There’s something wonderfully decadent about taking the long way to Los Angeles – especially when that detour involves the South Pacific, Champagne, and a lie-flat bed. My recent trip from Sydney to LA, flying Fiji Airways Business Class via Nadi, proved that arriving red-carpet-ready doesn’t have to mean suffering through jetlag.
The first leg – Sydney to Nadi – sets the tone. Fiji Airways is famous for its warm, genuine service, so it’s easy to see why they’ve been named Skytrax’s Best Airline in Australia and the Pacific for the second year running – just one of many accolades the airline has received. From the friendly “Bula!” greeting to the chilled glass of bubbles before take-off and hot towels scented with frangipani, everything felt unhurried yet perfectly polished.
Recline, relax and reset
Business Class cabins are where Fiji Airways sets itself apart from the crowd. While many airlines feel sleek but – dare I say – a little soulless, here there’s personality, warmth and a contemporary fit-out that nods to Fijian culture without feeling themed.
Seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, angled in a herringbone formation so every passenger enjoys direct aisle access. The fully lie-flat beds come with a mattress topper and duvet for a genuinely restful sleep, while a 17-inch screen delivers hours of entertainment. Thoughtful details – from storage cubbies to in-seat power and USB ports – mean everything you need is within easy reach.
© Fiji AirwaysThe brand-new amenity kits are chic enough to keep too – filled with thoughtful, eco-friendly touches like bamboo toothbrushes, Pure Fiji toiletries, and an oversized eye mask for uninterrupted rest. A bottle of Fiji water and cosy woven blanket completes the luxe but cosy home-from-home feel.
Dining is equally impressive. For lunch, I chose the Ika Vakalolo – grilled walu and prawn with mashed sweet potato and coconut cream – a dish that manages to be both light and indulgent, perfect when flying. Another menu standout was the new signature dessert – a traditional Fijian Purini: steamed caramel pudding with vanilla anglaise, salted coconut mousse, pineapple and coconut.
© Fiji AirwaysThe ultimate layover
At just over four hours, the flight was the perfect ‘starter course’ before the main event. A quick pitstop in Fiji lets you swap the chaos of long-haul connections for palm trees and a swim-up bar. We opted for three nights at the Intercontinental Fiji and indulged in fresh lobster, tropical cocktails, pool time and massages, perfect for a pre-LA reset.
While the short hop from Sydney to Nadi is great, the overnight leg from Nadi to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on the flagship Airbus A350 is where Fiji Airways’ Business Class really shines. The spacious lie-flat beds, silky-soft bedding, and a menu that rivals a boutique hotel restaurant mean you can actually sleep comfortably all the way to the City of Angels. After a refreshing sleep, breakfast is served – choose a light tropical fruit plate with chia seed pudding or go hearty with a cheese omelette and cassava cake, or warm Belgian waffles drizzled with syrup.
© Fiji airwaysThe homeward stretch
On the return from Los Angeles, business class guests can choose between the Star Alliance and Qantas Lounges before take-off at LAX. On the advice of the friendly host at the check-in desk, we opted for the Star Alliance Lounge – think outdoor terrace, barbecue grill, and a bar service that would impress any A-lister.
We arrived back in Nadi early the next morning, and the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge offered a calm, airy space to shower, recharge, and enjoy a bowl of fresh fruit and a strong coffee before the short but relaxing flight back home to Sydney.
Daily flights between LA and Nadi mean you can mix a Fijian escape with your US trip – and, with service this warm and beds this comfortable, you might just find that the best way to do LA is via the islands.
Nicola Conville was a guest of LA Tourism and Intercontinental Hotel Fiji, and flew Sydney to LA with Fiji Airways.
Read the full article here
