My Epic Journey in Fiji - 35 days

Bula Vinaka!

Now that I am back from my 35 days in Fiji, I've had some time to catch my breath, review my pictures, get a little caught up, and start from the beginning to share with you how incredible my epic journey in Fiji was. Yes, it was mostly a work journey, filled with lots of moving around and connecting with the Staff/Mgmt/Owners of resorts in Fiji. That is, afterall, what I do. But who can argue with the wonderful experiences, really neat people, dining delights (food is SO important), sensational eclectic beauty and overall knowledge that were mine, after 12 resorts, and 35 days? Add 5 more resorts that I sight inspected and I had a pretty busy schedule, overall. It all started with a 2.5 week plan to attend the annual Bula Fiji conference in Nadi, which included a few extra days in Fiji. I REALLY had wanted to be in Fiji longer, but these are busy times, keeping ahead of the economy, and I could not fathom how I could stay any longer. My staff had been to Fiji more than I had over the last 2 years, so we were kept up to date on all things Fiji. Now it was my turn. Little did I know what was to come. I can guarantee you that it was not only good for the company, but GOOD for me, and infused me with the pizzaz that my job requires! I love doing lots of fun activities, relaxing and doing nothing, sampling culinary delights, and watching how other guests are enjoying their stay at the various resorts I am staying at. And, I love taking photos of everything standing still. And if it is NOT standing still, I'll video it :)

The original plan was this........ 1 night Westin Denarau, 1 night Castaway, 1 night Mana, 4 nights Sofitel, 2 nights Namale, 3 nights JM Cousteau, 2 nights Vatulele and 1 night Intercontinental Natadola.

Stand by, as this is the beginning of the beginning, of my 35 days in Fiji. The next post will be about the Westin Fiji, Castaway Island Resort in the Mananuca Islands and Mana Island Resort and Spa, covering my first 3 nights in Fiji. Don't be surprised if you find yourself face to face with a little Coconut Culture poetry, photos, video and other misc meanderings which I am known for. Sota Tale (see you later) Moce (goodbye) Melisha (how they say my name in Fiji)

Oh, and don't forget, we hope to hear from you to plan your next Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii or other fabulous vacation 1-800-256-4280 (we are here in Hawaii). Http://www.mccoytravel.com

Taveuni Sunset Honeymoon Villa Video

Bula from what feels like heaven in the Fiji Islands! I've been on the island of Taveuni for 9 nights (including tonight). All I can say (and there will be much more to come), is I'm smitten and never want to leave!! Tomorrow I move on to Taveuni Palms for 2 nights and then to Matangi for 4 nights where they are going to lovingly re-introduce me to scuba diving (it's been about 4-5 years since I have been diving). I've been in Fiji for 4 weeks and have been remiss with my reviews and sharing. Don't fret, I'll get around to sharing ALL of it with you SOON. In the last 4 weeks I have been to the following resorts: Castaway, Mana, Sofitel, Westin, 2 nights at Namale, 5 nights at JM Cousteau, 2 nights at the new Intercontinental Fiji at Natadola, 2 nights at Qamea, 9 nights at Taveuni Island Resort. After 4 weeks here in Fiji, I finally bought a wireless Cell card and have been on the go with pretty good access for posting my reviews, etc. Stay tuned if you would like to find out about all of the properties and areas I have visited AND some of the very EXCLUSIVE RATES/values we have for you at many of these incredible resorts. Many resorts ARE selling out in June-October so don't wait to give us a call in Hawaii at 1-800-588-3454 or email vacations@mccoytravel.com. Of course visit our website: http://www.fiji-islands.com. Enjoy my little video below and come back often for more of Fabulous Fiji including my jungle trek and waterfall adventure a few days ago. Vinaka for visiting! Sota Tale (See you later) Melissa

Melissa in Fiji Namale Resort and Spa

Bula from one of my original paradise resorts in Fiji, Namale Resort & Spa. Spanning back to 1991, I have been drawn back to Namale over and over again. More enchanting than ever, we are now able to offer Exclusive savings/amenities. Call us in Hawaii to book your Namale Resort Honeymoon or Vacation 1-800-588-3454 or email vacations@mccoytravel.com.

My next posting with be a more in depth review of Namale. I'm traveling in Fiji now! Watch for reviews on JM Cousteau, Namale, Vatulele, Intercontinental Fiji at Natadola, Qamea, Taveuni Island Resort....

Bora Bora - The Most Romantic Island on Earth -Exclusive 1-800-256-4280

Bora Bora offers the best of luxury, honeymoon experiences and family vacations. Nothing compares with the beauty of the 1,000 shades of blue in the Lagoon surrounding Bora Bora. Whether romancing away in your own overwater bungalow or frolicking on the beach, this MOST romantic island of love, will enchant you beyond belief. I am sharing my own pictures from recent trips, including March 2010. There are 1,000 reasons WHY to visit Bora Bora. The prices have never been better, nor the selection. Four Seasons Bora Bora, St. Regis Bora Bora, Intercontinental Thalasso, Bora Bora Pearl, Bora Bora Nui? Go to http://www.visit-tahiti.com/borabora/ and call us in Hawaii 1-800-256-4280 for Exclusive Platinum VIP offers.

