Help Me With Our Fiji Weddingmoon?!?

[Ms.Goggles]

We are considering eloping to Fiji for a weddingmoon. I seem to read a TON of information about French Polynesia (Bora Bora, Moorea) which was my original thought, and while it''s tempting to go there instead, I think I''m leaning (& FI definitely is) towards Fiji. Overall, it will be less expensive, include gourmet meals, be more private and the resorts we can afford in Fiji are 5 star, very small boutique adults-only places with plunge pools, outdoor rock showers, etc. We can get so much more for our money AND our marriage ceremony in Fiji would be legally recognized in the US. I''m just hesitant because I can''t find much information about honeymooners/brides in Fiji and what they thought. We have a large budget, larger than anything I''ve ever spent before, so I want to make sure it''s as beautiful and exotic as I have in my mind before we actually book. As silly as it sounds, I feel like I need someone other than a travel agent to tell me that Fiji will be GORGEOUS since all everyone ever seems to talk about is French Polynesia! I keep swaying back and forth in my decision making.

I''ve read all the reviews on Tripadvisor for the three hotels we''re considering, but I''ve noticed they''re mostly from Ozzies/Kiwis, not Americans. This only makes a difference to me because they''re closer, so they''re not spending as much to get there as we would be.

Since this is a combo of wedding/honeymoon in one and we''ve decided to forego a traditional wedding, we want to do this up the right way! We''ve been to Mexico and the Caribbean and want to go somewhere new that we will never forget!

Would you go here for a weddingmoon?

* http://www.royaldavui.com/ - we would get married here on the sandspit or in the garden, spend 7 nights in a deluxe or premium bure
* http://www.likulikulagoon.com/home.cfm - we would probably spend 5 nights here; 3 in a deluxe beachfront and the last 2 in an overwater
* Third choice: http://www.taveunipalms.com/ - if we stay in one of the villas here for 7 nights, our wedding ceremony is included

Thanks, ladies. I am definitely feeling some anxiety about pulling the trigger on our trip. My girlfriends will all tell me what I want to hear so I need some impartial opinions!

 

[Clairitek]

You might want to reach out to Musey. She went to Fiji as part of her honeymoon before heading to NZ (at least I think she did...).

 

[Morgie44]

I am American and have been to Fiji and it is absolutely stunning! While I haven''t been to French Polynesia, Fiji is hands down the most beautiful place I have been. I think that many people go to FP for the overwater bungalow experience (I know that is the one reason it appeals to me over Fiji) Which it seems is now available in Fiji as well. If I were you, I would choose resort 1 or 3 because I would want to spend as long as possible in that paradise! I am leaning more towards 1 bc the decor is more my style (after just briefly looking at the sites).

Also, if this helps get FP out of your head, a friend of a friend just returned from their honeymoon in Tahiti and Papeete I believe and she said they ended up eating Ramen Noodles in their room pretty much everyday because the food was so outrageously expensive. I am sure this varies based on where you stay, but their first breakfast (a coffee, a tea, some eggs, and a few pieces of bacon) was 80 dollars and not even good food, and a simple dinner (burger and fries with a few drinks) was $200+

 

[Ms.Goggles]

Clairitek- Thank you! I was hoping she'd pop in and give her opinion, actually!

Morgie44- You know what? I actually forgot to mention that we are going to do 2 resorts for a total of around 12 nights. We definitely want to do resort #2; resorts up for deliberation are 1 or 3. I am leaning more towards #1 as well, but FI loves the idea of #3 as there are only 2 villas at the resort with your own private chefs, etc. It would have two bedrooms, so we could at least maintain the tradition of sleeping apart the night before the wedding. May I ask where you stayed and how long you went for? Do you think we'd get bored before the end of our 12 night stay? I find it hard to believe, but I guess it could happen!

I'm so happy to hear that you liked Fiji &, HOLY COW, I can't believe how much food costs in FP! I definitely don't want to eat Easy Mac for 12 days. Somehow I feel better about forking over all the money ahead of time and being able to order off the menu at the resorts without having to consider prices!

