Jetsettersblog

Fiji’s Denarau Island will host the inaugural South Pacific Food and Wine Festival from March 14-17, 2012.
The four-day program will include two exciting days of food and wine and a Gala Dinner the final night featuring international award winning chefs, including Fiji born Robert Oliver, winner of the Best Cookbook in the World 2010. A two-day expo will also feature the latest global trends in culinary and management trends, and an equally exciting program of social activities.

More information can be obtained from www.southpacificfoodandwine.com

The luxurious Tadrai Island Resort – Fiji in the Mamanuca Islands, has undertaken its soft opening by welcoming its first guests to the all-inclusive, five-star, couples only resort.

Guests were immediately impressed with the idyllic setting of Selena Cove and the personalized service and attention to detail Tadrai will benchmark.

The Resort boasts five luxurious deluxe villas, a signature Restaurant Na Vatu, Rock Pool Bar, in-room dining on private decks, The Wai Siliva Alfresco Spa and an array of activities.

“From the moment we arrived we were totally captivated by the natural beauty of the surroundings. The idyllic location and amazing level of luxury in the villas, combined with genuine five-star service is something we haven’t experienced elsewhere,” according to the Resort’s first visitors.

While the finishing touches remain to be added, the Resort’s Managing Director, Aaron McGrath is enthusiastic about the final product.

“Tadrai is looking amazing. The property delivers an eco-aware, refined and natural sense of ‘intelligent’ luxury in the amount of consideration given to the environment. The Resort is everything we anticipated from the concept stage and so much more.

“We look forward to marketing the property to a discerning, international clientele.”

Information: www.tadrai.com

Visit Fiji’s famous State Mansion and experience Fiji’s colonial past and be a part of living history by enjoying a relaxing getaway at Fiji’s premier property Borron House. Built in 1927, the home was once reserved for State level dignitaries, the British Royalty Family and Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the late former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
For a one time offer of F$5,000 per night and F$3,000, Borron House is exclusively available for short term accommodations and private functions.

Information: e-mail: Setoki.galuvakadua@govnet.gov.fj

Fiji’s newest surf operator, Surf Break Fiji, is now offering the most affordable all inclusive surf packages in Fiji.

Packages include return airport transfers, accommodation at Sonaisali Island Resort, three meals each day, and surfing for a minimum of three hours/day at Fiji’s most awesome surf breaks.

Adding additional appeal to this awesome offer is the non-surfers package which includes a tantalizing spa treatment each day.

For those traveling as a family with children, kids stay and eat for free during the entire stay.

Surf Break Fiji allows surfers to take advantage of the best surf spots in Fiji and is only 20 minutes from the world famous Cloud Break, as well as a selection of other well known waves.

For the ultimate Fiji Surf Break, the company has packages that start at USD$800.00 per person which includes four nights accommodation, a minimum of three hours of surfing daily, return airport transfers, plus three meals a day!

The choice of packages offer any surfing family, couple or group an affordable world standard surfing vacation coupled with the beauty and culture of Fiji and its people

Information: www.surfbreakfiji.com

The Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) at the University of the South Pacific opened its new art gallery called ‘Gallery of Oceanian Art earlier this year.

More than a hundred supporters from the university community as well as the general public attended the opening. At present, the Oceania Centre is home to eight painters, most belonging to a new wave of emerging artists.
The program included speeches, music, poetry, and a song composed especially for the opening of the gallery.

In opening the gallery (which included unveiling a commissioned artwork that graces the entrance) as well as an inaugural art exhibition, the Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra, expressed strong support for the work of the Oceania Centre, both now and in the future.

The gallery showcases work of the first wave of artists who started painting at the Centre over a decade ago as well as art displays from emerging artists.

In his remarks, Professor Chandra described the opening of the gallery as a special occasion and expressed his delight with the permanent exhibition facility, one of the biggest in Oceania.

He acknowledged the contributions made by the late founding Director of OCACPS, Professor Epeli Hau’ofa towards Pacific arts and culture at USP. Professor Chandra spoke about the importance of Pacific arts and culture and said that it is part of the University’s major priorities.

“The opening of the gallery reflects the level of commitment the University has made to Pacific arts and culture,” he added.

Highlighting the need to encourage new creations of art, the Director of the OCACPS, Professor Vilsoni Hereniko, explained that, “These are the footprints we leave behind for those who come after us so that we can look back and know where we were and where we have been in this journey on earth that we call life.”

Professor Hereniko thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his support towards Pacific arts and culture and also acknowledged Munro Leys for providing cash prizes worth $6,000.00 for the best work in the exhibition.

Information:

Oceania Arts Centre; Ms Johanna Beasley

E-mail: beasley_j@usp.ac.fj

Air Pacific announced that it has ordered three new Airbus A330-200 aircraft to replace its current fleet of B747 and B767 aircraft.

These brand new, highly capable, long-haul aircraft will begin arriving in early 2013, and they will be operated on flights to Fiji from Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles.
Air Pacific and American Airlines codeshare agreement will give American expanded presence and customers more travel options throughout the South Pacific. Pending U.S. government approval, expected within the next 30 to 60 days, American will place its code on Air Pacific flights in the following markets: Los Angeles-Nadi, Honolulu-Nadi, and Nadi-Suva, while Air Pacific will place its code on nearly 20 new destinations to cities flown from American’s Los Angeles cornerstone hub.

Information: www.airpacific.com

This month Island Hoppers launched the inaugural flight of a new P750 XSTOL, turbine powered aircraft flying passengers directly to Savusavu in the North.

The two new P750 XSTOL fixed wing aircraft which seat nine passengers will now be seen flying Fiji skies daily to popular Fiji Islands – Savusavu, Taveuni and Kadavau which are well known for their beautiful clear waters and superb diving.

