Forty years ago (1979), owners Mel and Enid Zukerman founded Canyon Ranch and developed their concept of a health resort dedicated to life enhancement. Set in the foothills of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona’s lush Sonoran Desert, it has long since become a world-renowned center for wellness. They have indeed created a unique haven for relaxation, recreation and optimal health.
Canyon Ranch is an amazing place that almost defies description. I first went there over 20 years ago thinking I knew what to expect. Of course, I was aware of its reputation for being an award-winning spa. I had read that it was a luxurious, ultra-all-inclusive, popular with celebrities (including Oprah!). In fact, it has received the Best Destination Spa Award from Conde Nast Traveler magazine multiple times. But I was about to learn that there is a lot more to their immersion resort experience. I would come away delightfully surprized and completely overwhelmed and continue to go back for more.
Find out WHY as we begin making use of their abundant resources in the next post.
It’s easy to lose track of time while you are relaxing on vacation. Hey, what day is it?
The International Date Line runs through the island of Taveuni in Fiji. I know this is a confusing concept to many people who depart from Los Angeles on Thursday night and arrive in Fiji on Saturday morning. The flight is really only 10 hours. You “lose” Friday but “gain” it on the return flight, often arriving back before you even left.
Anyway, don’t tax your brain over time zones and the earth’s rotation. Just for fun, you can travel to this site and have your picture taken with literally one foot in each day – yesterday and today.
International Date Line, Taveuni, Fiji
By the way, this was the site of quite a few celebrations on the Millenium New Year.
Party like it’s 1999, I mean 2000! I’ll be curious to see what’s planned for year 2020.
” Mr. Roarke, da plane, da plane!” exclaimed Tattoo.
Sorry, I just couldn’t resist the reference to the t.v show Fantasy Island (1978-1984) as we depart for one – or several.
The aircraft taxis in and we wait for passengers to deplane before climbing aboard. There is no formal airport security, no baggage screening, usually no seat assignments. You can even sit directly behind the pilot and co-pilot and watch them as they work. There is no heavy locked door, in fact, there is no door at all.
Pacific Sun Air
For those of you who remember back when Disney World rated its attractions and rides with a letter system A through E, this would be an E Ticket ride, one of the most thrilling. Views from either side of the small plane as we fly northeast from Viti Levu are dramatic. The aircraft banks and makes quite a steep angle descent toward the landing strip as it arrives on the second largest island of Vanua Levu or the third largest island of Taveuni both in the northern area of Fiji.
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Fiji Matai Specialist www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
The Koroipita Community Development Project is a model township outside of Nadi on Viti Levu island. Designed to house low income earners who were once homeless, the settlement has been supported by the efforts of Rotary International, U.S.-based Legends Travel and local Fijian tourism companies.
The town provides new homes constructed by teams of volunteers over a three day period. Each unit consists of one bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom and living room area. Residents are also offered small plots of land to grow food and hands-on educational programs to acquire home-craft skills.
For those interested in social tourism, it is possible to arrange a visit to Koroipita, to meet the tenants and see the direct human impact. One can even particpate in the building of new homes in the next phase of development for displaced families.
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Fiji Matai Specialist www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
The singers and dancers of the Vivili Village Group welcome guests at the Namale Resort’s meke or evening entertainment with an energetic song incorporating rhythmic clapping and bamboo implements.
Note the local island costumes and garlands of these young male dancers.
Yaqona is Fiji’s national drink made from the powdered root of the pepper tree. It is prepared and offered in a social ritual known as the kava ceremony. Once reserved for chiefs and elders, now commonly served to visitors to welcome then as honored guests at local villages as well as resorts, it is also used for special occasions to seal treaties, close business deals and christen babies.
To try this very popular hand-mixed brownish beverage, request a “low tide” or small serving. If you are feeling enthusiastic, asking for a “high tide” will get you a full cup – to be downed in one draft. And you will certainly be invited to stay for more rounds of drinks until the wooden tanoa bowl is empty.
Although, kava is non-alcoholic with a mild flavor, it does leave a slight tingling on the tongue. Over the years, I have participated in this ceremony many times in many locations throughout Fiji. Personally, I think it is an acquired taste.
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Fiji Matai Specialist www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
Once a week, the Outrigger offers a Fijian lovo or feast with foods cooked the traditional way in an underground oven. Guests are invited to observe the unearthing of the contents for that evening’s buffet dinner which ma include roasted meats and root vegetables such as dalo or taro and tavioka or cassava.
The meal is accompanied by an authentic meke with traditional songs and dances performed by local villagers. At this resort, it is also possible to view a firewalking ceremony by fire walkers from the island of Beqa once a week.
Fifteen minutes down the road along the Coral Coast, we arrive at the the award-winning beachfront Outrigger Resort with a distinctly Fijian look and feel to it.
aerial view of “village”
The aerial view from the elevated lobby level reveals a village concept to its layout. Traditional Fijian thatched roof bures or bungalows have been set around the central lagoon swimming pool in lush tropical gardens.
exterior view of bure
The interiors are decorated in natural materials with ceilings covered in hand-painted tapa cloth. The nightlyTalai butler service brings champagne and canapes to be enjoyed at each sunset .
Getting married in a foreign country can be fairly simple or nearly impossible.
Fiji makes it very easy for foreign visitors wishing to have both their wedding and honeymoon in an idyllic tropical paradise. Legal requirements are straightforward and reasonable with a short processing time.
Resorts are prepared to coordinate and cater arrangements for 2 or 200 with a myriad of choices for location and style of wedding. The bride and groom may choose a traditional church, modern chapel, lush garden setting or a sandy beach.
Modern Chapel at Inter-Continental
Traditional Church at Sofitel
Couples may elect to have a white wedding or opt for a Fijian ceremony with both clothed in tapa costumes. The bride makes a dramatic entrance as she is transported to the wedding site by outrigger canoe and escorted by Fijian warriors. The couple can also be serenaded by a village choir and served a traditional Fijian lovo feast afterwards.
The sleek and elegant Navo fine dining restaurant offers spectacular views overlooking the lagoon and the mystical island of Navo directly offshore. Inside you can watch as an array of the finest food creations are prepared by chefs in the glass-walled show kitchen.
My recommendation is to reserve a table for two on the outdoor terrace with an unobtructed view of the ocean that you and your dining companion can enjoy together. Bon appetit!
