Travel Agent - March 31, 2008 - (Page 16) DESTINATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 nearby hotels. Myola can easily cater for 45 sitting, 70 standing, at a glorious function. Rates are fully commissionable, says Arrowsmith, who adds that “if someone is pumping through some good numbers, we’ll increase his or her percentage.” Contact him for all intricate client requests and tailor-made booking arrangements, “to provide what your guest really needs.” Another perfect choice for the discriminating client bound for the Fijian archipelago is Dolphin Island, says Louise Smythe, sales and marketing director for the new brand The Huka Retreats (www.hukaretreats.com), which also incorporates the legendary Huka Lodge in Taupo, New Zealand. Both Huka Retreat properties are owned by entrepreneur Alex van Heeren. Book Dolphin Island via reservations@hukalodge.com. Normal commission rates apply, depending upon your method of booking, says Smythe, who is reachable at louise@hukaretreats.com. ABOVE: Myola is perched on the side of a cliff, providing its guests with stunning views. BELOW: Open-air bures on Dolphin Island make for breezy, tranquil accommodations. A Truly Private Escape Smythe attests that your clients will always be the first to walk on the beach each day at this still mostly-undiscovered enclave on Fiji’s Sunshine Coast. With 13 private acres, all unspoiled and rustic, Dolphin Island is an engaging 2.5-hour drive from Nadi, offering introductions to sugar-cane plantations and charming villages, followed by a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland of Viti Livu. Clients will embrace the ultimate in barefoot luxury at this captivating resort, which welcomes a maximum of four guests, including children. Again, a host couple ensures a memorable, authentic experience at Dolphin Island, where Smythe encourages guests “to become their own Robinson Crusoes.” At Dolphin’s Fijian haven, visitors chill out or sleep in two nearby bures— one is ideal for dining and relaxing; the other has two double suites with bathrooms. In both, chic furnishings sport rich tones of red, black and white, amidst a plethora of sumptuous textures. Insiders rave about a third bure, two minutes away, which inspires decadence with one wall open to the elements. “You can walk there completely naked,” says Smythe, “then have breakfast brought to you the next morning, when you’re dressed!” Like Myola, Dolphin Island features outdoor showers. Repeat guests can’t stop talking about the always-in-motion four-poster bed, draped in muslin cloth. Courtesy of attentive staff, “it goes where the sun goes,” says Smythe, “with you in it.” We’re also told aesthetics rate high here overall; at night, candles seem to appear everywhere. Similar to Myola, the resort’s tariff includes airport and boat transfers, meals and activities, including snorkeling, kayaking and Hobie Cat sailing. Scuba diving or a facial is extra. If the subject of past internal political unrest in Fiji arises, you may tell your clients that the last activity was in December 2006. Visitors should always use common sense and obviously avoid any large, boisterous gatherings of people—highly unlikely to be found near either of these properties. No signs of strife now, reports Arrowsmith, who relaxes completely with his family while in Fiji and shares this quote, attributed to a Fijian tourism official: “The sea is still sparkling, the sun is still shining, and the Fijian people’s smiles are wider than ever.” I CONNECTING YOU For more information on Fiji, visit www.travel agentcentral.com/fiji1 16 | TravelAgent March 31, 2008 http://www.hukaretreats.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/fiji http://www.travelagentcentral.com/fiji
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