The aircraft are also available for Charter to many of Fiji’s pristine islands that are scattered far and wide.

Island Hoppers offers a premium service with a private reception lounge at Nadi International Airport for check-in procedures and complimentary cold drinks before boarding.

The new 9 seat aircraft are fast, reliable and safe.

Leather seating, air conditioning, large passenger windows for high visibility and full airline baggage weight allowances are all part of the premium service offered.

A large cargo pod that can store dive gear, fishing rods and surfboards makes travelling to destinations in Fiji easy.

The company also offers competitive charter services for group bookings, incentive or convention groups.

Information: sales@helicopters.com.fj

Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka will be the new location for passenger check-in-and check out. This is located at Marine Drive in Lautoka. Blue Lagoon receptionists will be at the hotel on respective departure days to check in passengers for the cruise lines 7 Day 6 Night Cruise, 4 Day 3 Night Cruise, 3 Day 2 Night Cruise and the cruise company’s popular 7 Day Historical & Cultural Cruise.

Information: www.bluelagooncruises.com

Mana Island Resort & Spa Announces Stay-Pay Deal

Mana Island Resort & Spa has recently announced its Stay 6 pay 3 and Stay 4 pay 2 deals with new dates and detail as follows; On Sale : Now until 31 December 2011 Stay : 14 Dec ~ 23 December 2011, 8 January ~ 21 January, 27 January ~ 31 March 2012. The Stay-Pay deal applies to Honeymoon Bure, Beach Front Bure, Ocean Front Suite, Deluxe Ocean View Bure, and Ocean View accommodations.
Information: www.manafiji.com

Suva:
Novotel Suva Lami Bay Makes Meetings a Breeze

Novotel Suva Lami Bay, offering the largest hotel conference facilities in Suva, is making it easy for delegates to meet with a new Delegates Day Package. An ideal meeting venue for both small meetings and large scale conferences and events with magnificent Bay views and contemporary design, the package is offered through December, 2011.The resort’s eight meeting rooms offer a range of styles and sizes and can accommodate up to 800 people.

The package includes morning tea with pastries, buffet lunch in the Husk Restaurant, afternoon tea with pastries, and choice of one of eight conference rooms offering flexible meeting space, ice water with wrapped mints, and A5 conference pads and pens.

Information: e-mail: meeting@novotelsuva.com.fj  or Severo Tagicakiverata at Sales@novotelsuva.com.fj  or visit www.accorhotels.com/6990  www.novotelsuva.com.fj

The North:
Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa’s Stay7/Pay 5 is Back!

Back by popular demand, Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa is re-introducing its Seven Night Package for approximately $975 USD per person in an Ocean View Bure category.

For a deal this great, why wait? The Resort introduced its Stay More, Play More, Pay Less Special, with availability even through the holidays! Receive two free nights when you stay 7 nights or more! This special is applicable for all reservations in all room categories, and for travel now through March 31, 2012. Rates are based on couple occupancy, and include:

Three gourmet meals daily
Non-motorized activities
Transportation between Savusavu Airport and Koro Sun Resort.
Taxes are additional (20%)

Information: E-mail merlyn@korosunresort.com,  call 1.877KOROSUN or visit www.korosunresort.com

Discover Tranquility in Paradise with Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa’s New Spa Package

Heaven is not far with Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa’s Tranquility in Paradise Package.

Priced at $160 USD per person, guests experience the native Fijians natural gift of touch in a unique and peaceful rainforest setting, amid calming waterfalls.
This package includes:

Rainforest Massage – 60 minutes
Banana Leaf Body Wrap – 30 minutes
Fiji Facial – 60 minutes

Information: E-mail merlyn@korosunresort.com , call 1.877KOROSUN or visit www.korosunresort.com

Unwind After a Day of Adventure at Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest

Tropical inspired cocktails with fresh plantation fruits, chilled Fijian brews or a glass of beautiful Australian wine is a wonderful way to wind down after a day of exploration in paradise! Whether poolside, at the Levu Bar or on the beach, guests at Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa enjoy a gorgeous sunset across the water accompanied by the resort’s nightly Happy Hour which is held from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Enjoy:
Beer: – $2 off
Wine, Premium Drinks and Cocktails: $4 off

Information: E-mail merlyn@korosunresort.com , call 1.877KOROSUN or visit www.korosunresort.com

Matangi Private Island Resort Unwraps Early Christmas Special

Just in time for the holidays, Matangi Private Island Resort, which was recently voted by Conde Nast Traveler as one of Fiji’s most romantic resorts, is making it merry for travelers with its Stay7/Pay 5 for the entire 2012. Book by March 31, 2012 and receive a private romantic candlelit dinner.

The offer is valid for all bure categories and new bookings only.

Information: www.matangiisland.com

Qamea Resort and Spa Debuts New Six Nights in Paradise Package

Travelers to Fiji can now afford six nights in 4 1/2 star Fijian luxury, with Qamea Resort and Spa’s new Six Nights In Paradise Package, including six nights in a Beachfront Bure, breakfast, lunch and dinner and the choice of one value add on package including Romance in Paradise, Romantic Beach Wedding in Paradise, Adventure and Exercise in Paradise, Diving in Paradise and Jungle Spa in Paradise, all for only *USD$1600 per person twin/double share, normally *USD$2200 per person twin/double share.

This deal is valid for sale until April 20, 2012 and valid for travel from through April 30, 2012, with no closeouts.

*Prices are exclusive of taxes and transfers.

Information: www.qamea.com

Bula Saver Fares, some of the lowest to the South Pacific, will be extending the sales period until January 21, 2012 for travel thorough May 31, 2012. No blackout dates apply.
Information: www.airpacific.com