blue waters and shallow coral reefs surrounding small islands with pristine white sandy beaches. The swaying palm trees and lush green vegetation seemed almost close enough to touch. A perfect landing had brought a dedicated group of 14 botanical art students and 3 accompanying and encouraging husbands to the tiny settlement of Savusavu, which is situated in a protected cove on the southern end of Vanua Levu. This unspoilt paradise was to be home to us for the next 7 days.

Our final destination was Daku Resort, situated several kilometres from the town. Undoubtedly it is one of Fiji’s best kept secrets, nestled between virgin mountains bursting with rich vegetation and calm waters at the doorstep. Glorious tropical sunsets lit up the evening sky and turned the clouds rich red.

Being a small resort, each course participant had their own modernised bure accommodation (pronounced boo-ray) with incredible views and tropical flora right at the door. Our group were the only residents for the week, and friendships were made very quickly. Everyone was eager to explore the grounds and choose specimens to paint for the week ahead. The exotic flora of many different plant species promised much more than we had ever imagined.

The Fijian people are genuinely friendly and hospitable, and after settling into our rooms, we experienced a kava ceremony from the staff, who graciously welcomed us into their ‘family’ for our stay. The art group were from New Zealand and many parts of Australia, including Cairns, Caloundra, Perth, Central Australia, the Southern Highlands of NSW, Sydney and Melbourne. Laughter could be heard all week. The sun, the ambience of the location, the beauty of the flora and the wonderful local people were an unparalleled experience.

The organisation and professionalism of the Resort and the Course was outstanding. Drums would beat to call the group to breakfast, where smiling Fijian faces would greet us. The tables were set with crisp white cloths and flowers with the early morning dew still on their petals. After a healthy meal including local papaya, bright orange and luscious, the sweetest bananas imaginable and pineapple finely sliced and dripping with sweet nectar, the morning class was ready to begin.

One of the benefits and enjoyments of painting in Paradise is the range of plants available. At least 6 varieties of heliconia were growing in the resort grounds and the local vicinity; from tiny, delicate flowers in shades of oranges and reds, soft pinks and lemons, to the larger hanging bright red and yellow species with long glossy leaves. Many sizes, colours and shapes of ginger flowers were growing in abundance. The staff would also bring rare plants from their villages for the group and to decorate the bures and tables.

Sitting under the shade of the main communal bure, with the pool only metres away, what could be a more idyllic location? Inspiration and motivation was rampant. The group enthusiasm only became greater as the week drifted leisurely on. There was no television, radio or newspaper to distract from the art. Concentration was easy to sustain and the drawings and paintings progressed at high speed.

The class would break for morning tea to the delicious aroma of orange muffins or various tartlets straight from the oven, or piping hot pancakes dripping with homemade banana and coconut jam. Lemon tea and fresh percolated coffee complimented the cuisine.

The week culminated with an exhibition. Many local Europeans were invited to the opening where I explained the process and history of botanical art, which enabled them to view the work with more knowledge and appreciation. This was followed by dinner and a meke, the traditional Fijian dancing, staged by a local village. The costumes, dancing and music could have been presented on any stage. In our case it was by the pool, gently lit by soft lights and the lapping of the water. A cheerful and high spirited time was enjoyed by all.

The great success of the week was also due to the various local excursions that were available. These included a guided hike through native vegetation along little travelled dirt tracks, traversing pebble-bottomed creeks, passing through taro plots and finishing in a small Fijian village. Children ran out to greet us, their huge grins and happy faces capturing many hearts. This was not a commercial village, but another experience of the way the people lived, cooked and survived, kilometres from any shops or roads. They were contented with their life, apparently stress free and again so very welcoming. Greetings of ‘Bula, Bula’ rang through the village. (‘Bula’ means 'life' and is a way of wishing good health and fortune to the recipient)

Our group was also taken to a large village around the island where another kava ceremony welcomed us, after necklaces of orchids, ixora and mussaenda of various colours were laid around our necks. A spirited meke followed, with hunting dances and spears, to the harmonious and unique singing of the natives. We left the village to the sounds of ‘Isa Lei’, the very touching Fijian song of farewell.

Other optional trips were to rainforest reserves, a black pearl plantation and deserted beaches, fringed with palms. Members of the group also enjoyed quietly reading books, lazing by the pool or doing more painting.

At night we all retired early, after buffet meals of crayfish, fresh local fish, dishes using local produce from the markets and salads. Each evening brought a healthy and varied meal which was absolutely delicious.

The week was an amazing experience! The staff farewelled their temporary ‘family’ with tears in their eyes, and a kava ceremony where kind words were spoken. Many firm bonds had been made. As we flew from Savusavu to Nadi, it felt as if we had been away for a month. Relaxed, contented and with completed paintings from each person as a very personal momento of their visit.

‘Moce - vinaka’ (pronounced moh-thay - vee-nahka). Goodbye and thank you – until we meet again.

If you are interested in joining me for another Fijian Botanical Art Experience, I will be taking a group from 26 April - 3 May, 2008.

For more information or bookings, contact Delia Rothnie-Jones on (02) 9969 4753, or email paradisecourses. See www.dakuresort.com, or contact Leonie

                    PHOTO ALBUM OF GROUP IN FIJI