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Article: Some Must Sees of Fiji

Admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:33:30 +0000

Some Must Sees of Fiji

There are few places in the world as beautifully untouched as Fiji’s 330 islands, which make it an outstanding location for a luxury holiday. In Fiji, there is plenty to see, an amazing culture to absorb and some simply unforgettable sights. Here is a selection of Fiji’s Must Sees:

Navala Village

Although many of the settlements you see will seem traditional by western standards, Navala village really is something else – all the houses are built from local materials. The houses (“bures”) are single room buildings with thatch roofs and bamboo woven walls. Kitchens and toilets are separate buildings. There are around 120 bures in the village, and apparently a new one is built every time a couple get married – due to the simplicity of the buildings, construction takes around a month. You can take a guided tour of the village, and it is definitely a Fiji holiday experience you will not forget in a hurry.

Go Island Hopping

With a total of 330 islands, it’s no surprise that exploring presents tourists with unique and memorable experiences. The majority of these islands are not developed for tourists, so an adventure is almost guaranteed. Guest houses are sporadic, so you may well be looking at the hospitality of locals for lodging and board – make sure you pay at least F$50 per day to your hosts to cover expenses, and present a ’seveusevu’ on arrival. If the prospect of uncertainty in your lodgings and the idea of an adventure fills you with excitement rather than dread, than a island hopping adventure should be a key part of your Fiji holiday.

Visit the Bouma National Park

The Bouma National Park comprises some 15,000 hectares of rainforests with volcanic peaks, breathtaking mountain ridges and sheer cliff faces. The waterfalls in particular are breathtaking, and the park has some unusual wildlife which is rare on other local islands thanks to the prevalence elsewhere of the predatory mongoose. The park is home to a vast number of reptiles and birds – definitely worth the effort of getting to on your luxury holiday in Fiji.

Scuba Diving

With so many islands and absolutely perfect conditions, it’s no wonder that Fiji is renowned for its excellent diving. Offering a huge variety of bright and colourful soft corals, impressive marine life, warm waters and good visibility, it’s a solid choice both for beginners and experienced divers. The pick of the reefs to explore would be Astrolabe Reef and Beqa Lagoon – any diver worth their salt should pay these a visit at some time in their life, and they are also an excellent place for beginners to be introduced to the world of diving on a holiday in Fiji.

Traverse Navua River

Navua River is tucked up in the highlands of Viti Levu, and despite the regular raft rides along it, feels like it’s barely been touched by human influence. The trip takes you past astonishingly beautiful terrain, past black volcanic walls and emerald rainforest and countless waterfalls. The waters can be choppy, but the beauty of this wonderful river means that you will hardly notice.

I’m only scratching the surface here, and the sheer number of barely explored islands means that there are thousands of unique adventures waiting to happen – there’s never been a better time to book a luxury holiday in Fiji!

Author: Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With AITO’s luxury Fiji holidays, you can tailor-make the dream holiday.

The Top 5 Luxury Beach Vacations In The World

Admin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:03:54 +0000

Are you planning luxury beach vacations and not sure where to go? Or maybe you just are not sure which luxury beach vacations to choose from. Below are the top 5 luxury beach vacations in the world. The where, the why, and the what you can expect while there is below. By the time you are done reading, you just may want to go on many of the luxury beach vacations listed!

Maui: This island is part of the Hawaiian islands and has breathtaking scenery and views. From the waterfalls and gorgeous white sandy beaches to the night life and Hawaiian culture, there is always something to do while on your luxury beach vacations. When it comes to activities Maui has you covered with numerous ground and ocean sports and adventures to indulge in. This is just the beginning when you visit Maui. If you are planning your luxury beach vacations for a wedding or anniversary, then Maui could be the perfect place to go. There are multiple 5 Star resorts to choose from that also offer impeccable service and quality and Maui even has something for the little ones, if your luxury beach vacations are a family trip.

Bora Bora: This tropical paradise is an hour flight from Tahiti or Moorea. These luxury beach vacations are not just for the romantics, but if you are with the one you love then you will love this gorgeous island. The ancient name was Pora Pora and it means first born. While in Bora Bora for your luxury beach vacations there are such accommodations as bungalows on the water, rooms over looking the ocean, and all the privacy and amenities you could ever dream of. Don’t forget there is plenty to do here as well, with snorkeling, wave running, outrigger canoeing, and jet skiing, you will have plenty to do and see while enjoying your luxury beach vacations.

Fiji: Located in the South Pacific, Fiji Me is the local saying since there is nothing that you can not do or see. From deep sea diving, to mountain climbing, to back packing through unbelievable terrain or even going for a sale on a beautiful ship or taking a short cruise through the Isles of Fiji Smiles, there is so much to do you and see that you will never want to leave. No matter what you are looking for, exploring this amazing island will always be breathtaking while on your luxury beach vacations.

Bermuda: While relaxing in Bermuda on your luxury beach vacations you can do a little boating or maybe you are a bird lover and would like do some exotic bird watching. There is also bowling, fishing, golfing, and horseback riding. No matter what you are looking for, Bermuda offers a wide range of choices while on your luxury beach vacations. Also, the choices of hotels are amazing, with hotels on the beach front to smaller guest houses that are much more intimate. There are completely full service accommodations that have restaurants, pools, spas, and anything else you might need while on your luxury beach vacations.

