Posts Tagged ‘Pacific’

Unforgettable Pacific Northwest Camping Vacations

Unforgettable Pacific Northwest Camping Vacations

Places to Go in the South Pacific

The South Pacific is renowned for a lot more than just being the name of a popular Broadway musical. It’s also the location of breathtaking tropical islands, Polynesian culture, world war two historical sites, coral reefs, volcanoes, and more. There are thousands of tropical islands in the area that make fabulous holiday spots.  Some of the more well known islands are Fiji, French Polynesia, The Cook Islands, Vanuatu, and Micronesia.

There are a lot of tropical islands to choose from, there is something for everybody in the South Pacific.  Some islands are so small they are only beach and a nearby coral reef.  Other islands are so gigantic they have volcanoes, a lot of animals, and even canyons. For any lover of tropical beaches, there are many options if you head to this part of the world. Here is a quick round up of the highlights: 

For those seeking adventure, Fiji remains the best island to choose from. This country has some 322 islands and less than a third are inhabited. Most of the action happens on the western islands. Fiji has excellent diving and Kadavu is one of Fiji’s best dive sites. The more energetic can go trekking in the Nausori Highlands overlooking Nadi. Taveuni also offers good hiking in the Bouma National Heritage Parki.

If you want a romantic holiday,, French Polynesia is one of the best romantic island destinations in the world.  Tahiti is famous for its expensive resorts whose bungalows sit over the ocean, providing an excellent way to take a morning swim- simply dive out of your bed! There are fancy spas, hikes, sailing expeditions, and tours specially designed for couples. Be warned though- French Polynesia is not cheap and trips to Tahiti could be expensive

Islands like Vanuatu and Micronesia are good off the beaten track islands. Vanautu lies just south of the Solomon Islands. The real attraction of Vanuatu is its phenomenal sightseeing. Underwater visibility at its peak hits fifty meters, revealing limitless schools of colorful fish darting around spectacular coral reefs, as well as a formidable array of submerged WWII wreckages. Above sea level, the scenery only gets more amazing.

Visitors to Micronesia can enjoy spectacular diving at the many underwater wrecks in Chuuk. The ruins of Nan Madol in Pohnpei are also worth the trip, providing a fascinating view back to the 13th century Saudeleur dynasty who ruled there. Or just want to calm down, find a nice coral atoll and take in the beautiful weather It’s the kind of place where you pack your watch away and forget about time for a while. Don’t forget the sunscreen though.

If you want Polynesian culture, unspoiled by mass tourism, The Cook Islands are where you should go. The Cook Islands Polynesian culture is famous for a number of things. Woodcarving is a common art form in the Cook Islands. Each island is famous for something unique. Rarotonga is known for its fisherman’s gods and staff-gods, Atiu for its wooden seats, Mitiaro, Mauke and Atiu for mace and slab gods and Mangaia for its ceremonial adzes.

For those looking for spectacular island destinations, you can’t beat the South Pacific islands. These islands offer some of the best beaches, best diving, best ocean on the planet. There is also great food and culture here too. Polynesian culture is rich, diverse and has a long history. After a long day in the sun, there is nothing like a little outdoor BBQ and dance to make the perfect tropical island day even better.  By far, I believe that the best tropical islands are in this part of the world.

Fiji Islands – An Idyllic South Pacific Escape

Occupying a land area of about 18,350 square kilometers, Fiji is an archipelago nation, situated in the center of the South Pacific Ocean, west of Tonga, east of Vanuatu, and south of Tuvalu. Fiji is about 2000 miles north-east of Australia, and has the Hawaiian Islands to the north and New Zealand to the south. Officially known as the Republic of the Fiji Islands, the archipelago of Fiji consists of 322 islands and more than 500 islets. Of which only about 100 islands are inhabited.

Formerly known as the Cannibal Isles, Fiji Islands were first inhabited by the Polynesians. In 1874, Fiji became a colony of the British. Nearly after a century of British rule, Fiji gained independence in 1970. But, Fiji has now become a major hub of the trade and tourism in the South Pacific and one of the significant stopovers for flights between New Zealand and the USA.

With its sheer beauty, thousands of magnificent beaches, beautiful volcanic islands, coral reefs, pristine lagoons, palm fringed shorelines, lush green forest areas, and volcanic peaks rising up to 3000 ft, Fiji has now become the most enchanting tourist destination in the South Pacific.

No matter you have come here for celebrating your anniversary, honeymoon, or just to enjoy sport activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, Fiji has superb options for all. The Fiji Islands has been categorized into three groups such as the central islands comprising Viti Levu and Vanua Levu; the Lau Islands; and the Ra Islands, containing the Mamanucas and the Yasawas.

The largest as well as the prominent among the islands in Fiji is the Viti Levu, which is home to Suva – the capital city. Viti Levu boasts of all that is required to make your vacation at Fiji truly enjoyable as well as unforgettable, including well maintained cities, tropical mountains, lush green areas, scintillating waterfalls, upscale hotels and resorts, and stupendous beaches coupled with diving facilities.

For nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking solitude, one of the great destinations in the country is Taveuni, often referred to as the Garden Island, because of its abundance of beautiful as well as colorful flowers. Almost all plants and animals that are indigenous to the country can be seen here. Attractions, among many others of this island, are Lake Tagimaucia with a volcanic crater and Bouma Falls, which is one of the most scenic in the world. Additionally, Taveuni is home to some of the best diving sites in the country, such as, the Rainbow Reef and the Vuna Reef.

Another popular island among the Fiji Islands is Vanua Levu, which is located about 65 kilometers north of the Viti Levu. This is also the second largest island in the country. Labasa and Savusavu are the main towns in the island. Taking a tour to Vanua Levu is a great way to experience to the indigenous life of the country.

Also, prominent among the islands in Fiji is the Kadavu, located south of Viti Levu. About 75 percent of the island is occupied by rainforest, and also included in the landscape of the region is several soaring mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and incredible beaches. A rich variety of bird species can also be seen here. In addition, Kadavu also boasts of Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the premier scuba diving resorts in the country.

Apart from these, things to see in Fiji are endless, ranging from museums and cultural centers to beautiful shrines and monuments. Perhaps most prominent among the attractions in the country is the Fiji Museum in Suva, with an amazing selection of artifacts that throw light on the interesting past of the region. A gallery housing prehistory-related items can also be found within the museum. Aside this, the museum provides opportunities for the visitors to take a ride in Vitian drua, a traditional type double hulled canoe.

No visit to Fiji would be complete without taking a tour to Sri Siva-Subramaniya Temple in Nadi, which is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Dedicated to the Lord Muruga, the temple is much famed for its exquisite architectural styles. Attractions in Fiji also include Orchid Island Fijian Cultural Centre in Suva and Suva Municipal Market, the South Pacific’s largest as well as liveliest market.

Above all, Fiji is a paradise for water sport lovers, and in fact, provides superb options to enjoy an array of water sport activities such as scuba diving, water skiing, snorkeling, swimming, coral viewing, wind surfing, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. Even some high-end resorts and hotels in the area render facilities for activities such as boat trips and para-gliding, apart from excellent accommodation and dining facilities.

Luxury Islands in the Pacific – Vacation in a Piece of Paradise

Luxury island holidays in the Pacific centre on a group of over 3000 islands, each a piece of paradise with beach attached. They make up 13 countries that jointly are known as the Pacific Islands. Fiji, the most well known of all is itself a group of about 330 islands. So if you are looking to enjoy an island vacation, the luxury islands of the Pacific would have to be the natural choice.

There’s something about an island that makes it easy to shed stress and enter a bubble of peace that incorporates heady fragrances, lush blooms, and the intoxicating smell of the ocean. The islands of Fiji bring this magic to life with their unspoilt natural beauty and vast expanses of silvery beaches glimmering under the tropical sun. What proves to be even more of a balm to the senses is the extreme acceptance and affection of the local people, who simply exude a natural bonhomie. A variety of ethnicities call Fiji home and merrily add to the cultural melting pot that is evident in the cuisine, the dress, and mannerisms. However, one and all will greet you with a ‘Bula!’, welcoming you to participate in the fiesta that’s Fiji.

New Caledonia succeeds in blending a whiff of French in to its tropical ambience, to create a heady mix that spells vacation with a capital V. Prepare to enjoy French cuisine and excellent wine while revelling in the warmth of the tropical sunshine. Luxury hotels dot its beaches at strategic locations and its striking mountain ranges give you a change of scene. The special attraction here is the world’s largest lagoon with over a thousand varieties of marine life and a 1600 km long barrier reef. If you’re crazy about water sports, you’ve come to the right place.

Somewhere between New Zealand and New Caledonia is a hidden gem of tranquillity, also known as Norfolk Island, undeniably the crème de la crème of the luxury island holidays in the Pacific. Majestic pines tower atop picturesque cliffs, overlooking turquoise lagoons and emerald golfing greens, to give you yet another take on tropical beauty with a subtle difference. A popular getaway and honeymoon destination, this luxury island has its share of extravagances to suit all wallet sizes.

