Fiji is ideal for couples seeking all the ingredients for a honeymoon, anniversary or romantic getaway.

If you are still craving a little canoodling after the Tropical Beach Massage and the Essence of Love Ritual (see Days 4 & 5), you and your significant other can snuggle up togther in one of the Orbit Love Pods found around the adults-only infinity edge pool.  (At this time, they are available first-come, first serve at no charge. If they become very popular, this may change).

Adjust the canopy to find the perfect  ratio of sunlight and seclusion. Take a dip in the horizon pool and enjoy views of the glistening ocean beyond.

The friendly and attentive staff will be happy to bring you moist towelettes and cool beverages. And snacks and meals are available all day from the adjacent Toba Bar and Grill.

Just relax, everything you need is here. If not, just ask.

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

You will discover the rooms have something a little extra. There is a large, deep bathtub on each terrace or balcony along with a daybed.  Request that the Housekeeping Department prepare an in-room service – one of their unique Cleopatra Bath Rituals – for you while you are out at dinner.

Cleopatra Tub on Terrace

Return to scented oil, soft candlelight, a soothing cd playing. A heavy canvas curtain has been drawn and secured for privacy. Slip into the warm water infused with coconunt oil, coconut milk, vanilla, honey and sprinkled with flower petals. Thick towels, a comfy robe and slippers await you along with water simmering for your chai tea.

It is a luxurious way to end your day and slide into sweet dreams. Cost a mere FJ$60, approximately US$30.

The Essence of Love version for couples includes fresh tropical fruits and a bottle of French champagne. Very reasonable at FJ$110, or US$ 55.

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

Everything gravitates back to the sand and sea here, back to that incredible beach.

Of course, this world class resort has its serene Spa Inter-Continental offering a full menu of exotic treaments and private rooms. If you have been “waiting to exhale”,  I recommend that you take advantage of the location and schedule the Tropical Beach Massage instead.

Relax in one of the draped beach cabanas, caressed by the ocean breezes while a therapist gives you a 50 minute Fijian Bobo healing massage flowed by a 10 minute mini facial. Ah, it’s heaven.

The cost – FJ$145, approximately US$75.
The experience – priceless.

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

Natadola Bay Golf Course

Shuttle over to the adjacent Natadola Bay Golf course for your 7 a.m. tee time. This 18 hole, par 72 course was designed by world class Fijian golfer Vijay Singh and boasts breathtaking ocean views.

Clubhouse & Carts

Golf pro Charlie took me on a quick golf cart tour to Hole #4 which runs parallel to the beautiful beach while Hole #6 turns inland as one of the most challenging at par 5 ( if you’re lucky). I lunched at the Clubhouse and spoke to several golfers.  They all enjoyed the gorgeous albeit slightly windy course.

The distractingly beautiful 4th Hole

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

Driving from the international airport in Nadi through sugar cane plantations along the southern Coral Coast, you arrive at beautiful Natadola Bay. Natadola Beach has been rated “one of the 25 sexiest beaches in the world” by Forbes Traveler magazine and the “best beach on Viti Levu” by the Lonely Planet travel guides.

Both well earned titles for a long stretch of  unspoiled velvety white sand beach fringed by palm trees, now the location of the brand-new Fiji Inter-Continental Golf Resort & Spa. As you approach the main entrance to the resort, one of the porters will commence a Fijian lali drum welcome.

The sleek, contemporary Pacific design of the resort is immediately striking.  All the public spaces including the lobby, reception area, swimming pools, lounges, restaurants and bars are airy and open with expansive views in every direction.

Travelers assume that beaches abound in Fiji but this isn’t true. And the size and quality vary by location. I watched beachgoers here swim, snorkel, even surf in the azure waters while couples lounged in the beach cabanas.

This is one sexy beach.

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

Bula Vinaka – warm greetings from the 333 sun-kissed islands of Fiji in the South Pacific.

The Fiji Islands are a tropical paradise with a wealth of natural beauty. There is a very well developed tourist infrastructure with a wide range of accommodations and an abundance of exciting activities. However,  I believe the true treasure must be the people – undoubtedly the friendliest people in the world, despite their former reputation as fierce warriors and ferocious cannibals.

The word “Fiji” actually came from Tongan name for these islands. The inhabitants themselves called their home “Viti”. Tomorrow, we will begin our journey on the main island of Viti Levu which translates as  “Great Land”.

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

APTA 2009 National Forum

Some of you are aware that I am a member of  APTA, the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa. The Sacramanto Chapter of APTA is sponsoring this year’s annual National Forum in our city this June 10-12.

Do the Soccer-ena! Our sports version of the macarena was locally choregraphed by  fellow member Chelsea Nilsen. Check out YOURS TRULY (long hair flying) in the front row left  in the winning APTA  chapter Diski Dance video to promote the 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournment in South Africa.

As the winners of the contest, the Sacramento APTA chapter will receive a cash award donation from the South African Tourist Board and the National APTA chapter to benefit many in Africa through Kiva projects.

This an excerpt from the Kenya Virtual Tour.
See Archives November 2009 for the entire tour.

Day 23: Journey’s End

On my last day in Kenya, I spent several hours sitting in the shade of coconut palms fringing the coastal beach south of Mombasa observing a constant stream of human and animal activity: fisherman, hawkers, acrobats and jugglers, camel drivers, and the curious local monkeys.

Three men dressed in the traditional crimson garb of the central Maasai Mara plains walking down the beach caught my attention since they were obviously far from home and quite out of place. They paused long enough for me to capture their ethereal image in the shimmering noonday light. We were literally at land’s end. I was at my journey’s end and I wondered if they were too.

It was time to go home.

I had scaled high hurdles just to get to Kenya.

Was it worth it? Heck yeah! Would I do it again? Well, . . . let me check my Wish List.  The Spice Islands of Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Mauritus and Reunion – all islands off the east coast of Africa. And I know there are even more extraordinary experiences awaiting in Botswana.

Every serious traveler has a Travel Wish List. What’s on yours for 2010?

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

This an excerpt from the Kenya Virtual Tour.
See Archives November 2009 for the entire tour.

Day 20: Mass Exodus

As the thundering herd  crosses the Mara river, there are other dangers: hippos lying on the river bank or submerged in the water. And then there are the 18-20 foot long crocodiles seen here doing a little lazy sunbathing. Our guide made sure we were at a safe distance – on the opposite bank.

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com

This an excerpt from the Kenya Virtual Tour.
See Archives November 2009 for the entire tour.

Day 2: Long Haul Expedition

I have become accustomed to taking a single overnight flight from Los Angeles to just about anywhere in the South Pacific – Tahiti, Fiji, the Cooks, Auckland or Sydney – with an airline ticket, a valid passport and a single suitcase.  Aside from a couple of credit cards, an ATM card and a small amount of cash money – that’s all.

Of course, I had done some general research for Kenya but it soon became apparent that traveling there was going to be more complicated. As the advance scout on these inspection trips, I discover all the potential pitfalls firsthand.

First, I would need a visa which involved sending my passport, application, photos and fees to the nearest Kenyan Embassy. Upon arrival, I discovered that it is also possible to have it issued at the airport – strictly with cash in hand, no checks, no credit cards. Not the time and place to come up short.

Then I had to have the appropriate and current travel immunizations for the region. This entailed shots in both arms and a prescription for anti-malaria pills. I left the travel clinic with my new bright yellow International Certificate of Vaccination signed and stamped accordingly.

Next, I had to purchase the proper clothing and fit it all into one small tote bag. This is due to the extreme weight limitation for domestic flights on small bush planes. Do yourself a favor, don’t even think about dragging along a full size, hard shell Samsonite, just because you can on the international flights.

Finally, I learned that two overnight international flights would be required from Los Angeles – one to London in Europe and one on to Nairobi in Africa. Yes, this involves travel through 3 continents. Remember, it is the other side of the world.

All of this just to get there. I really have become spoiled.
It felt like I was preparing for a major expedition.

I had to remind myself of the reasons for going and the experiences waiting for me.
I was still determined to go. That’s when the true challenges emerged.

For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com