Jetsettersblog

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts’ five-star Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji is offering Wedding Ceremony and Reception packages from AUD$5,500 ($5,834), including the ceremony, reception for 50 guests and four nights’ accommodation for the bride and groom in a deluxe ocean view room complete with Talai Butler Service.

Also included is a personal wedding coordinator, marriage license, transfers to the Registry, a church minister or celebrant, floral arrangements including bouquets and button holes, a Fijian buffet dinner feast, venue hire, wedding cake and a three-hour beverage package.

The Bure Ni Loloma package offers exclusive use of the resorts hilltop Chapel with breathtaking, uninterrupted views over the Pacific Ocean.

Priced from AUD$2,117 ($2,244), this package includes a marriage license, personalized wedding coordinator, the choice of a church minister or celebrant, a tropical flower arrangement and a wedding cake.

Other inclusions are a seasonal bouquet and tiara for the bride and buttonhole for the groom, a bottle of Moet and Chandon champagne, a trio of serenaders strumming the exotic sounds of Fiji through guitar, and a romantic dinner for two followed by a leisurely breakfast in bed with VIP status for the newlyweds.

For couples who want to wed outdoors, the Garden Wedding package offers a ceremony with a choice of tropical beachside venues. Priced from AUD$1,572 ($1,667), the package features a choice of wedding locations, including one of Fiji’s beaches, the reef lawn, the sunset lawn or the tropical garden lawn.

The package includes the choice of a church minister or celebrant, a marriage license, wedding coordinator, bouquet and tiara for the bride, buttonhole for the groom, tropical flower arrangements to decorate the venue, wedding cake, a bottle of sparkling wine and a romantic dinner for two.

Couples can also choose a Renewal of Vows Ceremony for AUD$907 ($962) at a choice of four beachside venues with tropical flower arrangements for decoration.

This package includes a wedding coordinator as well as church minister or celebrant, a bouquet for the lady and buttonhole for the gentleman, traditional ceremonial mats, tapa and local mats, a trio of serenaders, a celebration cake, a bottle of sparkling wine and a romantic dinner for two. As an added touch of luxury for all couples and their families and friends, the resort has an award-winning Bebe Spa Sanctuary and Hair Salon, stylish accommodation options and packages including meal plans, entertainment, recreational activities for all ages, tour desk and shops.

The package is valid until March 31, 2013, and a minimum of 30 guests is required. All guests must stay at Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji for this offer to be valid.

From an exotic island-hopping escapade to a full ’round the world’ expedition, Qantas Holidays (www.qantasholidays.co.uk Tel 020 8222 9124) has something for all globe-trotters itching to get out and explore in 2012.

Exotic islands from £2,009 – Combine Fiji and Hong Kong for the best blend of thrills and relaxation, with an added islands cruise for a deliciously exotic twist. Perfect for Swiss Family Robinsons or couples seeking pure indulgence, Fiji is a truly tropical paradise, whilst Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant cities in Asia.

Price includes: Return international flights from London Heathrow in economy with Qantas/BA/Air Pacific, 2 nights at Cosmo Hotel, Hong Kong, including breakfast, 2 nights at Sheraton Fiji Resort, including full breakfast, 4-day Southern Yasawa Islands cruise on Captain Cook reef Endeavour, return airport transfers in Hong Kong and Fiji.

Travel between 16 January and 24 March 2012 (travel must be completed by 24 March 2012).

World Explorer from £4,669 – A round the world trip still conjures up the magic of travel from the golden age of exploration. This ultimate globe-trotting trip takes in Singapore, Australia (Cairns, Port Douglas, Ayers Rock and Sydney), New Zealand (Auckland and Rotorua), Fiji and Los Angeles.

Price includes: International and Australia domestic economy class flights from London Heathrow with Qantas/British Airways and their codeshare partners, 26 nights 4-4.5 star accommodation, 7 days Hertz Group B car hire in New Zealand

Based on travel between 16 April – 20 June 2012.

