Whenever Chris Hamilton drives past or catches a glimpse of the iconic Joske’s Thumb, he gets the notion that the peak is laughing back at him.
That’s because for this Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji resident manager, Joske’s Thumb has always been on his bucket.
He is inspired by the great mountaineer, the late Sir Edmund Hillary.
Mr Hamilton, an Aussie, moved to Fiji in 2009.
He is an adventure and loves the outdoors.
He has travelled extensively to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and New Zealand, before moving here.
“Something that I have always wanted to do but haven’t as yet is to climb Joske’s thumb,” he said.
He has spent most of his time in the beautiful Coral Coast with his family.
“I am blessed with a beautiful wife and two very active young boys,” Mr Hamilton said.
“We are a real Coral Coast family.”
“We got married at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, my first son was born when we were living at Outrigger Fiji Beach Re- sort and my second son was born here at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji.”
Mr Hamilton is a family man and in his spare time enjoys a swing on the golf course.
How many places have you visited in Fiji?
I have been lucky to see quite a bit around Fiji, including some outer islands, Vanua Levu and have covered Viti Levu pretty comprehensively.
The Sigatoka Sand Dunes.
What is one place in Fiji you would take visitors to and why?
I absolutely love the Sigatoka Sand dunes.
The natural rugged beauty of the dunes looking out to the Pacific Ocean is like nowhere else.
The conservation work that the National Trust of Fiji does there is fantastic, and I truly feel so grateful to have it on my doorstep.
I would really encourage people to get down there and enjoy the national park with their family or friends (running up the dunes is optional).
But this day wouldn’t be complete without a few sunset drinks at our Bilo Bar on Yanuca Island to unwind and reflect on the awesome day.
The Coffee Hub
What is your favorite place for coffee / pie and why?
I do tend to spend most of my coffee time at work but outside of that, I take my hat off to the team at the Coffee Hub on the Nadi Back Road.
The coffee is great and the food is always super tasty.
My kids always bug me for the oversized doughnuts and the service is always really welcoming and friendly.
They are doing a fantastic job.
What is your favourite backyard spot and why?
The Beach Bar and Grill down in Korotogo is definitely my go-to spot when I need a great meal in a relaxed setting.
It’s a perfect spot to spend time with family, friends and catch up with people from up and down the coast.
Jackie and Dean (the owners) are amazingly friendly and make everyone feel so welcome.
Call a day in advance to have them arrange crab or lobster.
Joske’s Thumb is a precipitous volcanic plug that rises in the skyline to the west of Suva, Fiji. It is located 15 kilometers west of Suva and its base is accessible from Naikorokoro Road, which connects Naikorokoro Village to Queens Road. Source: Grand Pacific Hotel FB Page
What is one place in Fiji that remains on your bucket list and why?
Something that I have always wanted to do but haven’t as yet is to climb Joske’s Thumb.
Every time I drive past or see it, I think it is laughing at me.
I love the history that Sir Edmund Hilary climbed and I just think it would be an awesome experience to do.
It is such an iconic landmark and I would love to stand at the top and look back to Suva and across the ocean.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj