Your Travel Specialist On: Fiji - Where Happiness Finds You

Becoming a South Pacific Specialist has been a fun experience over many years since it meant that I had to visit, more than once, the islands in the South Pacific. I haven’t been to all 333 islands in the Fiji chain, but I have been to all the main ones. I’ve also taken several cruises around the islands which I recommend since you see more than one of the islands. The nation of Fiji has long been a beacon for romance drawing wow renewals and honeymooners to its immaculate white sand beaches and peaceful waterfront bures (bungalows) Many islands are home to a single remote retreat.

Here are three ways to dial up the romance on these sea encircled enclaves.

At Namale Resort on the coast of Vanau Levu, the backdrop for private dining are endless. You can share a five course dinner next to a hidden waterfall or sheltered seaside cave, lit by hundreds of soft lights.
Matangi Private Island Resort offers a secluded hideaway shrouded by northeast Fiji’s virgin rainforest, an idyllic retreat accommodating only 11 couples on 240 exclusive acres.

Your time to unwind begins the moment you step off the tarmac at Fiji’s airport. After a cool glass of guava juice, you then board a seaplane to the Likuliku Lagoon Resort’s home on the island of Malolo. Its name means “House of Dreams” and you have found paradise here. This is the only island which has over the water bungalows, like Tahiti has.

From the moment you hear the Fijian greeting “Bula” , and have a coconut infused massage, you will feel relaxed. Fiji is a very popular destination for a wedding. One of the most romantic sights to see is a team of Fijian Warriors carrying a bride on a platform on their shoulders and chanting to the drums as they take the bride to be, to her fiancée standing on the beach for the ceremony.

You have the use of snorkeling equipment, non motorized watersports including catamarans, wind surfers, paddle skis, and kayaks.

It is less expensive than Tahiti, or Hawaii. The cost varies depending on which island to go to, but without air, the cost can run for seven nights, from $2350 to $3852 which is very good value. You can also get $100 spa credit, and airport transfers thrown in.

If you have the time, it is an ideal stop over after visiting New Zealand or Australia. Many of the packages will give you a stop over free of charge, depending on the time of year.

The first time I went I took a suitcase full of clothes. Forget it. All you need is a swimsuit, shorts and tops, flip flops, and buy a sarong when you get there to wear in the evening. I bought a lovely straw hat when I arrived.
Of course, take lots of suntan lotion, and your sun glasses.

The people, music, food, customs, scenery, fantastic beaches and water made Fiji a wonderful destination. Diving is among the best in the world.

Maureen Jones

Other columns from Maureen:

• Your Travel Specialist On: How To Relax On A Yacht Charter In The Caribbean
• Your Travel Specialist On: Tasting Thailand
• Your Travel Specialist On: Classic Cuba
• Your Travel Specialist On: Highlights Of England

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street, Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.