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What's
so special about Fiji?
It is 330 jewel-like islands beckoning you to explore its ancient
culture and experience the friendliest people on earth. Fiji is the freedom
of uncrowded places and the joy of floating in warm, azure lagoons. A
place for honeymooners, adventurers, romantics, scuba divers, fishermen,
sportsmen and nature lovers. Fiji is an antidote to the stress of modern
life. It is a place where the natural balance is restored. Where a languid,
easy pace seems to make time stand still and where childhood notions of
romantic south sea islands can set imaginations ablaze. Fiji, the only
truly relaxing tropical getaway.
Why
should I go to Fiji rather than the Caribbean, Mexico or even Hawaii?
If you want a mass production style of vacation with lots of tourist,
enormous hotels, then the Caribbean, Mexico or Hawaii are your destinations.
However, if you prefer a special experience, spectacular scenery, few
tourist and no giant hotels, Fiji is for you.
What's
the weather like?
Fiji enjoys an ideal island climate and boasts the highest sunshine
factor in the South Pacific. Due to the prevailing southeast trade winds,
Fiji's humid, tropical climate is moderated during most of the year, eliminating
extreme heat and extreme humidity. Rainfall is heaviest from January to
March. The average temperature in the summer months of December - March
is 88 degrees and the average of 84 degrees in the winter months of June
- September.
How
do I get there?
It's very easy. Air Pacific and Air New Zealand are two excellent
international airlines offering service from the US West Coast. It's a
10 hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles.
What
about the food?
Dining in Fiji offers a multi-ethnic culinary experience. You will
discover a palate-pleasing variety of four main styles of cuisine: Continental,
spicy Indian, native Fijian and Asian, which include Chinese, Korean and
Japanese. Each cuisine has many variations. Fijian, Indian and Chinese
food is very much a part of everyday life and reflects the cultural and
ethnic background of the people of the Fiji. Fijian cuisine is often featured
on "Island Night" at the hotels where the food is cooked in an underground
oven and presented buffet style, complete with traditional songs and dances.
Most resort restaurants have ala carte menus so that you will not have
to order a complete meal if all you want is a salad. At most resorts meal
plans are available for pre-booking and will generally represent a cost
savings.
Is
there a wide selection of hotels?
Of course! Hotels in Fiji range from budget all the way to deluxe.
In some cases regular hotel rooms are offered but when possible, we recommend
you stay in the unique Fijian style thatched-roof cottage called a "bure".
These may look like a grass hut from the outside but offer all the amenities
you expect in a standard hotel room.
Dressing
up doesn't appeal to me - how fancy do you have to be in the evenings?
Fiji sounds like the right place for you. You never need to dress up in
the evenings. A simple cotton dress or shorts outfit will do for ladies
and the gentlemen are fine with a sport shirt and either slacks or shorts.
During the days the coolest of clothing is preferred and natural fibers
are best. Do not forget your swimsuits, sun block and hats. Another essential
to bring with you are rubber soled or plastic shoes, preferably shoes
you can wear in or out of the water to protect your feet from coral.(shoes
are sometimes called "water mocs")
I
want to spend my time snorkeling and diving. Where's the best spot?
All of Fiji. But to be a bit more specific, experienced divers
should consider going to the North for the finest experiences. The diversity
of the marine life is superb. Fiji has been labeled as the "Soft Coral
Capital of the World" by Jean-Michel Cousteau. You will find spectacular
hard and soft corals, caves, grottoes and waters teaming with large pelagic
species such as sharks and tuna, turtles and fish of all hues and sizes.
The waters of Fiji's virgin reefs and magnificent lagoons offer unmatched
visibility for the underwater explorer!
I
am looking for a true cultural experience. Will I find it in Fiji?
Culture is still of massive significance. Fijians express their
culture in their dress, their music, their food, their crafts and in the
flowers they adorn themselves with. It is not just a show for tourist…it
is just the way they are. And, they love to share their wealth of ancient
and lustrous traditions.
Is
there privacy and seclusion?
As many of the accommodations in Fiji are private bures….either
in the garden or on the beach…privacy is not an issue. With small resorts
and few tourists you will feel the beaches are your own private domain.
There are many small hotels located on off shore islands (many of them
are "1 island, 1 resort", that take you off the beaten path. They provide
solitude and seclusion but offer plenty of amenities to make you quite
comfortable.
Okay
terrific! It all sounds wonderful…but what's the downside?
Well…you have to go home.
Call
928-763-8255
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