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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 9, 2007 - 29 Romantic Fiji Ask anyone the most romantic place on earth, and chances are they'll say the South Pacific, and Fiji is high on their list. They would be absolutely right. The many islands that make up Fiji are stunning, the stuff of dreams, white sand beaches, palm trees, turquoise waters, and many tiny resorts to choose from. Malolo Island itself is the largest of Mamanucas group of islands. There are two resorts, and two small native villages on this island. Getting there is half the fun; I still get shivers when I remember the boat cruising up to the wharf. The five-star adult's only Likuliku Lagoon Resort on Malolo Island opened in April, and is getting rave reviews. If I hadn't been there, frankly, I would have been suspicious, but it lives up to its reviews and more. Approaching from the water, it looks like an ancient traditional village, and as you transfer into a smaller boat, you can see the Masima Island landing dock becoming crowded with people singing the welcome song. The heart and soul of the resort is the largest building, in the centre, which follows the design of a traditional Fijian canoe house. Guests Lincoln Cricklow and April Reyes from Vancouver loved it. "We spent the extra money for the over-the-water bures, and we're glad we did. You have the feeling you're alone in Paradise, with our own aquarium, in the floor. At night the underwater lights would attract bugs which brought the fish. We saw a manta ray, a turquoise coloured nurse shark, and the list goes on. I don't know what we can do on our honeymoon to top this." There are only 46 bures at Likuliku Lagoon Resort - all fully air-conditioned and 10 of which are suspended over the magnificent Lagoon -- the first of their kind in Fiji. Thirty-six line the pristine beachfront, some with private plunge pools, and all steps Likuliku, it is a culinary experience, with all the flavours of the Pacific Rim to savour. Fijiana Restaurant is the centerpiece with views over the Lagoon, gardens and the pool. The menus change daily with special emphasis on local produce. What became a must see was the torch lighting ceremony to sound of the drums, as the torch lighter raced along the pier lighting the torches each dusk. Another must see were the ceremonies greeting and, the staff singing Good Bye to the guests. Goway's price including international air from Los Angeles to Fiji is $4449 each of two plus $270 taxes. This includes seven nights at Likuliku Resort in a beach front Bure including all meals and launch transfers. On the other side of the island is the Malolo Island Resort, for couples, singles, and families. Recognizing that adults sometimes don't want little ones around, there is an adult lounge, swimming pool, and restaurant, reserved for them. There is a kids' club for the 412 group and it includes supervised dinners and evening activities, so you can have a quiet romantic dinner, sans little ones. Something I hadn't seen before was a sail awning over the main pool to protect guests from the strong sun. The 46 bures are air conditioned and nicely furnished.There are three restaurants, including a lively one on the beach. Recently guests thought they were seeing things when the singer Pink arrived for a beer. There were lots of "Is that really her?" as guests took a double take. Goway's package includes seven nights at the Malolo Island Resort air from Los Angeles, meals, launch transfer for each of two is is $2599 per person. Taxes add $270 each. Ask your travel agent for more information, and a brochure. I'll be dreaming of Fiji, until I come again. from the ocean with great views. We found the stuff of dreams in one of the 36 beachfront bures. It was beyond luxurious. King beds, with high thread count sheets, pillows to dream on and lots of windows facing all four ways, with the beach laid out just a few steps in front. Air conditioning of course, but with screens, cross ventilation, and a ceiling fan, we could sleep to the sound of the gentle surf, without the air. The outdoor shower was amazing; there was also one inside, and a bathtub. On the patio is a cushioned, covered day bed I practically lived on it. Cocktail time and the maid delivers ice, after dinner, guests return to their bures to find it lit with candles, a soothing CD on the CD player, and warm cookies in the jar. There is no rush to hurry for coffee in the morning, there is a plunge pot, coffee, and cream waiting in the refrigerator. If guests have time between swimming in the infinity pool just steps from the beach, lying in a hammock, or on their own outside day bed, they can join Jean and Dorothy the activities directors, for a variety of activities all chosen to meld with the serenity of the environment. And yes of course there is a spa, a great one. The music guests hear around the pool is the sound of the waterfall, and the lap of the tides coming in and out. Guests don't just "eat" at BEAVER TRAILS TO AUSTRALIA: Pino and Adelina Antilope took The Oakville Beaver with them on their honeymoon to Australia. Here, they are pictured outside Sydney's Opera House. Take along a copy of The Oakville Beaver on your next vacation and send it in for publication to Beaver Trails, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4 or e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. GLOBUS ADDS TWO NEW SHIPS With river cruising being one of the most popular travel trends for 2007, Globus has added two new ships to its fleet. Operated by Avalon Waterways, Tranquility and Imagery were christened in Trier and Nuremberg, respectively, just days before beginning their inaugural season on Europe's waterways. The christenings occurred amidst the highest demand for river cruises in the company's history ­ more than 90% of the Imagery's staterooms ­ and 85% of the Tranquility's staterooms ­ have already been sold for the 2007 season. Sister ships to the Avalon Tapestry, which was christened in 2006, this family of vessels features new architectural and technological elements, designed to enhance travellers' cruising experience. All three ships incorporate the Silent Drive System (SDS), which places the navigational bridge in the stern ­ and away from the passenger compartment ­ allowing for a smoother and quieter cruise experience than traditional small ships, as well as more spacious interior designs. Just like the Tapestry, the lounge and restaurant are both located at the front, offering unobstructed views of the passing landscape. Additionally, the ships include a new feature ­ an outside observation deck, just forward of the main lounge. Globus has plans for additional ships in 2008 and 2009 - they are planning to expand their offerings around the world, including new cruise itineraries in hot destinations such as China, Egypt and the Galapagos Islands. Each stateroom aboard the vessels faces outside and features spacious closets, individual climate control, satellite TV, a hair dryer and a modern bathroom with shower. In addition, the ships boast non-smoking interiors, an exercise room, fitness centre and hair salon. All Globus river cruising ships provide wine with dinner and a full team of English-speaking staff members. For more information, give us a call! Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com Voted Best Travel Agency Best Cruise Company Best Travel Agent Thanks Oakville! Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville Relax... you're with us 221 Lakeshore Road E. Oakville Location: (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com 905-337-2228 wwwhookedoncruising.com 146 Lakeshore Rd. E. 905-842-4999 lakeshore@travelchoice.ca