Click here for a slideshow of Paradise Taveuni

We are often asked which are our favorite resorts in the northern islands of Fiji and some familiar upscale resorts such as Qamea, Matangi and Namale quickly come to mind, but if your budget isn’t big enough for those resorts, an excellent alternative would be Paradise Taveuni.

On a recent trip to Fiji I found this intimate boutique resort on the island of Taveuni.  You can get to the resort by car transfer once on the island of Taveuni, but I arrived via a 30 minute boat ride from a dock close to the airport which you can arrange with the resort. Paradise Taveuni is located on the southern end of the island where you have access to many great diving and snorkeling spots such as Vuna Reef, Rainbow Reef and the White Wall.  I had been touring many resorts on the various Fijian islands and from the moment I arrived I knew this family owned resort was a unique resort aptly named.

The owners Allan and Terri have taken this property which used to be a backpacker’s resort and turned it into a perfect destination for a remote island honeymoon, anniversary trip or even family getaway.  All ten bures are nicely accommodated with a comfortable living space along with bed area.  Outside the bathroom is a private outdoor shower area with a Jacuzzi tub.

The food is very good and the dive operation out of this resort (Pro Dive Taveuni) is top notch!  You can even snorkel and dive right offshore from the resort or enjoy a unique black sand beach just 5 minutes away or perhaps you might want to relax and have a massage in the little massage bure on the edge of the water.

As you can see by my slideshow, this resort is beautiful and is now on my list of favorite resorts in Fiji.  Paradise Taveuni is perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary or family getaway to paradise.  Give us a call at 1-800-321-7907, email at linda@totemtravel.com or check out our website if you want to look at this resort or any other Fiji packages.  We guarantee the lowest prices and know all the resorts well!

Click for Slideshow of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Update: If you’re interested in a South Pacific destination, you may also consider one of our many packages and specials in the islands of Tahiti.

If you are looking to honeymoon in Fiji or vacation with your family in Fiji, take a look at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.  I recently discovered this gem of a resort located at the end of a dead end dirt road just a short distance from Savusavu Airport on the northern island of Vanua Levu in Fiji.  On this particular trip I was able to see or stay at a dozen high end resorts in Fiji and from the moment I stepped foot on the Cousteau property, I knew I was in for a special experience.

The way the resort is laid out gives it an exotic, romantic feel as well as being both casual and comfortable at the same time. The 24 bures are exquisitely placed along manicured paths that wind along through the tropical landscape of the property.  The resort is perfect for either couples or families as the family areas, ie. pool and bula kids club are set back on the resort and separated from other parts of the resort.  There are separate dining areas for families or adults, yet the resort doesn’t feel divided or disjointed.  The bures are nicely furnished in traditional Fijian style and it was very relaxing to sit on my patio and watch the sunset in such an exotic location. For honeymooners or couples, Cousteau offers:

      Adult Daily Adult Snorkeling Trips        Adult Only Dining          Adult Only Serenity Pool         Romantic Beachfront Bures with private patios facing the ocean and beach   The Ultra Luxurious “Villa Suite” located at the end of the winding path

For families, Cousteau offers:

Lailai Bula Club Programme for children 0-5 years old with complimentary nanny services and   daily activities such as beach walks, snorkel trip in the glass bottom boat with your nanny, lunch at the Bula Club, soccer, volleyball, crab races etc.

Maua Bula Club Programme for children 6-13 years old with a variety of activities that vary daily  Each child is assigned a Bula “buddy” giving mom and dad some precious alone time

One of my favorite aspects of Jean-Michel Cousteau is their Dive Shop and staff.  I was able to snorkel with their resident Marine Biologist “Johnny” who shared his vast knowledge of the coral and fish as we spent a couple hours snorkeling at one of the many snorkel sites easily accessed from the resort.  Johnny handed me several creatures to feel and hold and I learned so much.  The resort offers daily Reef Flat Walks with Johnny as well as slide presentations that explore the secret lives of the coral critters.  It is easy to understand why this resort is one of the premier dive destinations on the globe.

The quality of the food is everything you would expect from a high end resort.  I enjoyed the best tuna I have ever had for dinner one night and I can’t say enough about the eggs in the morning because they are so fresh! The menu changes daily and most of the fantastic meals incorporate fresh ingredients grown right on property in their organic garden which is AMAZING!  At Cousteau, the only items not included are drinks, diving and massages.

In addition to enjoying your time at Cousteau, you might take a day trip to the nearby Pearl Farm or take in local rugby match in the nearby town of Savusavu.  Cousteau Resort is a great place to call home while you are experiencing the beautiful islands in the north.  Give me us a call when you are ready to discover the beautiful islands and people of Fiji at 1-800-321-7907 or email me at patty@totemtravel.com.

