Islandtime May June 18

A tantalising taste of France

The publication of the Pacific

New Caledonia

islandtime

MAY/JUNE 2018

SHANGRI-LA’S FIJIAN RESORT AND SPA DISCOVER A PRIVATE ISLAND PARADISE.

Just an easy 45 minute drive from Nadi, Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa is a Coral Coast sanctuary that feels like it’s in a world of its own. Set on a 109-acre private island with a causeway joining it to the mainland, it’s a place where you can lounge on natural white sandy beaches and play in the protected waters. It’s a place that offers you a choice of 6 restaurants and 5 bars. Our spa staff can take the weight of the world off your shoulders and if you have family in tow, our kids club crew will provide them with endless entertainment. And if you’re coming to tie the knot, we have a venue to suit your special occasion.

Ph (679) 6528708 7(679) 6520931 www.shangri-la.com

Balancing new with tried and true It goes without saying, that we just love the islands. But in this issue, our island experience took us in a different direction than usual. In April our journey took us to Couran Cove Island Resort, a serene spot off the Queensland coast. Surrounded by rainforest, this tranquil eco-resort proved a hit with the whole family and we hope you enjoy the story. On the other hand, sticking with what you know can be equally rewarding. For instance, New Caledonia is famous for its delectable French-inspired cuisine. Indeed for foodies, New Caledonia never fails to deliver – as Mike Donaldson, Islandtime’s wine and food aficionado found out. So the moral of the story – when travelling, trust what you know, but keep an open mind at the same time. We hope you enjoy our main stories and wish you all the best as we head into our peak Pacific winter season.

Matt & Fran

Take care and safe travels.

Contents Resort Spotlight.............................................4 New Caledonia............................................... 6 Fiji........................................................................13 Tahiti..................................................................22 Pitcairn Island................................................24 Queensland....................................................25 Cook Islands..................................................28 American Samoa.........................................33 Niue................................................................... 34 Solomon Islands...........................................35 Vanuatu........................................................... 36 Hawaii..............................................................40

Cover image: Nouméa

Hello 5-star luxury!

Gareth Waddington from helloworld is the very lucky winner of 4 nights at the luxurious Intercontinental Fiji Resort and Spa, on beautiful Natadola Beach. After visiting the resort earlier this year, we can guarantee Gareth will love every minute of it. Congratulations Gareth, have a good one!

PUBLISHER Fran McDermott fran@islandtime.co.nz Mobile: 64 21 557 170

Your opportunity to win 5 nights of luxury at Qamea Resort & Spa, Fiji – see page 12

Island Media 11A Seaside Ave Waterview, Auckland 1026 New Zealand www.islandtime.co.nz

EDITOR Matt Taylor matt@islandtime.co.nz

ACCOUNTS Lisa Watson islandtimemag@gmail.com

COPY EDITOR Mark Barratt-Boyes

ISSN 2382-1248 (Print)

DESIGN & PRODUCTION MacWork Design & Print Email: blair@macwork.co.nz www.macwork.co.nz

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fran McDermott, Matt Taylor Mark Barratt-Boyes, Scott Lee, Mike Donaldson ISSN 2382-1256 (Online)

South Pacific National Tourism Offices AMERICAN SAMOA VISITORS BUREAU Ph: +1 684 6999805 Email: info@americansamoa.travel www.americansamoa.travel

NEW CALEDONIA TOURISM NZ Ph: Sally 09 368 1191 Email: s.pepermans@nctps.com www.new-caledonia.co.nz

NIUE TOURISM OFFICE NZ NZ Ph: 0800 359 437 Email: niuetourism@clear.net.nz Aus Ph: 1300 136 483 www.niueisland.com

COOK ISLANDS TOURISM NZ Ph: 64 9 366 1106 Email: nzmanager@cookislands.travel Aus Ph: 61 7 5504 5488 www.cookislands.travel

TONGA VISITORS BUREAU Ph: (676) 25 334 Email: info@thekingdomoftonga.com www.thekingdomoftonga.com

NORFOLK ISLAND TOURISM NZ Ph: 021 752 223 Email: Sally@UniqueTourism.com Aus Ph: 61 2 9211 6590 www.norfolkisland.com.au

SAMOA TOURISM AUTHORITY NZ Ph: 64 9 379 6138 Email: samoa@samoa.co.nz Aus Ph: 61 2 9440 0377 www.samoa.travel

VANUATU TOURISM OFFICE NZ Ph: 021 704 730 Email: new.zealand@vanuatu.travel Aus Ph: 61 2 9028 5086 www.vanuatu.travel

TAHITI TOURISME NZ Ph: 0800 TAHITI (824484) Aus Ph: 61 2 9233 4920 www.tahitinow.co.nz

TOURISM FIJI SOLOMON ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU NZ Ph: 64 9 376 2533 Ph: + 677 22442 Email: infonz@tourismfiji.com.fj Email: info@sivb.com.sb Aus Ph: 61 2 9264 3399 www.visitsolomons.com.sb www.fiji.travel

HAWAI’I TOURISM AUTHORITY NZ Ph: 64 9 977 2222 Email: dwalshe@hawaiitourism.co.nz www.hawaiitourism.co.nz Aus Ph: 61 2 9286 8936 www.gohawaii.com/au

May/June 2018

islandtime 3

Resort Spotlight Le MĂŠridien NoumĂŠa Resort & Spa New Caledonia

4 Nature islandtime May/June 2018 Deep Spa

Le Meridien Noumea Resort and Spa Suite

Le Méridien

Magic Sitting at the far end of Anse Vata Bay, Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa holds prime position in this city of beautiful bays. It’s almost as if they had first choice to pick their location, before anyone else! Given the same position, some resorts might sit back and say ‘look at where we are, what more could you want?’ But for Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa, striving for excellence is all part of their winning formula.

Over recent years, a good sum of money has been invested into resort upgrades. And the quality shows. The exclusive five-star beachfront accommodation offers guests a selection of elegant rooms and suites, each one stylishly finished and designed with privacy in mind.

As we’ve already pointed out, the beachfront location is first-class. Which makes the resort a real treat for guests that like the sand between their toes. And the direct beach access means that it only takes a few steps to get to those tempting turquoise waters.

The resort also has an impressive pool, which is a favourite spot for youngsters and adults alike. If activity is on the agenda, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling gear is available free of charge from the watersports centre. Or for something a little more extreme, guests can always try kite surfing!

When it comes to enjoying local cuisine, Le Méridien is an outstanding choice with four restaurants ready to tantalise the tastebuds. For the grandest of views, tuck into a barbecue lunch or sundowner overlooking the spectacular lagoon at La Faré restaurant. Or there’s the sumptuous seafood buffet at Le Sextant, or maybe indulge at L’Hippocampe, the resort’s fine dining venue. And for those looking for something alternative, there is also a Japanese restaurant, Le Shogun. Regardless of the choice, it's all first-class fare!

For refreshments before or after dinner, guests can head to Latitude 22 Bar, overlooking the meticulously maintained hotel gardens. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, with regular live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to unwind and sample a signature sparkling cocktail.

If relaxation is on the cards, the resort has a luxurious Deep Nature Spa, where guests can find a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as a range of personalised treatments. With its stunning interior design, it’s the perfect place to chill, rejuvenate and recharge.

And as for the service? Well, from the moment you walk through the door, the attentive staff are on hand to assist your every need. Put it all together and it’s fair to say that Le Méridien the perfect base to explore the vibrant city of Noumea.

Latitude 22 bar

May/June 2018

islandtime 5

New Caledonia

A tantalising taste of France

By Mike Donaldson

You may have heard of the French paradox, well there is something equally confounding about being surrounded by continental culture in the South Pacific. New Caledonia is one of our closest neighbours, yet in places it feels like you could be on the French Riviera.

Anse Vata beach, Nouméa © Arnaud Elissalde – Terres de lumière / NCTPS

6 islandtime May/June 2018

It's sophisticated and yet chilled out at the same time. There are palm-fringed white sand beaches as well as boutique shopping and Parisian-style cafés serving escargot with fine Bordeaux wines. It’s chic, exotic and totally captivating.

