Can Traveller

Living Culture
333 Islands
Awesome
Beaches
Heavenly
Honeymoons
Fabulous Diving
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE MAY 2008 ISSUE OF
Your private island paradise awaits...
Just 32 exquisite villas are dotted along the
pristine beachfront and hillside of this exclusive
island with panoramic views of the Pacific
Ocean. Exceptional cuisine, decadent cocktails,
oustanding wines, indulgent spa treamtents and
the most beautiful Fijian staff to oversee your
every desire all combine to make your visit to
Vomo Island Resort an experience of a lifetime.
Vomo Island Resort – there is no other
Fiji Me
Rooms To Rent
An incredible range of accommodation, catering to every
taste and budget, is available in Fiji, including traditional
bure (thatched-roof cottage based on traditional village
design, but with modern amenities and fixtures); backpacker resorts; specialty adventure and eco-tourism
resorts; five-star resorts with an international flavour; and
everything in between.
Getting There
M
iles of white sandy beaches, lush landscapes
and cascading waterfalls are exactly what
you think of when you think South Pacific
Paradise. They are also exactly what you’ll find in Fiji, a
quintessential Pacific island nation with 333 emerald
isles offering a treasure trove of activities for seasoned
and first-time travellers.
A Rich Culture
Fiji’s diverse blend of immigrants (Melanesian,
Polynesian, European, Indian and Chinese) makes this a
special place of centuries-old traditions, diverse cuisine
and an international bazaar of shopping options.
Everything in Fiji begins with kava (Fiji’s ceremonial
drink brewed from the dried root of the pepper plant).
Dating back before history was recorded, the kava ceremony marks births, marriages, deaths, official visits and
the installation of a new chief.
Plenty Of Action
Fiji’s international carrier, Air Pacific, flies nonstop from
Los Angeles, and via Honolulu from Vancouver. Air
Pacific leaves Los Angeles six times weekly. It has three
weekly flights from Honolulu and two weekly flights
from Vancouver via Honolulu. Pacific Sun, Air Pacific’s
regional airline offers daily inter-island service with
connections to international carriers.
For more information, visit www.fijime.com. r
Inside
Fiji Me Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fiji Me Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fiji Me Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Fiji Me Weddings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bula! From Air Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Welcome Aboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
What’s New Fiji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
World-class dive sites teeming with brilliant soft corals
and an abundance of sea creatures make Vanua Levu,
Fiji’s second largest island, one of the best undersea experiences on earth. Other ocean sports include snorkeling,
kayaking, sailing and cruising.
Back on shore, local forests and plantations lure
birders with a multitude of species to spot and hikers,
bikers and horseback riders with lush greenery and unforgettable views.
Honeymooners’ Heaven
From private picnics on deserted islands to candlelit
dinners for two on the beach under a canopy of stars,
couples discover the very definition of “honeymoon”
here. You can choose from Western-style weddings and
ceremonies at sunset or traditional Fijian-style ceremonies with the bride dressed in the traditional tapa cloth,
followed by an elaborate lovo (traditional Fijian feast).
27 Canadian Traveller • May 2008 • FIJI 3
Fiji Me Culture
By Janie Robinson
F
riendliness may be Fiji’s most abundant natural
resource, with those sunny smiles and warm
“Bula” welcomes deep-rooted in the tribal
custom and culture of this three and a half thousand-yearold South Pacific paradise.
Taught from childhood the four essential aspects of
‘chiefly behavior’– respect, deference, attentiveness and
humility – Fijians believe a well-rounded person behaves
as if everyone is of interest and importance. Family and
friends, old and new, are life’s greatest gifts.
South Pacific culture. The kava ritual is performed with
the utmost ceremony and gravity to mark births,
marriages, deaths, official visits, and the installation of a
new chief. Made from the waka (dried root) of a pepper
plant, kava is a tranquilizing non-alcoholic drink that
numbs the tongue and lips.
Today, kava is part of daily life, not only in villages but
also in urban areas and across different races. Many
resorts offer guests the opportunity to experience the
time-honoured tradition, and organized day tours of
Fijian villages include this highly revered ceremony as a
welcome to guests.
When visiting a village it is customary to present a
sevusevu (gift) of kava to the local chief, and also to respect
other Fiji traditions like dressing modestly, removing hats,
not touching a Fijian person’s head – all signs of disrespect
– and removing shoes before entering buildings.
Fearless Firewalkers
Fiji’s rich ethnic mix creates diverse cultural
attractions, delicious dining options and plentiful
shopping opportunities.
To Fijians, today’s visitor could be tomorrow’s neighbour. Indeed, waves of immigration from every direction
have made this country of more than 300 islands the most
cosmopolitan society in the mid-Pacific. Fijians include
descendants of Indonesian, Melanesian and Polynesian
island peoples, European missionaries and merchants,
Indian farm labourers and more recent Chinese immigrants,
bringing rich opportunities for cultural tourism, delicious
dining and diverse shopping.
Current cultural practices have been handed down
from generation to generation, and Fijians are carefully
guarding this vital character of their islands to preserve
the personality, integrity, dignity and genuine warmth of
the Fiji islands.
Of all Fiji’s cultural rituals, the ancient art of fire
walking is perhaps the most extraordinary. Legend says
that a Fijian god once repaid a favour to a warrior on
Beqa Island by giving him the ability to walk unscathed
on fire. This amazing art is still practised by members
of the Sawau tribe, and visitors can witness the warriors
from Beqa walk over red hot lava stones at performances at the Pacific Harbour Arts Village, or at many
of Fiji’s larger resorts and hotels. On the full moon in
late July or early August, visitors can also witness the
Indian fire walking at many of the temples around Fiji.
Magical Music
From an inspiring Sunday service, to the terrifying traditional war dance by the Fijian rugby team, to a
welcoming meke dance performance for visitors at
resorts and hotels, Fiji’s culture is filled with delightful
dancing and magical music.
The rhythmic spell of the meke, shares stories of Fiji’s
pre-historic legends and culture in a delightful combination of singing, chanting and dancing, passed down from
generation to generation. Costumes of flowers, ferns and
leaves colourfully illustrate the natural roots of this
ancient dance-theatre. Once performed for high dignitaries and on important religious and social occasions,
the Fijian meke now welcomes all visitors to share in the
islands’ local stories and legends.
Kava Ceremony
Everything in Fiji begins with kava or yaqona (Fiji’s ceremonial drink), and has since the beginning of this unique
4 FIJI • May 2008 • Canadian Traveller 28
Arts and Crafts
Traditional arts and crafts such as pottery making and
NAMALE RESORT
While at the Museum, don’t miss the mammoth
replica of a drua, a huge double-hulled canoe, dominating the museum’s entrance. Fiji’s largest war drua is on
display at the Orchid Island Cultural Centre, just
outside of Suva. A Fijian masterpiece of design and
craftsmanship, you might still see fishermen out in small
one-man drua. The men of Lau province are rightfully
proud of their drua- building tradition, and are skilled
navigators in guiding these traditional catamarans, with
no navigational equipment, through the treacherous reef
systems in the islands.
Many resorts offer guests the opportunity to
experience the kava ceremony through organized
day tours of Fijian villages.
weaving remain an integral part of life in many villages,
with special hereditary skills passed down through the
generations within Fiji’s 14 provinces.
Weaving fine mats called kuta is the specialty of the
women of Bua in Vanua Levu. Most Fijian homes use
woven pandanus-leaf mats for floor coverings, dining
mats and as finer sleeping mats, as well as gifts for special
occasions. Traditionally the inherited role of the women
of certain tribes, many village girls still learn the practical craft of mat and basket weaving and you’ll find
lovely woven work throughout Fiji.
The ancient craft of pottery-making is still practiced
by women in the provinces of Nadroga, Rewa, and the
village of Na Lotu on Kadavu Island, each region with its
own unique pottery style and technique. Pottery has a
3,000-year history in the islands, and some modern
potters still use traditional techniques. You can visit two
of Fiji’s best-known pottery villages – Nakabuta, in the
lower Sigatoka Valley, and Nasilai, on the Rewa River
near Nausori.
Masi, or tapa, is Fiji’s handsome traditional bark cloth
made by the women on Vatulele Island, Taveuni and Lau,
and a popular souvenir to bring back home as postcards,
wall hangings and other decorative items. Masi once
played an important role in the celebration and rituals of
Fijian culture with ancient symbolic motifs that still have
meaning today.
A lively tourist trade is helping keep Fiji’s traditional
woodcarving skills alive, and tanoa (drinking bowls) and
bilo (kava cups of coconut shell) remain part of everyday
life on the islands. While handcrafted war clubs, spears
and four-pronged cannibal forks make unique gifts, be
sure to visit the Fiji Museum in Suva to see the real thing
– rare traditional woodcarvings and rather gruesome artifacts from the days when Europeans called this country
the Cannibal Islands.
Dressing for Dinner
The ubiquitous sulu for men and women is Fiji’s allpurpose, one-size-fits-all garment. Women wear them
100 different ways from a beachside wrap to an evening
dress, while men in Fiji business and government wear
them as a day skirt.
Fiji offers a multi-ethnic culinary experience, with
flavours from India, China, Korea, Japan, Italy,
Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
islands, along with specialties from the fine Fijian
cooking heritage.
Most hotels and resorts also offer specific culinary
themed nights, magiti (Fijian feasts), as well as Fiji’s best
known and pervasive outdoor cooking experience, the
lovo; an underground oven of hot rocks heating a variety
of foods wrapped in banana leaves, covered with earth
and coming out after several hours of cooking with a
faintly smoky and delicious flavour. r
Visitors can witness the ancient art of fire walking
at performances at the Pacific Harbour Arts Village,
or at many of Fiji’s larger resorts and hotels.
29 Canadian Traveller • May 2008 • FIJI 5
Fiji Me ISlands
By Janie Robinson
Y
ou’re sure to find a Fiji to suit every taste somewhere in these fabulous islands.
Nadi
This vibrant region is Fiji’s main tourist hub and bustling base
for the constant flow of island-hopping travellers. Nadi Town
is a short drive from the airport, with souvenir shops lining
Main Street, as well as colourful market stalls, homemade
souvenirs and local culture to discover in nearby Nadi Market.
Harbour region offers everything from fire walking to
whitewater kayaking. Visit the Arts Village for a popular
look at Fijian culture. Or try kayaking and whitewater
river rafting along the Nakavu River and Luva Gorge.
The offshore island of Beqa is home to the legendary
firewalkers, with many famous dive sites in the clear
waters of Beqa Lagoon, a world-class surfing break at
Frigate Passage, plus some great fishing, too.
Suva
Suva, in the southeast corner of Viti Levu, is the vibrant
capital of Fiji and largest city in the South Pacific, and
boasts 39 properties and 1,151 rooms to accommodate
business travellers, families and backpackers.
Stroll south along Victoria Parade, past many of the
city’s restaurants, shops and clubs, continuing to the
Government Buildings, which open on to Albert Park and
Thurston Gardens, and stop at the Fiji Museum.
Mamanuca Islands
Nature’s dazzling display of about 20 islands, basking
under some of the sunniest skies in the South Pacific
offers ideal conditions for boaters, day-trippers and
overnight guests looking for either total relaxation or
amazing water sports.
Snorkel straight from the beach. Dive among big fish
and harmless sharks. Surf fantastic breaks. Or simply
bask on the white sand beaches.
Denarau
Yasawa Islands
Just six kilometres west of Nadi, lies Fiji’s up-market
tourism hotspot – Denarau Island. The largest integrated
resort in the South Pacific covers 242 hectares with major
brands like Accor, Hilton, Starwood and Carlson. The
world-class marina at Port Denarau is the seafaring base
for island-hopping day cruises.
Big Sister to The Mamanucas, the Yasawas are a chain of
roughly 20 ancient volcanic islands, with a well-earned
reputation for beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise
lagoons, rugged landscape and sunny, dry weather.
Highlights include spectacular hikes and dramatic views
along the peaks on Waya, Nacula and Tavewa and the
Sawa-i-Lau limestone island caves.
Coral Coast
South of Nadi is the Coral Coast, one of Fiji’s most
popular holiday regions. Along with excellent swimming,
diving, and surfing, visitors can ride the Scenic Railway
along the coast to Natadola Beach, boat up the fertile
Sigatoka River valley to visit authentic Fijian villages,
see the ruins of an old fort at Tavunui Hill, explore the
Naihehe Caves, visit Fiji`s only wildlife park, and stroll
through the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.
Pacific Harbour
Fast becoming Fiji’s adventure playground, the Pacific
6 FIJI • May 2008 • Canadian Traveller 30
Northern Islands
Highlights of Vanua Levu include Tunuloa Peninsula and
Hibiscus Highway, the Waisali Rainforest Reserve and
the eclectic community of Savusavu, with hot springs
bubbling along a bay.
The tropical garden island of Taveuni sits just across
the Somosomo Strait. It’s especially popular with bushwalkers and nature lovers, with excellent bird watching
and spectacular waterfalls.
Divers come for “one of the best undersea experiences
on earth”: the world-famous Rainbow Reef. r
Fiji Me Adventure
W
ith miles and miles of extreme pristine
beauty, the Fiji Islands are tailor made for
relaxed adventure. And, you don’t need to
be an adrenalin fanatic to enjoy the adventure experiences
here. There are world-class excursions that support the
local communities and environment and provide opportunities to meet Fiji’s people, all to suit your adventure thrill.
On The Water
• Diving & Snorkelling: Known as the “Soft Coral
Capital of the world”, Fiji is consistently ranked among
the world’s top-10 dive destinations. There are simply
too many excellent sites in Fiji to mention them all, but
top choices include Kadavu, Taveuni, Beqa, Ovalau,
Mamanucas, Yasawas and the Coral Coast. Fiji’s resorts
and dive operators offer a wide range of excursions and
training courses.
• Sailing & Cruising: Experienced sailors can skipper a
charter yacht, while land lubbers can enjoy one of countless sailing excursions, from day-long cultural and scenic
tours to week-long journeys throughout the islands.
• Fishing: Anglers enjoy good sport year-round. Several
charter companies are based in Denarau Marina, just
outside Nadi; and from Musket Cove in the Mamanuca
Group. The catch includes marlin, yellow fin tuna,
Spanish mackerel, mahi mahi, and walu.
• Kayaking: Enthusiastic paddlers head to the Yasawa
group or Kadavu in the Southern Islands. Overnight
trips with professional guides can also be arranged.
• River Rafting: Impressive Upper Navue Gorge often
referred to as “Fiji’s Grand Canyon” offers some of the
world’s best white water rafting.
• Surfing: Fiji is renowned among the international
surfing community as a top destination. Specialist
surfing resorts are found on Viti Levu, Mamanucas and
Southern Islands, and several live-aboard and surf charters operate throughout the islands.
Above Fiji is consistently
ranked among the world’s top10 dive destinations, with a
wide range of excursions and
training courses from local
resorts and operators.
Right Explore sugar cane
and vegetable farms,
archaeological and cultural
sites, volcanic mountains
and tropical rainforests hiking Fiji’s backcountry.
• Hit The Road: Biking, mountain biking and motorcycle riding all offer some of the best ways to experience
the real Fiji, up close and personal.
• Golf: Favourites include the championship course at
the prestigious Denarau Golf Club near Nadi, widely
considered the top course in the South Pacific; and the
Robert Trent-Jones-designed course at Pacific Harbour
Golf Club near Sufa. r
On Land
• Hiking: Fiji boasts superb hiking opportunities, with a wide variety of trails. Among the
best: Koroyanitu National Park near Nadi,
with several rainforest trails; Sigatoka
Sandunes National Park, a six-kilometre
stretch of dunes along the coast of Viti Levu;
several walks on Bouma, on Taveuni,
Northern Islands; and Waya Island in the
Yasawa Group, with spectacular coastline
views. The backcountry also offers luxuriant
sugar cane and vegetable farms, archaeological and cultural sites, volcanic mountains
and tropical rainforests.
31 Canadian Traveller • May 2008 • FIJI 7
Fiji Me Weddings
F
iji, renowned as an idyllic and relaxing tropical
paradise, is also a haven for the about-to-be weds,
newlyweds and the romantic at heart. Getting
married in Fiji has become quite a trend, and many resorts,
hotels, even cruises, are offering fabulous wedding honeymoon packages to suit every couple’s needs.
Choices range from luxurious private hideaways to
the more modest options. Locations include clifftop
decks set amid cascading waterfalls, lush tropical
gardens, pristine beaches, or even underwater.
And weddings in Fiji are stress-free. Resorts offer the
services of a wedding coordinator who will arrange
everything including all legal requirements in advance.
They also offer great flexibility and a willingness to tailor
arrangements to match a couple’s aspirations.
The Cost
The current marriage fees are shown below in Fijian
currency. Payment should be made in cash or postal money
order made payable to the Registrar General.
Application for special licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . F$20.35
Marriage officiated in the Registry . . . . . . . . . F$22.50
(including normal standard Marriage certificate)
Marriage officiated by the Registrar of District
Registrar after official working hours . . . . . . . F$30.68
(Working hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Friday and
closed on weekends and public holidays)
Tradition Fijian design Marriage certificate. . . . F$15.34
Standard Certificate Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F$5.63
(inclusive of Fiji Government taxes and subject to change.
Rates are valid as of April, 2008)
And don’t forget, weddings in Fiji are recognized as
legal worldwide.
The Rules
Traditional, casual or Fijian, resorts and hotels in
Fiji have the wedding package for every taste and
every budget.
One of the most unique options of a wedding in Fiji is
the chance to include rituals from the local culture. A
living culture with natural hospitality seeped in fascinating tradition, Fiji is a land of song and dance. Fijian
warriors, costumed attendants and decorated traditional
rafts are available to make the occasion unique.
Handcrafted bark cloth with stunning garlands of fibre
and tropical flowers are among the many options.
8 FIJI • May 2008 • Canadian Traveller 32
Overseas visitors intending to get married in Fiji are
required by law to obtain and sign a marriage licence
from the nearest marriage registry prior to the marriage
ceremony with an average of 36 hours in advance.
Special arrangements can also be organized.
The couple must provide the following personal documents to the Registrar for verification purposes at least
two weeks before the wedding:
• Original birth certificates for the bride and groom
• Valid passport
• If applicable, divorce papers
• If previous spouse is deceased, a death certificate
• Written parental consent is required if either party is
under 21 years of age
Two witnesses who are 21 years of age and over must
be present.
Valid marriage ages in Fiji are 16 years and above for
females and 18 years and above for males. r
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33 Canadian Traveller • May 2008 • FIJI 9
Bula! From Air Pacific
I
t’s the spirit of Fijian warmth and friendliness,
renowned throughout the world, that passengers
experience first-hand the moment they board their
Air Pacific flight. Providing guests the best in comfort
and convenience is Air Pacific’s primary objective, both
inflight and on the ground.
Air Pacific not only brings hundreds of thousands of
visitors into Fiji and throughout the South Pacific each
year, but also helps take the South Pacific to the world.
service became the dominant factor in the Fijian
tourism industry.
Today Air Pacific operates a modern fleet of Boeing
747s, 737s and 767s with an average age of 8.5 years –
one of the world’s youngest fleets – connecting 17 cities
and 11 countries throughout the Pacific, linking Fiji,
Tonga, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, the Soloman Islands
and Kiribati (Tarawa and Christmas Island) with Canada,
the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
A Proud History
The Fleet
Air Pacific’s history reaches back more than 50 years,
when one man’s love affair with flying led to the establishment of an airline that would forever change flying in
the Pacific.
Harold Gatty, the pioneering Australian aviator who
was the first man to fly non-stop across the Pacific, registered the airline in 1947, and the inaugural flight of Fiji
Airways in 1951 was an hour-plus flight from Nausori to
Lautoka. Scheduled domestic flights began in Fiji in 1951
Air Pacific’s all Boeing aircraft are its pride and joy. Few
of the world’s carriers can boast a fleet as young as Air
Pacific’s, which is one of the youngest international fleets
in the South
Pacific.
using de Haviland
Drovers and Dragon
Rapides. The airline first
traded as Fiji Airways under
the ownership of Qantas.
In 1972 the government of
Fiji acquired shares from Qantas
and other shareholders to gain majority
ownership in the airline, and the name Air Pacific
was adopted to reflect the role of the airline as a
regional carrier. Air Pacific became a jet airline, and
started operations to Australia and New Zealand.
Additional international destinations were added in
turn, and the airline’s involvement in international
10 FIJI • May 2008 • Canadian Traveller 34
For long-haul flights Boeing 747 and
767 aircraft provide wide-body comfort and
exceptionally reliable performance. Shorter
routes are covered by Boeing 737s, including the latest
700 and 800 series, which offer the best passenger
comfort available.
Air Pacific services its own aircraft and handles all
maintenance requirements from its multi-million dollar
hangar and service facility in Nadi. Heavy maintenance
and major services are handled offshore. All of Air
Pacific’s technical and engineering staff are trained to international standards through Qantas and Air New Zealand.
The Service
The people of Fiji are world-famous for their friendliness, caring and stress-free approach to life. Air Pacific’s
all-Fijian staff brings this natural hospitality to the airline.
From the captains who command the fleet of Boeing jets
to the flight attendants who welcome passengers aboard,
guests will encounter this sense of friendliness from
everyone on their journey.
Air Pacific invests a great deal in training its staff,
both through its own training centre and administrative
facilities, and in a number of offshore facilities used for
specialized training.
And that training is ongoing: everyone from pilots,
cabin crew, technicians and front line staff undergo continuous training in order to provide the best possible service.
One area where none of Air Pacific’s staff members
require any training is in their friendliness, their warm
Fiji smiles and their caring attitude. Everyone at Air
Pacific is proud of Fiji, and brings all the best of the Fiji
personality to work every day.
Air Pacific’s onboard meal service includes fresh
ingredients and complimentary international
wines, beers and spirits.
• Meals: meals with a South Pacific flair are freshly
prepared for each flight. Passengers have a choice of
two meal options; special dietary needs are catered to
with advance notice. Complimentary international
wines, beers and spirits are featured on all flights.
Pacific Voyager (Economy Class)
Air Pacific’s Economy Class is anything but ordinary. From
the moment they step on board, passengers are treated to the
highest level of service and comfort available.
• Entertainment: passengers aboard Air Pacific’s B747400 aircraft enjoy state-of-the art entertainment systems
in each seat back offering 22 channels of video and 12
channels of audio entertainment, including feature
movies, documentaries, comedies, music videos and
video games. On all other aircraft, a selection of video
entertainment is offered. Audio and video entertainment
is always complimentary.
• Inflight Service: Air Pacific offers economy passengers extra pampering by providing amenity kits that
include socks, eyeshades and a toothbrush and toothpaste in a handy reusable pouch. Inflight duty-free
shopping is also available.
• Seats: passengers can relax in comfort in Air Pacific’s
Economy class cabin, which features the latest in
ergonomically designed seats with a pitch of 32 inches,
adjustable head rests and leg rests.
• Family-Friendly Service: Children are warmly
welcomed on Air Pacific. Parents with infants are given
special attention with bulkhead seating where bassinets
are located. Older children are given a “Captain Bula”
kit, which contains a variety of puzzles and games for
their onboard entertainment.
Tabua (Business Class)
Passengers aboard Air Pacific’s B747-400 aircraft
enjoy complimentary state-of-the art entertainment systems in each seat back.
In Fijian tradition the Tabua (whale’s tooth) is the ultimate symbol of respect. The gift of the whale’s tooth is
still practised today, so “Tabua” is the perfect name for
a unique and exclusive class of travel on Fiji’s
International Airline.
Air Pacific’s Tabua Class feels just like First Class,
but is offered at a Business Class price. Passengers will
experience comfortable luxury with warm and
welcoming Fijian hospitality.
35 Canadian Traveller • May 2008 • FIJI 11
Tabua Class passengers receive priority
check-in, baggage handling and the opportunity to relax in the airport VIP lounges
throughout Air Pacific’s route network.
• Delicious Meals: Tabua Class guests enjoy
cuisine freshly prepared for each flight,
using local, seasonal ingredients. Dinner
always offers a choice of at least three main
courses, including a “light” meal for healthconscious travellers. A range of fine wines,
champagne and liqueurs and a selection of
cheeses are offered.
• Entertainment: On Air Pacific 747 flights,
guests in Tabua Class enjoy a state-of-theart entertainment system including individual video screens in each seat with
feature movies, documentaries, comedies,
music videos and video games, all at the
touch of a button and at their own pace.
• Seats: the 28-seat cabin on the B747-400
provides passengers with quiet, relaxing
privacy and features the latest ergonomically
designed seats. Tabua Class guests relax in
comfort with a seat pitch of 57 inches, a
recline of 160 degrees and seat width of 31
inches. The B767-300 offers an 18-seat
cabin, with seats providing 50-inch pitch.
Passenger Services
• Frequent Flyer Programs: Air Pacific is a
partner in the frequent flyer programs of
American Airlines’s AAdvantage and Qantas
Airways. Members of AAdvantage and
Qantas Frequent Flyers not only accrue valuable mileage each time they fly Air Pacific,
but mileage can also be redeemed for travel
on Air Pacific to any of its 17 destinations.
• Tabua Club Frequent Flyer Membership:
Air Pacific passengers may purchase a
“Tabua Club Membership” offering special
“Tabua” Business Class privileges while
travelling “Pacific Voyager” Economy
Class. These special services include:
• priority check-in
• access to VIP airport Tabua lounge
• allowance of extra 10 kg of luggage
• priority-tagged baggage
• special membership offers
• eligibility for Tabua Class upgrades
12 FIJI • May 2008 • Canadian Traveller 36
One area where none of Air Pacific’s
staff members require any training is in
their friendliness, their warm Fiji smiles
and their caring attitude.
• Children’s Clubs: Young travellers on
Air Pacif ic automatically become
members in the exclusive Captain Bula
Kid’s Club. Children are offered activity
kits that provide hours of fun while
educating them on Fijian marine life,
flora and fauna. Fijian folklore introduces
them to local cultures as well. Air Pacific
invites children to send back an enclosed
postcard that is entered into a drawing to
win a return visit to Fiji on Air Pacific for
themselves and their family.
• Special Needs: Air Pacific provides a host
of special services to meet the needs of
passengers requiring special attention.
These include:
• special diet menu; baby, child, diabetic,
gluten-free, fruit platter, kosher and vegetarian (both lacto-ovo and non-dairy) meals
are available with advance notice
• Bulkhead seating with bassinets for families
with infants
• special assistance for passengers using
wheelchairs, elderly passengers and
passengers with hearing or vision
impairments
• escorts for unaccompanied minors
• seating with extra legroom for passengers
with leg problems or tall passengers
For more information visit www.airpacific.com.r
Welcome Aboard
• Kadavu: Tiliva; Waisalima; Dive Kadavu; Papageno;
Nagigia; Kenia; Matana
• Labasa: Nukubati
• The Mamanucas: Plantation; Musket Cove; Mana
Island; Funky Fish; Lomani
Connecting the Fiji Islands with the best value
under the sun, Pacific Sun provides daily flights to all
major destinations throughout the Fiji Islands and operates six flights daily, starting from 5.30 a.m., between
Nadi and Suva.
The Fleet
The airline flies a fleet
made up of three De
Havilland 18-seater Twin
Otters, three Britten
Norman 9-seater Islanders,
and two 42-seater ATR42s,
all maintained by a professional engineering team
based at a 24-hour dedicated maintenance facility
at Nadi Airport.
For more information
on Pacific Sun, visit
www.pacificsun.com.fj. r
PACIFIC SUN
P
acific Sun, Fiji’s newest regional and domestic
airline, is committed to being the “Best Value
Under The Sun”, offering scheduled service
that connects travellers to “The Real Fiji”.
Born out of a desire to provide seamless connectivity,
schedule reliability and improved scheduling to many of
the popular destinations within the Fiji islands, Pacific
Sun was created when Air Pacific, Fiji’s International
Airline acquired the business of Sun Air (Pacific) Limited
through Fiji Airlines Limited a subsidiary company.
Pacific Sun began operations on February 1, 2007.
The airline operates daily
flights to Malololailai, Mana,
Kadavu, Savusavu, Taveuni,
Labasa and Suva from the hub
of Nadi’sInternational Airport.
International connectivity,
domestically and regionally, is
a key driver to its schedules.
On behalf of Air
Pacific, Pacific Sun operates regional services to
Tonga and Port Vila and
has plans to include other
points such as Tuvalu,
Wallis, Samoa and Rotuma
in the near future.
Pacific Sun’s philosophy
is based on several fundamental principles with
passenger safety as its
cornerstone. With the vision
of being the “Best Value
Under The Sun”, Pacific Sun is committed to delivering
safe, reliable, comfortable, affordable and seamless
services to its customers.
LABASA
VANUA LEVU
SAVUSAVU
YASAWA
TAVEUNI
The Routes
Whether it’s the lush serenity of the North, the white
sandy beaches of the Mamanucas or the shopping and
attractions of the Mainland, Pacific Sun can take you to
the most popular destinations within the Fiji Islands.
Pacific Sun offers one way and return air transfers
from Nadi Airport to resort locations throughout Fiji.
Resort partners include:
• Taveuni: Garden Island Resor t; Maravu;
Qamea: Taveuni Island Resort; Coconut Grove;
Matangi; Kaimbu; Susie’s Plantation; Taveuni
Palms; Tovutovu
• Savusavu: Tui Tai Adventure Cruises; Savusavu Hot
Springs; Namale; JM Cousteau; Lomalagi; Daku;
Moody’s Namenalala; Koro Sun
KORO
MANA
PLANTATION
NADI
VITI LEVU
BATIKI
NAUSORI
GAU
BEQA
VATULELE
KADAVU
37 Canadian Traveller • May 2008 • FIJI 13
What’s New Fiji
Beqa Lagoon Resort
Features 25 deluxe, private air-conditioned bures spread out
beneath the lush tropical landscape including 12 beachfront
bures, six bures overlooking the koi pond, three private
bures tucked away in the garden and four two-bedroom
bures ideal for families. New this year is an open-air
massage bure and a thrilling big fish and shark encounter
program. For more information, visit www.begalagoon
resort.com.
Boomerang Tours Fiji
Boomerang Tours is offering a three-night stay, double
occupancy at the Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island
starting at $581, including a day cruise to Tivua Island.
Boomerang is also offering a 12-night stay at the 4-star
Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa starting at $2,929 including
air and tax from Toronto; and a three-day Blue Lagoon
Cruise for $478 per person. For more information, visit
www.boomerangtours.ca.
IslandsEscapes
Goway’s IslandsEscapes offers a honeymoon package at
the Qamea Resort & Spa from $3,479, that includes
roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles; seven nights in a
deluxe beachfront bure; daily gourmet meals; complimentary resort Honeymoon Package; inter-island flights;
all transfers; non-motorized watersports; and is available
through May, November 15 to December 20, 2008 and
January10 to March 31, 2009. For more information, visit
www.goway.com/islandsescapes.
Lomani Resort
Lomani Island Resort has a new a la carte dining package
for FJ $200 per person. The ‘Kana Levu’ offer can be
combined with the couples-only resort’s nightly rates,
which start from FJ $630, as well as the popular stay 7
nights pay 6 offer. Offer is valid for travel through March
31, 2009 but must be booked by June 30, 2008. For more
information, visit www.lomaniisland.com.
Namale Resort
Award-winning, all-inclusive Namale boasts 18 bures and
villas that include two new villas made up of seven mini
bures. Namale offers honeymooners a “Stay 7 nights/Pay
6” special year round. Voted “#1 Spa in Fiji” by Luxury
SpaFinder magazine, the Namale Spa & Sanctuary offers an
extensive spa treatment menu. Rates from US $925 – $1,950
per night/per bure through March 2009. For more information, visit www.namaleresort.com.
Tanoa Hotels
Tanoa Hotels is the largest locally-owned collection of
hotels in Fiji with six properties on Viti Levu: Tanoa Plaza
in Suva; Tanoa Rakiraki in Rakiraki; Tanoa Waterfront
in Lautoka; and Nomads Skylodge Hotel, Tanoa
Apartments and Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. For
more information, visit www.tanoahotels.com.
Turtle Island Holidays
Owner Richard Evanson has made Turtle Island into one
of the premier eco-cultural resorts in the world. Mindful
of the effects of unchecked tourism on Fijian culture and
environment, he limits guests to 14 couples at a time, who
go home feeling they’ve lived the authentic Fijian
lifestyle. Bure mamas and complimentary lomilomi
massages add to the experience. For more information,
visit www.turtlefiji.com.
Vomo Island Resort
Vomo Island was created with absolute relaxation in
mind. Twenty-nine villas nestled on the beach or hillside
offer stunning panoramic ocean views and private luxury,
while the Senikai Spa offers a full menu of indulgent
treatments. Active guests can dive and snorkel or book
sunset cruises, helicopter sightseeing tours, fishing trips
and outer island visits. For more information, visit
www.vomofiji.com.
Warwick Fiji Resort
Its exotic location coupled with the resort’s picturesque
garden setting makes the Warwick ideal for weddings and
honeymoons. The resort’s new Romance Bure is perched
on the end of a jetty, making it perfect for dinners,
weddings, even outdoor massages. The new spa offers a
complete treatment menu in a tranquil setting. For more
information, visit www.warwickfiji.com. r
FIJI – A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE MAY 2008 ISSUE OF CANADIAN TRAVELLER
Published 12 times a year by
THE DESTINATION SALES RESOURCE FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS
Printed in Canada
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY FIJI VISITORS BUREAU
14 FIJI • May 2008 • Canadian Traveller 38
Contents © 2008 by ACT Communications Inc.
All Rights Reserved. ISBN 1207-1463
1104 Hornby Street, Suite 203
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6Z 1V8
Tel: (604) 699-9990
Fax: (604) 699-9993
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39 Canadian Traveller • May 2008 • FIJI 15
Inspire me.
Captivate me.
Amaze me.
Bula! Air Pacific and Pacific Sun welcome your clients to Fiji!
A Fiji holiday vacation starts the moment you step on board
Air Pacific with services that include:
• Warm and friendly Fijian hospitality from an all Fijian crew
• Complimentary meals, cocktails, headsets and amenity kits
• In-flight entertainment systems in each seat on 747-400s
• Special activities such as the Captain BULA Kids Club
Two flights a week from Vancouver, three flights a week from
Honolulu, six flights a week from Los Angeles and convenient,
affordable connections on Pacific Sun within the Fiji Islands are
all scheduled to make the most of one’s holiday time in Fiji.
And, if holiday vacation plans include Australia, New Zealand,
or the South Pacific Islands, daily connecting flights are also
available and the stopover in Fiji is absolutely FREE!
Welcome aboard!
For more info, call (800) 227-4446
or go to www.airpacific.com