Fiji, Melanesia, terrific bargain now with non stop flights from San Francisco

FIJI – MELANESIA

Fiji was known as the Cannibal Isles, all 320 islands are the crossroads of the Pacific. It’s inhabitants are black, not light skinned like the Polynesians. In fact, Fiji has more islands and people than all of Polynesia combined. In 1884 the British brought in East Indian labor to work in the sugar cane plantations so today half the population is Indo-Fijian. It obtained independence in 1972. Best time to visit is May to November when it is less humid. The reef waters are also clearest for the scuba diver. The climate is tropical all year and I have been there at various times and it is always enjoyable.

I have been there more times than I can count, staying on different islands and taking a cruise with the companies who operate there. This is a great destination for honeymoons and a wonderful family location. You would fly into Nadi, on the main island of Viti Levu, but I don’t recommend staying there because the beaches are not as good. There are many resorts, all with great snorkeling and world class diving offering deep and shallow dives. Rainbow Reef is considered amongst the best in the world for soft corals.

I would tell you that the only drawback to a Fiji holiday is the fact that you have to fly to Los Angeles to get a non stop flight to Nadi. I hated having to go from San Francisco to get on a flight. You added hours onto your journey. Absolutely fantastic news, Fiji Airways is now flying non stop flights twice a week from San Francisco into Nadi and this now makes this destination as far as I am concerned, a perfect one. They will operate Thursdays and Sunday, and what I like is they will leave at 11.p.m. and arrive at 5.00 a.m. in paradise. This means you can have a night’s sleep while on route. It is a bargain compared to Hawaii or Tahiti. Fiji Air is an excellent airline, and I recommend them highly. On some South Pacific islands the mosquitos who love my British blood, are so big they could drive a Volkswagen. I don’t have a problem in Fiji.

The Fijian people are very courteous, friendly, with an amazing variety of traditional customs and crafts, strong culture, lots of great music and dancing, and you get good value for your money.

My favorite resort is the Likuliku Lagoon which is a couples only property in the Mamanucas archipelago 16 miles from Nadi. You get there by catamaran, seaplane, or helicopter. It won the award for the best overseas resort by the Luxury Travel Magazine. It has the only over the water bures in Fiji, just ten of them and eighteen beach bures (bungalows) which are subtle luxury. The General Manager was previously at an island in Queensland which I sell on many of my Australian bookings. Good management is an essential part of recommending a property. Great architecture, luxury accommodation, perfect service, and a fine restaurant.

There are many other island resorts, some excellent for families, and you can stay at accommodation ranging from a simple barefoot island to a luxury island hideaway. Some good ones on my list are Namale, Tokoriki, Matangi, Tadrai, and Yasawa . Two which are excellent for families are the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort at Savusavu, Northern Fiji. It is 50 minute interisland flight from Nadi. Castaway Island in the Mamauca Islands. The kids club is from age 3-12 years old.

You can also take a four or seven day cruise thru the Yasawa islands out of Lautoka. This is a great way to get different snorkeling or diving experiences and see other islands. Go on our web site – www.allhorizonstvl.com – and dream. I am only there 24 hours and Polynesian Paralysis sets in. One speed, dead slow.

Maureen Jones

South Pacific Specialist.