 

[Morgie44]

We stayed at the Warwick Fiji and it was very nice, but it is definitely more towards the resort side which I don''t think is what you are looking for. We were there for 3 nights/ 4 days back in 2001. Unfortunately, I don''t have a whole lot of info on the island, because we pretty much stayed at the resort (we were advised to as there was a coup going on at the time) and I went as a part of a group tour to Australia and New Zealand, so all the arrangements were not made by me. But it was beautiful and we had a great time!

 

[musey]

Hi Ms.Goggles!

I just wanted to let you know that Clairitek gave me the heads-up on your thread (I''ve been really busy with work lately so I wouldn''t have seen it otherwise! Thanks Clairitek!)... I don''t have time at this moment but I''m gonna post what I can tomorrow. We only went for 3 days so I don''t know how useful I''ll be!

Post any other specific questions you might have, but I''ll respond to what you''ve written so far and throw in some general thoughts too

 

[Ms.Goggles]

Thanks, Musey! I''d love to hear your experience as well. I''m glad clairetek gave you the heads up (very sweet of you!) We''re not going to be booking for a little while, so I''ll just bury myself in my research - no rush!

 

[lulu66]

ms. goggles, i have a friend who lived in fiji for two years (peace corps) and married a fijian while she lived there. they got married in his village at a church then went to a resort for a few days...i''ll see if i can find out where. BUT, while she was there i was hoping to visit (unfortunately did not happen). i found this resort which i think looks lovely, just thought i''d offer the site to you. sounds like wonderful plans for a wedding/honeymoon & from her pictures, i can''t imagine a more beautiful place!!

here''s the link

 

[brendaman]

I don''t know if you''ve already made up your mind about Fiji, but I found a travel agent (I ment them at the NYC store, Kleinfeld) who told me that the InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso was having a special that if you book 7 night stay, a $1500 Tahitian marriage ceremony is included. Also, he said, Air Tahiti Nui was having 2 for 1 air specials. I''m not sure if it is only the InterContinental Thalasso which has the special (there are other other InterContinentals in Tahiti). Let me know if you want the contact info of the travel agent.

 

[Ms.Goggles]

Morning, everyone!

Morgie44- I just checked out Warwick - it looks beautiful! Everytime I second guess Fiji, I look at pictures and feel like an idiot. You're right; we are looking at places that are more boutiquey for our honeymoon, but I'm hoping we'll like it so much we'll want to go back again someday!

lulu44-

Lalati....wow. That's exactly why we landed on Fiji over FP. Don't the small boutique resorts just look out of this world? I love that we can get our own secluded little beachfront hut, step outside onto the sand and walk right into the ocean all in 15 steps or less! The toughest part for me, other than deciding if Fiji is all it's cracked up to be, is figuring out which of the many gorgeous places to choose from! Lalati is definitely the kind of place we want. Thank you for sending me the link! Um, if there's any way you'd have access to any of your friend's pictures, I'd love to see them! My biggest fear is really the condition of the beaches. I know the water doesn't stack up to FP, but somehow that plays games with my mind and I tell myself that Fiji will look like Lake Michigan.

I hate that I do that to myself, but that's how I am! I like to research the heck out of things before I make up my mind!

Brendaman- What a great deal! Before deciding we should do Fiji, I actually had a couple of quotes done for FP and our TA suggested we stay at the Thalasso in Bora Bora! The pictures I've seen are to.die.for. I wonder why she never mentioned the specials! 2-for-1 airfare!? Can I have the TA's info? If the deals are as good as you're making them sound, I know tons of people interested in traveling to FP!

Strangely enough, I think I've semi-let Bora Bora go (kinda...). Don't get me wrong, I don't think I could find scenery and water like Bora Bora's anywhere else in the world or like it any more, but something has changed for me and I'm not "craving" it so much. Part of it is that a wedding there can only be symbolic, so we'd have to actually "get married" in a courthouse in Chicago which doesn't appeal to me as much. Fiji seems to make more sense for us in terms of the resort offerings and amenities - it looks so romantic and I love that no more than 32 guests will be at the resort we'll get married at! There are definite pros and cons to both - I told FI that someday I'd like to do FP for an anniversary trip...we'll save up our pennies first!

 

[brendaman]

Date: 7/2/2009 12:09:06 PM
Author: Ms.Goggles
Morning, everyone!

