Ema Leawere is Radisson Blu Resort Fiji’s director of sales and marketing, on Denarau Island, Nadi.

Ms Lewawere has held prominent positions in other five-star luxury resorts in Fiji.

She has more than 18 years of experience in the tourism industry.

“I was also based in Sydney, Australia, at a boutique wholesaler specialised for Fiji and the South Pacific,” she said.

She is from Ketei, Totoya, Lau with maternal ties to Levuka, Nabukelevu, Kadavu.

“I’m so passionate about my job and this industry. Apart from the busy office day-to-day schedule, I love cooking and baking.

“I am married to an ex-sevens rugby player, Mika Leawere whom I share the same hobby in watching rugby and enjoy our afternoon exercise routines to balance out a hard day of work.”

What’s one place you’d take every visitor to Fiji and why?

Pacific Harbour, it’s an adventure capital of Fiji.

It is where I grew up and a place, I call home.

For a visitor especially as a first timer, travelling there you get to experience the real side of Fiji.

Driving through all the villages, schools, churches, towns with all the lush greenery and glimpse of beaches when passing through the Coral Coast.

There is so much to do, white water rafting – Rivers Fiji, diving, snorkelling along Beqa and Yanuca island, golf, waterfalls, jet skiing and a number of resort options to choose from.

Rivers Fiji offer river rafting rafting on the upper Navua Gorge.

What’s your secret backyard favourite spot?

Natadola Beach. It has that soothing ambience.

Love to go there and spend the whole day just to relax.

What’s your favourite place in Fiji for a pie/coffee?

The Coffee Hub Fiji makes the best coffee in Nadi and they also have a variety of yummy pastries.

For pies, I love my home-baked pies. My older sister, Ms Bulisere makes the best ones.

What’s the one Fiji spot on the top of your bucket list?

Captain Cook’s seven-day cruise to Lau and Kadavu Group. It would be amazing to sail through and experience the beautiful scenery and all the unique island offerings.

The mystical caves and lagoons with pristine waters of flooded volcanic crater, crescent island of Totoya, my island and many other highlights of these two islands in one trip.

I get to visit both islands of my island home.

Feedback: susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj