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Fiji
In the aquamarine seas
of the South Pacific, lie the islands of Fiji. There are around 300
islands in an area of 200,000 square miles fringed by extraordinary tropical
reefs and provide some of the world's finest diving. Fiji has a multicultural
society and is made of up Indians, Chinese, Europeans and Fijians.
You are assured of a warm welcome from the people who seemed to have invented
hospitality. The international airport is Nadi with direct flights
from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with Qantas and Air Pacific. Air New
Zealand have direct services from Auckland to Nadi, and Air Pacific operate
from Los Angeles to Nadi.
(PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDY SALLMON)
GENERAL
INFORMATION:
CLIMATE: The
Fijian Islands lie in the tropics and are warm and humid year round.
The summer wet season is from December to March.
CURENCY: The
Fijian Dollar is the unit of currency. The Australian Dollar is
worth approximately $1.30 FJD. The US Dollar is worth
approximately $1.50 FJD.
DRESS: As
the climate is warm and humid, take along light casual clothing.
Women should dress modestly in public places.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS: Passport holders from Australia,
New Zealand, EEC and USA do not require visas but your passport
must have a validity of at least 3 months beyond your intended
stay.
HEALTH
REQUIRMENTS: Refer to your doctor for the latest health
and inoculations required for this destination.
LANGUAGE: English
is the official language. Fijian, Chinese and Hindustani are widely
spoken.
SHOPPING: Fiji
is a major duty-free shopping centre. Bargaining is the norm but
some of the larger stores have a fixed price policy. Fijian art
and artifacts are available in roadside stalls as well as large
stores.
TIPPING: Tipping
is not compulsory but visitors may give a gratuity for good service.
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NADI
NADI: (pronounced
'Nandi') Nadi will be your international port of arrival.
The town is well developed with a variety of hotels available
from budget to 5 star. Depending on your arrival time it may
be necessary to make an overnight stop. Nadi is your transit
point to the Coral Coast or to a sea of islands. Travel to the islands
is by aircraft with Air Pacific or Air Fiji, or alternatively
by powered launch.
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CORAL
COAST
From Nadi, you travel by road
along the southern coastline of Viti Levu to an area
known as the Coral Coast. Off-shore from here is
the world famous Beqa ( pronounced Ben-ga) Lagoon.
There are numerous dive sites including "Side
Streets" with its lush canyons of gorgonians,
tunnel walls festooned with multi-coloured soft corals,
and myriads of tropical fish. There's "Caesar's
Rock" with 10 spectacular coral heads,
"Coral Gardens", Beqa's best display of hard corals
and tropical fish and the Wreck of the Tasu No.2 just to
name a few. Based at the Pacific Harbour Marina, Beqa Divers
will take you to this magical underwater world.
BEQA LAGOON RESORT
Far from the rustic huts we were expecting,
Beqa Island Resort's private bures (villas) were large and
luxurious. Tucked in the coconut trees just a few yards back
from the beach, each bure is elegantly furnished with rattan,
bamboo and decorated with colourful splashes of fabric and
works of art.
Every bure is a mini-suite with a spectacular marble lined
bath, a king poster bed and a sitting room with one twin
bed and settee. Every front porch has a table, lounge chairs
and a beautiful view; and if you walk a few feet in any direction,
you can find a cozy hammock to hunker down in with your a
favourite book or companion.
CRUSOE'S RETREAT
The
resort is a ten acre resort with lush tropical rainforest and
many activities included. The resort is a small, intimate and
secluded Resort set amidst lush tropical rain forests of Fiji's
world famous Coral Coast. The resort is
nestled amongst 10 acres of extensive and lush tropical gardens
with the brilliance of the vegetation contrasting magnificently
with the turquoise blue waters inside the reef. There
are 11 Sea Side and 17 Sea View Bures. Whilst the beach side
bures are all within metres of the beach the Sea View bures
have been built to blend into the natural hillside of the resort
to take full advantage of the magnificent views. All
bures have ceiling fans, two Queen beds, reading lamps, refrigerators,
tea / coffee facilities, hair dryers, double vanities & showers,
two chairs & coffee table, glass sliding doors onto individual
patios which have outdoor furniture. Crusoe's
Retreat can offer you all the ingredients for that perfect
holiday - total relaxation or a wide range of leisure activities
or excursions which are free of charge (except diving). Namaqumaqua
Village borders the property and most of the staff from the
resort actually live in the village. The
resort offers a unique cultural experience and a full range
of cultural activities for an experience you’ll never
forget.
 
This little piece of paradise is located about 95 minutes
away from Nadi or 70 minuts from Suva by car (or taxi). So
come to a Crusoe's Retreat for a Fijian getaway!
WAIDROKA
BAY RESORT
Waidroka Bay Resort offers a serene, newly renovated
intimate boutique
experience and atmosphere. Conveniently located on the main
island, Viti
Levu, only 2 hours distance from the airport and 20 minutes
away from the
'Adventure Capital' of Pacific Harbour - yet totally secluded
in the midst
of the rainforest on their own private Lagoon. Relax in one
of the Ocean
Front Bures, or the Panoramic Oceanview Terrace Rooms each
offering
comfortable queen-size beds, magnificent views, ceiling fans,
private
bathroom with shower, and hot water.
Waidroka Dive Resort has an on site
PADI dive shop and divers enjoy
breathtaking reefs, walls, and pinnacles including the dive
sites at world
famous 'Beqa Lagoon' and 'Frigates Pass'. And don't miss the
famous Shark
Dive where feeders draw in 7 different species of sharks. The
resorts tour
desk will help you organize and book other activities to include
surfing,
snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, rainforest
zip line,
village tours, waterfalls, Arts & Crafts village and much
more.
Relax by the new pool and enjoy a tropical drink or a
local beer at the
new poolside bar; enjoy a massage, join in on a volleyball
game, kayak, or
daydream in on one of their oceanside hammocks. aidroka
Bay Resort offers a serene, tranquil retreat to explore
natures best, both above and below the water. Relax in
Ocean Front Bures with large front decks, comfortable queen-size
beds, ocean views, ceiling fans, private bathroom with shower,
hot water and electric power. Or, check out the new
Terrace rooms with magnificent views or the 12 person
Dorm for the budget traveler.
Scuba
diving to breathtaking breaks and reefs including the
world famous 'Frigates' and 'Beqa Reef'. The resort operates
5 professionally equipped boats to ensure safe, comfortable
and exciting boat trips for all water activities. Other
activities include Surfing, Snorkling, Sport- and Game-Fishing
and Kayaking. The surrounding lagoon and steady winds offer
a great starting spot for Kite-and Wind-Surfing.
In the resort restaurant you can order off the menu or
take up a meal plan. Enjoy drinks and bear in the evening
in a relaxed atmosphere in resort bar.
 
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TAUNOVO
BAY RESORT & SPA
The Grand Opening in April 2008 will celebrate the opening of the central resort. The central resort will be situated on over 200 feeet (70m) of beachfront and will include a gourmet restaurant, wine bar, wine cellar, sushi restaurant, cocktail lounge, beach bar, 75 feet (25m) infinitiy edge pool, full service spa, gym, tennis courts, activities bure, concierge, boutique, and reception. The Grand Opening will also celebrate the opening of "Kid's Village" - a place that kids of all ages can enjoy.
Privacy, rejuvenation, relaxation and entertainment are primary considerations in every one of the 10 beachfront Grand Villas that make up the resort. Individual Grand Villas are massive, each Grand Villa is 4,700 sq ft (450 sq m) of internal living space and 2,500 sq ft (230 sq m) of outdoor living areas. Each Grand Villa is absolute beachfront, set on a magnificent stretch of white sand beach.
Each beachfront Grand Villa has 4 bedrooms and is appointed with 2 private swimming pools, jet spa Jacuzzi, indoor & outdoor showers, an enticing daybed pavilion and a state of the art entertainment system including Bose surround sound.
Each 4 Bedroom Grand Villa has been designed to privately accommodate up to two different parties or accommodate one party only to occupy the entire 4 Bedrooms. The possible room type configurations available include: 1 BR Suite, 2 BR Suite, 1 BR Villa, 2 BR Villa, 3 BR Villa, 4 BR Grand Villa.
Taunovo Bay has easy access to a world renowned golf course, a stunning selection of adventure activities in one of nature’s most spectacular wonderlands and all the facilities of a genuine five star resort.
 
MAMANUCA ISLANDS
CASTAWAY
ISLAND RESORT
Castaway
provides a unique Pacific Island experience - a great way
to relax, unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures. The moment
you come ashore you sense the difference with the warmest, friendliest
bunch of Fijians you are ever likely to meet. Castaway
sits on Qalito, a small reef-ringed island in the Mamanuca
Group just 20 miles due west of Nadi International Airport.
Castaway
is the most popular Mamanuca Island resort. The overall
size of the Island with its lush tropical vegetation, and
bush walks, secluded spacious bures, creative Island cuisine,
and the genuine warmth and friendliness of the Castaway
family of staff combine to provide a unique island holiday
experience.
