Jetsettersblog

IslandsEscapes by Goway added the beachfront Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji to its hotel inventory. The boutique property is on the farthest north island of the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. It is a child-free property catering to couples.

Tokoriki recently added four new Beachfront Pool Bures overlooking the Pacific ocean to the property. IslandsEscapes is offering a Free South Pacific Wedding Package including roundtrip air fare from Los Angeles, meet and greet upon arrival, transfers, six nights’ accommodation and a free South Pacific Wedding ceremony in a package priced from at $3,799 per person.

Marine Tourism Management Ltd is seeking expressions of interest from travel writers and suitable publications to participate in a volun-tourism familiarisation showcasing the Yasawa Islands of Fiji.

This opportunity will offer a variety of angles suitable for a broad range of travellers including youth, mature travellers, couples, solo travellers, small groups, families and many more.

Boutique Cruising with Blue Lagoon Cruises (www.bluelagooncruises.com)
Fiji’s ‘Bula Spirit’ is unique in the South Pacific, and the waters are an unspoilt region offering a wonderland of dive sites, fishing hot spots, and white sandy beaches stretching along palm fringed tropical islands. Boutique cruising is the ultimate way to experience the best of the Fiji islands taking you off the traditional tourist trail, allowing you to unpack your bag once and relax into an easy rhythm on board a comfortable small cruise ship.

Vinaka Fiji (www.vinakafiji.org.fj)
Volun-tourism offers travellers the chance to experience a holiday with a purpose. You can experience traditional Fijian culture at its best by visiting the quaint villages of the Yasawa Islands with Vinaka Fiji. Vinaka Fiji is an assistance program that aims to improve the provision of basic needs and amenities missing from village life in the Yasawas. A range of volunteer programs are available to assist the people of the remote villages achieve access to the basic necessities of life including securing access to fresh water, teaching education programs to the children, surveying the local reef systems to ensure marine conservation and many more . Volunteering is a great way to immerse yourself in the Fijian culture and give back to the community.

For expressions of interest, please contact Nikkie Mewing: Public Relations Manager, via email communications@marinetourism.co.nz

Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2014 will send the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin far from its Tahiti home to new destinations in Australia and Southeast Asia. The ship has never cruised in Asia before; it has been to Australia before, but only to Brisbane.

The company’s new second ship, the 90-passenger Tere Moana, will operate in Latin America, Costa Rica and Europe in 2014.

New for the Paul Gauguin is an 11-night Fiji-to-Australia voyage departing June 14, 2014. Ports of call include Lautoka, Fiji; Port Vila and Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu; Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; Kieta, Samurai Island and Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; and Cairns, Australia. Fares start at $5,995 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles.

Two 14-night voyages will sail between Cairns, Australia, and Singapore, visiting Thursday Island and Darwin, Australia, and Komodo Island, Bali and Semarang, Indonesia.

The cruises depart June 25 and Aug. 4, 2014, with fares from $7,395 and $7,095, respectively, including airfare from Los Angeles.

A 12-night Australia-to-Fiji voyage will depart Aug. 18, 2014, with cruise fares from $6,395 including air from Los Angeles.

The Paul Gauguin will return to Fiji in 2014 with 12- and 13-night voyages to Fiji, Tonga, the Cook and Society Islands. It also offers four of its most popular itineraries: the seven-night “Tahiti & the Society Islands,” 10-night “Society Islands & Tuamotus,” 11-night “Cook Islands & Society Islands” and 14-night “Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.”

New in 2014 for Tere Moana is a seven-night “Latin America & Caribbean” voyage to Colón, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; Aruba; Les Saintes; and St. Martin. Departing March 15, 2014, fares start at $2,995 per person.

It will operate a number of Mediterranean voyages including four seven-night “French Riviera & Spanish Isles” voyages that visit Nice, Sète and St. Tropez, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Palamós, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, Spain. Departing Aug. 16, Aug. 23, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 2014, fares start at $3,795 per person, with cruise fares from $3,795 per person.

Three seven-night Costa Rica voyages departing in December 2014 are priced from $2,695.

Journese expanded its Europe collection with offerings in Paris and London, and added new products in Italy. The expansion totals 19 luxury properties and an assortment of activities to the Journese portfolio.

To promote the new offerings, Journese is providing a $300 air credit on select bookings to Europe made by Feb. 28 for travel throughout 2013. For bookings made by March 31, travel agents will receive 500 bonus TRIP points toward their own vacation and an entry in monthly drawings for iPads. The top producer during that period will win a vacation for two in Paris, including roundtrip air.