The Bahamas: When visiting the Bahamas you actually have a choice of 14 islands to choose from during your luxury beach vacations. Each one is different and unique in their own way. However, they all offer full service accommodations and services to fit anyone’s needs. Every island has different fun and exciting attractions and events. From the beaches to boating or sailing, festivals, fishing, gaming, or golfing, and these are just a few of the things you can do while there. You will have so many choices, you will not know which one to pick first while on your luxury beach vacations.

Any one of these destinations will give you exactly what you are looking for in luxury beach vacations. From the scenery, the hotels, and the all around beauty and luxury at these resorts and beaches. Which of these top five luxury beach vacations would you like to enjoy first?

Author: www.EzLuxuryBeachVacations.comEZ Luxury Beach Vacations is a U.S. based company that promotes one of the world’s top luxury travel memberships that has been in business for over 20 years. Together they offer the world’s leading private membership for luxury resort travel.

Luxury Islands in the Pacific – Vacation in a Piece of Paradise (Fiji and other Pacific Islands)

Admin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:54:52 +0000

Luxury island holidays in the Pacific centre on a group of over 3000 islands, each a piece of paradise with beach attached. They make up 13 countries that jointly are known as the Pacific Islands.

Fiji, the most well known of all is itself a group of about 330 islands. So if you are looking to enjoy an island vacation, the luxury islands of the Pacific would have to be the natural choice.

There’s something about an island that makes it easy to shed stress and enter a bubble of peace that incorporates heady fragrances, lush blooms, and the intoxicating smell of the ocean. The islands of Fiji bring this magic to life with their unspoilt natural beauty and vast expanses of silvery beaches glimmering under the tropical sun. What proves to be even more of a balm to the senses is the extreme acceptance and affection of the local people, who simply exude a natural bonhomie.

A variety of ethnicities call Fiji home and merrily add to the cultural melting pot that is evident in the cuisine, the dress, and mannerisms. However, one and all will greet you with a ‘Bula!’, welcoming you to participate in the fiesta that’s Fiji.

New Caledonia succeeds in blending a whiff of French in to its tropical ambience, to create a heady mix that spells vacation with a capital V. Prepare to enjoy French cuisine and excellent wine while revelling in the warmth of the tropical sunshine. Luxury hotels dot its beaches at strategic locations and its striking mountain ranges give you a change of scene. The special attraction here is the world’s largest lagoon with over a thousand varieties of marine life and a 1600 km long barrier reef. If you’re crazy about water sports, you’ve come to the right place.

Somewhere between New Zealand and New Caledonia is a hidden gem of tranquillity, also known as Norfolk Island, undeniably the creme de la creme of the luxury island holidays in the Pacific. Majestic pines tower atop picturesque cliffs, overlooking turquoise lagoons and emerald golfing greens, to give you yet another take on tropical beauty with a subtle difference. A popular getaway and honeymoon destination, this luxury island has its share of extravagances to suit all wallet sizes.

Tahiti is simply a rhapsody in blue that will sway your senses and blow you away. Tiny islands float ephemerally like pockets of paradise let loose for the pleasure of the chosen few. Bora Bora, Taha, and Moorea have luxury hotels and quaint resort style lodgings that blend in with the natural landscape. The lush tropical landscape dotted with lakes and lagoons designed by Cupid himself make this luxury island the ultimate romantic getaway.

A group of 83 islands sprinkled like exotic toppings on the surface of the blue waters of the Pacific are together known as Vanuatu. Be prepared for a change of scenery as you encounter the secrets of this volcanic island. Nothing sinister though; just natural beauty at its untouched, rugged best. Beaches change tones from a shower of Swarovski crystals to silky black. Coral reefs beckon tantalisingly beneath crystal clear water, while on land there are the amazing waterfalls, enigmatic rain forests, and placid lagoons that gleam silently in the sun. Port Vila, the capital, presents lively restaurants, shops, and luxury hotel accommodation.

The Cook Islands are made up of about 15 islands and are a popular destination among the luxury islands of the Pacific. Luxury hotels of all persuasion have been set up by experienced purveyors of good times and comfort to ensure you enjoy your stay on the island. Natural beauty has been left untouched to give you a sense of what the earth must have been like before the discovery of concrete.

The Solomon Islands with their majestic mountains and rivers welcome you to partake of a luxury island holiday like none other. The palm fringed beaches lolling by the aquamarine waters of the ocean are the perfect antidote to stress in the city and all its side effects. Feel the tension fall away from your shoulders as you contemplate the infinity of the horizon. A number of luxury hotels and resorts on the beach make this island the right stopover for some quintessential me-time..

In Samoa the way of life is as eternal as the blue waters surrounding it. Replete with all the features a beach resort can offer, it will probably be the Samoan people that capture your heart. Their friendliness and genuine love soon make you feel like you’re in your own private island. They still haven’t got around to commercialising this piece of paradise they call home and it retains all its unspoilt natural beauty. For the time being, they are just happy to share their good luck with whoever visits.

Author: Justine Richards.

Justine has been a journalist for 20 years and is a contributor to Just The Planet, the online luxury travel magazine for independent travellers. Read more about luxury spas around the world and discover more luxury getaways here.