Everything Under The
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Everything under the sun Your guide to Fij DISCOVER HOW EFFORTLESS TRUE LUXURY CAN BE CALL +679 6756 800 OR SEE MORE AT WWW.FIJIBEACHRESORTBYHILTON.COM Contents Contents Welcome to happiness 2 Fijian smiles – Where happiness finds you 3 Adventure on demand 5 Just cruising 13 Say ‘I Do’ 19 A journey to living culture 27 Let’s get together 35 Published by Lap of luxury 45 ProMag Publishing Ltd in Events with Pacific flavour 50 partnership with Tourism Fiji. Editor: Stu Freeman Time to dine 53 Contributing writers: Ruth Island escapes 61 Scott, Ashleigh Gilchrist Sales executive: Trish Freeman Out and about 65 Graphics: Gary Covich Revive in paradise 73 Printing: Image Centre ProMag Publishing is at Unit 3 Where kids connect 77 208 West Coast Rd, Glen Eden. PO Box 60154 Titirangi. Deep blue sea 81 Ph +64 9 818 7807 Retail therapy 85 www.promag.co.nz travelinc FIJI february/march 2013 1 Welcome Rafting the interior with Rivers Fiji… a different side to Fiji – Where Happiness Finds You (Photo courtesy of Rivers Fiji) Welcometo happiness Recently I had the pleasure of rafting on the Navua River, in Fiji’s interior. It was a great experience, with plenty of adrenalin and spectacular scenery. Yet the enduring memory that will always be with me is of the local guides – their smiles, laughter, enthusiasm and genuine friendliness. We know through extensive research that Travel agents and their clients have told us it is these smiles and the heartfelt hospitality that the diversity of content in this book was of the Fijian people that draws travellers from what really stood it apart, so we have added New Zealand and around the world time and even more variety in this second edition. And time again. No wonder our new message is, Fiji of course, we cover the beach experience – an – Where happiness Finds You, because, believe essential ingredient to a Fiji holiday. However, me, the smiles are infectious. the book also covers adventure, weddings and In this, the second edition of Everything romance, corporate incentives and meetings, under the sun Your guide to Fiji, we detail a cultural experiences, dining, shopping, cruising, myriad of experiences that will help people family holidays, island excursions and many find their idea of happiness – be it through other attractions and activities. enjoying a tasty curry at a local restaurant, I am sure this book will assist anyone planning being pampered at a luxury spa, riding the a trip to Fiji – Where Happiness Finds You. waves on a world famous surf break, sipping a cool lager (or cocktail) as the sun sets, being Sala Toganivalu Regional Director New Zealand immersed in culture at a local village and so Tourism Fiji much more. www.fiji.travel Facebook: facebook.com/Fiji 2 travelinc FIJI february/march 2013 Introduction Meeting the people… the key factor that makes a visit to Fiji special Fijian smiles – with a private plunge pool and a spa treatment. Overlaying all this, when it comes to Fiji, is one specific factor – the country’s people. ‘We know that when people leave Fiji they leave in a happier state of mind than when they Where arrived,’ says Sala Toganivalu, Regional Director New Zealand with Tourism Fiji. ‘So we have asked the question, what makes them happy? All the surveys identify that the hospitality of the Fijian people, their friendliness and their happiness welcoming nature are what gives Fiji that special touch.’ Fiji has adopted a new branding and marketing campaign, ‘Fiji – Where happiness Finds You’, and Toganivalu says that it is a finds you message that will resonate with When it comes to happiness everyone has a critical ‘touch point’, something that stands out more than anything else. For a family in Fiji, this could mean leaving the children to have fun and meet new friends while in the care of the world’s best nannies. For teenagers it may be having an adrenalin rush while white water rafting with smiling guides from the local village. And for couples, happiness may be best found Sophisticated dining, sun and sea – it all comes together in Fiji in a secluded piece of paradise complete travelinc FIJI february/march 2013 3 Introduction Wellness and relaxation tie into happiness for most people New Zealanders. ‘Happiness is a key factor for everyone, it is roti and chicken curry. an indicator of your state of being. This is true ‘You can accompany this with a cold beer, whether you live in America or Africa, Australia wine, cocktail or mocktail or a fresh fruit juice. or New Zealand.’ If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous you can She points out that a recent Gallup Poll pick up some ‘bu’ from the local market where a placed Fiji as the ‘happiest place in the world’ local will chop the top off a green coconut, stick and number one on a ‘global barometer of a straw in it and the lovely fresh juice is all yours.’ happiness.’ ‘So we do have the credentials to Toganivalu says the retail sector in Fiji is also make such a claim.’ having a resurgence, in terms of both local Toganivalu says many New Zealanders are and international goods. ‘A number of home familiar with the joys of Fiji, but whether it is grown Fiji brands have now gained worldwide as a repeat visitor or a first timer, Kiwis will find recognition and these are available in shops plenty to see, do and enjoy in the destination. at Port Denarau, in resorts and in retail outlets ‘Travel agents and their clients can be around the islands. confident that Fiji can cater for all tastes She says a key message to the travel trade in and requirements, be it for the wedding, New Zealand, as well as to travellers, is to enjoy honeymoon and romance market, a safe the resorts and the sun, sea and surf aspects of and enjoyable family holiday, a corporate Fiji but always take into account that there is so conference or experience, an adventure holiday, much more to Fiji. a sophisticated culinary experience and much ‘It is so easy to get off the beaten track, into more. Variety is the key.’ the interior or up to the north of Viti Levu, She says food and beverage is a fine example up to idyllic islands such as Vanua Levu and of this variety. ‘People can find international Taveuni. There are also experiences both on cuisine at a five star resort, fine dining land and sea, such as four wheel driving, zip restaurants through to casual seafood and lining, rafting, diving and much more that will ethnic eateries, cafés and bars and local curry occupy New Zealand travellers for an extra day houses that will serve you a a tasty package of or even a week’. 4 travelinc FIJI february/march 2013 Adventure on demand adventure Thumbs up to a day of activities with Adrenalin Fiji GroupTherapy From a themed dinner in a local Fijian village to an ‘amazing sand cay adventure’ involving cruising, jet ski safaris and a private oasis set up on a secluded island, Adrenalin Fiji continues to refine and expand its offerings for the group market. Liza Walsh, sales and marketing manager Fijian surf break in our Bel’Mare vessel and with Adrenalin, says the company is well known have a professional surf personality on board as a provider of water sports and can certainly to give a workshop. It’s all about people buying set up activities on the beach at Denarau (or experiences.’ other sites) for people to take part in such as She says that product can be developed parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating and further, with the corporate team flying into the kayaking. ‘We can also bring in music or set up Yasawas, spending a day fishing, jet skiing down a bar or an ice cream station.’ to the Mamanucas and joining the Bel’Mare – However, she says the message to groups is again possibly with a surfing element tied in. that Adrenalin can handle almost anything in Walsh says Adrenalin works closely with terms of experiences. ‘Let us assist you to design destination management companies and your day. We do cruising experiences, private resorts in Fiji and can also work directly with guided jet ski safaris, sand cay adventures, customers where applicable. village visits during the day and themed ‘We have a relationship with two villages, dinners with entertainment in the evening, and so we can organise a themed dinner where those beach activities. a lovo is put down, we have a kava ceremony ‘For high end groups we can do things really and welcome, fire walking and fire dancing and out of the box. For example as an incentive then the meal with traditional singing. That reward we could take people out to a famous satisfies a group wanting to have a themed 6 travelinc FIJI february/march 2013 adventure AdRenalin Fiji Adrenalin answers the ‘what to do?’ in Fiji. Operating since 2005, the premier provider of watersports, jet ski safaris, village tours, boat charters, diving, jet boat rides and surfing, Adrenalin is located on Denarau Island, and capable of relocating to nearby destinations by pre-arrangement. Adrenalin has proven experience, knowledge and quality equipment to create exclusive, tailor-made programmes to deliver the ‘WOW’ factor. P +679 675 1288 E [email protected] W www.adrenalinfiji.com RIvers Fiji Rivers Fiji provides an incredible adventure into remote highland villages, dense tropical forests and aqua-blue ocean alive with brilliant corals and wildlife. Rivers Fiji is committed to sustainable tourism - our guides grew up along the rivers we explore and know their environment better than anyone.