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Christmas for July.... Save on Air to FIJI now!!!

 
If air prices have held you back from visiting Fiji, it may be time to plan a trip after all. Air Pacific, the International Airline of Fiji is now offering great savings on air tickets if you book by July 14th. Economy Bula class is just $863 (including taxes) for round trip air between Los Angeles and Nadi, Fiji. Tickets valid for travel from now until Dec. 31st.

Air Pacific flies Boeing 747 aircrafts, and offers two types of service: Pacific Voyager (economy) and
Tabua (business class with first class service. Meals, beverages, and entertainment (audio/video) are complementary in both sections.

For those enrolled in frequent flyer programs, both American Airlines and Qantas Airways are partners with Air Pacific. See the Air Pacific website for more details on flights and travel information.

Going to Fiji? Read this first!

This post was originally posted in 2006 .. the info is still valid.

Most people I talk to say they have always wanted to go to Fiji. Now that I have been there myself, I know why! Fiji truly is a spectacular place to visit – the islands are beautiful, there is lush vegetation, the beaches are fabulous, there is a lot to do and explore, and the lodging options are diverse, from budget to luxury.

On my recent FAM trip (April 1 – 11, 2006), I visited seven different islands and visited 11 different lodging accommodations. They ranged from moderate to luxury, and each one had its own unique character. If you’d like more details about the various places we visited, we'd be happy to share our experiences with you. In the meantime, ....

News from Fiji!!!!

View from Qamea resort, Fiji
Originally uploaded by Picture Perfect Vacations

The little news I receive from Fiji often talks of political unrest. It was wonderful to hear from the owner of Qamea resort, which is one of the places we stayed on our Fiji trip in 2006...... from Ron Eckstrom......

"Here is the scoop on the political situation in Fiji. NOTHING has happened. 2.5 years ago the Prime Minister was ousted by the military following horrendous corruption, and the military put in place an interim Prime Minister and interim government. Australia and New Zealand have put Fiji under a lot of pressure to hold new elections, and so far the interim government has refused to agree on a date.

Fijians do not respond well to threats, and have dug their heels in, and told Aus/NZ to mind their own business. It is obviously way more complicated than this. (but) The bottom line is that it is safe to travel to Fiji, as it always has been, there is no civil unrest, and it is simply business as usual. If the situation deteriorates, then we will advise guests accordingly, but as for now, and as far as I can see in the foreseeable future, Fiji remains a far safer place to visit than just about any destination in all of the USA. There are no guns in Fiji, and the crimes that do occur, tend to be against property and not against people.

Yes, in January the main island of Fiji around Nadi to experience some major flooding, but that was cleaned up within a week. Our area of Fiji was not effected by the weather. It is a beautiful crystal clear day today on Qamea, we have a full house."

Thanks for the info, Ron.... I wish I could return soon myself. For those of you who have yet to travel to Fiji, it is highly recommended.. and Qamea was a fabulous resort....

Denarau Island adds new convention center

As reported from the Fiji Tourism Bureau -

Denarau Island has announced the completion of a new 1,000 square meter convention center to be utilized as event space by the resorts on the island, such as Sheraton Fiji Resort and the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa. The new event center can be booked for meetings, elegant gala dinners and incentive programs.

My note - Denarau Island is like "grand central station" in Fiji. Three major resort hotels share the space on Denarau Island. Free shuttle buses transport visitors around the facilities which include tennis, boating, restaurants, and shops. This new addition should make group travel even more appealing for future Fiji vacationers.

Nukubati Island - still Green and Growing strong

According to recent news from the Fiji Tourism Bureau, Nukubati is currently working with  Environment Consultants Fiji Limited to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment for the resort's proposed marine protected area around the island. They envision a  mangrove preservation program, in an effort to preserve the foreshore from erosion. The study is a part of Fiji's attempt to create a network of marine protected areas around the entire island chain.  Nukubati is the only resort in Fiji with direct access to  the Great Sea Reef, the third largest barrier reefs in the world, and an important fish and coral habitat. The location is prime for conservation efforts and studies.

I was impressed with Nukubati when we stayed there. Although not as luxurious as some of the resorts we visited, Nukubati was special, and I would not hesitate to return. The rooms were light and airy with   wicker furnishings. The food and staff were wonderful, and the views were pretty. Although I am not a diver, snorkeling from the shore was incredible. This area is home to 74% of  Fiji's coral species, and an abundant supply of tropical fish, including neon blue star fish to purple jellyfish. The snorkeling was amazing and was accessible from the beach.

The owners have always been "green- savvy" since the beginning of the resort's inception. Their renovation work was made by local labor and used as much local material as possible. They operate one of the largest solar power facilities in the South Pacific and produce their own electricity. They also have systems in place so they can recycle waste, compost, collect rainwater and desalinate sea water. Organic fruit and vegetables are grown in their own gardens, and fresh meats are obtained from local , free range farms.

Whether you are into eco-tourism or not, Nukubati is a worthwhile resort to  stay at.  Their friendly  hospitality, accommodating nature, and remote location makes the resort very welcoming.. a quiet, relaxing, spot to truly get away.   

Fiji - Trip Basics

Most people I talk to say they have always wanted to go to Fiji. Now that I have been there myself,  I know why! Fiji truly is a spectacular place to visit – the islands are beautiful, there is lush vegetation, the beaches are fabulous, there is a lot to do and explore, and the lodging options are diverse, from budget to luxury.

On my recent  FAM trip (April 1 – 11, 2006), I visited seven different islands and visited 11 different lodging accommodations. They ranged from moderate to luxury, and each one had its own unique character. If you’d like more details about the various places I visited, please contact me for more specific information.

Here are some of the basics about traveling to Fiji.