The beauty of a stay in the capital Nouméa is that you will have all this on your doorstep, while still being able to enjoy the stunning scenery and laid back island lifestyle. Air New Zealand flies to Nouméa three times a week and with a travel time from Auckland of just over 2.5 hours, it makes a perfect destination for either a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

Nouméa has a population of approximately 100,000 and is located on the largest island in the New Caledonia archipelago, Grand Terre. The city sits on a peninsula, with a series of pretty little bays at its southern tip. Anse Vata bay is the place to stay, and in pole position with direct beach access are the resorts of Le Méridien and the Chateau Royal.

The recently refurbished Le Méridien is the only five-star accommodation in Nouméa, their rooms and suites are well appointed and the décor stylish. It also boasts an impressive array of facilities, with three bars, four restaurants, a palatial swimming pool and nature spa. In addition, there is a water sports centre where snorkelling equipment, paddleboards and kayaks are available free of charge for hotel guests. The lagoon in front of the hotel is calm and shallow, so it’s ideal for the whole family.

Neighbouring Chateau Royal shares the same picturesque beach frontage, hosting two restaurants and three bars (including a pool bar). It also caters for functions, offering both a conference centre as well as tailored wedding packages. All the rooms at the Chateau Royal include a small kitchenette which makes self-catering possible here as well. Also located at the hotel is its renowned aquatonic pool, where you can relax overlooking the water, while being pampered by 12 hydro-massage stations.

May/June 2018

islandtime 7

With its unique blend of French and Melanesian cuisine and over 150 restaurants to choose from, Nouméa is also foodie heaven. The local cuisine is fresh and bursting with flavour and not surprisingly there is plenty of seafood on offer. Barbecued prawns (crevettes), grilled mahi mahi and tuna tartare are all local specialties, along with the island’s own version of ceviche, marinated with coconut milk. The seafood buffet at Le Méridien’s La Faré restaurant is the perfect place for a long lunch, overlooking the glittering ocean, while enjoying one of their signature sparkling cocktails.

Le Méridien also offers its fine dining L’Hippocampe restaurant, where the staff are attentive, the food exquisitely presented and the atmosphere low lit and intimate. Accompanying this is an equally impressive list of French wines.

For romantic dining with a difference, head to the upmarket Le Roof restaurant, which sits out on stilts overlooking the lagoon in Anse Vata bay, allowing diners to watch baby sharks and other marine life below, while enjoying some of the best fusion cooking that Nouméa has to offer.

One of the most popular local places to eat in the city is Au P'tit Café, open for both lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Friday. Rather than a set menu, they offer four new mains and desserts each week, using local seasonal produce. The only thing that doesn’t change is their famous cheesecake. In the neighbouring Latin Quarter you’ll find another local institution, Chez Toto.

If you’re looking for traditional French cuisine in an authentic Parisian style café, then this is the place to go. The interior is cosy and intimate and the menu is filled with French delights such as cassoulet, escargot, frog’s legs and foie gars.

Although there are many fantastic restaurants in Nouméa, it’s also a delight to pack your own lunch, with boulangeries and epeceries that rival the best in France. The beachfronts of Anse Vata and neighbouring Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay) are dotted with outdoor tables and chairs that provide the perfect location for a picnic. L’Atelier Gourmand bakery on Route de l’Anse Vata is a local favourite, selling sweets and pastries as well as filled rolls and other savouries.

A little further round in Orphanage Bay you will find La Maison Ballande, a specialist wine shop which also stocks a wide selection of French deli food, such as cheeses, olives, terrines and other cold meats. So why not create a gourmet hamper, grab a bottle of wine and chill out for a lazy afternoon at the beach.

A trip to the municipal market in the city centre near the port is also not to be missed. Open daily (except Monday), you will find clothing, arts, crafts and other souvenirs, as well as an extensive selection of fruit, vegetables, fresh fish and other produce. Grab a coffee and croissant and soak up the local atmosphere. Then, if you’re feeling indulgent, head to nearby pattisseries Les Petit Choux and Chocolats Morand, where you can experience some of Nouméa’s finest hand-crafted sweet treats.

Aerial view of Le Meridien Noumea Resort and Spa Suite and Chateau Royal Beach Resort and Spa

8 islandtime May/June 2018

Seafood tapas on Le Ponton floating bar & restaurant

Le Roof restaurant

May/June 2018

islandtime 9

There is also plenty of nightlife on offer in Nouméa, mostly located around Lemon Bay. The walk from Anse Vata is about 20 minutes and makes for a nice late afternoon stroll. There are boutiques to explore along the way and it's fun to watch the locals playing pétanque along the promenade. In Lemon Bay you will find the hip waterfront bars La Barca and Les 3 Brasseurs, perfect for a sundowner and with live music most nights. Further down the beach is L’Endroit, a bar and tapas restaurant right on the water that has DJs spinning tunes till the wee hours. Back in Anse Vata, La Bodega del Mar is located at the head of the jetty leading out to Le Roof restaurant and is also popular with locals after dark.

If you’re feeling guilty about the prospect of all that eating and drinking, don’t worry, Nouméa has plenty on offer for those who want to keep active. There is a pleasant walk up the hill behind Le Méridien and the Chateau Royal, called Ouen Toro. It takes about 30 mins to reach the lookout at the top, and the views over Anse Vata and the surrounding bays are spectacular.

For those interested in water sports, Nouméa is also a premier windsurfing and kiteboarding destination. Blessed with a constant breeze for most of the year, the lagoon in front of Anse Vata bay is an absolute playground, full of adrenalin junkies getting their fix. It’s fascinating to watch, and if you’re keen to give it a go there are places to rent along the beach. Not only is the daily breeze in Nouméa refreshing, it also has the added benefit of keeping any biting insects away, meaning you won’t have to worry about repellent.

Chateau Royal pool Sweet treats at aquatonic Les Petit Choux

Snorkelling is another favourite activity, with some world-class reefs located in close proximity to Nouméa’s southern bays. It’s possible to snorkel straight off the beach in Anse Vata, however better visibility and coral can be found offshore. Only 10 minutes by boat taxi in the middle of the bay is Duck Island, which makes for a lovely half-day trip (Photo 14). There are plenty of colourful reef fish, and if you’re lucky you might see a turtle. The island is tiny but charming, and has a rustic restaurant and plenty of loungers where you can easily while away a tranquil afternoon.

If you have time, a full day trip to Amedee Island, located about 45 minutes away by boat, is also a worthwhile outing. It's home to France’s first metal lighthouse, built in Paris by the same engineers who constructed the Eiffel Tower, and then relocated to New Caledonia in 1862. At almost 60 metres in height, the structure towers over the island and for those feeling brave, it’s still possible to climb the 247 steps to the top.

A day package includes transfers and a buffet lunch, and there is also the possibility of paddle boarding, snorkelling some pristine reefs, or simply chilling on the island’s stunning white sand beaches. What’s not to like!

Another unique excursion that combines snorkelling and a seafood lunch is Le Ponton, a floating bar and restaurant at Tamanou Reef on the eastern side of Anse Vata. The journey time is only sevev minutes and they will arrange pick up on demand. The reef is teeming with fish and as you’d expect the seafood on board is about as fresh as it gets.

Sweet treats at Les Petit Choux

#FollowMe to New Caledonia

Less than three hours from Auckland

Let us guide you to the heart of New Caledonia 128, Route de L’anse-Vata Ph +687 28 48 00 www.europcar.nc 10 islandtime May/June 2018

With all the French influence in Nouméa, it’s easy to overlook the fact that New Caledonia also has a history rich in indigenous tradition and culture. The Kanak’s are the original Melanesian inhabitants and make up about 40 percent of the population, although most live outside the capital. The New Caledonia Museum is located in the city centre close to the municipal market and offers a fascinating insight into Kanak and Melanesian heritage.