There are sixty six spacious
thatched traditional Fijian style bures (bungalows). Whether
your choice is beach front, oceanview or island setting,
all bures feature one queen size ensemble and two single
beds. They comfortably sleep four persons
Each
bure features traditional Fijian design high roofs and
ceiling mounted fans. Sleeping and living quarters are
separate with the emphasis being on privacy and comfort.
A well stocked drinks refrigerator is provided.
 
BEACHCOMBER
ISLAND RESORT
Beachcomber
Island is for the young and young at heart. If you love
a good time with great company in a casual, relaxed atmosphere,
this is the place for you..
Beachcomber
is a perfect place to meet new friends as our guests come
from all over the world to experience this island paradise.
Whether you travel alone, with a partner or with a group
of friends, this is the perfect holiday destination.
The
resort has three levels of accommodation to suit all styles
and budgets:
Lodge Accommodation
One of the most popular accommodation options at Beachcomber
are the lodges offering twin accommodation for the budget
conscious. Our lodges have private facilities, tea and coffee
makers, refrigerators, vanity basin and ceiling fans. A unique
feature is the lodge room’s polished Fijian hardwood
floor and coconut timber ceiling.
Bure
Accommodation
Staying in a traditional Fijian ‘Bure’ is
a magical experience, it’s cool in warm temperatures,
filled with decorative charm and an ideal relaxing place
to read a novel or soak up the sun on your own private deck
equipped with sun lounges. Several styles of ‘Bure’ accommodation
are available on the island, traditional thatched bures to
adjoining bungalow style bures through to our beach wing,
which offers 6 rooms right on the beach. All bures have ceiling
fans, tea & coffee makers, refrigerators and private
facilities.
Grand
Bure Accommodation
This unique structure is the largest traditional ‘Bure’ in
all of Fiji’s 300 islands. So we call it the ‘Grand
Bure’. Priced to be affordable the
‘Grand Bure’ is Dormitory style accommodation
with shared facilities and a unique experience where you
meet people from all over the world, sharing an unforgettable
true island experience. All guests have their own secure
locker. Linen is supplied and the dormitory is serviced daily.
SUBSURFACE
Suburface
is Fijis No1 dive operator providing PADI 5 star facilities
on the following famous Fiji resorts – Beachcomber,
Treasure, Bounty, Navini, Malolo, Wadigi, Walu Beach,
Musket Cove, Namotu and
Tavarua. Offering the full range of PADI courses, including
6 fun courses for the kids, Subsurface instructors will teach
you to dive in a safe and professional environment using
up to date equipment, modern dive boats, air conditioned
classrooms and dedicated scuba training pools. For the Certified
diver the region offers quick and easy access to an exciting
variety of soft and hard corals, reefs, wrecks, walls and
chasms rich in marine life.
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RAKI
RAKI
WANANAVU
BEACH RESORT
Wananavu
Beach Resort is situated on a picturesque headland
on Viti Levu's most northern point (Raki Raki). All
bures have an overhead fan, balcony and verandah and
the resort offers many activities like tennis, canoeing,
paddle-boarding, snorkelling, diving and water
skiing .It's a small resort, off the beaten track with
good diving nearby. Wananavu is Fijian for 'brilliant'.
 
RA
DIVERS
RA Divers
commenced operations in1992 on the picturesque island of
Nananu-I-Ra and service resorts in the Rakiraki Region.
Ra
Divers offers daily diving for Certified Divers as well
as relevant instruction for new divers seeking certification,
experienced divers wishing to further their qualifications
and those who wish to undertake specialty or refresher courses.
There
are more than fifty dive sites which Ra Divers regularly
visit, most of which are no more than 20 minutes by boat
from the island.
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LIVEABOARD
FIJI
NAI'A
LIVEABOARD DIVE CRUISE
The
Nai'a is a 110 foot luxury motorsailer designed for divers.
She is extremely comfortable, efficient and environmentally
friendly. There are 8 deluxe staterooms with private bathrooms
each accommodating two passengers. Nai's 12 man crew will
attend to your every need and ensure that your dive cruise
to this world class destination is a memorable one. Cruises
depart from the port of Lautoka, a short distance from Nadi.
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TAVEUNI
Taveuni
is an unspoiled island paradise approximately 1.5 hours
flying time from Nadi. Here one can find an ecosystem of
incredible diversity - volcanic mountains, verdant rainforests,
exotic flora and an underwater world of incredible beauty.
Famous for its Rainbow Reef and Vuna Lagoon, Taveuni offers
divers dramatic walls, stunning corals, and teeming fish
action. A diving highlight is without a doubt The Great
White Wall where magnificent corals are on display when
the current is running.
