Goway Product Manager Returns from 10 days in Fiji
Mike Bertoia, Goway Islands Product Manager recently returned from a trip to Fiji, sponsored by Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways. Mike had the opportunity to visit a variety of resorts in Fiji including a couple of private islands. Here, Mike will share with you his experiences, tips and reasons why you should recommend Fiji to your clients.
Where did you go in Fiji?
I visited three different places in Fiji on my recent trip that I had not yet been to, starting with Tropica Island Resort in the Mamanuca Islands. After heading back to the mainland Viti Levu, I made my way to Outrigger Beach Resort on the Coral Coast before heading north to Taveuni, where I spent a few nights at Qamea Private Island Resort and Spa.
Describe some of the properties you visited?
I was lucky enough to stay at some stunning luxury properties in Fiji. Here are some of the highlights:
Tropica Islands Resort and Spa is a 4-star boutique resort with only 21 bures and suites located on Malolo islands in the beautiful Mamanuca group of islands. It is situated on a white sandy beach, with snorkelling available right off the shore with the resort located in a private bay where marine life is abundant. The best part of my stay was spending the afternoons dipping in my private plunge pool and enjoying my porch swings for hours, disconnected from the rest of the world.
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is a 5-star resort situated in the heart of Fiji’s Coral Coast set on 40 acres of tall palms and lush tropical landscaped gardens and a coral sand beach. The resort was designed and built to reflect a real Fijian experience and way of life. The Coral Coast is a great place to stay for those looking for some adventure on the main island. It’s close to zip lining, Sigatoka river and the famous Sigatoka Caves, offering lots to do while you are in this area. Don’t miss going into town for a bit of shopping and local experience.
Qamea Resort & Spa is a luxury 4.5-star, adults-only boutique resort on 100 acres of tropical landscaped gardens, bushland, and jagged volcanic mountains that soar behind the property. The resort sits on a private white sand beach over a kilometre in length, known as one of the most spectacular beaches in Fiji’s northern island group. If you are into snorkeling or diving, this is the place to be. The Northern Islands are known as the soft coral capital of the world, and Qamea doesn’t let you down with many coral gardens within minutes. I suggest taking advantage of the guided snorkeling safaris offered daily. If you enjoy hiking, there are plenty of great locations within a short distance of the resort, on the Islands of Taveuni.
What excursions or activities did you do?
While I was at Tropica Islands, I took advantage of a great snorkeling location only 10 minutes away, where I was able to see some s beautiful corals and fish bursting with color and life.
In the north, staying at Qamea Island Resort I took advantage of the fantastic house reef right off the beach, as well as the daily snorkeling safari the resort offers free of charge. We saw some incredible sea life here, including five barracuda.
I also went on a beautiful hike on Taveuni located about 15 minutes by boat from Qamea Island Resort. In Bouma National Park, we were able to see a series of stunning waterfalls, which can be reached while hiking. The first one is called Bouma falls, and it’s probably Fiji’s most famous waterfall. It’s quite impressive at 24 meters (78 ft.) tall. For the more active hiker, you can continue up the mountain trail which gets progressively steeper, muddier, and narrower to the second and third waterfalls. Along with another couple, I myself opted to stay at the first waterfall to jump off a 15ft cliff behind the falls into the natural pool below, a truly outstanding experience.
Do you have any selling tips for agents?
Sometimes agents lean towards Tahiti for their high-end, luxury travelers. Don’t overlook Fiji for this clientele. There are some stunning and beautiful properties here, like the ones I mentioned. That said, Fiji indeed has something for everyone and all budgets. There are over 300 islands here and tons of experiences to enjoy.
Mike Bertoia is Goway’s Islands Product Manager, for any questions on his Fiji trip, feel free to contact him at [email protected].
Contact one of Goway’s Islands Experts for a tailor-made itinerary or destination advice. Phone: 800 387 8850.
