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Vanua Levu |
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With
almost a thousand islands to choose from, how do you
know where to go in Fiji?
Meaning the “Grand Land” Vanua Levu has a variety of
scenery, with villages dotting the island, allowing
visitors to experience genuine Fijian life. The
island itself is over 100 miles long, making it the
second largest of the Fiji islands. Savusavu is the
second largest town in Vanua Levu and is located on
the bay. It is famous for its diving reefs, which
became a base for Jean Michel Cousteau’s Project
Ocean Search in 1990. Situated in a 17 acre grove
fronting the ocean, Jean Michel Cousteau Fiji
Islands Resort, is an eco minded resort that
combines a sense of relaxed ease with comfortable
accommodations. The 25 thatched roof bures offer a
complete array of amenities.
Jean Michel Cousteau
was named the #1 resort for the Conde Nast Traveler
Green List for 2005 and voted Fiji’s leading resort
at the World Travel awards in London in 2005.
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The
Mamanucas consist of 20 islands and are located just
off the western coast of Viti Levu near the city of
Nadi. The islands are close enough to be accessed
quite easily, by ferries, launches, helicopter, and
seaplane. Mana Island is one of the largest
properties in the Mamanuca Islands. This resort’s
300 acres provide lots of room to find a private
space to relax and enjoy the scenery.
There are two
long beaches – South Beach where water activities
are centered and North Beach which is ideal for
lounging, swimming, and snorkeling. The resort
features on of the best wedding chapels in Fiji, set
along the water in a secluded location. With its own
airstrip, guests can arrive on a short 12 minutes
flight from Nadi Airport or via the Tiger IV boat
from Denarau Marina.
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Known
as the Garden Island, Taveuni lies southwest of
Vanua Levu and is the third largest island in Fiji.
The west coast of Taveuni is a calling place for
inter island ships. One of those inter islands is
Matangi Island. Matangi Private Island Resort , 240
acres of tropical paradise, is owned by the
Douglas Family. The Douglas ancestors were among the
first Europeans to settle in Fiji and from the
1870’s lived on Matangi Island working the land as a
coconut and cattle plantation. Family members were
all born and brought up in the islands and thus
enjoy an inherent connection to the land, culture
and people. The Douglas family decided to share
Matangi Island with the rest of the world in 1987
and have since welcomed up to 1000 guests per year,
many of which return year after year, making it
their home away from home in paradise. Matangi
Private Island Resort offers a total of eleven
Beachfront Bures and three Tree House Bures.
 
All
accommodations are handcrafted to traditional design
and blend into the tropical environment. High
ceilings and large louvre windows keep the bures
cool without the use of air-conditioning. This
island is surrounded by coral reefs and aquamarine
waters.
 
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Fiji
is 22 hours ahead of the Midwest. The islands are
situated west of the international dateline at the
180th Meridian, 12 hours ahead of
Greenwich Mean Time
Air
Pacific (Fiji’s international airline) takes 10
hours from Los Angeles. Fiji is 6 hours from
Honolulu, 3 hours and 50 minutes from Sydney
Australia, and 3 hours from Auckland, New Zealand.
English is the official language. Fijian and
Hindustani are also spoken.
Tipping is not encouraged. Resorts offer a staff
Christmas Fund where tips are shared or sometimes
donated to a local charity.
Water
is safe and delicious.
Beyond experiencing Fiji’s perfect physical
environment, you will share the warmth and
friendliness of the Fijian people. Their special
living culture makes this holiday a life-enhancing
experience. To hear a bright, chirpy “Good Morning”
and to know it is sincerely given; to listen to the
legends of what has shaped the culture into what it
is today, and to share the laughter and smiles with
new friends – this is the true treasure of Fiji
awaiting your discovery.
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Vinaka Vakalevu,
Chris
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