Click for Matangi Island Resort slide show

When you go to Fiji every year you have many favorite resorts and Matangi Island Resort is one of mine!  As a Fiji travel specialist and lifetime traveler it is impossible to choose one best place in the world, but I do have a favorite area in the South Pacific and that would be the northern islands of Fiji where Matangi Island Resort is located.

So what makes Fiji, the northern islands and Matangi Island Resort so special?

• The islands are truly remote. Fiji is a 10 hour nonstop flight from LAX and the northern islands are another short flight, shuttle and boat ride beyond Nadi. This is a good thing!
• The northern islands of Fiji are stunningly beautiful. Lush, green, tropical foliage. Dramatic, craggy mountain tops. Crystal clear water in every shade of blue. White sand beaches, cascading waterfalls.
• The resorts in northern Fiji are small. Matangi Island Resort has only 11 bures and other favorite resorts are similar in size. Vacation and honeymoon guests enjoy privacy, pampering and individualized personal service without a smidge of pretension. Bathing suit, shorts and flipflops are all you need.
• The coral reefs are unspoiled and offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. The Somosomo Strait lies between Taveuni and Vanua Levu and is home to a number of top sites including Rainbow Reef and Great White Wall. But even a novice snorkeler can enjoy Fii’s soft coral and tropical fish because Matangi Island Resort and other northern resorts like Qamea have excellent snorkeling right off the beach.
• The people are the friendliest on earth! Fijian smiles are amazing and start from the inside out. Visitors are welcomed to the islands, into the villages and into the lives of those they meet. Matangi Island Resort is family owned and operated and many a guest leaves with tears in their eyes and hugs from newfound friends.

Of course small, remote and personal is not for everyone and if you are looking for a large resort or a championship golf course Matangi Island Resort is not the right choice…  But for those seeking an intimate setting for a relaxing tropical vacation or honeymoon in Fiji, Matangi Island is calling!  Here’s quote from a recent client

Thank you, it was AMAZING! We loved every minute of it. Matangi was simply magical and we enjoyed having the opportunity to stay in both the beachfront bure and the treehouse!  We cannot say enough about the island, and the people.  It was truly a memorable trip.  Many thank you’s for your assistance in arranging this trip!!  Keisha

Throughout 2011 Matangi is offering 2 free nights when you stay one week and vacation packages start from under $7K total for two including air from Los Angeles, 7 nights in an oceanview bure, all meals, non motorized watersports, transfers and more.  Click for current specials and call or email Linda@TotemTravel.com with your questions.

A lot of attention has been drawn to the resorts and islands of Tahiti with the filming of the Bachelorette, but not every couple has the budget to honeymoon in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora.  So here are some of the best values, resort specials and honeymoon packages for the South Pacific –

The  Bora Bora Pearl Resort offers one free night and breakfast daily with every 4 night stay.  This is one of my all time favorite resorts and every room category has something extra special.  The garden bungalows have a private plunge pool.  The beach bungalows have a private courtyard with Jacuzzi and outdoor shower.  And the fabulous overwater bungalows offer stairs from the deck into the clear, warm, shimmering lagoon filled with brightly colored tropical fish and turquoise water.

The Hilton Moorea and Bora Bora Nui  have some great deals going and I recently combined the two islands for an 8 night package including air and an overwater bungalow for under $7K total for two.  The final episode of the Bachelorette was filmed almost exclusively at the Bora Bora Nui so the location obviously has the romantic ambiance and beautiful settings for a very special honeymoon.

The Sofitel Resorts offer free breakfast and dinner with a 4 night stay on Moorea or Bora Bora and if you stay 8 nights in any combination of Softel Resorts you’ll get a bonus night on Tahiti.  The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora  is widely considered the best resort on Moorea and is located on a gorgeous beach with beautifully remodeled garden, beach and overwater bungalows.  My personal favorite is the beach bungalow with more space, more privacy and great views.

Besides catching a great resort special another way to stretch your Bora Bora vacation budget is to dine at a local restaurant.   A couple of favorites include Matira Beach, about a 15 minute walk from the Sofitel, where a popular lunch of kabobs, beer and fries runs about $20.  Or try Le Bounty for a dinner of pizza, pasta or fondue for around $25.

And remember, most non motorized watersports in Tahiti are free.  So you can enjoy snorkeling, sailing, canoeing and kayaks to your heart’s content.  Speaking of hearts…. the secluded white sand beaches and romantic sunsets are free too!

Please call or email linda@totemtravel.com if you need help planning your South Pacific vacation. I am a Tahiti, Fiji and South Pacific island specialist and would love to help you find the perfect spot for your romantic getaway!

