Fiji Honeymoons

WHERE TO STAY:

• 

  Turtle Island Fiji is a private, remote exotic island - the ultimate vacation resort perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, weddings, or vow renewals. Our 14 breath-taking private beaches accommodate just 28 guests at a time. Each of our 14 cottages (called "bures") are nestled along the famous "Blue Lagoon," and are separated from each other by generous expanses, meaning you'll have your own slice of exotic island paradise.

  Each Bure has its own Fijian Bure Manager and cultural advisor to nurture guests throughout their stay. Your Bure Manager will help arrange your snorkeling trips, private picnics and other activities. They will take care of your bure, attend to your laundry, and stock your refrigerator with special requests. They will even photograph your special times if you wish, and provide you with memorable images. Your Bure Manager is there to ensure that the mysteries of Turtle Island are accessible.

  Your time on Turtle is your own, whether you want to stroll the beaches, wade in the turquoise waters, cruise on one of our sailboats, snorkel, or scuba with a Fijian Bure Manager as your guide. Couples can reserve a beach for the day and enjoy a romantic picnic where a luncheon of lobster and champagne, or whatever you prefer, will be delivered to your own private beach. Lose your worldly inhibitions. Read a book. Sip champagne. Work on an all-over tan.

  TELEPHONE: 1-800-255-4347 / 1-360-256-4347
  EMAIL:
  WEBSITE:

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

• WHEN TO VISIT: The best time to visit is during the "dry season," from May to October, which consequently has the highest airfare and accommodation rates. For better deals, avoid the peak months of June through August.
  
  Also check out a lunar calendar when choosing the time of your visit. The full moon over the water can be breathtakingly beautiful. The sun's setting rays seem to hit the water just right during the solstice times of September and the end of March.
  
  
• AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:
  
  83°F June-September (dry season)
  88°F December-March (rainy season)
  Evenings are a comfortable 70-82°F year round
  
  
• LANGUAGE: Impress the locals with your effort to learn the language. Here are some Fijian basics:
  
  

  Hello	Bula	(boo-lah)
  Goodbye	Moce	(mo-thay)
  Yes	Io	(ee-oh)
  No	Sega	(san-gah)
  Thank you	Vinaka	(vee-nah-ka)
  Bathroom	Valelailai	(vah-lay-lie-lie)
  You're welcome	Siga na lega	(sing-a nah leng-ah)
  House/Bungalow	Bure	(boo-ray)

  
  
  
• STAYING CONNECTED:
  
  Local Time: When in Fiji, you're a day ahead of the folks back home. The time difference is 17 hours between New York and Fiji; 20 hours between Los Angeles and Fiji.
  
  To call Fiji:
  
  From the US: 011 + country code 679 + local number
  From the UK and Ireland: 00 + country code 679 + local number
  
  To call home from Fiji:
  
  To the US: 001 + area code and number
  To the UK: 0044 + area code and number
  
  Cellphones in Fiji:
  
  Only T-Mobile and AT&T Wireless use a wireless technology compatible with Fiji's. Call to find out if your account can be activated for international roaming. If you wish to stay connected, you can also buy or rent cell phones from Mobal (www.mobal.com).
  
  
• CURRENCY: Fiji Dollar, equivalent to approximately US$.52. Withdraw local currency upon arrival at the 24 hour ANZ Bank ATM at the Nadi airport international arrivals terminal. All you will need is a MasterCard or Visa debit or credit card. If you can, ask for some smaller bills, which come in handy for taxis and transportation. Drivers seem to have small change in low supply.
  
  American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted throughout Fiji, but don't count on using either a Diners Club card or Discover. Many businesses in Fiji will add a 3-5% charge on your bill for the use of a credit card, and may dole out a similar discount with the use of cash. Before you pay, ask if there is a charge, or a discount for using cash.
  
  At the end of your stay, put your leftover currency toward paying the hotel bill. That will save the time and money of exchanging it at the airport.
  
