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Looking for an affordable and fun Fiji vacation on a great beach?

By Linda | Published October 20, 2011 | Posted in Tahiti & Fiji

Click for a Mana Island slide show

Almost every day I plan a honeymoon in Bora Bora or extravagant Fiji vacation but some couples are looking for adventure more than luxury, and not everyone wants to pay five star resort prices for a fun in the sun vacation.  Happily I can report there are affordable vacation options in the South Pacific islands that feature gorgeous beaches, turquoise water, great snorkeling and exciting activities. Some of the best vacation values are in Fiji where our dollar is worth almost two and some favorite budget friendly resorts include Uprising Beach, Mana Island Resort and Nanuya. All are on lovely white sand beaches and offer comfortable clean accommodations and attractive entry level rooms.

Here’s what a recent client had to say

We had a wonderful vacation and Mana Island Resort is the best. Its a little world within a small resort. You have so many activities to keep one busy all day long and into the night. We really enjoyed the bure which was steps away from the beach. Since we do not know swimming we were hesitant to try snorkelling but Jim (he is our best friend now…)  helped us a lot. He took us deep into the ocean and made us comfortable snorkelling. The next day I was snorkeling for close to 5 hours and still wanted to do more!  -  Preetham and Fnu

Another recent client raved about Uprising Beach so check out their comments too!  These two resorts also make a great two island combination with ziplining, river rafting, shark dives and horseboarding (not a typo… this is a new sport invented in Fiji) on the main island of Viti Levu and wonderful water sports and trips to nearby islands from Mana.  So if a fun filled Fiji vacation is an adventure on your list, please contact Linda or Patty, Totem Travel’s Fiji Specialists. We guarantee the lowest prices available and provide our expert planning services at no additional cost.

The best Sandals Resort for an all inclusive vacation or honeymoon

By Linda | Published June 24, 2011 | Posted in Caribbean

Because I’ve been to all the Sandals Resorts numerous times and written several articles about how to choose the best Sandals Resort for an adult only all inclusive vacation, I get lots of emails and calls asking my opinion.  Lately, a number of inquiries have referenced a web site which ranks Sandals Resorts from best to worst.  So I found the site, read the list and decided it was time to update my own guide to finding the best Sandals Resort.

First let me say there is a lot of helpful information on the web and Trip Advisor is a fabulous tool when used properly.   With Trip Advisor you are clearly reading one individual’s opinion, each resort review is dated, you can identify trends (and throw out glaring exceptions), and you can somewhat qualify the author’s experience by reading the review carefully and within context.   Unfortunately that isn’t the case with the aforementioned best to worst Sandals list and while I agree with some statements about individual resorts, I disagree with an equal number.

The author of the rank ordered list is anonymous and should you wish to ask a question or request further information, you will find your email undeliverable and no phone number to call.  The printed Sandals Resort reviews are merely a summary of traveler opinions without the individual perspective, date or context.  And frankly that means everything helpful is missing!

The “deals page” mentions 2010 and 2011 as a good time for a discount and links to a dead web site.  Plus the concept of offering the best price on Sandals Resorts is completely misleading as Sandals sets its own specials and promotions and guarantees the same price through all distribution channels, online and human.  Period, over and out, guaranteed in writing!

Most importantly, a list of this sort is out of date the moment it’s printed and with Sandals Resorts this happens even more quickly.  Two new resorts, Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Royal Plantation, opened since the list was published and both would be top contenders for “The best Sandals Resort” in my opinion.  Another long time favorite, Sandals Dunns River, is no longer a Sandals Resort because necessary renovations were not agreed to by the owner and Sandals refused to renew their management contract.   Still another resort, Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, has been transformed in recent months with the infusion of tens of millions of dollars and is now Sandals Grande Riviera and Golf Club.  For all intents and purposes this is a new resort with remodeled rooms, additional restaurants and new, very chic beach club.

As I write, Sandals Grande St Lucian is undergoing a huge expansion and will soon offer the Caribbean’s first overwater bungalows.  A new pool area, new restaurants and additional bars are also part of the expansion.  Sandals Whitehouse has announced plans for a golf course and nearby all inclusive Beaches Family Resort and the list goes on and on….

