advice on Fiji
 

Where in Fiji would there be empty white sand beaches similar to Bora Bora? I need a white sand and turquoise water fix! Any suggestions?

Well, most of the islands have that in Fiji. Depending on your budget, of course, try VOMO island, Vatulele (sp?), castaway, hideaway, Yasawa Island resort(my fav), treasure island, ect...<BR>Brandi

Thanks Brandi. I found a website on<BR>Fiji and I'll look over your suggestions. I appreciate you taking<BR>the time to answer my question.

Having been to Turtle Island, Namale & Vatulele, I have to say I loved Vatulele the most but if you have a chance to go to Fiji, go. Though the resorts I mentioned are expensive, when you see what is included & added it up separate as in FP, it is not that out of line. I still think the lagoon at Bora Bora is the most beautiful, but Fiji is so friendly & the resorts much less populated than what FP has expanded to. Bora Bora was the best before all the overwater bungalows! Though they are unique & fun once, I'd rather have the huge villa at Vatulele on my own stretch of beach with my own beach hut & loungers & free flowing champagne! Good luck!

You might also consider the Cook Islands. Aitutaki is considered by many to be a "little brother" to Bora Bora, and Arthur Frommer (for what it's worth) rates Moorea, Bora Bora, Rarotonga (also in the Cooks) & Aitutaki as the 4 most beautiful islands in the South Pacific (see the link below):<BR><BR>http://www.frommers.com/destinations/southpacific/0240020917.cfm?section_dirname=tropical<BR><BR>We are heading there in 3 weeks and I've gathered a lot of helpful links during my planning. If you are interested, I can e-mail them to you. Just e-mail me and let me know.<BR><BR>Ken

Thanks for your help Peggy. I'll read<BR>up on your info.<BR><BR>Thank you too Ken. I've seen great photos of the Cook Islands. I will do research in that area as well. Any help with links would be great. I'd love to hear what your feelings are about the<BR>area when you return. I hope it's a dream vacation for you!

Thanks Stephanie,<BR><BR>I'll be posting my trip report on Epinions and my photos on Webshots.com.<BR><BR>Ken

Cook Islands is a great destination but you probably won't find deserted beaches on Rarotonga. Not to mean it is overppoulated either. We took our second trip there last May. It is a small clean friendly island, more modern in attitudes than the outer islands of Fiji. Pacific Resort's beachfront villa (most expensive)or "Island villa" (most reasonable & very private) are great accomodations.<BR>I would put Aitutaki in the category of Bora Bora as far as the lagoon looks. Not as much sealife unless you go on a day trip but the scenery is wonderful. Look at pearlbeachresorts.com. But it depends on what you are looking for & what you want to spend. Cooks have more to do in a smaller area. Fiji can run the gamut from bigger resorts on the larger island to private luxury (or med price) on the outer islands. For me, a quieter, romantic vacation would be Fiji & a more active (though Aitutaki is romantic in those overwater bungalows!),varied activities trip would be to the Cooks.

If you're considering other places than Fiji, besides the Cooks consider Tonga as well. You can get very reasonable accomodations with few people and white sandy beaches. ;-)

bula<BR>Having experenced 11 resorts in Fiji our pick is Tokoriki Island resort, it is small and intimate with a fantastic family atmosphere and great beach, snorkelling with crystal clear water.<BR>The honeymoon bure is well worth the extra money<BR> http://tokoriki.com/

Thanks Peggy, Geoff, and Cherie.<BR>I appreciate your suggestions. I've got to do my homework now!

If you contemplate Yasawa insist on a renovated bure. The old ones are a disgrace. When we were there the chef was not the fellow the brochures promised.<BR>If you want an opinion about Turtle Island please email me.<BR>

Stephanie,<BR><BR>My Wife and I stayed at the Hideaway on the Coral Coast. we chose it because of the package price which was pretty cheap. We enjoyed it very much but when we return to Fiji we will choose one of the outer islands (not a knock on the Hideaway we loved the atmosphere). Hideaway does not have a beach nor are there any good ones close. Go and enjoy<BR><BR>