The Kanaks have a long association with the arts, and the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, located along a ridge line on a peninsula about eight kilometres northeast of Nouméa, also makes for an interesting visit. Designed to promote the linguistic and artistic heritage of the Kanak people, the complex contains 10 pavilions based on original indigenous design. It’s architecturally impressive and includes an art centre, exhibition spaces, multi-media library and a landscaped park.

If the idea of a laid back island escape with beautiful beaches, water sports, amazing cuisine, culture and continental flair sounds appealing, then look no further ……. Nouméa might just be the destination you’ve been searching for.

Flying to New Caledonia with Air New Zealand New Zealand’s national carrier proudly serves the Pacific Islands, including the beautiful destination of New Caledonia. Air New Zealand flies non-stop to La Tontouta International Airport, Nouméa from Auckland twice weekly. A full range of inflight product choices are available including Seat, Seat + Bag, The Works and Works Deluxe. And connections are available from all Air New Zealand serviced domestic ports. www.airnewzealand.co.nz

Kite surfers in Anse Vata Bay

Sunset over Anse Vata Bay

May/June 2018

islandtime 11

EXPERIENCE A

E P A C S E T L U D A L A C I MAG WIN 5 NIGHTS AT QAMEA RESORT & SPA FIJI

PRIZE INCLUDES: • 5 nights in a beachfront bure • Daily continental breakfast • Use of non-motorised activities (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear) • Nightly entertainment • Village church service (Sunday)

TO ENTER: What is the name of Qamea’s award-winning spa?

Email your answer to info@islandtime.co.nz – Subject line: Luxury adult escape to Qamea – yes please!

ABOUT QAMEA RESORT & SPA Sitting just off the coast of Taveuni (Fiji’s Garden Isle), Qamea is home to 17 luxuriously appointed beachfront villas and bures, and a luxurious spa – all in a tranquil, picture postcard setting.

www.qamea.com

Terms and conditions: Prize package is valid from 1 November 2018 to 31 March 2019. Prize includes 5 nights in a beachfront bure at Qamea Resort and Spa, welcome arrival non-alcoholic drink, continental breakfast, tea & French press plunger coffee in room, personalised water bottle, daily maid and evening turndown service, use of non-motorised activities, nightly entertainment including weekly cultural Kava Ceremony and Meke Performance and Sunday village church service. All flights both international and domestic, taxes and levies are the responsibility of the prizewinner.

12 islandtime May/June 2018

Fiji

Radisson Blu Resort launches vegetarian restaurant Gourmet-minded vegetarians and vegans can now experience fine Fijian cuisine with the launch by the Radisson Blu Resort of its modern vegetarian restaurant Wild Thyme. With à la carte menus paired with vegan wines and bespoke cocktails, the beachfront restaurant can cater for up to 18 diners, with both adults-only and family areas.

The Wild Thyme menu is ultimately plant-based. All dishes are prepared freshly upon order, using authentic recipes and local ingredients, and delivered with impeccable service. The menu includes choice of main dishes followed by dessert using local chocolate and ingredients.

The official launch on April 28 featured a crispy broccoli and spiced yoghurt appetiser, dishes of heart of palm salad, flaky goat cheese filo and homemade gnocchi, and a chocolate dessert.

“It is truly a modern dining experience the first in Fiji and open to all,” says Andreas Reinhardt, Executive Chef at the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji. “For non-vegetarians, this is your chance for an exquisite dining experience keeping it meat-free, be daring and try something new at Wild Thyme,” he said.

“We also look forward to welcoming our local market and neighbouring guests to dine at our restaurant and try the sophisticated dishes prepared by the team and I.”

Musket Cove a top trainer As any industry grows, so does the need for well-trained people. Which is why Musket Cove Resort in the Mamanuca Group has made quality staff training such a high priority.

In fact, Musket Cove has become one of the preferred resorts for hospitality trainees wanting to build their skillset on the job.

The resort is glad to invest the time training great new talent through all aspects of the resorts operations – both for the good of the resort itself and for the benefit of Fiji’s future.

Great stuff Musket!

From left to right : new trainees Jemaimah, Shalini and Alesi

Just steps from the pristine sands of Malolo Lailai in the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji.

Sits the iconic Musket Cove, a four star island resort which blends the barefoot ambience of a tropical island with the warm hospitality and traditions of the Fijian people.

Ph. +679 666 2215 events@musketcovefiji.com

musketcovefiji.com

May/June 2018

islandtime 13

Fiji

Plantation Island Resort starts major new development Plantation Island Resort is embarking on a new development that it says will significantly improve their public facilities and rooms. The development will consist of two projects being built side-by-side, called Project A and Project B, which are shown in the accompanying map of the resort.

Project A will consist of a new Arrivals Bure, Restaurant, Bar and Pool.

Construction will began on May 1 and will be completed on April 1 next year. Project B will consist of 40 new “hotel-style” rooms, which will be built in double-storey blocks of four. Construction will begin on May 21 and be completed in exactly one year.

The resort says it has blocked rooms in several parts of the resort to minimise guest disturbance during the building period, where possible. However, there are a number of dates, particularly in May, June and July this year, where this is not possible due to high occupancy.

From May 21 until May 20, 2019, all guests staying in the Poolside Rooms, Studio Garden Bures and Studio Ocean Bures (except rooms 219-222 which are on the other side of the resort) will receive compensation of a FJ$100 food and beverage credit per room per day. This credit can be combined with any specials that guests are already on. If guests would like to cancel their booking due to construction, the resort says it will waive any cancellation fees to do so.

New appointment lifts wellness factor at Nanuku

Local graduate shares conservation concerns

Guests at the Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji who want to try yoga or continue with their routine can now receive expert advice from Nicci McGrath, the resort’s new wellness and yoga consultant.

A graduate of Fiji National University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental management is the new environmental officer for Castaway Island.

Kolinio Mataiyaga Vulaono will be responsible for the environmentally sustainable use of both the marine and land-based resources of the resort. The resort says his appointment is part of an ongoing commitment to preserve and protect Fiji’s pristine marine environment.

Kolinio will work in partnership with other tourism operators, government and nongovernment organisations, and local communities. He says his role will include focusing on teaching others how to prevent degradation of the environment, working closely with the resort’s PADI diving, watersports and activities department to deliver the OutriggerZone (Ozone) environment initiative which is protecting the health of the world’s coral reefs and oceans. He is also collaborating with the Mamanuca Environment Society.

Yoga specialist McGrath is an Australian national hailing from Queenscliff, Victoria.

She has been a yoga instructor since 2001 and a resident in Fiji for eight years.

Kolinio will help implement guest education awareness programmes, coordinate educational workshops, and assist in developing regulations for marine environment and water samples, reef check monitoring and solid waste site inspection.

He says his interest in the environment was triggered by National Geographic documentaries on television and reading science journals as a child.

Nicci McGrath

She has become well known on Fiji’s yoga scene in her capacity as Managing Director and senior yoga instructor at the Suva Yoga Centre for the last five years. She was previously Managing Director and group fitness instructor at the My Fitness Yoga centre, which is also in Suva.

The General Manager of the resort, Sascha Hemmann, said McGrath would take responsibility for all aspects of the resort’s daily complimentary yoga classes, as well as private guest instruction as required.

“Nicci’s extensive experience makes her ideal for the role. She provides a perfect fit to our overall health and wellness programmes and team.”

The Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji is located on the main island of Viti Levu. Guests have access to a wide range of other activities, including golf, zip lining, white-water rafting, tramping and surfing.

CORAL COAST HERITAGE TOUR OPERATES: MONDAY - FRIDAY DURATION: APPROXIMATELY 7-8HRS Explore one of Fiji’s most famous tourist regions the Coral Coast. Famous for its amazing shore line, the Coral Coast has plenty to offer and this tour covers the highlights. Take in the amazing lookout over the Mamanuca Island Group from the WW2 Momi Battery. Guns and bunkers were set up here during World War II to protect Nadi from a potential attack by the Japanese. One of the bunkers has been turned into a museum with photographs documenting its history. Visit Lomawai village—the home for salt making. Salt making has been there for centuries and the tradition still lives. Finish off your day with a short 20 min walk in the rain forest to the largest coastal waterfall at Biausevu. What an amazing way to finish your day!

14 islandtime May/June 2018

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE • Air-conditioned vehicle including Driver/Guide • WW2 Momi Battery • Lomawai salt making village • Lunch at Bedarra Beach Resort • Largest Coastal Waterfall

PERSONALISED TOUR OPTION This tour is available on a personalized basis so you can experience this tour in your very own vehicle and your very own driver /guide. Departure times are on request. 1– 4 passengers with maximum time of 8 hours. Prices are available for larger groups upon enquiry .

Fiji

Hilton properties entice MICE market Exclusive use of a private tropical island, new event spaces, dining options and paintball are included in some of the range of packages Hilton Fiji’s two properties have created specifically to attract Fiji’s growing MICE market.

The packages at the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, and DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji, can be arranged for an intimate gathering or for up to 240 people, whether it’s a complete island buy-out or an intimate gathering.

Groups who book the DoubleTree Resort’s Experience Your Own Island package have exclusive use of Sonaisali Island, with access to all 120 guest rooms and bures with views of the Mamanuca Islands.

The resort has a variety of formal and casual dining options, numerous event spaces, and leisure activities that include horse riding, kayaking and paintball, as well as exclusive use of the lagoon-style pool. With a capacity of 240 delegates (based on twin share), packages include a daily buffet breakfast, lunch at one of the three restaurants, plus dinner at Vulani or Tavu restaurant.

Hilton’s original Fiji-based property, the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, located on Denarau Island, has also introduced a selection of packages which make use of their new meeting spaces. The Vision Meeting Room is a versatile indoor and outdoor venue with a wraparound balcony, which caters for up to 240 guests.

Meeting planners can also book exclusive use of Koro, the adults-only beachfront restaurant, bar and pool complex located adjacent to the event venue. The two spaces can be booked together. The Meet Beachside package includes luxury accommodation, full buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in one of the resort’s various restaurants and the use of the Vision Meeting Room.

“We recognise the importance of this growing market and have developed these new facilities and flexible event packages to deliver world-class events,” says Mohammed Limdiwala, Cluster Director of Business Development at Hilton Fiji.

Coral replanting big part of Earth Week Replanting coral and a big beach cleanup were among the highlights of Earthweek 2018 at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. The programme aimed to increase educational awareness of the importance of how every individual is a key pillar of support to conserve the environment.

The week saw guests and the resort team participate in marine talks by expert marine biologists based at Reef Safari, followed by snorkelling or diving offshore to do some coral planting to re-propagate the reef. Over the previous four months, Reef Safari worked with resort guests to plant over 50 corals under the Our Ocean Guardians Project. The initiative has seen over 257 healthy coral plants being grown on site, including three more species of heat-resilient coral.

"After an intensive three-month study of the surrounding marine environment, our Reef Safari marine scientists identified an ideal nursery area for coral propagation,” said Andrew Davidson, Area General Manager South Pacific at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. “Our Reef Safari team used the technique of inserting coral pieces between strands of rope to encourage them to grow and flourish.”

Earth Week also saw recycled art entries made by the resort team in the Reuse, Reduce, Recycle competition employ creative artistic flair using anything available, including recycled toy trains. Another highlight of the Earthweek Celebration was on the Friday, when the resort team, their families and students from nearby schools conducted a massive beach cleanup of three main areas of a two-kilometre stretch on Natadola Beach.

16 islandtime May/June 2018

WELCOMES YOU

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa’s exclusive adult’s only area offers its own room category, pool, champagne bar, poolside cabanas and restaurant. Luxuriate in the infinite delights this club can offer, dedicated poolside seating and a large range of nutritionally well-balanced dishes. This is a well considered paradise for those who are inspired by the pleasures of life.

Fiji Resort & Spa

Fiji

Radisson’s Harmony Spa receives a makeover Radisson Blu Resort is well-known for its fantastic family-friendly buzz, but it’s also home to one of Denarau’s most tranquil spas. The resort’s Harmony Spa Retreat is a place of true calm and it’s now sporting a fresh new look, following a makeover of its treatment rooms.

Guests will love the fresh feel, and as always, they’ll love the full menu of treatments that including luscious massages and facials. “This refurbishment will only enrich the experience with the beautiful rooms you will enter when booking a treatment,” says Bobby Raniga, owner of the Harmony Spa.

Tokoriki Island Resort a home away from home New Zealanders Harry and Pat Tait are the kind of travellers who find a great holiday destination and keep returning.

In their case, they stayed at the Tokoriki Island Resort for the 50th time in April.

Over the last 25 years Harry and Pat have enjoyed many special celebrations at the resort, including their 50th wedding anniversary, their 80th birthdays and their son’s wedding at Tokoriki.

The couple have become ambassadors for the resort, visiting up to three times a year. Harry has a collection of every Tokoriki sulu designed over the years and recalls the year each sulu was released.

Recent improvements at the resort include new sun loungers beside the pool and pool floaters on the side. The jetty is now complete with landing steps on different levels to accommodate the changing tides. Guests who still prefer a wet landing just need to ask the captain.

18 islandtime May/June 2018

Discover a tropical beachfront paradise on Fiji's stunning Natadola Beach

4 star boutique resort on a 6 star location

• Absolute beachfront location • Secluded, peaceful & tranquil • 36 Polynesian–inspired bures • Plated breakfast daily included in room rate • Restaurant & Bar • Fabulous food & menu selection • Attentive & unobtrusive service • Swimming pool with swim-up bar

• Free WiFi in lobby area, restaurant & bar • Day Spa • Kayaks, paddleboards & snorkelling available • The world class Natadola Bay Championship Course is nearby. Golf packages available.

• Stunning wedding location Wedding packages available • Year Round Stay 7 nights for the price of 6 • Yatule / Island combo packages available

P: + 679 6728004 E: res@yatulefiji.com.fj

www.yatulefiji.com

Fiji

Garden Island the gateway to diving paradise For serious divers, being close to the action is a must. Which is why Garden Island Resort on Taveuni Island makes the perfect diving base.

There are 20 spectacular dive sites within just 10-20 minutes of the resort’s dive centre. Fed by the nutrient-rich waters that flow through the Somosomo Straits, the waters of Taveuni are home to one of the world's greatest displays of soft coral. Add in the dive team’s intimate knowledge of local waters and you’re virtually guaranteed of first-class dive experience.

Resort takes lead in reforming local fisheries By introducing a hybrid cooperative model for local seafood sourcing into Fijian culture, Kokomo Private Island Resort intends to revive a tradition where local fishermen and women will again be recognised as providers of healthy and delicious seafood, and as the protectors of Fiji’s marine ecosystems.

The new Dock to Dish® programme at the resort will introduce dining guests to line-caught bussa, a native Fijian fish that is now being supplied by female anglers from the nearby fishing village of Buliya, and other abundant local fish.

The introduction of the Fiji chapter of the international Dock to Dish movement is the culmination of several months of work

by Australian real estate developer and preservationist Lang Walker, marine biologists and the resort’s chefs, under the leadership of Kokomo’s Fijian fisheries expert, Jaga Crossingham.

The movement aims to reform small-scale fisheries and seafood supply chains around the world, and Crossingham and his team hope to create a unique coral reef nursery and restoration programme to preserve and protect important elements of the local culture and the surrounding ecosystems.

Walker says Dock to Dish holds the potential to solve many problems. “That part of Fijian/South Pacific culture has all but disappeared here over the past few decades, unfortunately, as cheap frozen seafood from Asia has flooded local markets.

"Now is the time to bring the long-lost flavours, textures, and health benefits of locally harvested seafood back to the communities in Fiji.”

