Tracy

Hi, <BR> <BR>We are planning a 9-night Fiji honeymoon in June. I am trying to find a place where my fiance can get in a little surfing. Apparently there is a close surf break at Hideaway. I've seen some negative comments about Hideaway elsewhere... has anyone stayed there? We are also thinking about going to an island resort such as Sonaisali, Tokoriki or Matamanoa to in a little more seclusion, then ending up at Hideaway. Our budget is about $4000 including air. Any comments on these resorts are appreciated. <BR> <BR>Thank you, <BR>Tracy <BR>

Ally

Tracy, <BR>My husband and spent part of our honeymoon in Figi in Sept. 98. <BR>We stayed at a very small island resort called Marlin Bay Resort, on the island of Beqa. It was very romantic (Only 12 bures at that time), GREAT food and great 'Figi' experience. Beqa Island is home of the 'firewalkers'. <BR>There is a break about 20-30 minutes away by boat called Frigates Passage that has great surfing. Although at the time the resort catered to divers, they were expanding to surfers and did take my husband out for a couple surf sessions. He LOVED it.

Diane

Tracy, <BR>To truly appreciate the ultimate Fijian experience I highly recommend a cruise through the Yasawa's with either Blue Lagoon or Captain Cook. I have never met anyone who is disappointed. The only thing disappointing is if you do this at the beginning of your honeymoon.....nothing seems to compare. I have a bone to pick with the Sonaisali....they charged me $190 fjd a day after I had left the island and although they agreed it wastheir mistake they have yet to credit my Visa account and that was November I contacted them regarding their error. Even if this had not happened I would not go back...too expensive for what you get. Now Tokoriki I have heard wonderful things about from many people. This is next on my wish list. We stayed not too far from the Hideaway at Crusoe's Retreat. We really enjoyed it, the staff was excellent, the bures were clean and well kept, the grounds were very natural, the food was very good, it was all inclusive and very, very reasonable. The honeymooners we met were happy with it. I'm not a big fan of all inclusives but this I can recommend. I too, have not heard great things about the Hideaway and this is why we chose Crusoe's. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. BTW, where are you flying from?...gives me an idea of your air fare. <BR>Diane

Tracy

Ally and Diane- <BR> <BR>Thanks for the suggestions. I had checked out Marlin Bay; which looks nice but I am not sure my fiance is going to want to make a long boat trip for surfing. Hideaway was appealing because the break is right at the resort and he can just catch a few waves without having to spend several hours there. They have one of their 2 beach villas (their nicest accomodation) available for the first part of our stay so we may do that. Crusoe's retreat also looks very nice and affordable too. We will think about doing a cruise, maybe after Hideaway. We are also thinking about spending the second half at Malolo. <BR> <BR>We are in San Francisco so will be flying out of LAX. I think the flight is around $750 or $800, so we have around $2400 for 9 nights lodging and food... I am working with Pacific-for-less travel, who I really like because they let you price everything individually instead of wrapping up all the costs into a "package"; their prices are also very reasonable. <BR> <BR>Tracy <BR>

Diane

Hi Tracy, <BR>We went with Air Pacific through Goway Travel Company and I paid $1800. US and my 10 year old daughter was only $860 US. We flew out of Vancouver BC. This price included our airfare, 3 night cruise, and Crusoe's for 10 days with all meals. We did leave Crusoe's early because it rained quite heavily for 4 days while it was such in Nadi...thus the move to the Sonaisali. This was in November and at that time everyone in the tourism industry in Fiji was suffering so there were some good deals to be had. Check out this website: http://warmdayscooldeals.com/sph.htm for some prices out of LAX There are still some good deals around. <BR>I've heard good things about Malolo also. Whatever you decide I wish you a wonderful time in Fiji, it is so beautiful and so are it's people. I was there for my honeymoon almost 20 years ago and it hasn't changed all that much. <BR>Diane

Diane

Had a little brain fart ...don't know why I typed... such it should have read sunny. <BR>Diane

Tracy

Diane- <BR> <BR>Thanks for the tip. Sounds like you got a great deal. Unfortunately all the specials are ending March 31. I'm pretty confident we are getting a good deal though; I called several agents (including the one whose web page you suggested) and they are all more expensive. We could get a slightly better rate on airfare but we have no flexibility in our travel dates. Anyway, 4 nights at Hideaway, 5 at Malolo, in the highest-class accomodation at both resorts, all meals, air and taxes and we just made the budget. Whew. <BR> <BR>Tracy <BR>

Melissa

Hi there Tracy, I have been to Fiji many many times. How experienced of a surfer is your fiance? On Beqa i believe there is a resort Lalati adn ther are other surf resorts like Tavarua and namotu and Naigaia or something like that. Go check out this web site: fijivacations.com there is really hard to beat prices there and if you mention it's a honeymoon I will give you $100.00 dollars off your bookings. We have very competitive prices. At least let me know what you think of the web site. I'd appreciate the feedback. We specialize in honeymoons. Thanks Melissa

Diane

Hi Melissa, <BR>Just a friendly reminder that there is to be no promoting of ones business on this forum. You can consult the FAQ's for more info on the subject. <BR>Diane