If you are considering the other islands of Tahiti, Hawaii or Fiji, we will assist you in understanding the differences and help you make the right choice to fit your needs.

Trump Waikiki the new "IN" spot, by Melissa McCoy 1-800-256-4280

Aloha and E Komo Mai!

Trump Waikiki on Oahu, Hawaii was beyond expectation. A nice addition of Luxury in almost the heart of Waikiki, the Trump Waikiki is maintaining the Trump tradition of service, pampering, food and beyond. The Residences at Trump start at the Studio level to over the top 3 bedroom 2 story dream suites. I tried out "Trump" a few different ways on my stay there in February. I had to discover what it was like to sip champagne while soaking in the deep bathtub, with an oceanview, from my 1 bedroom suite :) And then I heard that little "room service" voice in my head, refusing to leave me alone until I called and ordered Eggs Benedict and fresh OJ. It's my preferred resort room service breakfast. Often times, when traveling with my best girlfriend Sue, we'll combine the champagne and eggs benedict for breakfast. Since I was traveling Solo and working hard to inspect all aspects of Trump Waikiki, I separated the two experiences. Well, it's difficult to drink champagne while soaking in the bathtub (with an oceanview) and eat eggs benedict!!! Speaking of bathtubs, I love the bathrooms at Trump. Groovy showers, deep tubs (only some units have ocean views from the bathtub), simple but elegant. And, as a bathrobe connoisseur,

I believe that Trump Waikiki has TRUMPED all others in Hawaii. Just so you have some insight about my bathrobe "interests", after the bellman has brought my things to the room, I head straight for the bathroom to see if the bathrobe is snugly, soft, luxurious..... so I know if I have something to look forward to later in the day. I do have one other hotel on Oahu whose's bathrobe might be tied for best. Maybe! At home, I usually wear "logo" bathrobes I have bought at places like Cousteau Fiji, Yasawa Island Resort and Qamea. But when I visit the resorts in Hawaii, I love the snuggle factor, soft to the touch, and good fit to enjoy while lounging in my air conditioned hotel room.

The gourmet kitchen (all units have them) glistened in my eyes with granite counters, Subzero refrigerators (all except the studios) and fantastic gidgets, gadgets and useful items that I might only dream of having in my kitchen at home. Although I only know how to cook a Caesar salad, when I dream about having a gourmet kitchen I also dream that I can cook! :)

There are so many things to talk about, but I'll leave you with 2 very important bits of information. The food at Wai'Olu oceanview bar was fun and frisky (mouthwatering) and the drink menu dazzled my libation gene. I have committed to return on a Friday night, to sample more Liquid Creations at Wai'Olu and watch the Friday Waikiki Fireworks. Last but not least, is how close the beach is to the Trump Waikiki. It's always a question in my mind since I am a sun goddess and I know that many of our clients some to Hawaii to enjoy the beach/sun. Trump provides you with a beach bag, towels and water and then you take a 5 minute walk to the beach where the "beach concession" has lounges/umbrellas for rent at a very very reasonable price. Waikiki Beach is NOT a quiet beach, it's very much about people watching, including surfers, stand up board surfers, hawaiian outrigger canoes, sailing catamarans and more. The ocean is 20 shades of blue, delightful to take a swim in.

I would like to ask you to call us, here in Hawaii, to reserve your Trump Waikiki vacation and let us help you with all of your Hawaii, Tahiti and Fiji travel plans. We have fantastic relationships with all resorts in these 3 destinations and visit many resorts regularly. Call us at 1-800-256-4280 on Maui. Or email your detailed request including your phone # to vacations@mccoytravel.com. Visit our Hawaii website at http://www.AlohaDestinations.com Here is the video tour I made while at the Trump Waikiki. Mahalo for visiting.. Melissa McCoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Hrv9GLe534

The Fairmont Kealani in Wailea was divine!