So why write about the best Sandals Resorts?  Because there are a huge number of people who want help choosing the best Sandals resort for their vacation and I answer questions about Sandals all inclusive resorts every day.  But to be helpful I’ll want to know your wish list, your style, your travel timeframe and your budget before suggesting the best resort for a romantic honeymoon or adult only all inclusive vacation.  That’s because there is no “best resort” for everyone but there is a best resort for you!

That’s’ also why Sandals has a specialist program, lists Preferred Agencies on their web site and recognizes the top travel agents every year as “Best of the Best”.  With 13 adult only all inclusive resorts on five Caribbean islands, and prices from about $300/night for an entry level room to more than $1500/night for an over the top butler suite, it can be overwhelming to choose a resort and room category.  But we’ve been to all the resorts and it won’t cost a penny extra to have the help of a Sandals Resort specialist.  So please call, email or book online.  Sandals guarantees the lowest price available and we love to spoil our clients!

P.S.  The same philosophy applies to selecting the best resort in Bora Bora or the best vacation package in Tahiti, choosing a honeymoon resort in Fiji or selecting the best all inclusive resort in Mexico.  We publish resort reviews on all these destinations and regularly write and post pictures on favorite resorts.  So subscribe to our RSS feed or check back regularly.  Happy travels!

Fiji vacation deals at Matangi Island Resort and Mana Island Resort

By Linda | Published May 10, 2011 | Posted in Updates, specials & deals

Hot off the press, Matangi Island Resort in Fiji has extended their stay 7 pay 5 special for high season travel dates including summer of 2011.  So you can enjoy a luxurious honeymoon or romantic getaway for two (no kids allowed at adult only Matangi Island Resort) including airfare from Los Angeles, seven nights in a lovely oceanview bure, three meals daily, non motorized watersports and more from under $7K total for two. Beachfront and treehouse bures also available.

And for an affordable Fiji vacation for adults or a family, you can’t beat Mana Island Resort from about $3K total for two with airfare, 6 nights in a newly renovated island bure and complimentary non motorized watersports. On Mana Island you’ll find 3 beautiful beaches, amazing snorkeling right off shore, two restaraunts with expanded menus, evening entertainment and theme nights.

So if you’re dreaming of a vacation or honeymoon in Fiji, contact Linda or Patty at Totem Travel and get personalized service from a Fiji travel expert and a fantastic deal on a fabulous Fiji island vacation package.

Which is the best luxury resort on Bora Bora for a honeymoon, anniversary or romantic vacation?

By Linda | Published May 7, 2011 | Posted in Tahiti & Fiji

Click for Slide Show

Update: For current packages and specials across Tahiti, check out our new Tahiti packages and specials page under ‘Tahiti’ in the sidebar.

I’ve had the good fortune to visit the beautiful islands of Tahiti numerous times and as a travel agent specializing in the South Pacific I am frequently asked to choose the best hotels and resorts on Bora Bora.  So which is the best resort, the five star St Regis Bora Bora or equally luxurious Four Seasons Bora Bora?  How does the Hilton Bora Bora Nui or Intercontinental Thalasso compare for a romantic Tahiti honeymoon?  And why might I select the newly remodeled Le Meridien Bora Bora resort or suggest a beach bungalow rather than overwater bungalow at the Bora Bora Pearl for a luxury Tahiti vacation?

 

When we talk about Bora Bora we are talking about one of the most beautiful places in the world and Tahiti is a once in a lifetime “bucket list” vacation for most visitors.  This often translates to the ultimate splurge and the hotels and resorts in Bora Bora have knocked themselves out trying to provide the best of everything.   So how do you choose the best resort in Bora Bora for your honeymoon vacation?  We start with location.

 

Location, location, location.

 

It’s no coincidence that the most expensive and extravagant resorts in Bora Bora are on low lying outer islands called motus.  Nor that the most affordable vacation packages are for hotels and resorts on the main volcanic island of Bora Bora.  That’s because everyone’s dream of Bora Bora begins with an image of a shimmering turquoise lagoon surrounding an emerald green island with a mystical jagged mountaintop in its midst.

 

You’ll see the beginning of this vision as you arrive by plane, but if you choose the wrong hotel or resort, that may be your last peak until you’re back at the airport heading home.  So by most standards, the best honeymoon resort in Bora Bora will be on a motu with an unobstructed view of Mt Otemanu, that mysterious volcanic peak.  A number of four and five star luxury resorts enjoy this fabulous, dreamlike view and they include

 

  • Four Seasons Bora Bora
  • St Regis Bora Bora
  • Intercontinental Thalasso
  • Le Meridien Bora Bora
  • Bora Bora Pearl

 

So these resorts make my first cut for “best resort in Bora Bora”.  Now on to the elimination rounds!

