Advice on Fiji

[jab]

This is not a normal topic for this forum but I am posting it because we tend to get around in our job and some of you may have advice for me after operating in Fiji. I am planning on going to one of the islands of Fiji on honeymoon and I dont know which island or hotel to choose. Please PM me with recommendations. Thanks.:confused:

[blueloo]

Stay away from main island. Go to one of the remote couples/adult only islands. The water and beaches are generally a lot better away from the main.


Unfortuantely the prices in Fiji seem to be catering for the wealthy US traveller and Fiji, has become the choice of movie stars, hence the price in some places borders on ridiculous - $400-600 US /night.

[QSK?]

jab:....and I dont know which island or hotel to choose.
Mate, does it really matter? Won't you have other things to think about on your honeymoon?

[Tarq57]

Hi jab,
10yr ago we did that at Treasure Is, Tiny, but quite nice. Actually didn't feel tiny but you can amble round it easy in 20min.
We plan to go again for a second h/m within 2yr.
It's one of the cheaper ***, I think Turtle is one of the priceyer ones, heard fairly good things about castaway and plantation.
If you do, I recommend including a food plan.Lowers the overall price a bit. Buying meals individually makes for a big bill at the end. We just did b/fast and dinner, bought a snack for lunch. The meals are big.
It's about 3hr by slow boat, or 1.30 by catamaran from Lautoka, just N of Nadi.

[blueloo]

Castaway used to be nice many years ago, havent been there for a while. I think it does cater for families, so it may have kids running around (although to be fair it wasnt a child friendly island wrt organised activities).

[jab]

Thanks for the tips guys. I am going to carry on doing research so if you remember anything pertinent, let me know.
Cheers, Jab

[troppo]

You will find that the majority of hotels whether on the mainland or islands have undergone refurbishment in the last year or so to keep up with the Denarau island developments. The only thing I would say is that if you are on an island you may tend to get a bit bored after 3 or 4 days (or at least I would) as there are only so many cocktails you can drink. At least on the mainland you can move around a bit easier should you wish.

[JapJok]

Recommendation?? Leave the wife at home and hook up with a local brownie. I haven't been to Fiji, but did fly in and out of a few Pacific islands a while back, and the local girls are nice; big but nice.

[Frank Burden]

I spent a week in Octopus Resort last May. Limited to about 70 guests. Accom either beachfront bure, garden bure, dormitory and tent (for the backpackers). Great snorkelling. All food from dining room. Sand floor. Food range from really good to average. Drinks reasonable.

Mrs Burden and I had a beachfront bure. First thing in morning swim. Breakfast. Snorkel. First drinks. Lunch. Rest. Snorkel. Drinks. Swim. Dinner. Drinks. Drinks. In the meantime, read books. No phone, internet or tv.

Lucky we only spent a week. If it had been two, we would still be there.

Went on to Plantation Island for a week. Lots more people, lots more noise and kids by the hundreds.

Frank

[jab]

Thanks to all of you for posting, and for the PM's. It has given me some direction and points to look for and that was the object of the thread.
Cheers and fly safe.
Jab

[Sal-e]

I left Nadi a couple of years ago after having spent a couple there.
Shopping is good but...Watch them Indian shopkeepers, they'll be trying to rip you off. But then again, you are expected to bargain with them. Try and estimate the cost of an item if it were sold in Oz, then halve it or at the most, 3/4. Don't ever buy from the first shop. They'll try and follow you down the street so chase them away early.
Get to know the local kaivalangi (white falla) and they'll advise you on the best value island out there.
Lastly, try calling these guys when you're in Nadi.

Drauna: 6721263
Tony: 6720011
Brian: 6702346

Tell em Alfred gave you their numbers.
Cheers.:)

[propelled]

hey bula jab,

I usually try to get over to fiji every yr or so.... only been over there with family or mates though...but for a honeymoon there are plenty of options but depend on whether u want 2 stay with family travellers/singles, or just the honeymoon crowd..

If u r going to stay on the main island- Viti Levu, I would suggest a resort along the coral coast...maybe the outrigger/fijian/ or warwick resorts...

then maybe mix it up with half your stay out on an island resorts... the mamanuca and yasawa islands in particular r really nice, but becoming very commercial... to get off the beaten path, maybe hav a look at kadavu or taveuni islands (serviced by air fj/sunair)..

i usually stay at beachcomber island (www.beachcomberfiji.com) which has a youngish/ singles crowd... but they get honeymooners there 2!... swam over to treasure island from there...that looks nice as well..

a couple of links for you to research further:

www.fijiguide.com

www.bulafiji.com

hope u hav a nice honeymoon in paradise!

[7gcbc]

Currently looking at Castaway - Family Bure for 4-5 nights in the next few weeks, i.e before end of March.

Anyone heard any thing about Turtle Air ? , considering a seaplane transfer for the family (precious cargo 2year old and 3 year old , not swimmers yet).

anyone know whats 1st flight/day and whats last/flight/day this time of year ?

PM me if you like.

cheers

7g

[Doctor Smith]

Shopping is good but...Watch them Indian shopkeepers, they'll be trying to rip you off.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA:} :}
One of them now is the EGM of Easterns :yuk:

Thank you, come again!:} :} :yuk:

[OhForSure]

HaHa... good stuff Doc. I can just imagine the poor pilot to be bartering over the price of his type rating course.

[VH-XXX]

Bula,

Just been there a very short time ago.

Major tip - DO NOT STAY ANYWHERE unless you know someone who has been there who gave it a good - very good report.

The mainland is Sh*iT-house! Keep off it. Get a plane in there, go to an island and get out. Turtle airways looks reputable.

I would suggest that 6 nights on the same island may be too long in one go. Perhaps mix a cruise for 3-4 nights, plus 3-4 on an island or something like that. There are heaps of crusies there and not too expensive.

Some mainland cities are very rough (with bars on windows etc) and you will feel a little scared at times. Stick to Nadi etc where the tourist shops are and you'll be better off.

Watch out for all the Indians too. They will follow you around all day long in their shops.

Venaka.

[troppo]

Advice for the single traveller...
After Dark nightclub in Namaka, Nadi is highly recommended :}
It's like something straight out of that movie Roadhouse
Beware of 'girls' with adams apples :eek:
Orielly's in Suva is fantastic:ok:

[QNH1013.2]

Well it's illegal to be gay/homo in Fiji, so that shouldn't pose too much of a problem. Be warned if you are that way inclined and you get up to any "tricks" they will lock you up.