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Tours, Tips and Trips g in Fiji n i n e p p a h Hip &
Adrenalin Fiji’s Jet Ski Safari (below) is not to be missed, nor is the fabulous Rhum Ba, both at Port Denarau.
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ADRENALIN FIJI What is Fiji without adventure and fun? We recently tried a couple of Adrenalin’s watersports (you’d need a month to try them all) and were blown away by the team, the equipment and the commitment to ensuring each and every punter (even those of us a little under the weather) would have a fantastic time. Adrenalin Fiji has outlets at The Sheraton and Sofitel resorts and their head office is at Port Denarau. Here are just some of the activities on offer: Jet Skiing, Fishing, Banana Rides, Parasailing, Waterparks, Leisure Cruising, Wakeboarding, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Snorkeling, Hobie Cats and Aqua Trikes.
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We loved the Jet Ski Safari, a 2.5 hour guided tour of the islands and rivers surrounding the Mamanuca Islands. The tour stops at a resort along the way (or even Cloud 9 weather permitting), with a stop for snorkeling as well. The jet ski safari is great for friends traveling together (perfect for Bucks’ and Hens’ days) and for families as well. The guides introduced us to a bit of the ‘real Fiji’ too – talking about their home villages, traditions, food and kava. Fiji Time doesn’t seem to affect Adrenalin. The tours start on time and after our bookings were made, we simply arrived at the Sofitel Beach and the fun began.
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RHUM BA, DENARAU Port Denarau has a new hot spot and it is the place to be. No expense has been spared in the fit out of The Rhum Ba, located at the Port Denarau Yacht Club. Quality finishings, unmatched views from the top floor function room and the best part of all – over 150 rums on offer. Even if you’re not a rum drinker (and what wouldbe sailor can claim not to be?) the cocktail list is sophisticated and interesting. The Rhum Ba oozes sophistication and is a welcome addition to the Port’s long established restaurants and bars. It’s not all about rum at the Rhum Ba, with late breakfast, lunch and dinner on offer
too, there’s plenty to enjoy. Choices include local and imported seafood (oysters are the house specialty), tender beef cuts, spiced chicken, lamb, pasta and salads. The menu is all about what is fresh and what is best and the function room upstairs caters for more than 200 people. Perfect for parties, launch functions, weddings, you name it. We spent a couple of afternoons at the Rhum Ba (which led to a couple of evenings too) – the marina is full of activity, the people and boat watching, plus the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff at the Rhum Ba made it near impossible to leave.
Tiffany Carroll spent a few days exploring Denarau and Nadi and found good food, plenty of rum, an exciting marina and the perfect preparation for the flight home.
The Transit Lounge (below) is a smart idea from Fiji’s business woman of the year. And Captain Cook - the cruise experts.
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THE TRANSIT LOUNGE, NADI Now here’s a good idea if there ever was one – a five star transit lounge open to the public. How many of us have had to check out of our hotels early, only to have to spend the next 10 hours towing baggage around filling in the day? With many flights departing Nadi airport in the late afternoon or evening, Debra Sadranu saw an opening for a one-stop centre for wayward travelers. Day rooms, luggage storage, showers, cafes, day spa, a bar, shopping and hairdressing services, all under the one roof. I recently spent a few hours at the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre and it
was the best few pre-flight hours I have ever spent. Staff quickly whisk your bags to one of the centre’s day rooms and take you through the services on offer. I opted for a relaxing, hydrating facial then enjoyed a quick lunch at the café – managed by the team at Taste Fiji. A spot of shopping at Jack’s of Fiji and a pre-flight cocktail and shower later and I was off to the airport – totally refreshed and relaxed. It is no wonder Debra Sadranu has won the coveted Fiji Business Woman of the Year award. The Essence of Fiji Rejunivation Centre (just three minutes from the airport with free airport transfers) is the smartest idea to come to Fiji.
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CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES, DENARAU Captain Cook Cruises Fiji operates award winning three, four and seven night Yasawa Island cruises, a seven nights Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise, a seven nights 4 Cultures Discovery cruise and an 11 nights Lau Island and Kadavu Discovery Cruise. Cruises depart every Tuesday and Saturday from Port Denarau Marina. All cruises are on board the small ship MV Reef Endeavour which visits remote places without postcodes that larger ships cannot get to, allowing passengers to discover the true culture of Fiji and visit unspoilt Fijian villages, schools and churches and
experience traditional village Sevusevu ceremonies, Mekes and Lovo feasts. Days combine fascinating Fijian culture with snorkeling over amazing coral reefs, lazing on warm remote white sandy beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters or diving in spectacular blue lagoons. A glass bottom boat ride even shows off the abundance and beauty of the marine life. The 120-passenger Reef Endeavour has incredible facilities including two spas, a pool, three sun decks, two bars, lounge, dining saloon, library, laundry facilities, baby-sitting services, Senikai Day Spa and free Wifi in public areas and suites. For reservations and further information visit: www. captaincookcruisesfiji.com •
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