SAWENI Beach is perhaps one of the most famous seaside locations if you are from the Lautoka area and it is truly a wonderful place.
Unlike the other braches around the western cane belt, especially along Nadi and Sigatoka, the white sandy beach at Saweni makes for great swimming and relaxation.
Even in the middle of a hot western day, the water is lovely and enjoyed by many. And during the nethili or anchovy season, the place is filled with fishermen who try and get as many of the small fish as possible from the beach.
You can basically wade almost 100 metres out from shore and the water will still be around your shoulders, lower if you are taller than six feet.
I know for a fact the people of Lautoka do enjoy a dip at the Saweni Beach because of its natural beauty.
How to get there?
From Lautoka, it is about eight kilometres towards Nadi. A big signboard for the Saweni Beach Apartment Hotel shows the way off the highway. You can get there by vehicle, a cab can be hired from Lautoka which should not cost you more than $10.
Or the cheaper option, travel by bus. There are buses which service the Saweni Rd but in any case, a Lautoka to Nadi or Nadi to Lautoka bus can be caught from whichever side you are travelling from, and a taxi can be flagged down at the junction to take you to the beach which is a little over a kilometre away.
If you are travelling from Suva just to check out the beach and to get away from the hustle and bustle, it is advisable to stay overnight.
Accommodation
Right next to the beach is Saweni Beach Apartment Hotel which offers apartment style villas for accommodation with cooking facilities. There is also a swimming pool and restaurant at the hotel. Rooms are available from as low as $94 per night to $141 per night depending on the type of rooms you are after and the number of people.
There are shops around Saweni Beach and along the highway where you can get your supplies. The closest restaurants would be in Lautoka but there are barbecue stalls along the highway as well.
Or you can stay at any of the various hotels in Lautoka and Nadi and make a day trip to the beach just to have a calm and relaxing time.
And sometimes in a bunch of friends where relaxing means to be partying. But do it responsibly.
And as usual plan your trip properly, organise your transport if you do not have a vehicle. Saweni Beach is a marvellous place to be and have a dip or just a enjoy the day under a tree with food and drinks.