All prices quoted are inclusive of taxes, fees and other charges unless stated otherwise. Prices correct at 12 December 2011 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Travel/book by dates are as specified unless sold out prior. Offers are subject to availability which may be limited. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. All prices are ‘from’ prices, per person, based on two adults sharing. Qantas Holidays general booking conditions apply.

You’ve chosen your eight records, your book and your luxury item, now all you need is the desert island to complete the picture.

There are over 333 of them to choose from in Fiji – the jewel in the South Pacific. Many of them are still uninhabited but if you are looking for more sophistication with your idyllic island hideaway, Fiji has some wonderful luxury private islands resorts – and will even supply your Man Friday.

Choose from luxury new resort Dolphin Island where you can sleep under the stars in its hilltop open-air tree house, or one of the deserted beaches of the celebrity haunt Wakaya Club – where Keith Richards famously fell out of a tree, to name but a few.

Dolphin Island:
Just re-opened after an extensive year-long refurbishment, Dolphin Island is a stunning 13-acre private retreat – the latest addition to the exclusive Huka Retreats group.

With rooms for a maximum of just eight guests, Dolphin Island is available on an exclusive-use basis. The resort has four bures (the bure is the traditional Fijian thatched house), all stunningly designed in a laid back luxe style, with lots of white, traditional Fijian carved wooden furniture, driftwood and beautiful shell mirrors. all blending perfectly with the environment.

Guests at Dolphin Island have a team of private chefs on hand to prepare delicious meals whenever you fancy – whether it be delicious tropical fruit from the garden or the fresh fish brought daily to the island.

While away the hours sipping cocktails in your hammock, having wonderful spa treatments or exploring your private island. Fancy a dip in the sea? Dolphin Island has world class diving in the surrounding turquoise waters with snorkelling, scuba, sailing kayaking and fishing to keep you busy.

For total seclusion, you can sleep in the Hilltop Sleepout Bure – a thatched open-air house at the top of the hill nestled amongst the trees, with fantastic views over the sea. When lit at night by hurricane lanterns and candles, it is pure romance!

Special Deal – To celebrate the re-launch of Dolphin Island, guests who stay on an exclusive use basis, for three nights, will receive the fourth night free. Prices for exclusive use of a suite is £4885 per night www.dolphinislandfiji.com/

Wadigi Island
Wadigi Island is the ultimate private island seclusion: a tiny 3 acre paradise fringed by a turquoise lagoon, hidden in the Mamanuca group of islands, reached only by boat or private helicopter. Pop star Pink spent some of her honeymoon at Wadigi.

Designed exclusively for either one romantic couple, or a small group of up to six people (whether you rent one room or three, the resort is all yours), Wadigi has just three beautifully decorated suites, high up on the hillside with breathtaking views overlooking the ocean. With huge king-sized beds, relaxation decks, a movie lounge, infinity pool, huge dining patio, and endless shady day beds for snoozing in the sun, Wadigi is built for relaxation.

A stay at Wadigi comes complete with your own team of island staff – two gourmet chefs, a personal butler, a maid and boat captain all ready to pander to your every whim – be it a massage on the beach, dinner in a nook perched right on the edge of the cliff or a trip in your own private boat to the beautiful coral reefs to catch a glimpse of the dolphin pods and turtles that live in the waters just a stones throw from the island. www.wadigi.com

There are several Fijian island resorts that can be rented out on an exclusive basis. These include:

The Wakaya Club and Spa
Owned by Canadian entrepreneur David Gilmour, who later founded the Fiji Water lable, Wakaya is the secret getaway for many celebrities – most notably Keith Richards who famously fell out of a tree while enjoying a picnic on one of Wakaya’s deserted beaches, celebrities staying at Wakaya have included Tom Cruise, Bill Gates and Nicole Kidman to name just a few!

Wakaya Island is a private 2200-acre hidewaway, part of the Lomaiviti group of islands east of Vitu Levu. Surrounded by a protected coral reef, the island boasts beautiful lagoons, majestic cliffs and pristine beaches. The island was uninhabited until the current owners bought the land in 1973. Maintaining harmony with the surroundings is very important to the owners and the resort prides itself on its eco credentials.

There is a wedding chapel, a nine hole golf course and the menus have been devised by chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa.Wakaya Club has ten waterfront bures just steps from the sea with private gardens and decks, huge four-poster beds with Italian linen, open-air lava rock showers, Tibetan rugs, and Asian decorative arts. www.wakaya.com

Nukubati Island

A luxury all inclusive island eco chic private island resort with just 7 luxury bures, Nukubati is a 5 minute boat ride off the island of Vanua Levu.

Nukubati is perfect for weddings and honeymoons. They will prepare you dinner by candle light on the beach, pack you a picnic and take you to a nearby desert island or arrange walks through the rainforest,

The resort has strong eco credentials and produces all its own electricity, recycles water and waste, grows its own fruit and vegetables and supports local schools and village projects. www.nukubati.com

Matangi

Matangi, in Fiji’s lesser-known Northern group of Islands, is reached by an exhilarating 15-minute speedboat ride from nearby Taveuni Island. This 240-acre private island is predominantly lush tropical jungle, with a volcanic rim, which encloses beautiful palm-fringed Horseshoe Bay. The island has just 13 bures in total, including 3 unique tree houses perched high up in the treetops, commanding magnificent views over the beach, ocean and neighbouring islands. The other 10 bures are spread out along the beachfront, close to the water’s edge.

Great Rooms: The Tree House Room, perched high up in the trees, has a separate living area, outdoor shower and large deck with day beds and jazuzzi.

Prices at Matangi start at £233 per person per room, all-inclusive. www.matangiisland.com

. Laucala (www.laucala.com)  is an ultra-exclusive, luxurious private island resort in the waters of Vanua Levu in the North East of Fiji. Owned by Dietrick Mateschitz, the Swiss owner of Red Bull, Laucala is the perfect island escape for those who seeking total privacy.

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and set on beautiful white sand beach, the resort has just 25 bungalows or bures, all with spectacular views to the open sea. With up to three bedrooms, each bure has an outdoor pavilion and a private pool, indoor and outdoor showers and stone or wooden baths.

Laucala has a fantastic hilltop spa – each spa suites has open views from the cliff over the sea. The resort also has an 18 Hole Championship Course, yoga, riding, tennis, fishing and watersports. www.laucala.com

For bookings: Scott Dunn, www.scottdunn.com, Turquoise, www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk , Seasons www.seasons.co.uk  and Bridge and Wickers www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk

Getting There:You can fly to Fiji via Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Seoul, Australia and New Zealand. Fiji is under four hours from New Zealand and Australia and flights arrive from both daily. The national carrier, Air Pacific, operates in partnership with Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand, British Airways, Qantas and Virgin Atlantic all connect in the above mentioned cities with Air Pacific. Alternatively Korean Air operate 3 services per week from London to Nadi International via Seoul.

For further information on Fiji visit www.fijime.com  or telephone 0800 652 2158.

Discover Fiji from your desk – Best Western’s new Fiji website introduces you to the culture, experiences and accommodation options available in Australia’s favourite playground.

The website offers cultural tips in everything from race and religion, to etiquette for a village visit and even how to pronounce Fijian words.

Visitors to the new website can also view Best Western’s three Fiji hotels in Nadi and Suva – with fantastic travel deals available all year round, like the “Internet Saver Rate”, which can only be booked online.

Kimi Anderson, General Manager of Sales and Marketing said, “The new website also features a direct link to view live rates, availability and to book the Fiji hotel you want”.

Best Western’s Fiji hotels, which joined the global brand in June 2011, offer unique Fijian friendliness, global quality standards and affordable prices for families, business or leisure travellers.

Visit www.bestwestern.com.fj  for more.

The second Jazz and Blues Festival will be hosted in Fiji from the May 10-13, 2012. Featuring an exciting line up of stars from the jazz and blues worlds of United States, England, Australia and New Zealand, the event is going to be held on Denarau Island’s Port Denarau Marina. Former Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Officer Josefa Tuamoto stated that “the event cements Fiji’s role as the hub of South Pacific tourism and is expected to become an annual fixture of Fiji’s calendar of events! Special flight and accommodation packages will be available from Air Pacific and the festival’s travel partners.

Information: www.fijijbfest.org

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