22 islandtime Autumn 2019

Fiji

Koro Sun introduces the ‘Rainforest Spa After Dark’ treatmentGuests at Boutique Fijian resort Koro Sun can now finish their day with a relaxing, candle-lit spa treatment to the sounds of the surrounding rainforest. The awardwinning Rainforest Spa is nestled in the rainforest at Koro Sun, which will come alive at night with specialty lights that illuminate the flora and fauna of the virgin rain forest. WRD Resort Marketing Manager, Nina Coulson said the experience is a delight for the senses. “Your treatment is enhanced by the soothing sound of trickling streams and the soft call of local birdlife, as well as the calming scent of organic spa ingredients,” she says. The spa’s signature 'After Dark Treatment' helps with deep sleep and includes a one hour aromatherapy massage using calming oils, an Ayurvedic inspired face and scalp massage and a nightcap of golden turmeric milk.

Likuliku makes romance irresistibleFive-star adults-only haven, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, is paradise for couples looking to celebrate a wedding, honeymoon or just have a romantic escape. To make the experience easier (and more enjoyable), the award-winning resort has put together a variety of packages that include everything a couple could possibly want. A terrace candle lit wedding dinner for two, luxurious couples spa treatments, Fijian choir and Fijian warrior guard, French champagne on arrival – these are just a few of the romantic goodies on offer. And of course a couple can personalise their experience if they so desire. As we said, it’s irresistible!

AH

U3030 -IT

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*. Or between November and March, stay 5 nights and receive a sixth night FREE.

From NZD $850pp* per night including all meals.*Conditions apply. Approx rates only – check daily FOREX rates.

For reservations and information visit www.likulikulagoon.com or Telephone +(679) 672 0978 Email: likulikures1@ahuraresorts.com

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Fiji

Malolo Island makes it sixSome resorts find it hard to maintain high standards, but not so Malolo Island Resort. The property has been awarded the Best Quality Accommodation 2018 award at the annual ANZ Fiji Tourism Excellence in Tourism Awards for… (wait for it) the sixth time since 2010. Ahura Group General Manager Steve Anstey said the award was a significant achievement that showed the "consistency, passion and hard work” of the Malolo team.

“Malolo, with its friendly service, quality cuisine and the happiest of kids clubs is a unique destination, but it’s the people at Malolo who truly make the difference.”

He went on to thank the resort’s guests, 25 percent of whom come back year after year. The 100 percent Fijian-owned resort will celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year. All we can say is well done and keep up the good work!

Plantation pool refresh caters to kidsFiji family favourite, Plantation Island Resort, has completed a total of refurbishment of its popular kids pool. The brand new tiles have created a fresh, clean look, but they’ve also added a number of safety features such as hand rails up the stairs and anti-slip surfaces around the outside of the pool. The resort has also refurbished the pool’s slides too. No doubt visiting kids will be in for hours and hours of fun!

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.T +679 672 0978 | malolores1@ahuraresorts.com www.maloloisland.com

Be free at Malolo!

For reservations and information visit www.maloloisland.com

*Conditions apply. Approx rates only – check daily FOREX rates.

AHU

2481

/VT–

HPH

530NZD

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Fiji

VOMO welcomes new GM and farewells the Leslie familyIn April VOMO will welcome Justin King as its new General Manager. Justin is no stranger to Fiji, previously managing an island resort in the Yasawa region. His experience in luxury resorts includes managing the Australian icon, Saffire Freycinet Lodge in Tasmania as well as senior roles held in London, Doha and Sydney.

After making the island their home for six years, current GM Mark Leslie, his wife Renee and their son Lochie will bid farewell to the island in March. Mark’s achievements include the complete refurbishment of the villas in 2015, the opening of the five star PADI Dive centre and Kui Spa and a significant rebuild after Cyclone Winston. Mark’s successful time at VOMO will conclude with him turning on the water in the soon to be opened, adults-only Rocks pool.

VOMO spoils adults just a little bit moreTucked away on the secluded western tip of VOMO Island is the resort’s adults-only sanctuary at the Rocks Bar & Restaurant. For grown-ups it's the perfect place to chill out and soak up the afternoon sun (with cocktail in hand and delicious snacks at the ready). If that wasn’t enough, the resort has gone a step further by adding a brand new pool in this idyllic location.

It all comes complete with designer day beds, submerged pool seating, sun loungers, umbrellas – not to mention breathtaking views of the ocean and Vomo Lailai (little Vomo). In a word, bliss!

Top chef returns to VOMOFresh seasonal produce, seafood and local Fijian flavours will once again be showcased by top New Zealand based chef Nic Watt at VOMO in May. The five days of ‘tastes’ will feature a selection of four-course menus, cocktails and canapes, and MASU Japanese Robata style taste plates. This is the second year Nic has returned to VOMO to host the event. Designing his menus for the event around fresh local produce, Nic is planning a trip to the local markets on the mainland with VOMO Executive Chef, and fellow Kiwi Michael Fosbender. Their mission is to select the best possible fresh ingredients before heading to VOMO to get cooking! “What better place to begin preparing locally inspired dishes than right at the source. The availability of Fijian local produce is increasing all the time and it’s great to see so many fresh ingredients being locally grown,” Nic said. The Nic Watt culinary event runs from May 9-13, 2019 – foodies can book a special event package which includes five nights accommodation, all meals, a selection of activities and the five day Nic Watt culinary events.

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Fiji

Musket Cove caters to every tasteMusket Cove’s poolside restaurant Dicks Place Bar & Bistro is adapting its menu to meet changing cuisine trends and dietary requirements. Chef Gareth is delighted to announce an increase of vegetarian food on the menu. He’ll also offer a range of lighter meal options using farm-fresh produce with a large percentage coming from its own organic farm, and seafood sourced directly from local fishermen.

Carnivores will still be well taken care of with the restaurant’s popular themed buffets, including a new theme of Ribs & Wings at Musket Smokehouse coming soon. The poolside restaurant is a popular part of the secluded and uncrowded island hideaway which has developed a brand new website including an exclusive selection of packages for couples, families, small groups and honeymooners.

P. +679 666 2215 | Inquiries@musketcovefiji.com | musketcovefiji.com

Musket Cove, FijiThis is where you need to be ...

Crusoe’s Resort gets a makeoverThis year Fiji’s very first resort will undergo a series of renovations, both physical and digital. Crusoe’s Retreat Business Development Manager, Karen Hind says the quiet, isolated resort which has long been a romantic destination, has more recently become popular for wellness retreats and corporate team building.

The retreat plans to upgrade their larger shared spaces to meet this demand, while promising to keep the relaxed essence of the resort. “Crusoe’s is known for its down to earth demeanour – and we’re conscious not to lose that – but we felt it was time to revitalise our physical space to ensure the guest experience is easy and relaxing from start to finish, whether the end goal is business, pleasure or both,” says Karen. The resort will also launch new branding and a new website in the coming months.

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Finding peace at Garden Island ResortImagine waking up to panoramic oceans views of the ocean and being lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. It’s just another day in the tranquil paradise of Garden Island Resort on Taveuni Island. One of Taveuni’s larger properties, Garden Island Resort offers 15 Oceanfront Suites and 15 Oceanview Rooms. There are 20 spectacular diving sites within 20 minutes of the resorts' dive centre, making Garden Island Resort a real favourite with visiting divers. Non-divers will love the experience too.

The resort’s spa has a long list of luxurious treatments including delicious natural sugar scrubs. The resort also provides guests with a wide variety of tour options. These include must do's like hiking to the Tavoro Falls. You can get insights into local life on an authentic tour through Duivosavosa Village, you can ride horses across coconut plantations, visit the Waitavala rock waterslide, hike up 823 metres to Tagimoucha Lake and much more.

Natural delights at Spa InterContinentalIn need of some natural pampering? A visit to the InterContinental at Natadola Bay might be just what’s required! The multi award winning Spa InterContinental has added two new organic signature spa treatments. Both are in keeping with the resort’s sustainability and conservation efforts. These treatments are the Lomawai Salt Glow Treatment and the Natadola Bay Honey Experience. The key ingredient in the Lomawai Salt Glow Treatment is the salt crystals that are traditionally made by the people of Lomawai Village. While the Natadola Bay Honey Experience uses honey that is produced in house compliments of three queen bees and over thirty thousand working bees! The only problem is choosing which one to indulge in!

reservations@paradisecoveresortfiji.comwww.paradisecoveresortfiji.com +64 3 442 9998

Paradise Cove delivers island elegance entwined with Fijian design. Complimentary fitness track/gym, water sports and local activities. Couples can relax in either the Nauku Spa or in the privacy of the adults-only sanctuary, The Cove, all the while experiencing some of Fiji’s finest resort dining.

reservations@ftn.net.nz |

www.fijitravelnetwork.com | +64 3 442 9998

Paradise Cove brings to you island elegance entwined with

Fijian design. Complimentary daily yoga, cross fit tracks and

water sports await, along with some of Fiji’s finest resort

dining. Couples can relax in the space and privacy of The

Cove, Paradise Cove’s adults-only sanctuary.

Summer promotions:

5th January to

30th April 2018

Seaplane and

Helicopter Transfers

Available

T R I P A D V I S O R 2 0 1 7 T R A V E L L E R S C H O I C E

B E S T S M A L L H O T E L B E S T R O M A N C E

B E S T S E R V I C E

W W W . P A R A D I S E C O V E R E S O R T F I J I . C O M

Stay 5 nights

or more in a

Cove Villa or higher

and receive:

The Romance

Package

(Couples massage,

Private Dinner with

Bubbles, Paradise

Cove Sulu)

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Sustainability on tap!Nanuku Auberge Resort has partnered with a local brewing company to launch their very own beer! The resort has joined forces with Kailoma Brewing Co, a micro-brewery situated on the Coral Coast, to unveil its own beer label, Ua Levu. This Fijian term translates to ’high tide’; an ode to having a full glass! Gavin Statham, Co-Owner and Founder of Kailoma Brewing Co. said, “We are proudly Fiji's only locally owned brewery and our products are brewed with pure Fijian rain water. With the countless natural fruit produce available in Fiji, the future is very exciting for boutique beverages.” We for one can't wait to taste it!

Radisson Blu welcomes award-winning Thai chefRadisson Blu Resort, Fiji has welcomed speciality chef, Anan Tumya from Bankok, to its top-rating Chantara Thai Restaurant. Chef Onan specialises in capturing the diverse range of Thai flavours in his dishes and displaying them with creative flair. The talented chef has won gold medals in food and flower leaf decoration contests across Thailand. Executive Chef Andreas Reinhardt says he is excited to team up with Chef Anan to invigorate the Thai restaurants menu with a range of unique dishes that feature the four flavours of Thai cooking - spicy, robust, zesty, and sweet and sour.

To welcome Chef Anan, the resort is offering a ‘Summer of Romance’ promotion with romantic dinner specials for two until March 31st. The progressive four-course set menu samples four regions and flavours from North, Central, East and Southern Thailand at FJ$150 per couple.

Shangri-La's creates adult’s only havenCoral Coast property, Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, and one of the standout additions is the new adults-only Reef Wing. The brief was simple – provide grownups with a relaxed, secluded space – far from the buzz of family visitors. And that’s just what happened. Adults enjoy private pool access, daily complimentary cocktails and canapés and exclusive dining at the Reef Bar and Dining.

On top of that, seven one-bed and four two-bed bures offer private villa accommodation with exclusive access to the beach and views across the reef and lagoon. Reef Bures also come with exclusive access to a buggy to provide easy access to travel around the island, so guests can save their energy for important things, like sleeping poolside! Other Reef Wing benefits include direct and private entrance with a separate lobby, breakfast in Golden Cowrie Coastal Italian for adults only, a bottle of wine on arrival and an exclusive turn down gift on first night of arrival.

Tokoriki Island Resort is officially five-starAdults-only haven, Tokoriki Island Resort, has long been considered a premium Fiji resort option. And for good reason. The secluded beach setting is breathtaking, the accommodation options and food is first-class, and the staff are both professional and a joy to be around. But up until now, one thing eluded the resort.

A five-star rating! But that changed when TripAdvisor recently rewarded Tokoriki Island Resort with the number one Top Hotel in Fiji rating for the fifth consecutive year, plus the number one Hotel for Service & Romance rating, and the icing on the cake – the opportunity to elevate their star rating. Well done Tokoriki Island Resort, you deserve it.

World Vintage Rugby Carnival – November 10-17, 2019If you’ve ever been to Fiji, you’ll know how much Fijians love their rugby. Drive through villages and you’ll see kids and adults running around with ball in hand. Or glued to the nearest TV whenever the national team is playing! Rugby is like a religion here, so what better place to hold an international over 35 years rugby event.

The rugby world is comingThis November, 30 teams from New Zealand, Australia, United States, Canada and Fiji will descend on Denarau for the World Vintage Rugby Carnival. The only qualifying criteria is that players need to be over 35 years of age. (And be ready to have as much fun off the field as on it).

Anyone can playThe emphasis of the carnival is on enjoyment and allowing teams to ‘compete’ at the level they wish to play. To make sure everyone can walk off the field in one piece - some of the rugby laws have been modified to promote a safe game. We have already have an 86 year old joining us, so anyone can play!

Individual players can register tooSometimes getting a full team together isn’t always easy. If an individual player would like to join in the fun, they can easily be matched to another fun-loving team.

Two big social functionsMeeting up with old mates and making new ones is all part of the World Vintage Rugby experience. Outside the post-match banter and beers, there are two big social functions where everyone can let their hair down.

Do you have rugby-loving clients?If you have clients that would love to be part of the World Vintage Rugby Carnival, simply get in touch with Ellie Bigsby at ellie@govsl.com or find out more at www.vintagerugbyfiji.com

The 7-day event package includes:

• Seven-nights Denarau accommodation (The Westin or The Palms)

• Opening Ceremony and Welcome Party

• Three match days – Churchill Park, Lautoka

• Match day transfers

• Two free days to relax, explore or tour

• Finale Awards Dinner and Dance

Vintage Rugby is coming to rugby mad Fiji!

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