IT’S quite appropriate that with Valentine’s Day just two days away, Lady Nakalou, a female green turtle, is making her way through Fiji waters in her heart-shaped shell.

Released from Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi last week, she has a satellite tag attached to her back, part of a bid to understand the behaviour of seven different types of sea turtles that can be found in Fiji waters.

But while the satellite tag is giving scientists a good idea of what her habits are, it has also caused alarm.

This because Lady Nakalou is swimming close to the southern Viti Levu shoreline, moving from Nadi along the coast towards Sigatoka.

The reason for alarm is the fact that not everyone may hold good intentions towards this sea creature in her heart-shaped shell.

Green turtles are renown in Fiji as a delicacy because of the green fat they store, which appeals to some taste buds. Known locally as vonu dina, turtles such as Lady Nakalou have in the past been widely hunted for their meat.

With humans on the hunt for them, whether intentionally or otherwise, green turtles have now been put on the list of creatures that are critically endangered. This means that if we continue to kill such turtles in our lifetime, our children’s children may never see one in the wild in theirs. Lady Nakalou was so named because she came from Nakalou Village in Vanua Levu.

The general thinking is that she will return there — with any luck to nest and help rejuvenate the population of green turtles in our ocean.

Twenty-two people from the Bua and Macuata coastline have been trained in turtle monitoring, conservation and tagging. These people are gathering information on turtles who have been tagged and released into the wild.

There is quite a bit that scientists already know about green turtles. They have a sub-circular to heart-shaped hard shell which on average is around 70centimetres long but can grow to 1.2metres. The shell is light brown to greenish brown, and their jaw is not beaklike.

But there is much too that we still need to know about them, in order to help save them from extinction.

It won’t be hard to pick out Lady Nakalou with her round face, big eyes, heart-shaped shell and satellite tag on her back.

The hard part will be for those who spot her to ensure that no one around them causes harm to her in her travels.

We should all be so lucky as to be the person who helps ensure that Lady Nakalou is swimming in our oceans when our children have children.

That would be a heart-shaped gift that would last longer than this Valentine’s Day, and certainly a lot longer than our lifetime.

One of Fiji’s newest resorts, and a delight.  Viwa Island  Resort have extended their deadlines for their popular stay/pay package.  From travel now until 31 March, 2011 (blockout dates 22 December 2010 - 4 January 2011 apply) you can stay 5 nights and pay for 4.  Or stay 7 and pay for only 5.  Discover this new resort that has been open 12 months and is already having return guests! 

Plan ahead for a stay at this beautiful resort at the top of the Mamanuca chain.  Vomo is offering  a stay 5 pay 4 special for travel from 1st November 2010 - 19th December 2010 and 20th January 2011 -20th March 2011.    Or stay 7 pay only 5 for the period 20th January 2011 - 20th March 2011.  True value for a truly luxurious resort.

Book between 15th Feb and 14th March for a minimum five nights at the popular Coral Coast Property The Fijian and receive free nights plus $FJD50 Spa Credit per person per day (valid for Australian market only).   Stay 5 pay 3, Stay 7 pay 4, or extend to wonderful 12 nights and pay for only 8.  Included in this great special is Free Full Amercian Buffett Breakfast daily for 2 adults.   Available on all room categories and is combinable with kids stay, play and eat for free and Honeymoon offer.  Block out dates and travel dates do apply so speak to us at Fiji Island Tours for further information. 

For more on this resort:  http://www.fijinet.com/fiji-resorts-hotels/shangrila_fijian/index.html

** STAY 8, PAY 4 NIGHT SPECIAL OFFER **

Toberua is a unique privately owned island with fifteen recently refurbished traditional bures offering you an unforgettable Fijian holiday experience. Located in the Lomaiviti Group off the eastern side of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu with seamless transfers available, Toberua Island Resort includes four sandy acres of lush tropical gardens awaiting your arrival.

 http://www.fijinet.com/fiji-resorts-hotels/Toberua_Island/

Namale The Fiji Islands, Resort and Spa is Fiji’s leading 5 Star Luxury boutique Resort. Namale is built where the rainforest meets the ocean.   An all inclusive resort that has won an array of awards, including the #1 Honeymoon Suite in Fiji and #1 Spa in Fiji.

In 2010 you can stay at this wonderful resort and utilise some of these amazing specials:

January - March 2010 - Stay 7 pay 5 or Stay 10 and Pay 7.    Enjoy as part of this special a Couples Destress Jetlag Recovery Massage.

April - September 2010 - Stay 7 pay 6 and receive a $USD 500 air credit.

October - December 2010 - Stay 7 pay 6 and receive Free Domestic Air.

All these specials are on sale now.

Learn more about this resort:

http://www.fijinet.com/fiji-resorts-hotels/Namale/

Set in Fiji’s popular Mamanuca region amongst pristine waters, Malolo Island is a perfect tropical backdrop for the most special of all days.  Weddings on Malolo range from the simplest ceremony through to the popular Fijian Celebration and include a choice of romantic ceremony locations such as the beach at sunset or amongst the tropical gardens.

Between 1 November 2010 and 31 March 2011, Malolo Island Fiji is offering a FREE WEDDING OR RENEWAL OF VOWS ceremony based on a minimum of  a 5 night stay.  Your free wedding is the Domoni Essential Wedding Package valued at $F1,400.  Renewal of Vows package is valued at $F950.

Book 5 rooms or more for your wedding party, also on a 5 night stay, and receive a free upgrade to the deluxe Lomani Celebration Wedding Package valued at over $F3,200.

Read more about Malolo Island Fiji:

http://www.fijinet.com/fiji-resorts-hotels/Malolo_Island/

It can now be a reality!

Special offer - ceremony and reception for 50 guests plus accommodation for the bride and groom for just AUD$5,000.

More information >>

Stay 5 nights and Pay for only 4. 

This special is valid for travel until the 31 March 2010, and applies to all room categories. It represents great value for this beautiful resort.