Survivor Holiday - Mana Island Resort

Day One, in which we are marooned beside a pool with a bar

My partner Cat and I went on holiday to Fiji and, in particular, Mana Island Resort, the island where a good chunk of the television show Survivor is shot. Here’s what we found.

Day One

Yeah, I’m using the giant Australian Survivor day numbers, even though we’re on the US Survivor island. What of it?

We are marooned at camp with nothing but the clothes on our back and carry-on luggage in our hands. This is mostly because our shelter for the next 39 26 7 days has not yet been cleaned. With no time to waste, we scout the immediate vicinity for a source of clean water. We can only find the pool, which we figure is close enough. Especially since the bar is open and there’s a lengthy cocktail menu. In a decision that may or may not be related to the potent amount of alcohol in the drinks we order, we form a final two alliance.

Cat proposes we call ourselves the infinity pool alliance

We also meet our fellow tribe mates, very few of whom are willing to pull their weight around camp, be that in the form of asking for the wifi password or checking with the concierge about the policy on fresh towels. This may be because they are dogs. A Survivor: Humans v Hound Dogs v Hustlers season? Perhaps. Only time, and/or Jeff, will tell.

Not pulling her weight around camp

Eventually, however, a stroke of luck! Our shelter comes together and we are given room keys. We make camp (ie, unpack our toiletries onto the bathroom counter) and discuss sleeping arrangements. Maybe huddled together on a makeshift bamboo mattress? Covered with woven palm fronds? Or perhaps instead that comfy king-sized bed in the middle of the room? Yes, that makes more sense. We also start working on a fire, but in the process of searching for the flint, instead find the remote control for the air conditioner and realise that, actually, no need for fire at all. It’s crazy warm already. Also, it’s now happy hour at the poolside bar.

Our crude shelter has an outside balcony that leads straight into the ocean for ease of fishing - although the restaurant is only a short walk away and room service is also available, so we might just chill out on the deck chairs instead

Day One in the books. I am a little concerned that the three or four dogs who we’ve spotted wandering around the resort might have the numbers if they come together to form an alliance. The largest one, in particular, appears formidable, but careful observation suggests his strategy revolves entirely around securing pats from tourists. Furthermore, Cat reminds me that a couple of them were audibly fighting on the beach earlier that evening, and that we should be able to easily turn them against one another if need be. Also, we have opposable thumbs and are, hence, the only members of the tribe able to actually write down a vote.

This lot are an absolute rabble - despite Cat and I being outnumbered, they pose no threat, other than possibly fleas

We are therefore confident in our position in the tribe. Nevertheless, it would be safer still to win immunity in the next challenge.

Next: Day Two - Challenges and Tribal Council!

Survivor Holiday - Mana Island Resort