Click for slide show of Viwa Island Resort

As a travel agent specializing in Fiji vacations and Fiji honeymoons I visit the South Pacific islands frequently and aside from enjoying the tropical weather, one of my greatest pleasures is discovering a fantatsic new resort.  Last year my favorite find was Viwa Island Resort in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji and this little gem will fit even those with a moderate vacation budget!

Viwa Island Resort has what travel dreams are made of – a long stretch of white sand beach, calm clear turquoise water, excellent snorkeling right off the beach, friendly staff, good food, lovely beachfront bures and enough activities to keep everyone happy.  What Viwa Resort does NOT have are distractions, so your Fiji island vacation will be free of cell phones, newspapers, email and tv, leaving your days free for relaxation and your nights for romance.

There are only 11 beachfront bures at Viwa Island Resort and no children under 12 are allowed, so this resort is perfect for a Fiji Island honeymoon or adult getaway.  The bures are equipped with all the creature comforts including a spacious bedroom and living area, wet bar and fridge for your duty free purchases, an indoor/outdoor garden bathroom and large furnished porch with spectacular ocean views.

A few steps from your porch is the white sand beach where you’ll find a palapa for shade, two chaise lounges and a hammock big enough for two.  A few steps further and you’re in the warm turquoise water that puts Tahiti and Fiji at the top of every best tropical vacation and honeymoon list!

Viwa Island Resort has a lovely reef right offshore teeming with tropical fish and beautiful coral and all non motorized activities are free .  These include

• Snorkeling
• Kayaks
• Line fishing
• Beach games
• Table tennis

Also included are visits to one of two Fijian villages where you’ll have the opportunity to see the “real Fiji”, experience the native culture and visit the school or church.  Bring a gift for the school children if you’d iike – craft and basic school supplies are always appreciated!

Meals at Viwa are served in the open air dining bure and breakfast is included in the room rate.  An optional meal plan is available for those that are looking for an all inclusive resort in Fiji.  The sunset bar is a great spot for happy hour and after dinner a casual evening of music and games.  Here’s what a few of my client’s had to say after their vacation at Viwa Island Resort –

Viwa was great. This was one of the most relaxed vacations we have had. No work. No traffic. No internet. No cell phone reception. No TV to get annoyed about. Just snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, organized trips to the village and prepared meals that were on Fiji/Viwa time.  Snorkeling was excellent and the best coral was just a few hundred yards off the resort beach.” –Allen & Sandy

Thoroughly enjoyed the reef snorkeling (wonderful fish!), kayaking, happy hour, meals (wonderful fish!), people/staff, bure design & locations, intimacy. We really enjoyed the fact that we did not have to wear any shoes – anywhere (accept the Warrior Walk) – for 5 full days!” –Lyle & Fran

Click for slide show

A few weeks ago I was treated to an incredibly luxurious vacation at Royal Davui private island resort in Fiji.  I’ve been spoiled before (c’mon it’s my job!), and expected 5 star amenities, but all my expectations were met and this idyllic resort simply blew me away.  Here’s my review of Royal Davui Resort in Fiji and some favorite photos –

But first let me explain myself.  I am a beach bum, a scuba diver and happiest outdoors in tropical weather.  So while it’s unusual for me to get overly excited about a fancy room or honeymoon suite, the vales at Royal Davui were incredible!  In fact Royal Davui Resort in Fiji offers everything most honeymoon and luxury travelers have on their wish list.

Let’s start with privacy!  To reach Royal Davui one must fly about 10 hours from Los Angeles to Nadi Fiji followed by a private plane and boat transfer to a tiny little island in the midst of Beqa Lagoon.  Upon arrival, you’ll get your first glimpse of the island’s white sand beaches, turquoise water and what will soon be your adult only Fiji vacation home in paradise, one of only 16 beachfront vales.

Each vale (think bungalow, bure or villa) is built above the sparkling South Pacific Ocean and set far enough apart to afford total privacy.  Access to your vale is along a winding path bordered by lush vegetation, tropical flowers and peek-a-boo views of the sea.

Entering your vale, the peek-a-boo views disappear and you’re greeted with stunning 180 degree ocean views from every room!  Each vale has a light and airy living room with wet bar, fridge and coffee maker, generous deck with table and chairs for private outdoor dining and a private pool (premium vales have jetted and heated pools) suspended above the sea and beach below.

The separate master bedroom suite has a king bed with pillow menu, lavish bathroom with double sinks, an oversized Jacuzzi tub and large walk in shower.  With the push of a button the shower roof is gone and voila, the Royal Davui Resort version of an outdoor shower!

There’s a second furnished deck with comfy lounge chairs off the bedroom and one of my absolute favorite features are the hinged window walls which can be opened wide to balmy breezes and sounds of the surf or closed for air conditioned comfort.  Paradise in Fiji!

