South Pacific

[bonniejoy03]

I have never been to the South Pacific islands and would like to go. I have looked at Fiji, Tahiti, and Cook Islands. They all seem so expensive! Any suggestions on alittle less expensive trip to the area. We would love wonderful beaches, not alot of people and not a big touristy type place. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[mary-j]

I too would love to go to these places. They look so beautiful. They are the type of places most people can only dream about. If I had to choosemy dreamdestination it definately would be one of these.Unfortunately our youngest son has a terminal illness and we would not leave him for more than 9 or 10 days at the one time so the South Pacific is just that bit too far for us to travel for such a short space of time. When we chose a holiday destination, I always make sure it is somewhere where we can just chill out as our son needs 24 hour care from us so we are usually in need of amuch needed break by the time we go on holiday. We hate leaving him but we know for all our sakes we need to get away and recharge our batteries. If we could go further afield, then Bora Bora would be top of my list.. One resort which totally blew me away whenI first saw pictures of it was Turtle Island in Fiji. Now that is one special place!!

[jguffey]

We like Toberua Island and will go back for a fifth time in February 2007 (hoping the coup is settled by then.) You are part of the family while there...small !!! island...15 bures....friendly people. We're counting the days!

[disneygal]

Hi bonniejoy03. I agree, these areas are expensive, and when you add in the airfare, it can really be apricey trip. When figuring the price, remember to add in any meals that are not included, since these are also very expensive.And you'll need inter-island flights in most cases. That said, it's possible to save in a few ways. Some of the packages on LL are a great savings. There are also travel agencies that specialize in this area, with packages that include some meals and other activities. They also have a range of different hotels. This is one place to start: http://www.tahiti-explorer.com/. For our honeymoon we visited Bora Bora and Moorea. We still talk about French Polynesia and hope to return. It's worth saving up to visit this area of the world - it's just beautiful. Good luck!

[bonniejoy03]

Thanks Disneygal. I have seen some great packages to the South Pacific on LL. I am really intrigued with the Nukabati Resort. I actually requested a brochure from them!! This is one that seems very high on my list. I really would love to try one of the overwater bungalows that are descibed in Tahiti. (We have done an overwater bungalow in Panama but I don't think it is the same as the South Pacific!!) With Nukabati, the food is included. I have read that in Tahiti, the food can be very costly. Thanks for the travel website. I am going to review their information.

[kimcox]

my husband and I spent 11 days on Bora Bora two years ago. It is by far the best vacation that we have ever had. We stayed at the Starwood Luxury property in an over the water bungalow. Words cannot describe how fabulous it was to have breakfast brought to us by boat, to be able to swim into the ocean from our bungalow, to sleep with the doors open to the ocean waves, and to view the fish from the viewing holes in the floor. (I think you ge the picture!) There was not a big tourism industry - tour operators were very cauaul and not over-organized, which was a big plus. To get to "town" you had to take a water taxi. There were a number of resturants, the most notable of which was a 6 table Italian restuarant, where the menu was differnet every night, and the chef came out to greeet each guest. We were there during the festival season, which featured beautiful and authentic polynesian performances. Our most memorable outing was a private boat outing, just us and the boat captain, who took the two of us snorkeling, shark viewing and manta ray swimming. The culminating event was a "picnic" on a private island, prepared and served on the edge of the shore by the boat captain. AWWWWWW
Given how fabulous the place is, I am not sure how to make it affordable. There are not many bargains to be had. Food was expensive, but no more so than I expected. Perhaps the way to control costs is to get a meal plan, but make sure not to miss the Italian place.
Good luck.

[disneygal]

Hi kimcox. Thanks for the wonderful description of Bora Bora! At which Starwood property did you stay? I think there's a St. Regis, Le Meridien and Bora Bora Nui. Was there a meal plan of some sort? Thanks!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi. Have you heard how the situation is in Fiji? I also saw info on Toberua and it looks lovely. Do you fly from the East or West Coast to Nadi? From Nadi, what the the connections to Toberua? What are the beaches like? (white sand, volcanic, etc.) Any particular times of the year to visit? Any mosquitos? Thanks for any input. I am just beginning to learn more about Fiji and have also thought about going.

[carolcasey]

Hi,

My husband and I have been to the Cook Islands twice now. It is by far the most relaxing, least touristy vacation spot that we have been to. Yes it is pricey, but worth every penny. We stayed at the Pacific Resort in Rarotonga and Aititaki both times. Words cannot describe how wonderful these places are. The Cook Islands are very safe and most time you have the whole entire beach to yourself. Rent yourself a scooter and explore. Muri Beach has some of the best snorkeling I have ever experienced. To make it a less expensive holiday, talk two friends into going with you and share a villa. It worked out to about $200 NZ per person per night. Make sure you go to Trader Jack's for lunch/dinner, or the Sailing Club, the food is great. There are lots of other inexpensive restarurants too. We are planning to go back again. I have reservations telling others that this is such a good place as I would hate to see it become touristy. It is perfect as it is.

[colville12]

Hi

I went to Fiji 4 times last year - on a small ship criuise, to Denarau (Sofitel and Hilton) and to Vomo Island. The first thing is beware the weather - I like the look of Nukubati for the diving (and great reviews) but understand that they are closed all Feb and that March is the wettest month. On Vomo you can look for deals - I got it for between $450US and $650US each time with food included for 2 people. It is a lovely island with a lot of 'escape places'. However, their dive shop had just closed last time we were there (it may be open now) - and the food was average to say the best (a problem across much of Fiji - it is not foodie paradise).

On the mainland - the Hilton is much nicer than the Sofitel - although if you have kids I would recommend the latter.

Finally, we took a Blue Lagoon cruise and while it was not flash, it was fun. However, book a room well away from the anchor area unless you want an early wake up call. We booked the owner's cabin and it was OK. There are also a lot of nice day trips on boats.

Have a great trip - and check the weather as it will cause a far bigger probelem that the coup which has had no impact on our visits.

Cheers
Stu