As I sit here in my Signature "Kilohana" Suite, watching humpback whales come flying out of the water like giant torpedoes, I am once again in awe at how wonderful a stay at this hotel can be. All the rooms are suites at the Kealani, and I LOVE these suites (Signature) with the extra square footage in the suite, the bigger balconies and more views! I especially love laying in the comfy bed looking out to a perfect Wailea ocean and listening to the sound of the waves on the shore. I have been here for 3 nights with many of my staff and their families for our annual company weekend. We call it our McCoy Travel holiday party, always planned in January after the holiday rush before the winter rush (February - Spring Break). It's a perfect time of the year with cooler nights, less wind, flawless mornings and spectacular sunsets. Oh, and the whales!
We all enjoyed mouth watering dinner at Ko's on Friday night. It is great to have everyone together including the kids. We spent Saturday and Sunday lounging around the pools, swimming and listening to the humpback whales song under water and letting the stress of the last very busy 4 weeks just melt away. On Sunday morning, I rented a kayak and ventured out on the placid ocean hoping for a whale encounter of the close kind :) A mom and baby did come by fairly close to me and it was a thrill. Sea kayaking on sit on top kayaks in the morning hours here is stellar. I had 2 excellent turtle sitings and gave my upper body a good work out (my arms are sore today!).
Last night I enjoyed Nick's Fish Market and met fantastic people at the bar. Nick's is known for creative food and amazing service. It never fails, that I meet the most fun and wonderful people whenever I go in. I order the "original" escargot (it's not on the menu, you have to ask for it by name). Soaked in garlic butter with a pastry puff over the top. Yum Yum (I just got hungry again).
Well, it's time to head to the office. We say, a bad day on Maui is better than a good day anywhere else! Going to work, although we are so very busy these days, is a joy.
In the "old days" they use to say Maui No Ka Oi ( Maui is the best). Now they call Maui the Magical Isle. These both work for me and have for 35 years. From the ocean to the top of Haleakala at 10,000 feet, and everything inbetween, this is a lovely island in a stunning chain of Islands. The Islands of Aloha.

Heavenly Hotel Hana Maui - Rejuvenate the Soul!

From the moment you arrive at the front desk you feel welcomed with genuine Hawaiian Aloha! I've been enjoying this alluring resort since 1990 and I consider it one of the most unique resorts in Hawaii and even the South Pacific. My first longer stay (that was 3 nights), was my honeymoon in January 1991. Prior to and after that, we did the usual, when you live on Maui, you usually go to Hana for 1-2 nights at the most. I've enjoyed many 2 night stays at the Hotel between 1991 and 2010. I am a BIG FAN of the Sea Ranch Cottages w/ jacuzzi spa on the deck. The best ones are the 2 bedroom oceanfront suites w/ jacuzzi tub for a family or 2 couples.
The bed and pillows are so comfortable, that one morning I could not peel myself out of bed until 8am (I usually get up at 6am or earlier). I would rate the bed at a 10! Room service was fast and delicious. I enjoyed one dinner (fabulous preparation of fresh fish and fresh vegies), and one breakfast (eggs benedict with fish.. my FAVORITE). YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY. As usual the staff in the dining rooms were friendly and attentive and the wine selection made my mouth water! I enjoyed a 2004 Heitz CabSav over a 2 night period. As they say in Hawaii, "Broke the mouth"! On Friday nights, the staff of the Hotel perform Hawaiian song and dance for the guests (a dinner show). The old timer ladies are so much fun to watch. Every night, except Friday, there is Live Hawaiian music in the Paniolo Bar from 6:30-8:30. That would be the only thing I would change. Keep the music playing at least until 9:30!
THIS stay, was beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most delightful, relaxing and FUN ever. Somewhat of a Sabbatical (even though I did do some work), I managed to partake of many of the activities that YOU will want to enjoy when you come for more than 2 days (yes, you must come more than 2 nights!). 2 Thai Massages that are the very best. My therapist was Cynthia. I sit at a desk all day and really need to be stretched out. This is so relaxing and you are engaged in the process (versus just lying there being massaged). There is some of that too! I also enjoyed a Watsu water treatment, which is floating in water while you are being massaged and softly stretched. OMG for both of these treatments! The one hour horseback ride in the pastures in front of the Sea Ranch Cottages is gorgeous and just enough to make your bum a little sore (for someone who does not ride!). I went on a kayak/snorkel tour with Hana Bay Kayaks that was spectacular. The weather WAS stellar the whole 6 days I was there and the water as flat as a pancake! I've know Kevin Coates for years. My final big adventure was Maui Stables 3 hours horseback ride in Kipahulu. Not only is the scenery picture perfect, but the guide we had, Keone Smith, was a wealth of knowledge about Hawaiian history (some I had never heard before and I've lived here for 36 years... just as old Keone is!). Keone was witty, funny, cute, very interesting to listen to.. the perfect guide, the perfect day, the perfect Maui horseback ride! Well, honestly, the very last wonderful adventure was driving my cute little Miata back home to Kula with NO CARS in front of me. A beautifious day, convertible top down, the sound of the varied thrush birds in the trees, jungle breezes freshening my face and whispering, "be sure to come back soon, Melissa". As the owner of McCoyTravel.com, I stay at many many hotels in Hawaii (all islands), Tahiti and Fiji. This Hotel, this experience, ranks so high on my "experience richter scale", that I am writing my very first review on TripAdvisor in a long time! Hawaii is a wonderful place to visit with Maui being very much "The Magical Island", voted best island on earth by Conde Nast. And Hana, with it's healing, theraputic, rejuvenating energy, melts the stress away, puts a smile on your face and helps you once again discover the essence of YOU! Hotel Hana Maui embraces you, welcomes you, and welcomes you back "home". Aloha.. Melissa