  
• TRANSPORTATION: Fiji's location in the South Pacific makes it a true paradise escape from the world, however, it also means an 11 hour flight from Los Angeles. Consider splurging on a seat with extra legroom, or stay comfortable by getting up and stretching your legs every 60-90 minutes. To help combat jet lag, drink lots of water before, during and after your flight, and reset your watch to your destination time before boarding the plane.
  
  Driving is on the left hand side throughout Fiji. Speed limits are 80 kmph on highways and 50kmph in the towns. Seat belts are required and talking on cell phones while driving is illegal. Driving under the influence is a punishable offense, and roadblocks with breathalyzers aren't uncommon. If you're going out, consider a cab.
  
  Not all taxis have meters, and many drivers in Nadi are paid on a salary basis, as opposed to per fare, so try settling on a fare to your destination before setting out.
  
  
• HELPFUL HONEYMOON TIPS
  
  
  • It's a running joke that the country runs on "Fiji Time", which may move at a slightly slower pace than you are accustomed to. Just sit back and relax; it's your honeymoon!
    
    
  • Be on the look-out for signs proclaiming "Tourist Information Center" as it is most likely a tourist operator interested in pushing its own services. The official non-profit tourist centers are operated by the Fiji Visitors Bureau, with locations in Nadi and Suva.
    
    
  • Tipping is generally discouraged in Fiji, and not required except for exceptional service. However, many Fijians have come to realize that Americans are accustomed to tipping.
    
    
  • Wines and liquor tend to be slightly more expensive on the islands due to import duties. Consider stocking up on your two allotted bottles at the airport's duty-free shops. Fiji does brew its own beer. Choose from the Fiji Bitter beer, or Fiji Gold, a lighter option. Almost as popular as the local beer is yaqona or "grog", a national, slightly narcotic drink usually served in coconut shells. Its active ingredient is now being marketed as a remedy for stress relief and insomnia in the US, so give it a try!
    
    
  • Fiji's coffee is grown locally, and its flavorful beans will be sure to satisfy your coffee cravings. Those of you who have mastered the Starbucks language will have a new coffee lingo to pick up in Fiji.
    
    
    • A short black- an espresso
    • A long black- two shots of espresso with extra hot water
    • A flat white- a latte (espresso and steamed milk)
    • A trimmed flat white- a latte with skim milk
    
    
  • Beware of Fiji's infamous sword sellers who will strike up a friendly conversation, ask your name, and expect you to purchase a wooden sword once they have hastily carved your name on it. The sword salesmen are prevalent in the cities of Nadi and Suva, so don't provide your name if you see them coming.
  
  
  • Don't Forget:
    
    
    • Sunscreen and raincoat for the tropical climate
    • Reef shoes/sturdy sandals to protect your feet while snorkeling
    • Insect repellant (It is often found just in the city pharmacies)
    • Reading materials. Bookstores are rare outside of the cities
    • An underwater camera to capture the colorful coral scenes playing out under the waves
    • If you're prone to seasickness, prepare with either a pill, patch or wristband because you're bound to take a couple of boat rides during your stay in the islands.

DON’T MISS:

• Watch the sea come to life on Fiji's barrier reefs
  Almost all of Fiji's hotels and resorts will provide snorkeling equipment with which to explore their local lagoons. You’ll find some of the best diving and snorkeling at the Great Astrolabe Reef, where bright corals and sea life abound. Visit Manta Pass to get up close and personal with Fiji's manta rays.
  
  
• White Water Rafting on the Navua River-Viti Levu
  Take a ride down the "Grand Canyon of Fiji", the Upper Navua River Gorge with Rivers Fiji. In between the rapids, you’ll stop for dips in some of Fiji's most picturesque waterfalls. For a calmer ride through the lowlands, ask for a bilibili raft, made of bamboo poles lashed together.
  
  Phone number for Rivers Fiji: (800) 446-2411
  Email: info@traveloutdoors.net (when emailing outside of Fiji)
  Web site: www.riversfiji.com
  
  
• Take a sunset sail on the Seahawk- SavuSavu
  Cruise around the South Pacific Seas and toast your new life together as the sun's last rays transform the horizon.
  
