debbie

My husband and I are trying to plan a quiet, romantic, South Seas Islands get-a-way.<BR><BR>We started looking at Bora Bora and were pretty set on that, and then I happened upon Aitutaki, and later Fiji - specifically Yasawa Island Resort, which is exactly what we picture as an ideal atmosphere. <BR><BR>We are, however, a little horrifed with the price - $820/night! Now Bora Bora's prices don't look so bad, but now Bora Bora looks commercial to me.<BR><BR>Can anyone help us out? As I said, we love the &quot;look&quot; of the Yasawa Island Resort. We want some things around, but mostly great beach, great food, great sunsets, some cruises, a daytrip into a village, and other than that, peace and quiet.<BR><BR>We live in the Boston area, and so are @ 20 hrs away I would guess, so want to chose wisely, as I doubt we'll be back soon.<BR><BR>Also, can anyone recommend a good tour wholesaler for any of these areas?

Peggy

Having been to all 3 several times, I would pick Fiji or Aitutaki but if you can swing Yasawa resort, go for it. Fiji does have all you are looking for without the overbuilding &amp; promotion of French Polynesia, which is beautiful but we have seen too many changes in the last 20 years to want to go back. As a first time visit this may not be an issue though. Pearl Beach Resort on Aitutaki was wonderful but at Yasawa I feel you'll get more privacy, less people, better beaches &amp; much better food &amp; a more special experience. We have not stayed there but have been to Vatulele which is very similiar &amp; Turle Island &amp; Namale. I would check out Claudia at www.pacific-for-less.com. Good luck &amp; enjoy where ever you go!

DJ

Hi Debbie,<BR><BR>I can definitely recommend the Yasawa Resort. It has been almost 3 years since our stay there but it is still one the places that stands out as one of the nicer tropical vacations I have been on. This past Sept. we were back in French Polynesia for a 2nd time, which is also very beautiful but much more touristy. Our first trip there was 7 yrs. ago was on a Windstar cruise so this time we thought we'd stay on the islands. The Yasawa on the other hand is very quiet and remote with few guests and affords very good accommodations and excellent cuisine in beautiful &amp; tranquil surroundings. You can go on wonderful relaxing walks along secluded beaches along with water activities, easy hiking, interesting visits to the village or simply kick back relax and read a book in your beach hammock or on your spacioius deck. The people are also very friendly and service was very good. I know it is quite expensive but if you consider that your meals are also included in the price, it doesn't seem quite so bad. Food in FP was very expensive and not included in our room rates so all in all it worked out to be similar in price.<BR> Wherever you decide to go, have a great time.

debbie

Peggy (and DJ) -<BR>Thanks for your comments.<BR><BR>If we DO end up on Bora Bora, (although we are now leaning toward Yasawa), we were considering either BB Pearl Beach or Hotel BB - have you stayed at either?<BR><BR>Re: - Aitutaki - is there anything to do on the island?

DJ

Hi again Debbie,<BR><BR>You can get lots of info on Bora Bora etc. and have all your questions answered by checking out the following website: www.tahitiexplorer.com. This site deals with everything to do with French Polynesia and was very helpful to us on our last trip.

Peggy

We always stayed in a beachfront bungalow at Hotel Bora Bora. We loved it. But we got married there 15 years ago on the Vehia at sunset so it holds special memories. We have stayed in overwater at other resorts but unless you get one that is the most isolated or angled just right, they feel too exposed to me. Very romantic concept but it has to be done just right. Some resorts have TV &amp; radio &amp; phone &amp; the units are too close together that the experience is not what was anticipated. But also some of our visits were before all the motu resorts sprung up &amp; you used to be able to boat to a deserted island for lunch &amp; serenity but they are mostly populated with hotels now. Anyway again why we moved on to other island groups. You will not find that at Yasawa. And I agree with DJ, once you add up all the costs that are included in most of the resorts in Fiji you have spent the same amount of money.<BR>Aitutaki has less activity that Bora Bora just due to it's size &amp; a less developed tourist structure but it is the lagoon &amp; water &amp; beauty that is the draw. But even at more isloated reosrts like Yasawa or Vatulele there seems to be plenty to entertain us for a week, just swimming &amp; sunning, snorkeling, boating, dining at private romantic locals &amp; mingling with other guests. There are usually activities like a visit to a local village or school, jungle walks or of course diving &amp; most have tennis courts. Usually one night a week they all have local entertainment of singing &amp; dancing revues with audiance participation...depending on how much everyone has had to drink! <BR>Hope I haven't confused you. Ask any questions &amp; I'll try to help. So many things are personal preference. My husband &amp; I are happy to be in a quiet far off exotic place without TV &amp; nightclubs but for some that would not be paradius.