The restaurant and bar offer more amazing views and all meals are included in the room rate.  The food at Royal Davui Resort is excellent and most guests dine al fresco in the main dining pavilion, at a torch lit table for two hidden from other guests, or enjoy room service on the deck of their vale.  There is no extra charge for private dining.  For those more social, the open air bar is a popular gathering place and local entertainers provide music and the occasional kava ceremony in the evening.

Daytime activities at the resort center on the beach, ocean, pool and spa. Numerous dive sights are nearby and the snorkeling is excellent right off the beach.  Kayaks and sailboats are complimentary, bocce ball and volleyball are popular afternoon activities and there’s a full range of spa services available to keep the mind and body relaxed.

Royal Davui Fiji also offers optional cost excursions including

• scuba
• golf
• deep sea fishing
• zip lining
• white water rafting
• jet skis
• surfing
• shopping and more

But by far the most popular optional activity at Royal Davui Resort is the sandbar picnic where guests are “marooned”  with a gourmet picnic for two, champagne and nothing but a white sand beach, clear tropical waters and time completely alone in Fiji.  Ahhhhh…….

Royal Davui island resort is about privacy, pampering and time away with your special someone.  You can stay as little as a few days but I recommend you plop yourself down and discover the truly indulgent pleasure of disconnecting and being away from it all!

When you’re ready to plan your vacation or honeymoon, we’ve listed some of our favorite Fiji resort specials including a package with free nights at Royal Davui or you can call (800) 321-7907 or email linda@totemtravel.com for assistance.

Totem Travel guarantees the lowest price for all air inclusive vacation packages to Fiji.  So get personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!

Since becoming a Fiji Specialist I’ve visited the Fiji islands regularly in search of the best honeymoon and all inclusive resorts.  So what have I found?  Here are some of my favorite Fiji resorts at several budget levels –

Update: Linda was recognized as the Top Retail Travel Agent for 2010 as well.

A few days ago I  was at the Intercontinental Fiji accepting an award as Fiji’s top retail travel agent in the United States and Canada.  At the banquet hosted by Tourism Fiji, I was given a beautiful custom designed plaque filled with symbolism – a whales tooth, the Fiji Matai logo and traditional lacing to secure each corner.  It was the devil to carry home to Los Angeles and on to Seattle but will be treasured for years to come.  Photos and press release to follow…

But the real award was spending another two weeks exploring the glorious islands of Fiji.  What a way to earn a living!  This trip began on the Coral Coast at the beautiful new Intercontinental Fiji,

My next stop was a Captain Cook Cruise to the Yasawa Islands where I snorkeled amongst lime green, bright orange, brilliant blue, fuchsia and shocking yellow corals which were home to literally hundreds of varieties of brightly colored tropical fish.  This snorkeling spot was the best I’ve found anywhere including the Great Barrier Reef, Belize and dozens of Caribbean Islands.  All I can say is WOW!

After Octopus I stopped at the new and lovely Viwa Island Resort, upscale Navutu Stars and laid back Nanuya before heading south to Plantation Island Resort (a real sleeper), the big resorts of Denarau and Beqa Lagoon where I enjoyed Lalati and a totally decadent stay at Royal Davui Resort.  Check out some of my favorite packages.

I will post reviews and pictures for each resort but in the interest of the season wanted to say Vinaka Vakalevu to Tourism Fiji for the Fiji Matai specialist program and express my heartfelt thanks to my clients for allowing me to earn my living as a travel agent specializing in Fiji, Tahiti, Australia and the South Pacific islands.

For those in the Seattle area, please come say hello at the January wedding shows and join me at Savvy Traveler in Edmonds in February for my next South Pacific Night.  RSVP linda@totemtravel.com.  Until them happy Thanksgiving!

I thought it was an error because the price was so low, but I’ve tripled checked and it’s true!  Until November 30, you can fly roundtrip from LAX to Fiji, stay 6 nights at an oceanfront resort on the Coral Coast, eat 3 full meals a day and enjoy a selection of alcoholic drinks for just over $3000 TOTAL FOR TWO. 

Accommodations are at the Hideaway Resort on Viti Levu and I’ve been there twice.  Hideaway is a solid 3 – 3 1/2 star located on a nice stretch of Coral Coast beach.  The food is good, there is a generous pool area and the location is great for ziplining, river rafting, snorkeling, village tours and shopping.  Take a look at the image gallery online.

My favorite feature is the Fijiian style bures, because they’re much more fun than an ordinary hotel room!  Each bure has a nice wide porch complete with hammock, either a king size bed or 2 doubles, a spacious modern bathroom and an outdoor shower.  Score!

Space is limited but it is available, so call or email linda@totemtravel.com right away if you can take advantage of this deal.