I used to think there were only two ways to survive a long-haul flight – grit your teeth and fly straight through, or gallop around a stopover city like a contestant in The Amazing Race. But I’ve since found a third way, a tropical island kind of way, where a stopover comes with a resounding “Bula”.

Fiji has long been a favourite holiday destination for Australians, but now, with Fiji Airways’ new route options, it’s coming into its own as a stopover break on the way to North America.

I’m on the inaugural Gold Coast to Nadi flight and my goals for the next three nights are simple – slow down, do some good and connect with the local community.

I’d ruled out staying on the outer islands (would burn through too much time) or near the airport (convenient but insulated) in favour of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa on the Coral Coast. Not just for its location on one of Fiji’s most beautiful beaches, but also for the resort’s strong commitment to environmental and community initiatives.

An hour’s drive south of the airport and I’m at the private check-in lounge for InterContinental guests staying in Club Suites or Villas. With shell necklace swaying, I’m whisked through the darkness by golf buggy to my ground-floor suite.

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Rest and reset

The next morning, after an a la carte breakfast in the Club Lounge, it takes me all of three minutes to decide I’m not budging; one minute to soak in the views across the infinity pool to Natadola Bay, one to read the list of Club inclusions (high tea from 2-4pm, canapes and cocktails from 5-7pm) and one to clock the jar of coconut cookies on the sideboard.

Not even the promise of four dining venues can tempt me out of this exclusive resort-within-a-resort. High tea for lunch? Yes, please.

I read books, nap by the pool and chat to other travellers. The same story comes up – a relaxed stopover is the best investment, even better than business-class seats – for travel health and wellbeing.

Lend a hand

By 8am the next morning I’m on the beach taking part in Litter for a Latte, a weekly initiative that rewards guests with a voucher for a free coffee for picking up rubbish.

Fringed by a reef, the crescent-shaped bay stretches for almost two kilometres, its soft white sand a contrast to the coral-strewn beaches commonly found in Fiji.

“Not just beautiful, but a vital resource to the villages living along it,” says resort marine biologist Jerusha Elaisa.

After the clean-up I join a coral planting experience, learning to attach coral fragments to rope before snorkelling across the bay with Jerusha as she fastens them to living coral.

Coffee for a cause

The uplifting vibes continue on a Crop to Cup tour at Bula Coffee, a beachfront cafe and roastery just 20 minutes from the InterContinental. We begin on the open verandah with a French press, its rich aroma matched by a smooth yet earthy flavour.

With our guide Ronny Namata leading the way we see every stage, from fragile seedlings to the packing room where everything is done by hand. The biggest surprise is the greenhouse tunnel, where beans dry on racks, their red and gold tones scattered like autumn leaves.

What we don’t see, beyond a few trees for demonstration purposes, are rows of commercially grown trees. “All of our beans grow naturally in the highlands from wild coffee trees,” says Namata. “This means we don’t clear forests or use chemicals.”

Bula Coffee founder Luke Fryett discovered wild coffee growing in Fiji’s remote interior in 2011, and now the community-focused enterprise works with 38 villages providing income for 5000 people.

Back at the resort I’m greeted with a warm “Bula”. Not just a welcome, but a feeling of belonging, connection and kindness. Is this the perfect stopover? You better believe it.

THE DETAILS

VISIT

A Crop to Cup tour with Bula Coffee costs $FJD99 ($64). See bulacoffee.com.fj

FLY

From the Gold Coast, Value economy fares start at $699 return to Nadi, and $1199 return to Los Angeles or $1299 return to San Francisco. A 48-hour stopover is permitted on these fares. There is an additional departure tax of $FJD200 ($129) for longer stays. See fijiairways.com

STAY

A King Garden View Room at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa costs from $499 a night. A one-bedroom Club Suite with Club Access, from $799 a night. See ihg.com

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The writer travelled as a guest of Fiji Airways, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa and Tourism Fiji.