Tahiti is simply a rhapsody in blue that will sway your senses and blow you away. Tiny islands float ephemerally like pockets of paradise let loose for the pleasure of the chosen few. Bora Bora, Taha, and Moorea have luxury hotels and quaint resort style lodgings that blend in with the natural landscape. The lush tropical landscape dotted with lakes and lagoons designed by Cupid himself make this luxury island the ultimate romantic getaway.

A group of 83 islands sprinkled like exotic toppings on the surface of the blue waters of the Pacific are together known as Vanuatu. Be prepared for a change of scenery as you encounter the secrets of this volcanic island. Nothing sinister though; just natural beauty at its untouched, rugged best. Beaches change tones from a shower of Swarovski crystals to silky black. Coral reefs beckon tantalisingly beneath crystal clear water, while on land there are the amazing waterfalls, enigmatic rain forests, and placid lagoons that gleam silently in the sun. Port Vila, the capital, presents lively restaurants, shops, and luxury hotel accommodation.

The Cook Islands are made up of about 15 islands and are a popular destination among the luxury islands of the Pacific. Luxury hotels of all persuasion have been set up by experienced purveyors of good times and comfort to ensure you enjoy your stay on the island. Natural beauty has been left untouched to give you a sense of what the earth must have been like before the discovery of concrete.

The Solomon Islands with their majestic mountains and rivers welcome you to partake of a luxury island holiday like none other. The palm fringed beaches lolling by the aquamarine waters of the ocean are the perfect antidote to stress in the city and all its side effects. Feel the tension fall away from your shoulders as you contemplate the infinity of the horizon. A number of luxury hotels and resorts on the beach make this island the right stopover for some quintessential me-time..

In Samoa the way of life is as eternal as the blue waters surrounding it. Replete with all the features a beach resort can offer, it will probably be the Samoan people that capture your heart. Their friendliness and genuine love soon make you feel like you’re in your own private island. They still haven’t got around to commercialising this piece of paradise they call home and it retains all its unspoilt natural beauty. For the time being, they are just happy to share their good luck with whoever visits.

An Aitutaki Honeymoon At The Pacific Resort Aitutaki

An Aitutaki Honeymoon, is the best of Cook Island Honeymoon destinations. The Pacific Resort Aitutaki is one of the few luxury small hotels on Aitutaki, and is absolutely ideal spot for a Cook Island Aitutaki honeymoon. Aitutaki is the most beautiful part of the Cook Islands, and is a remote paradise, almost untouched by the 21st century.

The Pacific Resort Aitutaki is a fairly typical Polynesian hideaway with beach front bungalows, suites, villas, and a restaurant where you will eat top class Polynesian cuisine. This means fresh seafood caught daily and fruit from the garden at the hotel.

There are a number of things to do, and sunbathing and snorkelling in crystal clear warm water over the reef right by the hotel comes top of the list. The reef is inhabited by thousands of brightly coloured fish. This is a great place to relax in luxury and isolation after the pressures of a wedding.

The Pacific Resort Aitutaki is over 250 kms north of Rarotonga, and you can get there in 40 minutes by plane, and is the only full-service luxury resort in the Cook Islands. It is on an island atoll, and lies in one of the world’s largest lagoons. This is paradise, a secret hideaway, which is why an Aitutaki honeymoon can’t be beaten.

When you arrive at Aitutaki on your Cook Island honeymoon you’ll be met and given a flower necklace, driven the short distance to the hotel, and greeted in person by the manager.

Choose a beachfront suite, which is in a self contained thatched unit.

They are a very good size, airconditioned, furnished in dark wood, with one wall a sliding window opening onto a veranda, then you are a few steps to the powder white sand beach next to a sea that is an unbelievable blue/turquoise/green colour.

There is a large comfortable bed, TV, DVD player, and stereo system.

A huge bathroom contains a large shower, and his and hers basins, and a door leading to an outside shower as well.

The Pacific resort is very clean, well maintained, the staff are very friendly and helpful.

Meals are taken in the restaurant which overlooks the small pool, mind you who needs a pool when you have a beach to end all beaches outside!! The views of the lagoon, and the reef are almost beyond description, sufficient to say they more than justify choosing an Aitutaki honeymoon!!

The sheer isolation of the Pacific resort means that food is very dependent on local produce, which really means chicken, goat, and fish. The chef does introduce as much variety as possible, but you don’t come to such a beautifully isolated and unspoilt part of the world for the food. It’s worth eating out and the reception staff are always willing and able to help.

Aitutataki is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The Pacific Resort is a fantastic Aitutaki Honeymoon choice. This is by South Pacific standards probably the top small luxury hotel.