Bula and Happy Easter to all our friends!

As promised in our last newsletter I share my thoughts on my recent exciting and eye opening whirlwind update trip to Fiji.

Of significant interest to both the holiday and corporate market is Denarau Island – the home of the three Sheraton Resorts. Much is happening on Denarau. The Sofitel is now looking more like a Hotel and its opening later this year will be a shot in the arm for all mainland hotels. Across the canals, the Golf View Apartments are almost complete. These will offer apartment style accomodation and are adjacent to the island transfer hubs of Denarau Marina. Another major upgrade is our old favourite The Royal which, once major works are finished, will become a premier Starwood Hotel to be styled as a Westin Hotel. The facilities get better, the competition hotter as the Radisson and Hilton Hotels take shape. Look forward to healthy competition, better service, better prices and fantastic facilities.

Staying on the mainland for the moment, in Suva the opening of JJ's Hotel is a highlight. This was the old YWCA building and is in a prime city position. JJ's has been refurbished to a standard attractive to recent Royal visitors. It is definitely the place to stay when stopping to explore the attractions of Fiji's Captial City and seat of Government.

Another hotel to benefit from a multimillion dollar refurbishment is Rea's South Pacific. This Pacific Harbour landmark has been brought into the 21st Century with a total makeover which has modernized the rooms, upgraded the pool and all the surrounding grounds. A brilliant and innovative nightclub has been introduced and a wide spectrum of dining options. Rea's can be mixed with an exciting and overall different travel itinerary in this often neglected area of Fiji.

To the Islands. We visited the recently revamped Toberua Island Resort. A great getaway with a true beachfront Bure. Toberua would suit those wanting to completely relax, with the usual water options. The beauty of this resort is you can transfer directly from your arrival in Suva.

Bega Island is off the coast of Pacific Harbour, and is also undergoing a change. The former Marlin Bay Resort is now renamed Bega Lagoon Resort and under dynamic new management is repositioning itself more for the FIT traveler (you and I) whilst still retaining the options for diving in the fabulous Bega Lagoon and surrounding areas and surfing the famous Frigates passage break. When the enlarged pool is complete at the end of March and the beachfront bures, all with plunge pools are complete a few weeks after that it will offer a serious alternative to the more well know island resorts. When there don't miss Waga, a singer and keyboard player who is truly a star!

Royal Davui is a small island just 10 minutes ride from Bega Lagoon Resort, but normally accessed by Island Hoppers helicopters from Nadi. This resort is the latest offering on the wonderful list of 5 star resorts on offer in Fiji. In a word... Brilliant. The villas, the vistas, the cuisine, the island. Royal Davui does not compete with the beaches at Turtle, does not compete with the sophistication of Wakaya or Vatulele, does not compete with the expanse of Yasawa (which all have their own individual points of excellence), but it does offer you...Royal Davui.

I do suggest that you find out for yourself as soon as possible. There are truly wonderful value for money introductory offers available at the moment. Whilst the helicopter transfers are expensive this trip in itself is an experience, flying over the highlands and mahogany plantations, seeing the coastline, the Sigatoka Valley, the waterfalls from your own helicopter and then dropping down to the Nadi area with the Sleeping Giant mountains as a backdrop.

With the increased availability of large world class hotels, a dramatic increase in availability of all aircraft routes into Fiji, this destination is poised to take a significant amount of corporate business in the form of incentive and conference groups. Denarau Island alone has a room availability approaching 2000. Other smaller islands can be chartered for exclusive use given enough lead time. We have chartered in the past Vomo Island for a seven day conference for an American company catering for 60 members.

Also increasing dramatically is the popularity for weddings to be held in Fiji. We have groups ranging from 2 (!) to 80. The attraction is not only the exotic destination but the overall cost is generally a great deal less than being held here in Australia.

Of course any of our staff can give you full details on these or all the other Fiji Island options.

What's been happening in Fiji

The big news for Fiji this month was the visit of Prince Charles. Following his visit to Australia Prince Charles made an historic visit to Castaway Island in the Mamanucas as part of his two day visit to Fiji. The key reason for Prince Charles' visit was to view the marine life and reefs surrounding Castaway Island. The tour had been organized by Coral Cay conservation. Coral Cay Conservation is a London-based environmental group who have been headquartered on Castaway Island for the past four years, to survey the reefs and marine life in the Mamanuca Island group. The ultimate goal is to present a recommendation to the Fiji Government to establish suitable and permanent Marine Protected Areas in the Mamanucas to ensure the sustainability of this fragile environment. Prince Charles then spent some informal time on the Island meeting with local school children, resort guests and sponsors of the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) and conducting a brief tour of the resort prior to his departure. Geoffrey Shaw, Managing Director of Castaway is the chairman of MES, who through education and in partnership with CCC, have been instrumental in heightening the awareness by both local community and commercial stakeholders of the need to conserve and protect the coral reefs and the greater environment. Mr Shaw commented "We are of course, honoured with the presence of Prince Charles and the importance of his visit to Fiji. His passion and commitment for the environment is something that we share here in the Mamanucas." So, why not consider holidaying where Royalty do? Castaway Island is a fabulous destination for a family holiday, a honeymoon, or wedding. Have a chat to one of our team and we can detail a great Castaway Holiday for you.

If you're feeling sporty start training because in Fiji there are some great upcoming events to test you stamina! Here's two to whet your appetite. The Castaway Island 4km swim will take place on Friday 13th May and offers race categories for Junior, Open or Veteran swimmers. Head back to the mainland for the Fiji Triathalon which will be held on Sunday 15th May at Sheraton Resorts on Denarau Island. You can compete as a team, or an individual and swim 800m, cycle 30km and run 8km.