GARDEN
ISLAND RESORT
This
is a small, intimate and recently renovated seaside hotel
with 28 rooms, each having a commanding view of the Somosomo
Strait with Vanua Levu in the background. Dormitory accommodation
is also available. The hotel offers a swimming pool, restaurant
and bar all set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Rainbow
Reef Divers operate a full service dive centre and provide
daily boat diving trips.
MATANGI
ISLAND RESORT
Pronounced
'Mat-ang-i', this deluxe property offers accommodation
in beachfront
"bures" all with private bathrooms, mini-bars,
and tea/coffee making facilities. The tariff is inclusive
of all meals, resort excursions and most activities. There
is a full service on-site dive operation with daily boat
trips to the many sites on Rainbow Reef and surrounds.
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SAVUSAVU
Located
on Fiji's second largest island of Vanua Levu, Savusavu
is one hours flying time from Nadi. The town has an exciting
history and remains an interesting legacy of the colonial
period. There are hotsprings on the edge of Savusavu Bay
next to the Savusavu marina. The area offers exceptional
diving.
SAVUSAVU
HOT SPRING HOTEL
The
hotel has 46 rooms (some air-conditioned and some fan-cooled).
Amenities include a bar, restaurant, lounge and swimming
pool. In the hotel grounds is a local style night club
- The Orchid Bar which is open on Friday and Saturday nights.
The hotel was refurbished in 1996 and offers panoramic
water views.
JEAN
MICHEL COUSTEAU RESORT
A
special experience awaits you at L'aventure Jean-Michel
Cousteau. Located on Savu Savu on the northern island of
Vanua Levu, this resort offers unparalleled access to some
of the world's most spectacular land and seascapes. The
resort is a wholly different
approach to the environment, bringing to life the bond
between ocean, land and sea. Accommodation is in 20 spacious
Fijian
"bures" situated in 17 acres of tropical beachfront
gardens. Resort activities include swimming pool, snorkelling,
sailing, excursions, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, and guided
land expeditions. Under the direction of Jean-Michel Cousteau
there is a full service dive operation including underwater
photo lab and instruction.
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KADAVU
Kadavu
(pronounced Kan-da-vu) is the 4th largest island
in the Fiji group and is approximately 100km south of the
main island of Viti Levu. It is an island of awe inspiring
volcanic mountains and miles of untouched beaches. It is
yet to be discovered by tourists and maintains its traditional
Fijian village way of life. There are untold varieties
of hard and soft coral all in a brilliant array of colours.
The Great Astrolabe Reef offers also endless swimthroughs,
shark dives and amazing visibility, which all adds up
to some of the finest diving anywhere in the South Pacific.
MATAVA
RESORT
Set
amidst lush tropical surroundings and just a two hour boat
ride from the airport lies Matave Resort, offering both traditional
style Fijian "bures" with
communal bathroom facilities, or bures with private bathrooms.
The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar. On-shore activities
include horseback riding, village visits to drink kava with
the locals, and treks to waterfalls. Watersports include snorkelling
and kayaking. There is a full service dive shop providing
daily boat diving of the Great Astrolabe Reef.
MATANA
RESORT / DIVE KADAVU
Nestled
in tropical gardens, a fifteen minute boat ride from the
airport, this resort accommodates 16 guests in Fijian thatched "bures" each
with private bathrooms. The dining room has
a panoramic outlook. There is a good selection of wine
available and guests are welcome to bring their own selection
of spirits. Watersports include snorkelling, windsurfing,
parasailing, and water skiing. There is a full service
dive shop operating daily boat diving.
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NAIGANI ISLAND
NAIGANI
ISLAND RESORT
Located off the coast of Fiji's main
island of Viti Levu, Naigani Island is 540 acres of lush tropical
vegetation and white sand beaches where turquoise seas and fringing
shore reefs teem with tropical fish. Naigani boasts some of the South
Pacific's most spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving in pristine
waters directly off its beach. The island is
surrounded by water splashed with rainbow-colored soft corals, a myriad
of brightly colored tropical fish dive sites between 10-20 minutes away.
The fast 29' "Mainunu," caters for a max of 12 divers.
Excellent Genesis BCDs, regs, mask and fins. Camera hire and E6
processing makes Naigani a MUST on your list to visit.
Rooms are typical Island paradise. Great care has been taken in
the design of the rooms to ensure your stay is a memorable one.
Naigani Island Resort offers visitors the old world charm of Fiji. The
resort is off the well worn tourist trail and appeals to those looking
for a smaller, mid-priced island resort that has a good variety of tropical
recreational facilities. The resort caters for those individuals that
seek seclusion and fun in truly beautiful tropical surrounds.
 
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