Today's Auction of the Day: Vatulele, Fiji

[claassenam]

Hi Everyone,

I have been eyeing today's "Auction of the Day" destination: Vatulele Resort in Fiji, for a little while now as we're mulling over a surf/dive/relaxation trip in June. I love the fact that the resort is managed by Evason Resorts, and the reviews on TripAdvisor make it sound heavenly. My concern, though, is the access to surfing: does anyone know if there is any surfing accessible from the resort? A day trip by boat would be fine (and appears to be standard in Fiji) but I need something in order to convince my husband to go! Any input would be much appreciated....

[kyshel]

I tried to contact the resort thru their email several months ago (when LL had a greatly discounted package) I rec'd and automated reply from the parent company that the resort manager would answer my questions. I never rec'd any reply beyond that one email. I hope that's not indicative of their service--I am hoping it was just an oversight. I might suggest that if you don't a timely answer here to check tripadvisor.com forum with your queries. Good luck--it looks so gorgeous!!

[mary-j]

I think it may have been an oversight as I actually contacted them earlier this year with quite a few questions and they repliedthe next day. In fact they sent me out their brochure and other info and frequently send me e-mails about updates of the resort. It is one of my "must do" resots. It is a pity the auction is not valid for longer or I would definately be interested.





Mary-j.

[claassenam]

Thanks Mary J and Kyshel for your feedback. I still haven't heard from the management (and meanwhile I am hoping and praying that there is surfing nearby in some shape and form!) so I emailed again. I too would be so interested in the package if only it extended through June, which I understand is still considered low season? So hopefully they will come back with something like that soon. Mary J, we might be battling it out together for such a package!

[curtiejoe]

Hi mary-j



You've touched on a subject that has irked me for a while here on LL. That's the relatively short period of time that many auctions on LL are valid for. in several instances, I've not bid on an otherwise very appealing auction because of the timing restraints (i.e. they did not match our travel plans). Wonder if LL would consider extending the time lines?



Curt

[kyshel]

If these auctions were available every day for no determinate ending period, they might not be up for bids...
I do not understand why, when LL offers bid now and buy now, people get confused--there is a difference--in price and available dates/pkgs. This auction has been up more than once in
the past year--once as a HOT deal--for much less than offered currently. I was unhappy that the property never replied to my email enquiry about particulars I asked about-I was hoping to grab a spectacular deal but to no avail--no problem--moving on to a different LL selection. If you want better dates, ask the property and/or wait for the next auction, like
most everyone else does-carpe trippem!!

[curtiejoe]

My beef was NOT with how long any particual auction runs on LL. It's with the relatively short timeframe in which the property is available for use if you got it auction. So, there's little point in carpe trippem if the one you get isn't valid for the travel times you're looking for.



Curt

[kyshel]

I thought my reply was applicable to both issues of auction ending dates and auction availability ending dates. That was my understanding of the difference between LL auctions and buy nows.
I hope that if an offer of this auction comes up again, the dates are suitable for you and you're fortunate to get the bid. It looks like such a fabulous property--I guess that's why several of us are interested!

Message Edited by kyshel on 12-20-2007 08:52 AM

[curtiejoe]

Thanks kyshel. I guess I misinterpreted your reply. Will keepmy eye open on things to see if this property comes up at auction here on LL again.



Curt