  Phone number for Seahawk Yacht Charters: (679) 8850-787
  Email: seahawk@connect.com.fj
  Web site: www.seahawkfiji.com
  
  
• Bouma Falls National Park-Taveuni
  Discover Fiji's mountainous terrain with several different waterfall strewn hikes catered to all level of explorers. A flat, 15 minutes' walk leads to an impressive 160 foot cascade. For the more adventurous, a 30 minute climb reveals another hidden waterfall.
  
  Phone number for Bouma Falls Visitor Center: (679) 888-0390
  Email: boumahp@connect.com.fj
  Web site: www.bnhp.org
  
  
• Zip Line through the Fijian Rainforest Canopy-Pacific Harbour
  Swing through the trees and experience the rainforest with a bird's eye view. Safely strapped into your harness, you’ll feel exhilarated as you fly from one canopy platform to another at up to 30 miles per hour.
  
  
• Take a helicopter ride over Fiji’s mountains and open waters
  Or arrange for a helicopter transfer from the airport to your island hotel for an aerial introduction to Fiji.
  
  Phone number for Island Hoppers: (679) 6720-410
  Email: info@helicopters.com.fj
  Web site: www.helicopters.com.fj
  
  

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

• Captain Cook Cruises - Port Denarau, Nadi Bay
  For an unforgettable and scenic dining experience, sail out to sea with Captain Cook and enjoy your meal out on the waves while local Fijians serenade you with Island Music. Reservations are required.
  
  Phone: +679 670 1823
  Email: nadi@captaincook.com.fj
  Web site: www.captaincook.com.au
  
  
• Tramontu Bar & Grill-Matei, Taveuni
  While good, what sets Tramontu apart are not the curries, grilled steak, chicken stir-fry or pizza at this open-air restaurant. Instead it's the stunning views and idyllic sunsets into Fiji's blue waters that you can only get from this cliffside perch.
  
  Phone: +679 888 2224
  
  
• Old Mill Cottage-Suva
  Mingle with the locals at this 19th century home turned restaurant, famous for serving up delicious and relatively inexpensive local Fijian fare, mixed with some European style classics. Dishes range from Indian style curries to roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and peas.
  
  47-49 Canavon Street
  Phone: +679 331 2134
  
  
• Attend a traditional Fijian meke
  Many resorts will offer a weekly meke, a traditional Fijian feast with pig, chicken, lobster and fish all baked in a earth oven. Many mekes will include a traditional Fijian dance show.
  
  

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

• If you are interested in a Fiji destination wedding, many resorts will work with you on the wedding details, however, here are some of the essential documents you will need:
  

  • Birth certificates
  • Passports
  • If previously married, divorce papers or death certificate



• 

  Turtle Island Fiji is a private, remote exotic island -the ultimate vacation resort perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, weddings, or vow renewals. Our 14 breath-taking private beaches accommodate just 28 guests at a time. Each of our 14 cottages (called "bures") are nestled along the famous "Blue Lagoon," and are separated from each other by generous expanses, meaning you'll have your own slice of exotic island paradise.

  Turtle Island has been referred to as paradise many times over and what better place to celebrate love than paradise?

  Turtle Island's secluded, romantic, tropical environment is ideal for a wedding or renewal of marriage vows.

  For a true Fijian cultural event, the bride and groom may choose to dress in traditional Fijian wedding attire.

  A Turtle Grand Wedding begins with the bride nestled on a flower-decked billi billi, escorted down the calm blue waters of the Blue Lagoon by traditionally dressed warriors. The groom and minister wait on a powder white sand beach, while the trumpeting of a conch shell and the roll of the lali drums announce her arrival.

  Every Turtle Island wedding is a special and unique ceremony individually planned for each couple.

  TELEPHONE: 1-800-255-4347 / 1-360-256-4347
  EMAIL:
  WEBSITE: