Recommend February 2011 - (Page 28)

fantastical FIjI continued from page 26 Fiji is where one can be pampered in five-star resorts; surf, swim, snorkel or dive in crystal waters; trek to outer islands; raft in wild rivers; experience island life as it was a few hundred years ago; taste the delights of exotic cuisine, or just loll in a hammock surrounded by astonishing tropical beauty. Spa treats at Outrigger on the Lagoon. magnificent scenery and a vast number of activities. Nadi, the gateway city, has excellent shopping and delightful restaurants. The main island, Viti Levu, is dotted with towns accented by colorful open-air markets, cafes, clubs and landmarks and its interior offers some of the best kayaking, diving, fishing and whitewater rafting in the South Pacific. Indeed, Fiji is where one can be pampered in five-star resorts; surf, swim, snorkel or dive in crystal waters; trek to outer islands; raft in wild rivers; experience island life as it was a few hundred years ago; taste the delights of exotic cuisine, or just loll in a hammock surrounded by astonishing tropical beauty. Most Americans will first set foot on the majestic isles when landing in Nadi, a large city that’s home to Fiji’s international airport and is serviced by 15 international airlines. Air Pacific and Continental Airlines have direct flights from the U.S. mainland. This is where a traveler first gets a taste of the hits to come. Since Nadi sits on Viti Levu, it is rather cosmopolitan in flavor. It’s not as urbane as Suva, the capital that lies on the other side of Viti Levu, but it reflects the atmosphere of the island. Viti Levu suffers from a climatic dual personality. The eastern slope 28 february 2011 is a vast and hilly rainforest covered with mist. A few miles leeward, the country is arid and rocky, with a landscape that uncannily resembles Southern California. About 15 miles off Viti Levu’s western shore in the Mamamuca Island group, Qalito (also known as Castaway) Island from a distance looks like a backdrop for a Gauguin painting or the setting for a Robert Louis Stevenson South Seas story. There are different ways to reach it from Viti Levu: split-decked catamarans (about $55 pp), amphibious plane ($170 pp) from Nadi International Airport, or 6-passenger helicopters ($190 pp). The island is home to the aptly named Castaway Island Resort, and even a brief stay there gives the sense of being on a private island. The 174-acre resort is dotted with 66 bures, the thatched bungalows typical to the South Pacific. Although not all offer ocean views, the grounds resemble a tropical garden. Rates range from approximately $430 per night dbl for what’s called an Island Bure, to about $1,300 for a seafront family bure accommodating six. This is a place that can say without blushing that “the living is easy.” Active guests will enjoy the pleasant hiking trails through a rainforest leading to a mountain where views of the island group stun. Several nearby beaches are excellent for swimming, snorkeling or beachcombing. A more intimate retreat is Navini Resort off the island of the same name off Nadi. Uncrowded and unspoiled beaches that are simultaneously desolate and inviting ring the tiny island. With a mere 10 bures facing white sandy beaches and the sapphirecolored water of the bay, Navini seems designed for seclusion and relaxation. The resort goes out of its way to pamper and its staff (36) outnumbers guests. It’s set on a diminutive island so small that one can easily stroll around it in about 15 minutes. Navini was declared a protected marine sanctuary 17 years ago and is considered to have one of the finest coral reefs in the country. Guests can see an astonishing variety of fish swimming on the reef only a few feet from the sand. Scientists often visit to study sea turtles laying and hatching their eggs in the powdery sand. The bungalows are delightful, airy and comfortable. Rates run from about $325 per night dbl for a 1-bedroom cabin, to approximately $440 for a 2-bedroom villa. recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend February 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Crystal Cruises' Serenity
Flights of Fancy With One&Only Cape Town
South African Airways
South Africa Set to Score Big in 2011
Fantastical Fiji
Luxury Lands in Puerto Rico
Grenada
Barbados: High-End, Low-Key
Bermuda Scales Back
Peru is Gaga Over Luxury
Starry Arizona
Acqualina Resort & Spa, Florida
Baden-Baden, Germany
New Choices in Luxury Tweak Mexico's Landscape
Invigorating Girl Escapes

Recommend February 2011