Brendaman- What a great deal! Before deciding we should do Fiji, I actually had a couple of quotes done for FP and our TA suggested we stay at the Thalasso in Bora Bora! The pictures I''ve seen are to.die.for. I wonder why she never mentioned the specials! 2-for-1 airfare!? Can I have the TA''s info? If the deals are as good as you''re making them sound, I know tons of people interested in traveling to FP!

Contact Harlan Bell at [email protected] (VALERIE WILSON TRAVEL INC) out of NYC. I was told "as a special Kleinfeld amenity, on the seven night stay at Bora Bora Thalasso, you will receive a complimentary $1,500 Tahitian marriage ceremony." As for the airfare, Harlan said, "The air rates will come down once our bulk contract is available, currently it is not….this is a similar fare to the two for one. Not sure when this will be available, perhaps closer to November or December."

I''ll tell him that he may receive a number of referrals.

 

[Ms.Goggles]

Date: 7/2/2009 1:18:13 PM
Author: brendaman

Date: 7/2/2009 12:09:06 PM
Author: Ms.Goggles
Morning, everyone!

Brendaman- What a great deal! Before deciding we should do Fiji, I actually had a couple of quotes done for FP and our TA suggested we stay at the Thalasso in Bora Bora! The pictures I''ve seen are to.die.for. I wonder why she never mentioned the specials! 2-for-1 airfare!? Can I have the TA''s info? If the deals are as good as you''re making them sound, I know tons of people interested in traveling to FP!

Contact Harlan Bell at [email protected] (VALERIE WILSON TRAVEL INC) out of NYC. I was told ''as a special Kleinfeld amenity, on the seven night stay at Bora Bora Thalasso, you will receive a complimentary $1,500 Tahitian marriage ceremony.'' As for the airfare, Harlan said, ''The air rates will come down once our bulk contract is available, currently it is not….this is a similar fare to the two for one. Not sure when this will be available, perhaps closer to November or December.''

I''ll tell him that he may receive a number of referrals.

Fantastic, thanks! I may have to do some price shopping.

Are you planning a trip to FP?

 

[brendaman]

Date: 7/2/2009 1:28:53 PM
Author: Ms.Goggles

Fantastic, thanks! I may have to do some price shopping.

Are you planning a trip to FP?

Yes, we''re getting married in March 2010 and planning our honeymoon in FP. We just don''t know when. I was told we would be miserable in FP if we went before the dry season (before May), as it would either be humid or rainy. There could be some sun, but why chance it. The problem is that if we don''t go in March or April, our work schedules are so crazy that we would have to postpone the honeymoon until the end of July, which is the height of the travel season.

Anyway, we looked into Fiji as well, but FI and I just love the overwater bungalow, and we''ve seen such wonderful videos of Thalasso, so we''re doing Moorea and Bora Bora with a short 2-day stay in Tahiti on the way out just for some shopping for presents to take home. We''re getting married at an InterContinental, so we''re going InterContinental all the way (it''s worth it to pay $150 for their Ambassador program as you''re upgraded wherever InterContinental you stay). When are you getting married?

We''re based out of Washington, DC, but I really like the deals from the TA I mentioned. I spoke to a local TA here, known for booking honeymoons and destination weddings, and the deals were better with the NYC TA. We''ll see though as he hasn''t booked anything for us yet.

 

[musey]

Hi again Ms.Goggles!

I was about to tell you that I am not in fact head-over-heels in love with Fiji, but I think that might be misleading... everyone has different priorities and different ideas of what makes for natural beauty. Have you been to Hawaii? I haven''t been to Tahiti, so I can''t compare there... but Fiji is definitely more of a "desert island" than a "lush tropical oasis," if you know what I mean. Whereas Hawaii is more lush, tropical. I was expecting a lush island and it was a desert island.

NOTHING wrong with that AT ALL - it just wasn''t what I was expecting, so it colored my impression a bit.

Still, it''s ridiculously beautiful.

I did most of my honeymoon research on the tripadvisor boards. Have you checked them out? I know you said you''d looked at reviews, but there are very busy forums over there. Here are two relevant threads:

http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g294338-i867-k473832-FP_vs_Fiji_vs_Bali-French_Polynesia.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294338-i867-k2215919-Fiji_vs_moorea_vs_bora_bora-French_Polynesia.html

... on the short side which is surprising to me from the response I got to my own threads over there, but you can/should definitely post this query on there, too.

I''m really not trying to dissuade you from Fiji, as it''s utterly gorgeous, I just think that if you''re weighing the two options you may want to think a little more specifically about what it is you''re looking for/envisioning for this trip. If you''ve already done that and Fiji sounds right to you, I would hardly stand in your way - because you will love it.

 

[Ms.Goggles]

Thank you for your honest take on Fiji, Musey! I''m sorry you weren''t head over heels but, from the looks of it, you had a fantastic honeymoon! FI would LOVE to go to New Zealand.

I definitely think I need to do some more research on Fiji and, mainly, look at more pictures. I guess I''m not really sure what to expect when you say "desert island." All of the pictures, youtube clips, etc. that I''ve read haven''t painted that picture for me, so it does make me worry a little. I want to go into this experience with realistic expectations, but for the amount of money we will be spending and the fact that we''ll also be getting married there - well, the expectations are high. I definitely want the swaying palm trees, the gorgeous sunsets, beautiful clear blue water and some greenery!

Would you mind telling me which island/island group you stayed on? I read some of your other posts during your planning phase, but I don''t think I ever saw where you chose.

I guess I''m looking for a few things in my honeymoon/wedding. We want somewhere very private and quiet where we can enjoy each other''s company, relax, lay out and have our biggest decision be whether or not to hang out in the plunge pool or snorkel in the lagoon. The three resorts we''re considering have respective maximum guest numbers of 4 (!), 32, and 92. Bora Bora''s beauty totally speaks to me, but the more I''ve researched, the more I realize that it won''t suit us for this trip. When I look at the pictures, I can''t stop staring at the gorgeous water, the green mountains, the overwater bungalows. But then I see the rows and rows of bungalows and hear about the price of a hamburger and it''s like some of the romance is taken out of it for me. I don''t feel like I''ll regret not going to French Polynesia for our honeymoon, but I don''t want to feel like I had unrealistic expectations for Fiji either. Does that make sense?

Somewhere we haven''t been (no Mexico or Caribbean), somewhere the marriage will be considered legal in the US, somewhere laidback and quiet with ridiculously luxurious hotels, no kids, just us and the sound of the waves lapping on the shore. This is what I want! I just wish I knew where that was!

Your post is very helpful. I need to keep asking around before I make this decision!

 

[lulu66]

ms. goggles, i don''t have access to any of her photos right now but i shot her a quick email to get her opinion (of course, i think it might be a little biased since she got married there

) & to find out what resort they stayed at. i''ll update this thread as soon as i get a reply!

 

[honey22]

I got some info on Fiji when we were planning our honeymoon. There are two parts of Fiji, the main part (Denaru?!) and then the islands off the main part of Fiji. The main part isn't that crash hot, kinda like the desert island mentioned here. The islands are the really beautiful places.

If you are serious about Fiji, fly into Denaru and then off to another island somewhere. That's were the gorgeous white sandy beaches are, like in the postcards.

Wherever you decide, have an amazing time. It all sounds awesome!!

ETA - I just remembered, there is a few adult only resorts in Fiji, the perfect honeymoon, one without kids splashing around the pool and screaming at their tops of their lungs to their parents MUM, LOOK AT ME!!! LOOK AT MEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Kid! I swear everyone will be looking at you when I dump this cocktail over your head

 

[Smo]

I went to Fiji a few years ago and we stayed at http://www.taveuniislandresort.com/ and it was great, once of the nicest and most enjoyable holidays I have ever been on. A really beautiful resort and just next door to Taveuni Palms. The food was amazing, the bures were brand new and beautiful and the people are the kindest people you will ever meet.

The 3 you have picked are beautiful, I have done a fair bit of research on the other fiji resorts and you have defintely picked the best there is. Only other one I can think of is Turtle Island.

The only thing I would add (on the negative side) is the main island isn''t that nice. And you will probably have to stay there one night before you transfer to one of the other resorts (assuming you decide on Fiji). The airplane connections can be really painful, everyone is on "fiji time" which is great when you are actually at the resort relaxing but not so much when you are waiting at an airport at 6am in the morning for your connecting flight to be told your flight is overbooked and to come back later. Not an unusual situation in Fiji unfortunately!

I know you said that most of the reviews on tripadvisor were from Aussies/Kiwis (and I am from Australia) but I would add that most Aussies/Kiwis seem to head to Bali or Thailand as it is much cheaper so I guess if there are good reviews on tripadvisor I would believe them because it is quite easy to have a island/beach holiday from here but Fiji is pretty special.

We booked through Deb at http://www.pacificislandescapes.com and she was pretty good.

p.s. if it was me, I would pick Royal Davui

 

[musey]

Date: 7/3/2009 1:41:54 AM
Author: Ms.Goggles
I definitely think I need to do some more research on Fiji and, mainly, look at more pictures. I guess I'm not really sure what to expect when you say 'desert island.' All of the pictures, youtube clips, etc. that I've read haven't painted that picture for me, so it does make me worry a little. I want to go into this experience with realistic expectations, but for the amount of money we will be spending and the fact that we'll also be getting married there - well, the expectations are high. I definitely want the swaying palm trees, the gorgeous sunsets, beautiful clear blue water and some greenery!

Would you mind telling me which island/island group you stayed on? I read some of your other posts during your planning phase, but I don't think I ever saw where you chose.

By desert island, I mean very dry... not sure the best way to explain it. Kind of like southern california's version of a desert... there's still greenery going on, but you can tell it's of the desert variety. Do you know what I mean? ...... I just went and pulled some pictures, I'm better with visual aids! Below, is what I think is a pretty accurate representation of Fiji, at least what I experienced of it (whatever is between Nadi airport and the Yasawas by boat). Though keep in mind that there are probably areas that get more rainfall, and therefore have more lush natural surroundings, than the areas I was in... that's very often the case with islands, and just know that if you would greatly prefer one over the other (dry vs. lush) then you'll need to look into rainfall stats and such.

Some people prefer that (lower humidity) to what I think of as more of a lush, tropical setting. I loved Fiji except for this one thing, and it happens to be a pretty big 'thing' for me, but I really think that I'm in the minority. I just want to be honest! After all, it's important to know about any "drawbacks" (even if they wouldn't necessarily register as such for everyone, or even the majority) It's all about what YOU are envisioning and what YOUR priorities are.

To be fair, I'm pretty tough to impress... so me saying I'm not head-over-heels doesn't mean I didn't absolutely love it, it just means that didn't make such a strong impression on me that I'm absolutely DYING to go back. So no need to be "sorry," I still had a pretty dreamy time there

Oh, but I will say that I was head-over-heels for the food. GREAT food. If you do end up going there, make sure you have some kokoda and their local coconut curry. Yum!

Oh and I know this is totally random, but if you do stay in an outlying island (you should, the other poster(s) are right to recommend staying off the main island), you may want to consider staying at the Raffles Gateway Hotel your last night (if it would be a crunch to make it to the airport for your return flight). It's basically an airport hotel (you actually could walk to the terminal if you really wanted, haha), but it was -SURPRISE- a lot of fun! The room wasn't the best, but they had a fun little hotel restaurant that serves local and non-local food, a pool with a slide (I know, what??) and the grounds fill up with these gigantic noisy toads at night. I know it sounds weird but it was such a randomly fun last night... one of my favorite honeymoon memories

 

[musey]

And here's what I'm thinking of when I compare it to "lush" (Maui, which is kind of on the extreme end as these things go)

 

[Ms.Goggles]

Hey Musey - I just wanted to say thanks for posting the pictures. I have a much clearer picture now of what you meant by "desert!" Your Maui pics have me pretty excited as well - we are going for the first time in less than two weeks! As for Fiji, I think we have some realistic expectations on what the scenery will look like and are super excited! I appreciate your taking the time to post!

Smo - We have also been speaking with Deb at PacificIslandEscapes! How funny! I noticed you said she was "pretty good." Is there any reason why you wouldn''t recommend we go with her?

Also, I''m really hoping we can somehow get around staying on Denarau/the "mainland." I want to spend as much time as I can at the resorts, but I don''t know how flight times will coincide from Chicago.

Thanks again to everyone who responded! We''ve thrown around so many ideas, but I think Fiji is it! At least until I see another picture of a beautiful island resort...

 

[musey]

Date: 7/6/2009 4:18:55 PM
Author: Ms.Goggles
As for Fiji, I think we have some realistic expectations on what the scenery will look like and are super excited!

Oh yes, that''s definitely what matters!! As I said, it''s all about expectations

 

[lulu66]

hey, ms. goggles, just got back from a florida vacay. still haven''t heard any specifics from my friend (she said she would speak w/her husband). but just curious how your planning is going. still leaning toward fiji?

 

[Ms.Goggles]

Hi lulu! Hope FL was fun! Yep, still leaning towards Fiji! It''s just a matter of finalizing how many nights we want & we STILL can''t decide between two of the resorts. Once we figure all that out, I''ll be able to get final quotes from the few ta''s I''ve been talking with. Thanks for thinking of me!

If you ever get your hands on those pictures, I would definitely love to see them!

 

[Smo]

Hi Ms.Goggles

Just thought I would let you know know that we have just booked another trip to Fiji over Christmas and plan at staying at Royal Davui. I am not sure when you guys are going or if you had decided on Fiji yet but just thought I would offer (assuming you guys are going after Christmas and if you had decided on Fiji) to suss it out for you a little bit more whilst we are there?

Also, sorry but I must have missed your last question about why I said Deb was "pretty good". I didn''t actually mean anything by it, she is great actually! It must have just been my relaxed Australian way of saying just that! We have booked through her again and she has been just as helpful and quick to respond as last time. I am pretty pedantic when it comes to holidays and really enjoy the planning process (almost as much as the trip!

) and Deb is really good with making sure answering my questions, giving advice and getting free upgrades as well!

HTH!

p.s. Musey, when searching for this thread, I saw the thread I started a while ago asking for your recs for Fiji. I could have sworn I responsed to thank you for your very helpful and detailed response but when I looked at it now, clearly I forgot to write back. I just wanted to apologise for not responding and saying thank you when you took the time to give such a detailed response. Your honeymoon looked amazing!

 

[Ms.Goggles]

Smo, you are one lovely lady! Thanks so much for thinking of me and coming back to post! I am *SO EXCITED* that you''re going to Davui in December! We are still leaning in that direction, but I just can''t make up my mind! We know we want to do our second week at Likuliku but we haven''t chosen where to do the first week- RD, Namale, or very slim chance Taveuni Palms (don''t think it''s in the budget.)

I feel really bad, but I haven''t emailed Deb in a while.

She was so nice and prompt and helpful, but we already had a possible agent when I requested the Royal Davui brochure and she just sort of came along to represent the resort. I have some reservations about booking with an Aussie travel agent when we are in the States...free upgrades sound nice though!

I can''t wait to hear all about your trip!

I think we will probably end up booking Royal Davui, but in a deluxe. I was really hoping to be able to fit a premium vale into the budget (#5 is supposed to be out of this world) but with the stay 7/pay 5, we can hopefully extend the trip to a full two weeks by doing the deluxe.

Thanks again for paging me and posting! Seeing my name made my day!

 

[Amanda.Rx]

I don''t have any suggestions for you (other than do it!), but I sure am jealous! I sooooo wanna go to Fiji, Moorea, and Bora Bora!

 

[Smo]

My pleasure Ms.Goggles!

Please feel free to let me know if you have any specific questions on RD, I am more than happy to help!

We are staying in the delux bure, my bf sent a silly email to Deb and she sent it to the director at RD who thought it was funny and offered us a free upgrade from the regular room to the delux bure! Deb got us an upgrade at Tavueni as well. I believe she has also stayed at all of the resorts that she recommends so she is great at giving advice on where to stay. (lucky her!)

Sorry, I realise I sound like I have been paid to talk her up! But I have been impressed with her level of service and how quickly she response to emails and I really don''t like handing over the planning of holidays to other people!

I cannot wait for this holiday, we haven''t been away for ages and I am so excited to go back to Fiji and reset my body clock to "fiji time". We both really need a break, this has been a tough year and I can''t wait to spend some time with my bf chillaxing, eating too much, drinking too much and lying in the sun like a giant sloth (in a cute bikini!)