From Solo Travel To Milestone Escapes: Here’s Why A Trip To Fiji Is Scientifically Good For You

Just when you think you’ve limped across the silly season finish line, January comes swinging, and the relentless realities of the 9–5 grind hit you right where it hurts. Squillions of unread emails, looming deadlines, neglected group chat and general January malaise collide like a perfect storm, and suddenly the fresh start you were hoping for feels like a distant dream.

But before you surrender to the stress and spiral, we’ve got a scientifically sanctioned happiness hack: Fiji.

Off the back of new YouGov research revealing more than half of Aussies are feeling unhappy or exhausted, Tourism Fiji enlisted neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski to unpack what many of us already intuitively feel. Fiji isn’t just about pristine beaches, world-class surf breaks and postcard-perfect scenery—it’s a bona fide, science-backed antidote to burnout. 

The science is simple: sunshine boosts serotonin (aka the happy hormone), meaningful social connection releases oxytocin (the luuurrrve hormone), and time spent immersed in nature kicks cortisol (the stress hormone) to the curb. Stack all of that with Fiji’s slower pace of life, fresh local food and deeply ingrained Bula spirit, and you’ve got a warm-weather destination that doesn’t just look good on Instagram—it actively helps rewire your brain. 

Whether you’re flying solo, wrangling tiny humans or celebrating a major milestone, Fiji’s 333 islands are the perfect playground to slow down, reconnect and recalibrate—they're also just a short flight away (between 3 to 5 hours, depending on where you're jetting from). Here’s how each type of traveller can get the most out of a Fiji escape. 

A Soul-Soothing Solo Reset 

Nervous system a bit out of whack? Fiji is the ultimate self-care sanctuary. We don’t mean face masks, bubble baths and scented candles, either. We’re talking daily saltwater swims instead of screen time, sunrise surf sessions instead of pressing snooze, and genuine human connection that doesn’t involve a Slack notification.

Start your solo sojourn at Waidroka Bay Resort, a 100% Fijian-owned off-grid hideaway that’s perfectly pitched for both surf adventures and yoga flows. If slowing things down even further is the goal, the recently opened Mai Sunset Island Resort is tailor-made for leisurely mornings, nutritious Fijian food and reading under the beach bures with the sea as your backdrop—all proven ways to calm an overstimulated brain. 

To get the best of both worlds, island hopping via the Yasawa Flyer ferry turns the journey itself into part of the reset. One day, you might be snorkelling straight off the beach at Barefoot Kuata Island Resort, surrounded by rugged volcanic peaks. The next could see you drifting over vibrant coral reefs at Mantaray Island Resort, famous for its crystal-clear waters and incredibly close encounters with the gentle giants of the sea. This is the gentle stimulation your busy brain craves, without tipping into fight or flight mode.

Family Time Without The Tears 

Holidays with rugrats can come with gargantuan levels of stress, but Fiji has a knack for making family travel feel remarkably seamless. Swapping rigid schedules for open space, it’s a destination that can turn chaos into connection.

On Yanuca Island, the Shangri-La is a standout for families. Here, kids are kept happily occupied at the Little Chief’s Club, filling their days tie-dyeing sarongs, weaving with native coconut leaves, and learning the traditional Fijian ‘Meke’ dance. Educational, inspiring and hands-on, these playful cultural immersions are as enriching as they are entertaining. 

There’s also an inflatable water park (just as suited to adults wanting to live out their Wipeout dreams), a dedicated children’s pool for safe splashing and babysitting services available, so parents can sneak in a sunset cocktail without any guilt. 

For families with slightly older kids, a Quixotic sailing charter is an unbeatable way to explore Fiji’s islands together. Days unfold at sea with snorkelling stops, quiet coves and shared meals on the deck—exactly the screen-free time that strengthens bonds and boosts moods. 

Marking Life’s Big Moments, The Fijian Way

It’s not every day your mother-in-law turns 60. Or, you finally commit to that long-overdue reunion. Or you make it to an anniversary that deserves more than the standard dinner reservation. 

These kinds of milestone moments deserve space, sunshine and a setting that actually feels special, and Fiji offers all three in spades. 

Get moving (and mood-boosting endorphins flowing) with Talanoa Treks, offering everything from guided rainforest walks to multi-day hikes through jaw-dropping landscapes.

When it’s time to truly celebrate, book in an afternoon at Cloud 9—a two-story floating bar and pizzeria anchored in the middle of the ocean—or snag a day pass to the Malamala Beach Club and party on a private island with cocktails, cabanas and calm waters on all sides. 

A Scientifically-Backed Excuse To Escape

According to the research, nearly two-thirds of Aussies report a surge of overall happiness after taking a holiday, with many feeling calmer, more energised and deeply connected long after they’ve unpacked their bags. 

If 2025 had you feeling frazzled and 2026 isn’t looking much better, consider this your sign. Slow it down, soak it up and say Bula to Fiji.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Tourism Fiji and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Images: supplied