My Heavenly Fiji - JM Cousteau Fiji Resort - Melissa McCoy's review and Video

Bula!
Staying at the JM Cousteau Fiji Resort in May of 2010 was one of the most relaxing experiences I had enjoyed in a couple years.  I stayed in both the Villa and their Honeymoon Bure with jacuzzi on the deck. The service and food were both spectacular.  In Melissa fashion, I packed up my kayak with a bottle of french champagne and paddled out to MY private island for a perfect late morning/early afternoon awaited me.  The resort boat came out and brought my massage therapist so I could receive a pampering massage under sway palms.  My picnic lunch was gourmet to say the least. I am looking forward to my return visit to this most enchanting Fiji resort.  Please don't be shy now, give us a ring at 1-800-588-3454 (in Hawaii) to find out about current and last minutes specials.
Or email us at vacations@mccoytravel.com.  Make sure you include your name and phone # if you are looking for specific dates/offers.  Also visit our Fiji Escapes Blog

Sota Tale (see you later)
Melissa

Kona Village - So Amazing Hawaii's only Thatched Hut Experience!

Aloha!  What an incredibly serene place to relax!  Kona Village, on the Big Island of Hawaii, oozes relaxation with the sounds of the ocean all around and sassy palm fronds dancing in the breeze. Take a nap in your hammock, snorkel in their pristine cove, enjoy a massage in the oceanfront massage "hale". Whether a Family Vacation, much needed relaxing get away, a honeymoon or wedding, Kona Village brings the South Pacific to you without having to fly there!

The McCoy Travel gang had a really wonderful time together.  Sue and Mark both flew out from the east coast. Everyone had their family or good friends with them.  The Resort extended such amazing hospitality to us which is exactly what the staff extend to all guests.  I felt like I had stepped back in time, enjoying a small thatched hut resort warm and welcoming staff.  

We have exclusive offers and values at Kona Village.  All meals and many activities are included.  And we have even more in store for you.  Call us in Hawaii at 1-800-256-4280.

For many last minute specials on resorts in Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, Mexico, Thailand and beyond.

Fondest regards

Melissa

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Puunoa Luxury Beachfront Condo in Lahaina was AWESOME!

Aloha! Puunoa Beach Estates could be one of Maui's best kept secrets even though it has been part of our island for more years than I remember! This 2 story beachfront luxury condominium complex has 2 & 3 bedroom units, all beachfront, with sunset/island views to knock your socks off, the sound of the soothing ocean murmuring beyond the reef, and a turquoise lagoon not unlike many South Pacific beaches I have been on in my life. Contact us at 1-800-256-4280 here in Hawaii, 7 days a week for exclusive savings and values for Puunoa, as well as other fine vacation properties/resorts on all the islands of Hawaii. or email vacations@mccoytravel.com. Visit our Agent Reviews to see where the McCoy Agents have been visiting and reviewing.
Stay tuned for many more Hawaii and Fiji blogs from my recent visits to fantastic resorts in both areas.
Have a wonderful September
Aloha
Melissa

NEWSFLASH: KAANAPALI ALII, MAUI QUICK REVIEW

Aloha! I have just a few words to say about this really wonderful condo property I just stayed at, here on my island home of Maui. The Kaanapali Alii, 4 Star Condo, is smack dab in the heart of Kaanapali Resort. For some people, that may not be a good thing, but for those that enjoy being within walking distance to shopping (Whaler's Village is almost next door) and a very eclectic array of dining options, this resort is in the PERFECT location. The new pools (pictured here) really changed the feel of this property. There is even a "quiet pool" for those folks who prefer not to have kids in the pool they are enjoying. Another GREAT touch. Each unit is decorated by it's owner so no 2 are alike. The Premium units have more upgrades and are highly recommended (by me :)

The Alii (as we call it), is operated like a hotel with a bellman, daily maid service, room service provided by the Westin (a limited menu but not bad at all), 2 spa treatment rooms (operated by the Westin) that are located in their NEW and fantastic gym, AND signing privileges at the Westin and Marriott (both next door to the Kaanapali Alii). The facial I received while I was there was fantastic (and I receive quite a few facials in my work).

Okay, this was just a NEWSFLASH. Now back to my Fiji reviews.. Namale Resort & Spa is next. And then.. watch for another NEWSFLASH about Maui's Puunoa Luxury Condo in Lahaina, right on the ocean!

See you later. And be sure to call us here in Hawaii for ever changing exclusive offers for Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti and much more 1-800-256-4280. http://www.mccoytravel.com

Epic Fiji Journey - Namale Resort & Spa

Namale Resort & Spa, my Fijian Garden of Eden, holds a special place in my heart. We had stumbled upon this gem way back in 1992 (before Travel Agency), and spent 4 lovely nights at this, then, 6 Bure resort in the jungle on the ocean. There was not much else in Savu Savu in those days. We drove up in a 4 wheel drive rental jeep, parked, and never left the resort for 4 nights. That was in 1992. My visit this time was 18 years later, and I can quite honestly say, that even though there have been an incredible amount of changes over the years, it still feels the same to me.

I have visited Namale Resort & Spa often over the last 18 years. Each time, I spend a bit of time trying to locate my/our "farewell" stone, the cement block you write in (wet), upon your departure, and placed somewhere on the grounds of the resort. Inevitably, I find some of my staffs "moce stones" (moce - pronounced Moe -they and means goodbye). This time I spent little time looking for the past, as my future lay ahead, at the Duvata Grand Villa. All of those hot days at the outdoor conference, and the last 3 years (it had been that long since I had visited), I have been dreaming of Duvata :)

Stay tuned-I'll be back later to add to this post. I have to scoot to Kaanapali. I have alot to say about Namale and it's all great! One tip I would like to give you here is PLEASE be sure to back up your computer back up (yes, double back up). Unfortunately, both my laptop harddrive and back up drive went south a few days ago, so pictures will be a little late in coming. I have no choice but to PAY to have my hard drive scanned, or my 5 weeks in Fiji, a photo journey, won't be the same. Sota Tale.. see you later. Melissa

Days 4-8, Bula Fiji Conference

Days 4-8, Work Work Work! As I had known all along, the stay at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa was all about work and not play as it was our working hotel for the Bula Fiji conference we attended (one of my staff, Mike Brown, and myself). Up every morning, sneak in some emails and off to the Conference, outdoors, under the hot sun, in the almost perfect bone dry weather that Denarau is known for (great weather for a vacation but ?? an 8 hour outside conference?). Personally, indoors and air conditioning would have worked very well for me, a 50 something woman, experiencing.... well.... Gosh, is it hot in here or is it me? :) No such luck. Every 15 minutes, the bell dings and we have to move on to the next booth.. another resort or something even more exciting (truly), the zip line booth with video footage of the next "day adventure" I want to enjoy in Fiji! Boy oh Boy, I do love to zipline (we have 5 on Maui, 5 on Kauai and 1 on the Big Island) and now Fiji has 2 of them! Don't get me wrong. I LOVE visiting all of the resort booths. Most are from Fiji, but I make a point to visit the booths from Samoa, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, Cook Islands and.. American Samoa and Tuvalu......... If you have ever heard of the fabulous pacific rock group, Tevaka, then you are familiar with a wee bit of that culture through music. I adore Tevaka music and their music DVD. I am an islander at heart. Okay back to business! Sofitel..

I really like the Sofitel and try to stay there every time I'm coming through Denarau, if possible. The rooms are comfortable and updated. The Spa is wonderful and I love the breakfast Buffet (with the strolling Fijian Serenaders) and V restaurant (fine dining). Mostly, I love the people that work there. And even though this trip was a working conference, I liked it as much as ever.

Day 8-10, Namale Resort & Spa, The Garden of Eden revisited--next!

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

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.

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