Fiji – A destination that touches your soul

Fiji is consistently listed as one of the Happiest Destinations in the world. After spending time in the Islands of Fiji, it became very apparent to me how true this is Full transparency here.

As a travel professional, I have a tendency to “compare”destinations with similarities. Having traveled all over Mexico, the Caribbean and the Islands of Tahiti, I thought for sure Fiji would be another tropical, beach destination on the list. I was very wrong! What I found within Fiji  was nothing short of incredible.

It took me a bit to realize why, but I finally put my finger on it. Fiji, the people, the beauty and the pureness, it connects you at the heart and truly touches your soul. Needless to say, it cannot, and should not, be compared it to any other experience.

Let’s start with some of the reasons why you will fall in love Fiji from the moment you arrive and what makes it the perfect destination for any occasion–wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or bucket list trip.

fiji beach#1–Fiji is authentic. We hear so many say they want an “authentic” experience, yet what they describe as ideal is far from it. The Islands of Fiji are considered to be one of the exotic destinations. Remote,with a simple way of life, yet modern is many ways. With couples seeking more exotic, off- the-beaten-path, authentic destination, Fiji takes you beyond the typical vacation destination, and hits the mark without having to sacrifice on the comforts of home.

fiji pool#2–Diversity of Options. Fiji offers a wide array of resorts in various locations. From large, chain types to very small and intimate. Those for the more minimalist, budget minded to incredible luxury villas. Many resorts offer a great mix of traditional Fijian design while providing modern amenities. The bures (this is what they call their rooms, aka huts on the beach) are very spacious, offering modern updated bathrooms (most with outdoor showers) and a stunning view. Many with a sitting area (inside and out), air conditioning, mini refrigerator, and some with a private plunge pool. None the same, though. All uniquely designed with local touches.

fiji food#3–Activities to satisfy everyone. The activities offered in Fiji are endless. You will find a great diversity to satisfy all types of travelers. From relaxing on the beach, lounging by the pool, snorkeling just off shore, hiking to a waterfall, visiting a local village or school, and SO much more. Soft adventure activities such as kayaking, standup paddle boarding, horseback riding,ziplining… With Fiji being the soft coral capital of the world, scuba diving is very popular and much different than what you will find in the Caribbean and Hawaii. Foodies don’t despair. Your palate is tempted and satisfied as well. Indulge in a fusion of cuisines such as local Fijian, Indian, Polynesian and more.

island of fiji#4–Natural beauty. Breathtaking beauty is everywhere! From the Mamanuca Island group, to the Yasawa Island group, from Viti Levu to Vanua Levu. Some islands are small, some a bit larger, but ALL have their own beautiful setting. Did you know? One of the 1001 Places to See Before You Die is located within Fiji? Horseshoe Bay is an incredible site to see! The coral is magnificent, vibrant and a variety of colors. It seems to jump right out of the water. Speaking of those take- your- breath- away views. The best way to see many of the islands and coral is by air. Helicopter, seaplane or inter-island flight. However, you choose, get up in the air to see the amazing world below.

fiji sunset#5– Remarkable Sunsets. Fiji is blessed with some of the most remarkable sunsets in the world. I mean from every island! The colors light up the sky, like a new painting each evening. After the sun goes down, be sure to do some star gazing. You will see different stars and constellations that we are not able to see from the Northern Hemisphere. The most prominent are the Southern Cross and the Milky Way. Certain times of the year, these can be seen very clearly.

fiji locals#6– The locals. I have saved the best for last. By far, the best part is the Fijians themselves. From the moment you arrive, “Bula” is heard everywhere. It is a greeting, similar to aloha, but has other meanings. The literal meaning is “life” and also implies wishes for happiness and good health. When being greeted, remember they are saying more than just a simple “hello”. Fijians are exceedingly warm and friendly. They love to express their love of life and share it with visitors. They have an infectious joy, enthusiasm, and genuine hospitality about them. It’s easy to join in!

If you are looking for a destination that is “not just a spot on the beach” or “not just another resort with a comfortable room and swim-up bar”, take a look at Fiji. These islands truly touch your heart.
I dare you to visit and leave without tearing up or crying!

Fiji expertWritten by Stephanie Cannon of SC Travel Design

For more information on the Islands of Fiji, contact Stephanie Cannon @hello@sctraveldesign.com

Don’t know where to go on your next bucket list trip?fiji

Romanced by Bora Bora

Labeled as the most romantic place on earth, Bora Bora screams honeymoon and destination wedding. Romance, Romance, Romance which can steer travelers away unless going there for a monumental trip as opposed to going for a summer vacation.  When I went there; I wasn’t going on a honeymoon, having a monumental anniversary or attending a destination wedding and my trip surpassed all of my expectations. Bora Bora beach

If I’m being honest, it brought tears to my eyes, gave me an expressionless face, and left me feeling a way I have never felt before.  So is the label right? Is it a place that really needs that special romantic occasion to truly be enjoyed?
Not so much!!!  Seeing the  Bora Bora waters for the first time brought me to tears and had an effect on me that no other destination ever has and future destinations are going to have to work hard to live up to.

Granted, this was my #1 heaven on earth place to visit.  Was on my bucket list ever since I can remember so you can only imagine my excitement pre-trip; but nothing prepared me for what I would feel when I got there.   Mesmerized, in aw, speechless, and totally in love.  I was romanced by this small island in a way no man has ever romanced me.  I was transported to a place words can’t even describe.  I had finally found my soulmate.  A place that made me feel secure, giddy, and wanting to experience and share more.
In that moment I realized first hand why the tiny island of Bora Bora is known as the island of romance and that realization has nothing to do with a honeymoon, a wedding or even a significant other.  I could spend months alone in Bora Bora and never once be lonely, feel lost, afraid, or unhappy.  This tiny little island pulls you in, wraps you up in it’s beautiful blue waters and whisks you away to places you couldn’t even imagine even existed. (And let me tell you, I have an imagination like no other and even I couldn’t have imagined this!!!), so grab your favorite glass of wine and enjoy the love story That is Bora Bora…………….Tahiti

Yes it is true, couples you have found your ideal destination, but this little island is perfect for the whole family and solomooners alike. The small island of Bora Bora is only 18 miles in circumference, but it’s home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and waters that don’t discriminate, they love your little coconuts and solos as well as the love birds.
As a solo traveler, allow yourself to embrace mana and be swept away by the luxurious pampering resorts with overwater bungalows and thatched rooves we’ve dreamt of for our ultimate retreats. Spend lazy days sunbathing while watching the sharks and sting rays swim by your bungalow.  Your little coconuts will think they are living in a real life storybook when you let the azul waters wash over them and embrace them in this carefree, picture perfect lifestyle.
The captivating, majestic Mount Otemanu, sharply rising almost 2,400 feet above sea level, lush tropical slopes and valleys, transport you to a paradise that will forever be burnt into your mind allowing you to continue your love affair with Bora Bora long after you are thousands of miles away. bora bora
Your resort will be located either on the southern end of the main island or on its own motu (islet in the lagoon). The water is the key to what will keep you active when you want to venture from your lounge chair or spa treatment. The turquoise lagoon surrounded by picture-perfect white sand beaches is your playground for such unique experiences as shark feeding. You stand in the shallow lagoon far enough away but yet close enough to watch your guides hand-feed the sharks. Explore the lagoon via glass-bottom boat, motorboat or jet ski, or just snorkel from your bungalow or off the beach anywhere on the island. Diving is also huge attraction because Adventure off the coast and to the interior roads on a hike or 4X4 accompanied by a local guide. You’ll be treated to unbelievable overlook views. Be sure to make some time to shop for local and international original art, Tahitian pearls, perfumes and oils, and precious wood handcrafts. Bora Bora
Most meals will be eaten at your resort, where you’ll be treated to world-class dining, complete with some of the best water views you’re ever going to see. Many of the properties also offer after-dinner Polynesian shows, incorporating the cultural flavor into your stay. Cuisine here is as you would expect — lots of local seafood, fruits and vegetables to enjoy.
Don’t forget to have at least one of those over the top experiences like a gourmet picnic on a private beach or a sunset cruise with four-course dinner aboard a private catamaran. We can’t forget the ultimate in room service, breakfast by outrigger canoe brought to your overwater bungalow or villa. The flower-decorated canoe brings with it fresh fruits, pastries and juices by a welcoming resort staff member.

International flights land at Faa’a Airport in Papeete on the island of Tahiti. Flight time is just under eight hours from Los Angeles and about 12 hours from New York’s JFK with a swift 51 minute flight from Papeete to Bora Bora and your life with forever be changed.  Air Tahiti Nui is Tahiti’s national carrier.
The Bora Bora airport is built on a motu; making resort transfers by private motorboats from the airport which sets the tone for your amazing experience that is yet to come causing your little coconuts to ask why all resort transfers can’t be by boat!!!!
Whether you are traveling for romance, celebrating yourself, or introducing your coconuts to a real-life fairy-tale setting, Bora Bora will check all the boxes and when you visit; may your sleep be peaceful and restful, and may you wake by the warmth of the sun refreshed and ready for each new day of possibilities in paradise!!!

**Photo Cred – My Own!!
Miki Taylor of Taylor & Co. Travel
Bora Bora

Romance Travel Specialist, this is for you!

Virtual Honeymoon was created for travel specialists that are Certified in selling Romance Travel.
This interactive tool will save you time, get your couples excited and ready to book!

This virtual tool is perfect for couples that have no idea where to go on their Honeymoon or Destination Wedding. When you have a client who says something to this affect, “we don’t know where we want to go, just some place tropical and warm, or some where in the Caribbean!!!!”

How it works:
By answering a series of carefully thought out, fun, interactive questions about their likes, tastes, budget, etc….this tool will match a couple to their top two destinations based on their answers selected.
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Romance Travel to Fiji or TahitiOnce they click on one, a beautiful page opens up with destination information, photo and video to experience!

You as the agent, will also have a option to show or send a “Virtual travel album” that you can personalize and use as a booking tool!
See example here: Romance Travel in TahitiAlso, as an affiliate you will get a link on the homepage to all your personalized destinations, where clients can get a quick one page view of details with video.

Virtual Honeymoon has been testing this tool since January 2015 with Certified Romance Travel Specialists and can happily report that it is working 100% of the time, it pre-qualifies couples and saves planning time, allowing you to work smarter!

This tool was a God given vision that came out of years of frustration of working with couples that were all over the map about where to go! “Well that’s NOW a thing of the past!!!!”

Travelage West Magazine awarded Virtual Honeymoon with “Trendsetter of the Year 2016 for Best Targeted Marketing Idea” and we are now ready to share this amazing tool with other Certified Romance Travel Specialist……find out if Virtual Honeymoon is a good fit for you…….

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Dreamalongtravel.Virtualhoneymoon.com