Journese customized packages include four- and five-star properties, first class air, private transfers and private experiences. Journese guests receive complimentary breakfast in all Europe hotel accommodations. The expanded Europe collection includes six new properties in London, four new properties in Paris, and nine new properties in Italy, including properties at the Amalfi Coast and in Florence, Rome, St. Margherita and Venice.

Journese is the luxury brand of Pleasant Holidays, offering four- and five-star vacations to Australia, the Caribbean, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, England, Fiji, France, the Hawaiian Islands, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Tahiti and the United States.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is treating passengers to a post Christmas ‘Sail’ and offering three nights for free for anyone booking a seven night Yasawa or Discovery Cruise to the North of Fiji on the MV Reef Endeavour. With savings starting $702.00 there really is no excuse to not book a holiday of a lifetime.

The seven night Yasawa Islands cruise visits the islands of Waya, Naviti, Viwa, and Tivua and cruises the spectacular passage from Yaqeta Island to the Yasawas northern reaches.

Offering a truly cultural experience, guests will visit unspoilt Fijian villages and handicraft markets, experience a traditional village Sevusevu ceremony, Meke and Lovo feast, tour a village school and visit a village church and hear the beautiful sounds of the children’s choir singing.

The seven night Yasawa Islands cruise departs Port Denarau every Tuesday and Saturday at 1.00pm.

Living up to its name, the seven night Discovery Cultural cruise, the first ever Fiji cruise to circumnavigate Vanua Levu, gives passengers the ultimate chance to discover and experience four distinctive Fijian cultures, Ellice Islanders (Polynesians), Banabans (Micronesia), Fijian and Indians.

Passengers visit the Polynesian’s of Kioa Island and discover the home and history of the Banabans people on Rabi Island.

A colourful morning is spent exploring the streets and food markets at Labasa Town, home to a vast amount of Fijian Indians, and passengers will also enjoy a visit to Druadrua Primary School on Druadrua Island and a church service on Galoa Island.

The Discovery Cultural Cruise departs at 1.00pm on 05 February, 07 May, 02 July, 03 September and 05 November 2013.

The seven nights Discovery Heritage Cruise is an amazing cruise that reveals the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows passengers the ultimate experience of standing’ on the International Dateline. The cruise visits Tivua Island, the historic island of Ovalau, the Bouma Waterfall lagoon on Taveuni Island, the extinct volcanic crater, hot springs and thriving markets on Savusavu, Waiyevo Island for a church service and the 180th Meridian – the arbitrary Dateline between today and tomorrow on Taveuni Island.

The Discovery Heritage Cruise departs at 1.00pm on 01 January, 05 March, 02 April, 04 June, 6 August, 01 October and 3 December 2013.

As well as being immersed in Fijian culture on all cruises there is plenty of time for relaxation and appreciating the beautiful marine life while snorkelling over amazing coral reefs, lazing on warm white sandy beaches, basking in crystal clear waters, swimming off picturesque islands or diving in spectacular blue lagoons.

This amazing deal is valid for sale until 28 February, 2012 and valid for travel on the 7 night Yasawa Islands cruise and the 7 night Northern Fiji Cultural and Heritage cruises from 1 April, 2013 until 31 March, 2014.

Prices for the seven nights Yasawa Islands or Discovery Cruises start from $1220 per person twin share, normally $1922 per person.

All prices include meals, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, tropical island lovo feast and kava ceremony, on board entertainment, child minding (5-10yrs) at selected times, use of the ship’s facilities including swimming pool, spa, pool bar, sun deck, sauna, cocktail bar, day spa and library and transfers from the ship to Nadi/Denarau hotels.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises on T: +61 9126 8160 or from within Australia: 1300 To Fiji (86 3454), Email: fiji@captaincook.com.fj  or visit www.captaincook.com.fj

Journese, the luxury brand of Pleasant Holidays, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its rebranding on Jan. 3 with a sale and an expansion of its portfolio.

Journese is offering a future travel credit up to $250 with select bookings from Jan. 7 to March 31 for travel at more than 50 resorts worldwide.

Journese has expanded its offerings with more than 40 new resorts, villas and private residences in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Europe, French Polynesia, Mexico and the US.

