Goway Product Manager Returns from Fiji’s Pacific Harbour
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 on the Islands of Viti Levu, as well as a couple 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 was fortunate to explore an area of Fiji I had not yet: the beautiful Pacific Harbour, located 2.5 hours southeast of Nadi Airport, and 1.5 hours from Suva Airport. I also had the privilege of seeing some other spots on the main island of Viti Levu, including some private island resorts.
Describe some of the properties you visited.
I was very lucky, I stayed at some stunning, luxurious properties in Fiji. Here are some of the highlights:
Fiji Marriot Momi Bay is a brand-new property that opened in April 2017. This resort is the second property in Fiji to offer ‘Overwater Bures’ (bungalows set on the water with direct access to the lagoon). Located 45 minutes from the airport, it is an ideal choice for clients doing a stopover in Fiji on their way to Australia or New Zealand.
Nanuku Auberge Resort is a mainland resort with an island feel. This 5-star luxury property has some unique highlights including their ‘Villa Mama’ services, resort bicycles, onsite yoga, and cultural experiences like arts and crafts and foodie workshops. There are plenty of options for active clients and for clients who like to relax, they can kick back on the 2-mile stretch of white sand beach, or at their own private plunge pools in the villa. This resort includes all meals.
Kokomo Island Resort is a brand new uber-luxe sanctuary offering guests a boutique private island experience located 45 minutes by seaplane from Nadi in the Kadava group of islands. Kokomo encapsulates the essence of barefoot luxury. These are extremely spacious and private suites (the one-bedroom beachfront villa starts at around 3000 square feet!). Included in your rate are all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, a complimentary mini-bar replenished daily, some motorized water activities, an introductory spa & dive voucher per stay as well as honeymoon bonuses like champagne on arrival, It’s great for both couples and families with supervised kids club, bicycles and plenty of walking trails to explore the island, snorkelling, sailing and many more water activities.
You visited the Pacific Harbour area in Fiji. Why agents would sent their clients here?
While Fiji is known as the “soft coral capital of the world” with its colorful ecosystems, Pacific Harbour has some of the most amazing dive sites, from the Shark Reef Marine Reserve regarded by some as the best shark dive site in the world, to Beqa Lagoon offering numerous dives sites catering to all levels of divers. The water here is clear, calm and warm. It’s also easily accessed from both of Fiji’s international airports. Goway’s accommodation options include Nanuku Auberge, in the heart of Pacific Harbour, Royal Davui, a short boat ride from the mainland.
What excursions or activities did you do?
In Nadi I went on a ‘Go Dirty’ Quad Bike tour. This fantastic excursion took us through Fiji’s mountainous interior, which is surrounded by picturesque scenery. It was muddy, very exciting and certainly lived up to its name! The tour included lunch and a traditional Fijian Kava ceremony in one of the local villages.
During my stay at Nanuku Auberg Resort we took a trip to their private island, where we explored, had a picnic, snorkeled and swam off the island. This was a wonderful day
Prior to departing Fiji I joined the Captain Cooks Lazy Lunch Cruise, which cruises out of Denarau Marina to Tivua Island. This excursion includes lunch and drinks on the island, an array of activities from snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tour, stand-up paddleboarding and much more. It was a relaxing way to finish my stay in Fiji.
Do you have any selling tips for agents?
Sometimes agents lean towards Tahiti for their high-end, luxury travellers. Don’t overlook Fiji for this clientele: there are some stunning beautiful properties here, like the ones I mentioned. That being said, Fiji truly has something for everyone and all budgets. There are over 300 islands here and tons of experiences to choose from.
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 our Idyllic Islands experts for a tailor-made itinerary or destination advice. Phone: 800 387 8850
