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When you go to Fiji every year you have many favorite resorts and Matangi Island Resort is one of mine!  As a Fiji travel specialist and lifetime traveler it is impossible to choose one best place in the world, but I do have a favorite area in the South Pacific and that would be the northern islands of Fiji where Matangi Island Resort is located.

So what makes Fiji, the northern islands and Matangi Island Resort so special?

• The islands are truly remote. Fiji is a 10 hour nonstop flight from LAX and the northern islands are another short flight, shuttle and boat ride beyond Nadi. This is a good thing!
• The northern islands of Fiji are stunningly beautiful. Lush, green, tropical foliage. Dramatic, craggy mountain tops. Crystal clear water in every shade of blue. White sand beaches, cascading waterfalls.
• The resorts in northern Fiji are small. Matangi Island Resort has only 11 bures and other favorite resorts are similar in size. Vacation and honeymoon guests enjoy privacy, pampering and individualized personal service without a smidge of pretension. Bathing suit, shorts and flipflops are all you need.
• The coral reefs are unspoiled and offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. The Somosomo Strait lies between Taveuni and Vanua Levu and is home to a number of top sites including Rainbow Reef and Great White Wall. But even a novice snorkeler can enjoy Fii’s soft coral and tropical fish because Matangi Island Resort and other northern resorts like Qamea have excellent snorkeling right off the beach.
• The people are the friendliest on earth! Fijian smiles are amazing and start from the inside out. Visitors are welcomed to the islands, into the villages and into the lives of those they meet. Matangi Island Resort is family owned and operated and many a guest leaves with tears in their eyes and hugs from newfound friends.

Of course small, remote and personal is not for everyone and if you are looking for a large resort or a championship golf course Matangi Island Resort is not the right choice…  But for those seeking an intimate setting for a relaxing tropical vacation or honeymoon in Fiji, Matangi Island is calling!  Here’s quote from a recent client

Thank you, it was AMAZING! We loved every minute of it. Matangi was simply magical and we enjoyed having the opportunity to stay in both the beachfront bure and the treehouse!  We cannot say enough about the island, and the people.  It was truly a memorable trip.  Many thank you’s for your assistance in arranging this trip!!  Keisha

Throughout 2011 Matangi is offering 2 free nights when you stay one week and vacation packages start from under $7K total for two including air from Los Angeles, 7 nights in an oceanview bure, all meals, non motorized watersports, transfers and more.  Click for current specials and call or email Linda@TotemTravel.com with your questions.

A lot of attention has been drawn to the resorts and islands of Tahiti with the filming of the Bachelorette, but not every couple has the budget to honeymoon in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora.  So here are some of the best values, resort specials and honeymoon packages for the South Pacific -

The  Bora Bora Pearl Resort offers one free night and breakfast daily with every 4 night stay.  This is one of my all time favorite resorts and every room category has something extra special.  The garden bungalows have a private plunge pool.  The beach bungalows have a private courtyard with Jacuzzi and outdoor shower.  And the fabulous overwater bungalows offer stairs from the deck into the clear, warm, shimmering lagoon filled with brightly colored tropical fish and turquoise water.

The Hilton Moorea and Bora Bora Nui  have some great deals going and I recently combined the two islands for an 8 night package including air and an overwater bungalow for under $7K total for two.  The final episode of the Bachelorette was filmed almost exclusively at the Bora Bora Nui so the location obviously has the romantic ambiance and beautiful settings for a very special honeymoon.

The Sofitel Resorts offer free breakfast and dinner with a 4 night stay on Moorea or Bora Bora and if you stay 8 nights in any combination of Softel Resorts you’ll get a bonus night on Tahiti.  The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora  is widely considered the best resort on Moorea and is located on a gorgeous beach with beautifully remodeled garden, beach and overwater bungalows.  My personal favorite is the beach bungalow with more space, more privacy and great views.

Besides catching a great resort special another way to stretch your Bora Bora vacation budget is to dine at a local restaurant.   A couple of favorites include Matira Beach, about a 15 minute walk from the Sofitel, where a popular lunch of kabobs, beer and fries runs about $20.  Or try Le Bounty for a dinner of pizza, pasta or fondue for around $25.

And remember, most non motorized watersports in Tahiti are free.  So you can enjoy snorkeling, sailing, canoeing and kayaks to your heart’s content.  Speaking of hearts…. the secluded white sand beaches and romantic sunsets are free too!

Please call or email linda@totemtravel.com if you need help planning your South Pacific vacation. I am a Tahiti, Fiji and South Pacific island specialist and would love to help you find the perfect spot for your romantic getaway!