The company is launching London and Paris and an enhanced Italy collection in January.

Journese is also expanding its offerings of upscale excursions, events, resort enhancements and activities in all its destinations.

It has released brochures for the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico and South Pacific, with the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Europe soon to follow. Experiences range from zip-lining, snorkeling and private excursions to upscale spa treatments, golf and dinner cruises.

Journese’s 2013-14 Mexico Experiences brochure showcases the company’s commissionable excursions, events, VIP treatment and other hand-selected activities across Mexico.

Experiences are offered both on and off resort, and range from catamaran sailing and watersports to a VIP airport lounge, golf and spa services.

“While we offer experiences in all our destinations, the brochure gives a sampling of the most sought-after opportunities, enabling travelers and their advisors to pre-plan their trip so they don’t waste vacation time planning in destination.” said Journese Vice President and Managing Director Kimberly Daley.

“Mexico is an activity-rich destination — especially our core resort areas of Riviera Maya, Cancun and Los Cabos. Our selection of cultural and adventure experiences are handpicked for the discerning Journese traveler.”

The Mexico Experiences booklet will be included with travelers’ Mexico documents and is available for download, along with The Hawaiian Islands Experiences and South Pacific Experiences brochures.

Journese’s 2013-14 South Pacific Experiences brochure presents the company’s offerings for Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Australia and New Zealand. The South Pacific Experiences booklet will be included with travelers’ South Pacific documents and is also available for download.

Journese released its first experiences brochure, The Hawaiian Islands Experiences, in July 2012, and will publish specific experience booklets from each of its other destinations across the globe.

All offerings are hand-selected by experts to keep in line with the Journese brand promise of providing the full journey experience.

Kila Eco-Adventure Park, Fiji’s newest adventure park, recently opened in Pacific Harbour offering to travelers a range of development courses that are ideal for businesses, sports, and schools. Open seven days a week, this action packed park, presents a wide array of activities to groups, such as “Kila Killer Giant Swing,” “Leap of Faith,” “Kila Thrilla” Zip Line (the longest zip line in Fiji!), “Spiders Web,” “Mohawak Walk,” and much more! Information: www.kilaworld.com

In a Fijian first, the adults-only Qamea Resort & Spa have become the first luxury resort in the North of Fiji to offer guests a daily guided surfing pass, entitled “Ticket to Ride,” offered throughout surf season now through of April 30, 2013. In partnership with Luxury Surf Pioneers, Tropicsurf, the resort offers an onsite resident surf guide who will take surfers to the breathtaking, uncrowded surf breaks only a 15 minute boat ride from Qamea.

The “Ticket to Ride” surf pass is priced at $140 USD per person, per day and includes one boat transfer per day, expert guidance, water safety, optional coaching tips from an expert coach, daily surf report, Tropicsurf gift (3+ days), access to booties, wax, sunscreens, rash guards, towels, bottled water, leashes and board valet service.

In addition, Qamea is offering a seven-night Tropicsurf package, with two free nights, valid for travel from January 10 through March 31, 2013 priced at $5,096.40 per person. The package includes seven nights’ accommodation in a beachfront bure with two free nights, all meals, selected wine, beer and soft drinks from noon to 10 p.m., half-day “Ticket to Ride” guided surf trips for one, resort activities and transfers between Taveuni Airport and Qamea.

For a limited time, Qamea will also offer a FREE one-hour “Introduction to Surfing” lagoon session with every booking, which introduces the aspiring surfers to the basic skills of board handling and ocean awareness.

Information: www.qamea.com

The Fiji Civil Aviation Authority Licensing Board officially approved eleven licenses for Inter Island Airways (Fiji) Limited to provide “scheduled domestic air Service in Fiji. The licenses cover the following scheduled routes: Suva | Nadi | Suva Suva | Labasa | Suva Suva |Savusavu | Suva Suva | Taveuni | Suva Suva |Kadavu | Suva Suva | Rotuma | Suva Nadi | Suva | Nadi Nadi | Labasa | Nadi Nadi | Savusavu | Nadi Nadi | Taveuni | Nadi Nadi | Kadavu | Nadi The airways will also provide charter (non-scheduled) air service between:

Suva and Leveku, Gao and Koro Labasa and Taveuni Now that these licenses have been recently approved, Inter Island Airways is investing in making the new airline operational in Fiji. Major activities include planned construction of a new large hangar and headquarter facilities at Nausori Airport to house key operations, and recruitment of 150 key line managers, pilots, maintenance and engineering personnel and other staff members before the airline becomes operational.

At the same time, the completion of the main base facilities at Nausori Airport will facilitate the movement of the initial planned aircraft fleet to Fiji, including a Beech 1900D, 10-seater pressurized aircraft.

Executives with Inter Island Airways believe these aircraft will provide the comfort and amenities that travelers demand of air transportation, and expect to have a fleet of five aircraft in place to launch the airline to ensure reliability of service. Their key focus is to improve reliability and increase air transportation to the Northern Islands, particular to Savusavu and Taveuni.

Information: www.interislandair.com and/or www.avianaair.com

Mamanucas

TADRAI OFFERS FREE TRANSFERS TO PARADISE

Tadrai Island Resort, one of the Mamanuca Island’s only “all-inclusive” accommodations, is pulling out all the stops for guests with a free helicopter transfer when they stay a minimum of four nights. The resort treats couples to the ultimate in peace, tranquility and their own private paradise with this special offer that is on sale now through March 31, 2013 for travel through June 30, 2013. The four-night stay includes:

French Champagne in Room on Arrival All Meals All Beverages – alcoholic & non alcoholic Daily Sunset Canapès Fully stocked Mini Bar Laundry Service Pure Fiji Amenities All Resort Activities Twice Daily Maid Service / Romantic Turndown Wi-Fi, Movies and use of an Ipad

Information: E-mail: northamerica@wrd.com.au or tadrai.com

Lomaiviti Group: TOBERUA ANNOUNCES STAY-PAY SPECIALS

Toberua Resort, an intimate boutique resort on a private island situated on a stunning lagoon, is rewarding guests who stay a minimum stay of five nights with the following Stay-Pay “Toberua Tropper Offer:” Stay 7 / Pay 4 Stay 5 / Pay 3

The offer is on sale through March 31, 2013 for travel good through March 31, 2013. Blackout dates apply. Booking Code: TOB7for4 / TOB5for3

Information: toberua.com

The North: EARLY BIRD SPECIAL CELEBRATED AT MATANGI PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT

Matangi Private Island Resort, boasting a host of accolades including, “Top Five Most Romantic Resorts in Fiji” in 2011 by Conde Nast Traveler, and listed as “Fiji’s Top Romantic Resorts,” in 2012 by Brides Magazine, is offering a Early Bird Special Stay 7/Pay 5, plus a free upgrade to a beachfront bure at an oceanview bure price when booked by March 31, 2013 for travel now through May 31, 2013. As part of their stay, honeymooners receive a bottle of sparkling wine in their bure upon arrival and a complimentary breakfast in bed for two during their stay.

Information: matangiisland.com

UNLIMITED DIVE SPECIALS ON TAP AT PARADISE TAVEUNI RESORT

Unlimited dive specials, priced at $2,499 per person, are part of the dive program at Paradise Taveuni Resort, located in the Northern region of Fiji. The offer is available from February 1 – March 31, 2013, October 1 – December 20, 2013 and February 1 – March 31, 2014. The recently-rebuilt secluded resort on Taveuni Island, the third largest island in Fiji, is located behind an extinct volcano, on an oceanfront coconut plantation, a 25-mile, one-hour ride from Matei airport. At this luxurious resort, guests experience a variety of “on-demand” adventures, and can choose from diving, saddling up for horseback ride, hiking in the nearby rainforest, jet skiing on the crystal clear ocean, or taking a guided trek to refreshing waterfalls.

The new diver package includes seven nights in a tropical bure with outdoor shower & Jacuzzi, taxes, round-trip airport road transfers, all meals, unlimited dives each day, free Paradise Massage, and a romantic four-course dinner for two.

Information: paradisetaveuni.com

NEW UNLIMTED SPA PACKAGE INTRODUCED AT PARADISE TAVEUNI RESORT

Paradise Taveuni, a boutique resort positioned on 5 acres of oceanfront land with a unique deep-water frontage allowing for guests to dive, snorkel and swim from the lava flow edge into pristine warm tropical waters at any time of the day or night, is introducing a new Unlimited Spa Package for just $FJ$300 for three days of unlimited spa treatments. The resort’s oceanfront Serenity Spa offers Swedish massage, facials, manicures, pedicures and large selection of body treatments and therapist use Pure Fiji products and locally produced virgin coconut oil.

Information: paradisetaveuni.com

KORO SUN RESORT & RAINFOREST SPA UNLEASHES STAY/PAY SPECIALS

Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa has unleashed Stay for 5 Nights, Pay for 4 Nights ($860) and a Pay for 7 Nights, Pay for 4 Nights ($1,075) on sale now through March 31, 2013 for travel January 10, 2013 through March 31, 2013. The specials include three gourmet meals daily, transfers to/from Savusavu Airport and all non-motorized resort activities, including Kids Club. The packages are based upon double occupancy and available in all room categories. Travelers can use the following *Booking codes: S5P4, S7P5.

For those travelers seeking value “add ons,” they can choose from one of the following three packages:

HONEYMOON/ROMANCE PACKAGE Sample price in Ocean View Bure First night private candlelight dinner (including a bottle of wine) First morning breakfast in bure Couples massage, Rainforest Spa Booking code: KS305HP USD $175.00 Rack rate (per couple) FAMILY FUN PACKAGE Kayak Reef exploration to Bat Island 1 hour massage for mum, Rainforest Spa Waterfall expedition with village visit (half day) Family snorkeling trip Booking code: “Family Package” USD $300.00 Rack rate (per family of 4) ADVENTURE PACKAGE One couples massage, Rainforest Spa Waterfall expedition (half day) Salt River kayak adventure (half day) Booking code: KS605AP USD $225.00 Rack rate (per couple) Information: www.korosunresort.com

DISCOVER FIJI’S ESSENCE WITH SIX NIGHTS IN PARADISE PACKAGES AT QAMEA RESORT & SPA

In celebration of its 10th Anniversary and being named “Fiji’s Leading Spa Resort” as voted by the World Travel Awards 2012,Qamea Resort & Spa is celebrating with a $750++ per person six night stay in a beautiful deluxe beachfront bure with all meals (++ taxes and transfers) and one of the below value add packages for FREE. The packages are on sale valid from now through April 30, 2013 and for travel January 10 through April 30, 2013. ROMANCE IN PARADISE (Booking Code: 6NPROM-12) (Per Couple) Free 90 minute “Lovers Tango” couples massage with tropical raw sugar glow Free Romantic picnic on secluded beach with bottle of wine or champagne Free Gift pack of essential oils and lotions

ROMANTIC BEACH WEDDING IN PARADISE (Booking Code: 6NPWED-12) (Per Couple) Free Private Beach Wedding including full legal registration, Fijian minister and floral salusalus Free one hour couples relaxation massage

ADVENTURE AND EXERCISE IN PARADISE (Booking Code: 6NPADV-12) Free Bouma Waterfalls Tour Free Lavena Coastal Walk Free Guided Jungle Hike Free one hour relaxation massage

DIVING IN PARADISE (Booking Code: 6NPDIV-12) Free 6 tanks of diving (does not include equipment rental, night dives, shore dives, or chartered dive sites) Free half hour relaxation massage

JUNGLE SPA IN PARADISE (Booking Code: 6NPSPA-12) Free 2 x one hour relaxation massages Free 1 x three hour Island Escape package – Sugar rub with 30 minute massage, Pedicure and Guinot’s remarkable Beaute Neuve Facial

Information: www.qamea.com

NEW DIVE PACKAGE UNVEILIED AT SAU BAY FIJI RESORT

Travelers can escape the crowds and be touched by the magic of Fiji when they book a Sau Bay Fiji Retreat special dive package now through March 31, 2013. The package is attractively priced at $1,669 for the first diver and $1,139 for a second diver. Prices based on double /twin occupancy. The new Dive Package includes seven nights ocean front studio cottage, taxes, round-trip boat transfers from Taveuni, three gourmet meals daily, five dive days (three days of two-tank dives and two days of three tank dives), unlimited free shore diving, complimentary non-motorized activities including sea kayaking, hiking coastal trails, sailing, and a half-hour complimentary massage. Each studio cottage has a granite wet bar with mini refrigerator, complimentary tea/fresh press coffee, outdoor shower, optional air-conditioning and luxurious linens.

Surrounded by pristine natural rainforest, with cottages situated on the ocean front of the picturesque Sau Bay, this recently renovated resort offers the ultimate in serenity and seclusion in paradise. The island is just over an hour’s flight from Fiji’s international airport in Nadi and a short boat transfer across the Somosomo strait.

Information: saubay.com

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