 

What is the next most important feature for a fabulous and memorable Bora Bora honeymoon?  Is it an overwater bungalow, gourmet dining, luxurious spa, enough privacy to skinny dip, snorkeling, overall WOW factor or (heaven forbid) is cost or budget a factor?  Here’s where it gets interesting and very personal.

 

All five resorts listed above would have my vote for “best resort in Bora Bora” based on certain criteria.  Having seen the resorts, stayed in numerous overwater bungalows, enjoyed gourmet dining with no thought to cost, drunk champagne in a private pool overlooking Mt Otemanu, snorkeled with the sharks and rays, indulged myself in the luxurious spas, dined with table and chairs in the turquoise lagoon and rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, I am admittedly spoiled.  I am also in the unique position to help you choose the best resort in Bora Bora for your dream vacation or honeymoon.

So take advantage!  I guarantee the lowest price on all Tahiti and Fiji Island vacation packages and add no fees for my service.  So call or email and get personalized service from a Tahiti expert and check in again for blog posts on individual hotels and resorts.  I’ll be writing about Four Seasons Bora Bora, St Regis, Intercontinental Thalasso, Le Meridien, the Bora Bora Pearl and more!

I’ll also be updating my ratings and reviews of the best Sandals Resorts including the latest on overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande St Lucian, the new golf course at Sandals Whitehouse, developments at Sandals Emerald Bay and the latest on Sandals Royal Plantation.  Check back soon if an all inclusive vacation is right for you!

 

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

By Linda | Published January 14, 2011 | Posted in Australia & New Zealand

The first time I was in Sydney Australia my son was too young to climb the harbor bridge and on subsequent trips to Australia there wasn’t enough time in Sydney.   So when we had the opportunity this year we jumped at the chance and made it to the top on the Ultimate Sydney Bridge climb.  A fantastic experience and memory that will last forever!

For those a bit fearful of heights (and that would include me) I’ll begin by saying the safety procedures were truly impressive. In fact the first 45 minutes or so of your “climb” will be associated with preparation and safety including a breathalyzer test for alcohol which may not be consumed before a bridge climb.

Assuming one is sober, the next step is to gear up!  Everything is provided from a fashionable gray and blue jumpsuit, snazzy wrist band with attached handkerchief, a lanyard for sunglasses and waist belt with metal carabiner to attach one’s body to the bridge.

Absolutely nothing loose is allowed which means no purses, backpacks or cameras on the bridge and all personal items must be secured in a locker.  Even hairclips can be a problem and several ladies in our group were given hair bands in their place.

This suiting up is done with great efficiency and humor as cheeky young Aussies explain how each safety procedure was developed to overcome objections raised by conservative (and undoubtedly older) legislators before the bridge climb became a reality.  A process that apparently took years.

When preparations are complete, each group of 10-14 is led out through a stone passageway onto the bridge struts and the climb begins in earnest!

There are hundreds of metal steps and several vertical ladders to ascend/descend so participants must be in reasonable physical condition, but kids as young as 10 are allowed and our group included seniors, so pretty much anyone physically fit can do it.  Another factor to consider is the weather because the Sydney Bridge Climb takes place 365 days a year whether the day is cold, hot, windy or rainy and it’s a very popular activity so many people plan ahead.

The Ultimate Sydney Bridge Climb takes about 3 ½ hours in total and includes prep time, stops for photos (available for sale as no cameras are allowed… ) and changing back into civilian clothes. The cost starts around $180 per person with premium rates for twilight and night climbs.  Kids and groups are discounted.

We were fortunate and had moderate temperatures, clear blue skies and sunshine for our climb and we enjoyed eye popping views of the entire city, the Opera House and Sydney Harbor from the top.  All in all it was a thrill to climb the bridge and stand 440 feet above it all.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat and suggest you include this and other unique adventures in your Australia plans!

Please call or email linda@totemtravel.com for assistance planning a vacation in Australia.  I can help with independent travel, escorted tours to Australia, cruises and activities.  See you Down Under!

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