Room for family Romance, luxury, intimacy. and friends at Musket Cove Multi-generational family and small group travel is one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry. Particularly as family and friends spread further apart for work opportunities and have busier lives in general! Just finding the time to get together can be challenge, and so can finding the right accommodation option. Which is why Musket Cove is a fantastic option. Musket Cove is home to 16 two-bedroom villas – each one with ensuite bathrooms, kitchenettes and indoor/outdoor living spaces. And with the islands open spaces to explore, plenty of activities and some first-class dining options, all tastes are well catered for. The resort also has a number of bonuses for these larger bookings – to find out more about free nights, transfers, discounted meal plans, activities and spa treatments, simply get in touch with them.

Fresh kids fun at Koro Sun Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa on is well-known as a family friendly resort and they are living up to that reputation by refreshing their Jungle Kids Club space. Plus, they’ve gone a step further by updating their kids programme with a bunch of fun and educational activities. These include forest trekking, sandcastle building, kids yoga, lawn games, Fijian meke practice and flower basket making. Needless to say the kids will have an absolute ball at Koro Sun Resort!

Your Fiji island paradise awaits...

Just steps from the pristine sands of Lailai in the , Fiji, sits the iconic Musket Cove, a four-star island resort which blends the barefoot ambience of a tropical island with the warm hospitality and traditions of the Fijian people.

36 individual luxurious villas situated on five acres of tropical gardens. [email protected] | musketcovefiji.com [email protected] | +682 23953 | www.crownbeach.com Spring 2019 islandtime 29 Fiji 'Bula Bid’ offers Business Class luxury Three-course fine dining, lie-flat bed on A330’s, plus all the other benefits of Business Class. travellers tempted by the extra luxury can make a ‘Bula Bid’. It’s all very simple if a booking is eligible for an upgrade, travellers will receive an email invite seven days prior to the scheduled flight – to make Fiji Airways an offer to upgrade. Being an auction, the higher the offer, the more chance the traveller has of securing a Business Class upgrade. Then travellers will receive an email letting them know whether their Bula Bid Upgrade offer was successful or not. This email can be received at any time, up to 18 hours prior to the scheduled flight's departure. Happy Bula Bidding!

Samantha joins Tourism Fiji team Tourism Fiji have a new Public Relations Manager, Samantha Pearson. Samantha began the role in late August and will be based in the Auckland office. “I am so honoured and thrilled to be joining the passionate team at Tourism Fiji," she says. Fiji is such a special product with so many beautiful storytelling opportunities. I am looking forward to helping maximise value on all of the upcoming Tourism Fiji campaigns, along with inspiring more New Zealanders to experience this island nation firsthand,” she said. AHU3030 - I T

Fiji’s first and only authentic over-water bures.

Luxury. A special place in a magical location for adults only. Proudly Fijian owned and traditionally designed amidst a pristine and protected natural environment, surrounded by azure ocean. Stay 7 nights and receive free helicopter, seaplane or private speedboat transfers*. For reservations and information visit Or between November and March, stay 5 nights and receive a sixth night FREE. www.likulikulagoon.com or Telephone +(679) 672 0978 From NZD $850pp* per night including all meals. * Email: [email protected] Conditions apply. Approx rates only – check daily FOREX rates.

30 islandtime Spring 2019 Fiji Senior staff Tropica Island Resort join Hilton Fiji expands its team There’s a new addition to the Two new members have joined the management team at Hilton Fiji. Nauman Tropica Island Resort team Hasan is the new Hotel Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali following the creation of a new Island, while Waleed Hassan has joined as Cluster Commercial Director Director of Sales & Marketing of both Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji – roie. Wayne Deed who comes Sonaisali Island. from a tourism background Both bring a wealth of hospitality experience. Nauman Hasan comes to in Fiji, has been given the DoubleTree from the Treasury Casino and Hotel Brisbane, where he was position, which will see him Operations Manager. While Waleed brings over 18 years of experience within take responsibility for global the Hilton - his most recent position was as Cluster Commercial Director at sales, trade and consumer Hilton Suites and Conrad Makkah in Saudi Arabia. We wish them well. marketing.

Deed says he is honoured to be joining the team. “I’m super excited to work with our current key trade partners and to develop new business opportunities.

The resort is just beautiful and perfectly suited for couples and groups wanting to relax and rejuvenate or celebrate a special occasion”. Rob Cecconi, owner of Tropica Island Resort says Wayne’s experience in Fiji makes him the perfect fit for the role.

“We are absolutely delighted that Wayne has joined our dynamic team, charged with navigating our strategic expansion into global trade and consumer markets. Wayne’s depth of experience, passion for Fiji and his commitment to providing the highest standard of customer care makes Nauman Hasan Waleed Hassan Wayne an ideal fit for this key leadership role.”

Be free at Malolo! Malolo Island Resort is about a bure near the beach, surrounded by the world’s friendliest people with a living and authentic culture. Perfect for families and couples alike, you can fill your day with a myriad of activities or simply unwind and do nothing at all. Year round choose from F$200 resort credits, Kids Eat FREE with 5 night stays, or between November and March, stay 5 nights and receive 1 extra night FREE! Malolo. This is the way the world should be. AHU2481/VT–HPH T +679 672 0978 | [email protected] www.maloloisland.com

For reservations and information NZD visit www.maloloisland.com 530 *Conditions apply. Approx rates only – check daily FOREX rates.

Spring 2019 islandtime 31 Fiji

Vomo walks away Vivienne takes on with top award Outrigger marketing Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has welcomed Vivienne Valentine as their new Island Fiji has a new feather in its cap. At the recent Hotel Director of Sales. VIvienne brings with her a wealth of sales and marketing Management Awards held in Sydney, Vomo won best Fijian resort experience in the tourism sector and an impressive background in international against some stiff competition with the calibre of nominations including relations. Her tourism background includes sales and marketing roles at over 50 nominees. Namale Fiji Resort, Warwick International Hotels South Pacific and Tourism Fiji. General Manager Last year she put her Master of International studies to use, participating in the Justin King and wife U.S. Department of State Professional Fellows Program on Leading Change Melanie were at the in Washington D.C and the East-West Centre Tourism Professionals Fellows Awards Dinner at Program, in Hawai’i. the ICC Sydney to General manager, Mr. Darren Shaw said that he was delighted to have Vivienne accept the award. on his executive team. “Vivienne brings a wealth of knowledge through her “While I am a relative various roles in the tourism sector and will be a great asset as we embark on newcomer to the an exciting new era for our much loved resort,” he said. island, it is an honour to be able to accept this award on behalf of the VOMO team. No other property in Fiji delivers such a unique blend of heartfelt luxury, and meticulous attention to detail. It is humbling to be recognised for this achievement, and something that each team member of the property should be very proud of.” Well done Vomo!

32 islandtime Spring 2019 Your cultural adventures begins here

Likuri Island Fiji - Likuri Harbor, Coral Coast, Fiji Island Phone: +679 776 099 Email: [email protected] Website: www.likurifiji.com WHEREWHEREWHERE RAINFORESTRAINFORESTRAINFOREST MEETS REEF MEETSMEETSMEETS REEF REEF REEF & ADVENTURE & ADVENTURE& ADVENTURE& ADVENTURE MEETS ULTIMATE SERENITY. MEETSMEETS ULTIMATEMEETS ULTIMATE ULTIMATE SERENITY. SERENITY. SERENITY.

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Packages FROM $1950AUD PackagesPackagesPackages FROM FROM $1950 FROM$1950 $AUD1950AUD AUD

Pricing in AUD for 5 nights, tax inclusive, for a stay in a Garden Bure for two adults. PricingPricing in AUDPricing in for AUD 5 innights, for AUD 5 nights, taxfor inclusive,5 nights,tax inclusive, tax for inclusive,a stay for ain stay afor Garden ina staya Garden Burein a Gardenfor Bure two for Bureadults. two for adults. two adults.

[email protected] KOROSUNRESORT.COM [email protected]@[email protected] KOROSUNRESORT.COMKOROSUNRESORT.COMKOROSUNRESORT.COM Fiji 'Legends of the Pacific Show' turns 21 A few miles north of Natadola Beach on the Coral Coast is Likuri Island, home to Robinson Crusoe Island Tours. Likuri Island was largely uninhabited prior to the 1980s. In 1998, a Samoan chief's son, brought the gift of fire dancing to the island, and Robinson Crusoe Island Tours, became well known for its spectacular cultural performances. Now 21 years later, the Legends of the Pacific Show continues to go from strength to strength. “This is a proud milestone for us, the feedback we have been receiving from our guests is just amazing and is a true testament to the hard work our team puts in to ensure that everyone has a wonderful time while visiting our little island,”said Ms Bellchambers, General Manager of Robinson Crusoe Island Tours. To tie in with the celebration, the team has also been recognized in the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created to honour those businesses that have earned a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years. Well done to all!

Longer stays on the menu at Six Senses Looking for a mix of beachside luxury and fine cuisine? This may be the perfect option. Six Senses Fiji has created a new offer, where guests that stay for three nights or more in 2019, will receive a complimentary half board meal plan that includes breakfast and dinner for every day of their stay. The resort is also accommodating longer stayers too. Six Senses guests will receive one complimentary night when paying for four, or two complimentary nights when paying for five with the complimentary half board meal plan thrown in for good measure. These two options will extend into 2020, giving guests the perfect excuse for a Fijian New Year’s celebration.

Spring 2019 islandtime 35 Fiji

Exciting additions at Plantation Island After the completion of major building projects, Plantation Island Resort has developed a variety of facilities that enhance its stunning beachfront location. The work consisted of two projects that were built side by side. Public facilities included a new arrivals bure, Tavola Restaurant and Bar, and a new pool. Alongside this, 40 new ‘hotel style’ rooms were built in four double story blocks – all boasting views of beautiful Bay. The rooms also come with a balcony or patio, so that guests can enjoy indoor/outdoor living. Already one of Fiji’s most popular family-friendly island resorts, Plantation Island will no doubt become even more sought after!

Likuliku’s private island experience In 2018 Likuliku secured the lease of Mociu Island (pronounced “Moor-thiew”) - a private, tiny, uninhabited island only 15 minutes boat ride from the resort. Mociu is a protected nature reserve and the waters and reef around it have been declared a marine “na tabu” by the Paramount Chief of the Mamanucas – meaning no form of fishing or shell fish collecting is allowed. If you’re lucky enough to be staying at Likuliku, you’ll have the option of enjoying this by invite-only island. Exclusive Mociu Island experiences include the following: Mociu Snorkel - experience incredible marine life and colourful coral as you snorkel directly off the private beach or around the back of the island, Mociu Sunrise - venture out early morning for a hike to the top of the island to take in the beauty of a Fiji sunrise, and Mociu Picnic – for some daytime private romance, enjoy a lunchtime picnic on Mociu’s private beach. They all sound amazing!

Kokomo creates a world of wellness Boutique luxury property, Kokomo Private Island Fiji has created three incredible wellness journeys for guests – each one includes tailored movement sessions and spa treatments to help participants reach their personal wellness goals. The Activate Retreat is for guests looking to kick- start a new fitness regime or enhance their current activity. The program involves working closely with Kokomo’s on-site fitness team, personal training sessions, as well as post-session soothing massages, naturopathy and other holistic wellness treatments. The Rest and Restore Retreat is a restorative program aimed to soothe the spirit and restore the body. While the Bespoke Journey allows guests to create their own personally crafted program, tailor-made to suit any and all wellness needs in terms of nutrition, holistic treatments and activities. The hard part will be choosing which journey to take!

36 islandtime Spring 2019 At Pacific Island Air sky high standards run in the family. If you arrive in Fiji and your first priority is catching a helicopter transfer out to an idyllic island resort, you’ll probably be too excited to think about the company that’s taking you there!

If you’re flying with Pacific Island Air, it’s still nice to know you’re in the safe hands of a highly respected New Zealand based aviation group. Christchurch based GCH Aviation is the parent company of Garden City Helicopters, Wellington Helicopters, Kaikoura Helicopters, plus they have branches in Nelson and Greymouth. And along with the Pacific Island Air operation in Fiji, they also operate Vanuatu Helicopters out of Port Vila. While GCH Aviation’s reach is impressive, it all started from small beginnings back in 1983. The evolution into tourism and charter flights, air ambulance and rescue operations and commercial flying services as well as fixed-wing aircraft charter operations is testament to their ethos of constant improvement. The latest example is the recent introduction of a new Airbus EC130 helicopter to Pacific Island Air fleet. The six-passenger EC130 is a modern machine with huge bubble windows for viewing Fiji’s spectacular islands and reefs. It is also much quieter and offers air-conditioned comfort on those warm tropical days. GCH Aviation are also the only aviation company in New Zealand to be awarded supplier status with Virtuoso – a leading global network of agencies who partner over 1,800 of the world’s best travel companies including hotels, cruise lines and tour operators. On top of that, GCH Aviation operate the South Islands first 24/7 FBO (Fixed Base Operation) private jet centre which can receive international jets with full customs clearance facilities on site in Christchurch. So next time you’re eager to get from International Airport to the sparkling blue waters of your Fiji island paradise, you’ll know you’re travelling with a company that sets the highest of standards in everything it does. IT’S THE HOLIDAY YOU HAVE IT’S THEBEEN HOLIDAY DREAMING YOU OF... HAVE and one your kids would enjoy too! BEEN DREAMING OF... and one your kids would enjoy too!

FIND OUT MORE FROM FIJI’S EXPERTS IN LUXURY FAMILY ESCAPES | VOMOFIJI.COM

38 islandtime Spring 2019

FIND OUT MORE FROM FIJI’S EXPERTS IN LUXURY FAMILY ESCAPES | VOMOFIJI.COM Northern Fiji

Vanua Levu and , respectively Fiji's second and third largest islands, along with dozens of smaller outer islands, are commonly referred to as Fiji's "North". Savusavu on Vanua Levu is known as "Fiji's hidden paradise" and is home to authentic restaurants, eclectic watering holes and a busy market. It is also the gateway to the avenue of palm trees, blue bays and old plantations that make up the 112km Hibiscus Highway. Taveuni is known as "Fiji's Garden Island" for its prehistoric jungle of palms, monster ferns and tropical wildflowers that attract interesting bird life, along with its offshore dazzling corals and diverse marine life. The island group sits northeast of across the strait known as Bligh Water. Getting to the Northern islands is easy. (Fiji Airways’ domestic carrier) flies from Nadi to Savusavu and Taveuni daily and from to Savusavu twice weekly. A few other local airlines also offer flights. Accommodation The region has a range of homestay and backpacker accommodation. Many resorts are set on spectacular beaches with access to the region's famed dive spots. From beach cottages to dive resorts and luxury retreats, accommodation covers all bases. Experiences From the rainforest to the reef, Taveuni Island and Savusavu, on Vanua Levu, are your places for the world's best soft coral dive and snorkelling sites, hiking, experiencing authentic Fijian culture, or just soaking up the sun. Savusavu is surrounded by mountains, rivers and waterfalls; visitors can go tubing down the Sekawa river, plunge into refreshing waterfalls or hike through the rainforest. A visit to the hot springs are a quintessential part of the trip, where locals often cook their meals in boiling water and bathe in warm mud pools nearby.

Taveuni is an eco tourist's dream: its nature reserve harbours an abundance of native plants and wildlife. Offshore are dive sites such as Eel Reef and the Great White Wall, a fantastic drop-off covered in soft white coral, that is teeming with exotic fish and coral. Bouma National Heritage Park offers hiking trails to stunning waterfalls and world-class birdwatching. IT’S THE HOLIDAY YOU HAVE 5 Days in Northern Fiji Day Transfer by plane to Taveuni Island where the Taveuni Palms Resort will be the perfect escape from reality. Settle in and enjoy 1 BEEN DREAMING OF... an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling. Dinner will be served by IT’S THE HOLIDAY YOU HAVE your private chef in your own residence overlooking the azure waters. Day Wake to see a school of dolphins do their daily swim past the villas and one your kids would enjoy too! between 8 and 9:30am. Then spend the day at Gaiatree Sanctuary, 2 where you'll be guided through an "edible landscape" and taught BEEN DREAMING OF... about native edible greens, medicinal herbs and exotic spice leaves. That evening, enjoy stargazing from your patio, picking out the constellations from the night sky.

Day Transfer to Savusavu via plane transfer and experience the breath- and one your kids would enjoy too! taking five-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. This luxury seaside 3 coconut plantation ensures no outside distractions so you can get on with hiking, fishing, snorkelling and even mud crabbing. You might also wish to head to the J.Hunter Pearl Farm in Savusavu Bay.

Day Today is the day for exploring. First visit Nukubalavu, a traditional village, and enjoy an afternoon of authentic Fijian culture by 4 playing sport with the local kids and watching traditional dance performances. Later, the kids can spend a few hours playing at the Kids Club or be looked after by a dedicated nanny, giving the adults a moment to enjoy a relaxing beach-side massage or yoga class.

Day After an action-packed few days, ease into your last morning with swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling straight off the beach — 5 and hoping for one last glimpse of the beautiful marine life below. Check out and fly back to Nadi Airport, feeling refreshed and ready for your journey home.

FIND OUT MORE FROM FIJI’S EXPERTS IN LUXURY FAMILY ESCAPES | VOMOFIJI.COM

FIND OUT MORE FROM FIJI’S EXPERTS IN LUXURY FAMILY ESCAPES | VOMOFIJI.COM