The model, known as a Community Supported Fishery, has already been introduced to North and Central America, and in June 2017, the United Nations Foundation identified Dock to Dish® as a “breakthrough innovation that is putting participating members on a path to healthy, valued and understood oceans.”

Locals of all ages unite for cleanup World Earth Day in April was the incentive for Volivoli Beach Resort to organise a clean up at local beaches and around the surrounding coast. The Operations Manager for Ra Divers, Simon Doughty, and the General Manager of Volivoli Beach Resort, Nick Darling, sent out a call to action to all the expats and locals living in the region. The challenge involved a major cleanup of the surrounding coastal areas of Raki Raki and Volivoli Point. The 46 volunteers aged from two to 60 years old arrived from as far away as Suva and Nadi to gather at Volivoli to join locals, staff and diving crews.

During the day they worked side-by-side and collected over 150 kilos of rubbish, including plastic bags, water bottles straws, cans, glass, car wheels, building materials, nappies and cigarette butts from the beach front, roadside and mangroves. As an incentive, the resort offered free ice-creams, a movie night and a Funday Sunday barbecue with free beer at the end of a the day, hosted by the resort’s owners, the Darling Family.

“This is a perfect example of our commitment to effect positive change and bring our community together to educate and support environmental and social responsibilities,” said Marketing Manager Sandi Reily.

20 islandtime May/June 2018

May/June 2018

islandtime 21

Tahiti

Manava Suite Resort Project completion date extended The four-star, waterfront Manava Suite Resort on the western coast of the island of Tahiti, 10 minutes from Papeete, is renovating its shorefront area.

The swimming pool will continue to operate as usual throughout the renovation, including the pool attendants for towels and drink orders. Sophie Bessou, the Sales and Marketing Manager for South Pacific Management, says the resort will do its best to limit any disruption to guests.

The motus, the large deck of the restaurant/bar, the walkway and the wharf allowing access to the motus will be completed by May 18, but these areas will not be accessible. The kitchen, restaurant, pool bar and exterior restrooms will now be released on July 4, the final delivery date for the project.

Seaplane company launches with a shower of spray The thrill of taking off and landing in a seaplane is returning to Tahiti with the launch of Tahiti Air Charter by the Degage family. It will bring back memories of how seaplanes, with their large floats, contributed to the development of the Polynesian islands during the 1930s and the 1970s. Tahiti Air Charter received its Air Carrier Certificate on April 4, thereby becoming the first French seaplane airline for 50 years.

Based in Raiatea, a 20-minute flight from Bora Bora, the airline is offering scheduled flights and day tours, along with private charters, over Bora Bora and Tupai, the islands of Taha’a and Maupiti, and full-day excursions to discover all their hidden treasures. The company can also transport freight or provide a wide range of assistance to the locals. The airline selected a Cessna 208 Caravan, which seats up to eight passengers and can operate from both land and water. The Caravan, which has a single turboprop engine, is known to be one of the quietest in its class. It has a maximum range of 1682 kilometres and a top cruising speed of 294 kilometres per hour. Its service ceiling is 7600 metres.

The Manager of Tahiti Air Charter, Mme Mere Bordes, says the airline’s objective is to expand its current capacity and its air fleet in order to serve the sustainable development of tourism in French Polynesia.

“We are more than happy to finally see this project materialising after some years of hard work,” she said. “Our launch allows us to open new opportunities for the aerial transport sector in French Polynesia. We are looking forward to the growth of this new activity and are already thinking about its long-term development.”

Escape to Bora Bora this winter Pay for Beach, stay Overwater ! Stay 5 Pay 4 including Daily Breakfast for 2 with Guaranteed Upgrade from Pool Beach Villa to Overwater Superior Villa. Book from May to June for stays until October 30th, 2018. *Conditions apply. Full offer details available with the Resort or through your preferred wholesaler.

www.stregisborabora.com | reservations@stregisborabora.com | Banner SRBB 9 - Escape to Bora Bora this winter - Copy.indd 1

22 islandtime May/June 2018

stregisborabora 10/05/2018 17:15:31

Tahiti

Tiare is key to airline’s new identity The tiare flower, which is synonymous with Tahiti, is a key symbol in the revamped logo for Air Tahiti Nui. The modern new look, crafted by the Tahitian artist Alex Lee, is said to embody the natural beauty and spirit of Tahiti. The forward-facing flower captures the essence of taking flight and moving forward. The letterforms are curved and rounded to mimic the shapes and joins of the tiare petals, harmoniously tying all the elements together.

The new logo and branding were designed by Future Brand, who also designed The Islands of Tahiti brand for the Tourism Board of French Polynesia. In addition to updating its visual identity, Air Tahiti Nui is refreshing its positioning, values and personality around the experiential Polynesian nature of “Mana”.

Air Tahiti Nui launched the new brand at Faa’a airport on April 25. The rebrand, which forms part of the airline’s 20th anniversary celebrations, was an important step in transforming Air Tahiti Nui into the premier international airline of French Polynesia, said the Chief Executive Officer, Michel Monvoisin. He said the airline would take delivery of its first Dreamliner B787-9 aircraft in October and will hold its official anniversary in November.

Air Tahiti Nui currently operates five A340-300 aircraft from its Tahiti base to Auckland, Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles, and code shares to 37 additional destinations. It’s one of only two carriers with direct flights from Auckland to Papeete.

Get on board Haumana Cruises with special industry offer Exploring the waters of Bora Bora and Taha’a by boutique luxury catarmaran – it’s tough to come up with a trip better than that! But Haumana Cruises is giving the travel trade every opportunity with a special industry package that includes: • 2 nights at Manava Suite Resort Tahiti in a Garden Studio (1 night pre and 1 night post Haumana Cruise) • Return transfers to/from Airport in Papeete (for both pre and post stays) • 3 nights on board Haumana Cruise from either Raiatea to Bora Bora or vice versa - including all meals, with a selection of complimentary wines during meals; all non-alcoholic beverages; half day shore excursion to Taha’a; all on-board activities (kayaks, paddle board, snorkelling, cultural activities) If you’re tempted, send all enquiries and bookings to Our Pacific info@ourworld.travel with the subject line: HAUMANA CRUISES TAHITI (Industry deal). Or call NZ +64 9 377 8274 and ask for Kaye.

The coolest place for crepes Along with its impossibly beautiful scenery, Tahiti is home to some of the Pacific’s tastiest cuisine – which comes courtesy of fresh local produce and a strong French influence. One place to experience some mouth-watering delicacies is the Toatea Creperie and Bar at Hilton Moorea Lagoon and Spa. Right now the eatery has a new menu with more choices than ever, but the same delicious French crêpes prepared in the tradition of Brittany.

Delish! And the unique overwater location means you can even watch the local reef sharks swimming by at night.

EBB © Myles McGuinness

M10804 TAHITI 267x50 Strip Ebb-Flow v1.indd 1

F L OW © Grégoire Le Bacon

May/June 2018

1/05/2018 14:39

islandtime 23

Pitcairn Island

New packages build on growing interest South Pacific Specialist, Our Pacific, has released a new series of packages with four and 11-day stays on Pitcairn Island. Building on growing interest in travel to Pitcairn Island, Our Pacific is offering two packages from Auckland to Pitcairn, including a Tahiti stopover.

Eleven and 18-day packages include two nights in Tahiti, including transfers; four nights aboard Pitcairn’s supply ship Claymore II with all meals; plus either a four or an 11-day homestay on Pitcairn, including all meals, transfers and laundry.

The packages also include return flights from Auckland flying Air Tahiti Nui and domestic flights between Papeete and Mangareva, where clients board the Claymore II for the final leg to Pitcairn. Limited spaces are still available for departures during August/September and November/December.

An aerial view of the island with the NG Orion. ©Adam Cropp, Lindblad Expeditions.

Cruise market to Pitcairn continues to grow Cruises are booming globally, and Pitcairn Island is certainly benefitting from the growth of this travel sector. Pitcairn will see 14 cruise ships visit in 2019.

Half of these are small expedition-style ships, including the National Geographic Orion, Paul Gauguin, Silver Explorer, Ponant Cruises and Noble Caledonia’s Island Sky. Most of these ships visit Pitcairn on voyages between Tahiti and Easter Island.

On occasion, these cruises call at our other uninhabited islands such as the world heritage-listed Henderson and the even more rarely visited Ducie.

For the first time, the Tahiti-based cruiser-freighter Aranui 5 will be making 14-day round trip voyages to Pitcairn in January and March 2019. Passengers on these cruises are often able to come ashore at Pitcairn for a few hours for some exploring and to experience what it truly means to be on a remote island in the Pacific.

Major cruise lines also include Pitcairn on their itineraries, including Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, P&O and Cunard. These ships sail offshore for a few hours, whilst most of the 50 Pitcairn Islanders come aboard, setting up market stalls for souvenir and curio sales, in addition to holding lectures about life on the island.

The coastline at Bounty Bay. © Andrew Randall Christian

Six quick questions with Heather Menzies Travel Coordinator, Pitcairn Islands Tourism New Zealand born Heather Menzies is a direct descendent of Bounty mutineer Fletcher Christian. 12 years ago, Heather moved to Pitcairn Island and she holds the role of Tourism Coordinator on the Pitcairn Tourism Board. Heather shared her insights with Islandtime.

First and foremost - how do you get to Pitcairn?

Getting to Pitcairn is all part the adventure! First take a flight to Papeete (Tahiti). From there hop on a domestic flight to the island of Mangareva. Next step is a short ferry ride to the village of Rikitea, and that’s where you’ll board the MV Claymore II, which is the vessel that takes you all the way to Pitcairn – a voyage that usually takes around 32 hours.

What type of traveller does Pitcairn appeal to?

The people who come to Pitcairn are fascinated by its history and just love the idea of going somewhere totally remote.

Pitcairn is the smallest inhabited island in the world, so visitors have to enjoy a "low key" experience that’s as off-thegrid as you can get!

What are some of the essentials to take to Pitcairn?

It’s a sub-tropical climate that can get hot. The island is also exposed to the elements, so be prepared for dry, wet and everything in between. Definitely bring some sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable attire and some insect repellent too.

Top five things to do 1. Enjoy a meal and plenty of conversation at "living like a local" public dinner.

2. Dive the wreck of the Bounty and SS Cornwallis.

3. Hike to Christians Cave.

4. Board a longboat for a community fishing trip.

5. Visit the Pitcairn Island Museum.

What’s your advice to agents about to book a Pitcairn experience?

Just keep it real and manage expectations. People visiting the island are literally walking into a working community – there is no tourist spin – just a real experience that visitors can immerse themselves in.

Step off the beaten path...

Pitcairn Island Tourism Marketing Representative Richard Hankin and Heather Menzies

Experience the living history of the legendary Pitcairn Islands Untouched islands alive with endemic flora and fauna. Pristine waters where marine life abounds. An unforgettable journey. Incredible hospitality. A firsthand insight into the living history and culture of the direct descendants of the Bounty mutineers, and their Polynesian consorts. Just some of the experiences you will find where few travellers have been.

For bookings and enquiries contact:

Our Pacific T: 0800 500 598 E: info@ourpacific.co.nz www.ourpacific.co.nz

24 islandtime May/June 2018

www.visitpitcairn.pn

Queensland

Sun, cycles and solitude Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island Quiet islands can be hard to come by.

Especially when they’re blessed with spectacular beauty. More often than not, a magnificent natural setting becomes the target of development, which turns the original paradise into something a lot busier.

Not so at Couran Cove Island Resort.

Couran Cove sits on South Stradbroke Island - a 21 kilometre long island sanctuary at the very northern tip of the Gold Coast. One end of the island is home to a couple of very basic camping grounds. And at the other end of the island is the only resort, Couran Cove Island Resort, where our family enjoyed four very restful days and nights.

An eco-retreat surrounded by rainforest, Couran Cove is a quiet car-free environment. Here the number one mode of transport is pushbikes that come in a stand-out lime green colour. (These can be hired on arrival). The bikes turned out to be real highlight of the stay, especially for the kids, who could cycle to their hearts content without having to share the road with any pesky vehicles.

Plus it was nice for everyone to get some light exercise each day!

The resort’s marina is a favourite mooring spot for local boaties who pop in for the day or stay overnight. And you’ll often see them taking a break from their boat, enjoying the resort’s food and beverage options, which include a main a la carte restaurant, a casual poolside restaurant and a café serving simple fare like croissants, and yummy toasted sandwiches.

The resort has a huge kids pool that keeps the young ones happy during the day, plus there’s a "VR" games centre with a variety of video games and sports simulators. If you’re after the real thing, there’s a basketball court, tennis court, squash court and a big playground to keep everyone busy.

Because the resort is situated on the western side of South Stradbroke Island, the closest surf beach is about 2 kilometre away. You get there by walking or biking along the aptly named Surf Beach Road, which meanders through peaceful, untouched rainforest. The only noise you’ll hear are the flocks of colourful birds singing and swooping from tree to tree. And you’ll bump into one of the many wallabies that call Couran Cove home. The wallabies hop around, minding their own business and the kids just love watching them at close quarters.

The surf beach itself is quite spectacular - imagine white sand and warm crystal clear water, but with hardly another soul in sight! At most you’ll come across a few beach walkers and the occasional fisherman. In the right conditions, the waves can be world-class, but again, there simply aren’t any surfers to be found. It’s rare to have that sort of seclusion in a place so beautiful.

All in all, Couran Cove Island Resort is a fabulous spot that ideal for those seeking solitude or a place to re-charge the batteries. And of course it’s a great place for everyone to get back to nature.

Getting to Couran Cove A daily island passenger ferry service runs on a scheduled timetable from at Hope Island Marina. The pleasant trip takes around 40 minutes.

Hope Harbour Marina - 60 Sickle Avenue, Hope Island

May/June 2018

islandtime 25

Queensland

Dive your dream South Pacific reef If the thought of coming face-to-face with sharks sends a shiver up your spine, there’s no need to worry on Sea World’s Tropical Reef Snorkel Experience. It’s like being on a real South Pacific reef that’s teeming with beautiful tropical fish, majestic rays and other fascinating marine life including Black tip and White tip reef sharks – all completely harmless of course! The experience is unforgettable.

Dolphins are a kid’s best friend There’s something special about dolphins. They’re just so cute, clever and happy!

But there’s only one way to really get up close and personal. And that at Sea World’s Dolphin Aqua Adventure - where for 45 minutes an expert dolphin trainer educates children on dolphin behaviour, plus the kids get to sit in the water as the dolphin interacts with them – we’re talking high fives, claps and kids can touch the dolphins as they swim past!

Playing a part in ocean protection For many, a visit to Sea World means rides, amazing animal shows, games and lots of treats. But behind the scenes, there is a very serious side to what Sea World do. The Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to funding and promoting independent marine research projects.

And through these research and rescue activities, Sea World aims to help build our knowledge and appreciation of the wondrous variety of life in our oceans – which in turn, will help protect our waters for many years to come.

Take a cruise into nature As we discovered, Couran Cove Island Resort is a lovely place to kick back and relax for a few days. But if you don’t have that much time, you can get a taste of this wonderful eco-resort and unique natural environment, by taking a Nature Day Cruise that departs from the Sea World Cruise Terminal (in the carpark outside Sea World).

The 4-hour on-island experience gives you plenty of time to explore the rainforest and beaches, or relax for a while by the pool. Plus lunch is included.

26 islandtime May/June 2018

Aquatic action!

Kids and playgrounds. That’s recipe for hours of fun. But make it a full-on aquatic adventure playground in the warm tropical sun and we’re talking days of hooting and hollering! At Sea World Resort the epicentre of kids activities is the waterpark – a place of bright and colourful water play areas that are themed around SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Gary, Squidward and a few cool jellyfish! Needless to say, the kids will not want to leave!

Queensland

Oodles of fun outside your door Sea World is the only theme park on the Gold Coast where you can stay right next door.

In fact, Sea World Resort guests have their very own entry point (which saves waiting in a queue at the public entrance). This leads to the resort's own monorail station, so guests can get a lift into the middle of the theme park.

Where $1 goes a long way!

Taking the whole family on holiday can quickly put a dent in the wallet – particularly when it comes to feeding hungry children! But at Sea World Resort they have a unique deal that keeps kids tummies full, and parents smiling.

Sea World Resort’s Shoreline Restaurant has a fantastic offer, where kids aged 4-13 years old can eat for $1 per year of age. Along with this family friendly option, Sea World Resort also has an award winning Japanese restaurant named Hatsuhana which has a delicious deluxe family banquet deal for just $89. Happy children, happy parents. Perfect!

Kids kick back at the Club Not all the kid’s fun at Sea World Resort takes place outdoors!

Inside, the resort has a fantastic Kids’ Club that’s packed full of exciting activities. Like the waterpark, the Kids’ Club space is themed around SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer characters.

The latest XBox 360 games are on tap, there’s a kids movie theatre and a whole host of fabulous games and activities like face-painting, arts and craft and team sports. And when the kids are at the Kid’s Club, the parents can enjoy a little breather.

Operating hours are Monday to Sunday 5.30pm to 9.30pm, plus full evening Kids Club sessions includes dinner.

Where legends come to life If you want to see Australia’s outback story come to life, this live extravaganza is a must.

The experience starts from the second you walk in, as you are handed a straw outback hat that everyone wears with pride! Before moving into the main theatre you can relax in a classic Aussie barn (bar) with a few drinks.

The show itself is a live demonstration of theatre, horse riding, music and drama. The theme of High Country Legends pays tribute to some of Australia's greatest legends. The expertise of the riders is very impressive, as are some stunts and aerial performances.

The evening is rounded off with a scrumptious three course meal and drinks. All in all, it’s a true-blue Aussie show and a huge amount of fun!

May/June 2018

islandtime 27

Cook Islands

New venture wins top tourism award The website explore.com not only won the Marketing Award at the 2018 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards, the judges also selected them for the ultimate accolade, the Air New Zealand Supreme Award.

“It is especially good to see emerging businesses on the winners list,” said the Chairman of the organising committee, Adrian Hopwood. “There was stiff competition, and all the entrants and finalists should be congratulated.”

Organised by the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, the awards were given in three sections: the Special Awards, the Business Category Awards, and the Special Individual Awards. The winners in all three sections were revealed on April 23 at Te Are Karioi Nui National Auditorium in Avarua. The surprises on the winners’ list rewarded some of the smartest and brightest in the industry, said Hopwood. With almost 80 entrants, the two independent New Zealand-based judges, Michael Friend and John Mann, visited the Cook Islands in February to interview the 27 finalists in the Business Category Awards.

Local legend Jack Cooper, the proprietor of Trader Jacks restaurant and bar on the Avarua waterfront, who has been serving his customers there for over 30 years, won one of the two Special Individual Awards for his Outstanding Contribution to Tourism. The other Special Individual Award for Lifetime Achievement in Tourism went to Des Eggleton, the proprietor of Te Vakaroa Villas on Muri Beach.

Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours Team © Creators Hype

The complete award list is: Supreme Award: Air New Zealand Supreme Award: explore.com

Special Individual Awards: Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award: Jack Cooper Lifetime Achievement in Tourism Award: Des Eggleton

Special Awards: Bluesky Emerging Tourism Leader Award: On the Beach (OTB) Restaurant & Bar Bluesky People’s Choice Award: Te Vara Nui Village Pitt Media Group Family Friendly Award: Pacific Resort Rarotonga Cook Islands Sun Social Media Guru Award: Ikurangi Eco Retreat Cook Islands News Business Sustainability Award: Cook Islands Holiday Villas Ministry of Cultural Development Pa Enua Award: Punarei Culture Tour and Heritage Trust Aitutaki

Business Category Awards: CITC Culture Award: Highland Paradise Cultural Centre CITC Environment Award: Ikurangi Eco Retreat BSP Business Excellence Award: Pacific Resort Aitutaki BSP Employer of the Year Award: Edgewater Resort & Spa Bank of the Cook Islands Adventure/Eco Tourism Award: Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours Bank of the Cook Islands Visitor Experience/Customer Care Award: Koka Lagoon Cruises Cook Islands Tourism Community Development Award: Bank of South Pacific (BSP) Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Award: explore.com

Bank of South Pacific (BSP) Team © Creators Hype

28 islandtime May/June 2018

Edgewater Resort & Spa Team © Creators Hype

explore.com © Creators Hype

sday night at our beautiful r u h T y r is eve w o rant, located directly on the u h a t s S e R e c nt D a n Beachfro h where our guests can eat c d a e n s b a n nch & dinner beside cea ffet O u reakfast lu b B t gh the ocean. Located on the i N d We s t e r n s i d e f o r an magnificent sunsets!

Our

Flambe R

ma

gn

ific

en

t Is

l

Cook Islands

est a

Ra is e nt ura sn h it Wit

ro

to n ga’ wl sp yb erfe uil ct lo t ou catio Fla tsid n to ex mb e din peri e e is ing ar nce ea & we a mu ekly F exce st to e i re D l l e n xperien ce! anc t se es, rvi ce an

df oo d.

36 individual villas situated on 5 acres of tropical gardens

www.crownbeach.com | info@crownbeach.com | +682 23953 a & S p We d d i n g s & E v e n t s . t r o Res standing h t c ea ir ou B e wn or th f

k at o

ur ons ite sp a

for m ass ag e s, m

is k

re icu an

C no ro wn

Boo

ed i c s, p

ures,

wraps / scrub

kag

p

s.

dy facials, bo

Contact us today for

pac available

nd es a

e ric

re! mo s, &

Enjoy one of our luxurious beachfront, garden, or private pool suite villas.

All sumptuously decorated, with spacious king bedrooms. Our beautiful adults only resort offers you the peace and quiet you need to refresh and reconnect with loved ones.

May/June 2018 islandtime 29

Cook Islands

Career continues upward path Ani Thompson has added another string to her bow with her appointment as Regional General Manager of the Pacific Resort Hotel Group.

Thompson joined PRHG in 2008 as Central Reservations Manager, and has progressed through the organisation in various management positions.

In addition to continuing as Resort General Manager of the Pacific Resort Rarotonga, a role she took up in 2013, she will now support and mentor the managers of the 4.5-star Little Polynesian Resort and the five-star Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa. As a born and raised Cook Islander, Thompson has dedicated her career to the hospitality industry. She says she is committed to developing and supporting local employment opportunities. She has a strong focus on environmental sustainability and cultural awareness for both the resort and the island of Rarotonga.

Thompson has been responsible for many diverse HR and environmental initiatives for Pacific Resort Rarotonga, most notably promoting the protection of Muri Lagoon.

“This appointment recognises the significant contribution Ani has made across all areas of our business since joining PRHG over 10 years ago, in particular her natural gift for developing talent and her ability to create and maintain a thriving and nurturing workplace culture,” says PRHG’s Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Niszow.

“We are thrilled to have Ani transition and evolve into a broader role as we set forth on creating the next chapters of our company's story.”

Pacific Pearls Preferred Retail Partners

When you become a Pacific Pearl with PRHG it’s easy to impress your clients while earning extra benefits for yourself. Become a member by making a PRHG booking and advise us by completing our VIP submission form. For more information on how to register or submit bookings visit pacificresort.com/my-account.

T H E WO R L D S BEST K EP T SECR ET pacificresort.com

R AROTONGA · COOK ISLANDS

30 islandtime May/June 2018

Cook Islands

Club Raro to provide more options

Update ??

Some key areas of Club Raro are marked out for development, says the resort’s new General Manager, Donye Numa. “Our new wing is one of the first to be launched in early June.” This will provide another option for new and returning guests, she says.

The new studio suites will sleep up to three people and have their own balcony or patio areas. Located where the tennis court used to be, the area will be landscaped to provide privacy and enable guests to have their own areas for a barbecue. In addition to the new development, Club Raro recently converted the previous four-bedroom house into two two-bedroom self-catering villas with a kitchenette. Sleeping up to four people, the villas offer families and groups an excellent alternative, says Numa.

Numa comes from the Sales and Marketing team of the Edgewater Resort and Spa, and brings solid knowledge and experience of resort operations, marketing, financial and project management.

“Club Raro is a fantastic resort with an excellent team that works hard to provide our guests with genuine Cook Islands hospitality,” she says.

Welcome to Palm Grove, your private piece of paradise!

Beachfront and garden bungalows Onsite restaurant and bar Personal wedding co-ordinator Rarotonga’s quiet southern coast PO Box 23, Rarotonga, Cook Islands p:+682 20002 e: beach@palmgrove.co.ck www.palmgrove.net

“We are diversifying Club Raro to meet our market and are motivated to build on being a great three-star resort that delivers the best holiday.”

Email Reservations : res@nautilusresortrarotonga.com Ph: +682 25125 www.nautilusresortrarotonga.com

May/June 2018

islandtime 31

Cook Islands

www.muribeachclubhotel.com Phone: +682 23000

RETREAT | RELAX | REVIVE

RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS

If you prefer the best of beachfront luxury with all the extra space of a villa layout, Te Vakaroa Villas are the perfect choice.

the finer things in life P: (682) 25590 or (682) 55020

Everything you need to relax & recharge

E: tevakaroa@villavacations.co.ck

Separate, spacious villa sized bedrooms All villas absolute beachfront Heated jacuzzi and large pool No children under 12 Complimentary breakfasts Complimentary Sky Pacific TV Complimentary 120mgb WiFi Complimentary snorkel equipment and all non-motorised water sports eg kayaks Gated property with a maximum of 18 guests Fruit platter and a bottle of wine on arrival AWARDED TRIPADVISOR’S CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017

www.tevakaroavillas.com

• Absolute Muri beachfront location • 4 spacious air-conditioned, 2 bedroom/2 bathroom luxury villas • Superb attention to detail • Fully equipped designer kitchen • Continental breakfast delivered to your villa daily • Infinity Pool, Spa/Jacuzzi • Private outdoor living space with BBQ • Kayaks & snorkelling equipment • Plenty of dining choices just a stroll away • No children under 12

P: + 682 55720 E: manager@crystalbluelagoonvillas.com www.crystalbluelagoonvillas.com 32 islandtime May/June 2018

American Samoa

New times for Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Airlines has retimed its flights between Honolulu and Pago Pago until July 27 to accommodate repairs to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Instrument Landing System (ILS), effective immediately.

Flights will now leave HNL at 0145 on Tuesdays and Fridays, arriving in Pago Pago at 0630. The return service will depart at 0830 that morning and arrive in HNL at 1455.

Work on repairing the ILS will take at least three months. The schedule change may affect existing bookings with connections beyond Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines says it is re-accommodating passengers with connections contained with their Hawaiian Airlines itinerary.

In another announcement, the airline will operate its extra northern Hemisphere summer service from Honolulu to Pago Pago from June 5 to August 21. The additional flight will depart HNL on Tuesday at 1645, arriving PPG at 2125.

The return flight will depart PPG at 1125, arriving in HNL at 0600 the next day. The regular Monday and Thursday flights will remain the same.

Bureau promotes destination at POW WOW

150 years since historic sighting May 5 marked exactly 150 years since the French navigator Louis Antone de Bougainville saw the Samoa Islands. He named them The Navigator Islands, after being impressed by the Samoans' sailing skills.

Bougainville, who was born in 1729 and died in 1811, explored the South Pacific as leader of the French naval force that sailed around the world between 1766 and 1769.

The American Samoa Visitors Bureau attended the United States International POW WOW in Denver, Colorado in May for the fourth time.

The largest of the Solomon Islands, a strait in the New Hebrides and the plant bougainvillea are all named after him.

Once again the ASVB had a full schedule of meetings with travel buyers from the US, Hong Kong, China, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, Colombia, New Zealand, Australia and Taiwan. ASVB joined two other American territories, Guam and the US Virgin Islands, at the event.

Volunteers help clear storm debris Volunteers have been helping the National Park of American Samoa clear trails from storm debris following Tropical Cyclone Gita in February. “Our staff did amazing work prior to the cyclone to protect facilities from the storm, and we were lucky to suffer no structural damage,” said the Park Superintendent, Scott Burch.

“Their success is in part due to some dedicated and caring individuals who have volunteered their time to help,” Burch said.

“The park is about connecting people to the important natural and cultural resources of American Samoa, and there is no better way to make a connection than to get involved.”

One volunteer, Ben Goodwin, coordinated a volunteer crew of 30 people from his church to spend an afternoon removing downed trees and cleaning up litter. Burch says work on clearing some trails is still ongoing. “Please check with staff at the park visitor center in Pago Pago on the current status of trails before you go for a tramp, and as always, please stay safe.”

Booking PPG now easier Booking travel to American Samoa on Samoa Airways (OL) has become easier. The carrier has significantly expanded its sales and travel agency reach with its cutover into the Amadeus global distribution system. The milestone achievement comes less than six months after the airline took to the sky last November. The Chief Executive Tupuivao, Seiuli Alvin Tuala, said connecting with the major GDSs had always been part of the airline’s distribution strategy.

In addition to Amadeus, Samoa Airways will be available in Travelport and Sabre, once integration with these systems has been completed by the end of May. In a related development, Samoa Airways is now an active member of the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan for the Samoa and New Zealand markets, allowing travel agents there to book OL flights and process e-tickets using the airline’s 162 BSP code. Australian membership by BSP Australia will be activated over the next few weeks.

“OL’s GDS reach and BSP membership will greatly benefit the airline’s operation, as well as Samoa’s profile as a visitor destination as it becomes more readily accessible to the global travel agent market, including OTAs and other travel platforms,” Tupuivao Seiuli said.

AMERICAN SAMOA May/June 2018

islandtime 33

Niue

More than just rock While Niue is affectionately often called The Rock, what’s little known is its sandy coves. Niue was given this nickname because it’s one of the largest upraised coral atolls in the world, but in contrast to this are the secluded, sandy coves dotted around its coastline. This and the fact that it’s only one island, making it unique in the South Pacific.

These sandy spots are great for having a snorkel or enjoying a reef walk, and make it easy for young families to enjoy the water. Plus, with a population of around 1500 on the island, there’s never a crowd, with visitors often having the entire beach to themselves when they visit.

Appetites build for foodie fest Foodies with a passion for Pacific flavours and island paradises need look no further than the KaiNiue Food Festival, a wine and food extravaganza to be held in Niue from November 2-6.

Festival attendees will enjoy menus crafted by some of New Zealand’s best chefs where international flavours are entwined with Niue's unique ingredients.

The four-day festival includes daily events showcasing and celebrating Niue, its food and culture. These include lunch at the New Zealand High Commission, master cooking classes with guest chefs, including Ant and Lou Bentley from the Akaroa Cooking School, and a Gala Dinner.

The biennial festival is a magical celebration of food and wine that shows off Niue’s Pacific flavours, the amazing island and unique culture. But foodies will need to be quick to book because with limited tickets the event is always a sell-out.

Ukelele festival sounds a sweet note Around 200 ukulele enthusiasts enjoyed four days of learning and performance at the recent biennial NiueKulele Festival on Niue. The Festival, held in March, drew top uke players from across the world, including Hawaiian superstars Honoka and Azita, and jazz and blues sensation Ryo Montgomery from Australia.

Activities included ukulele workshops and seminars, along with performances by the attending musicians, and culminated in a dinner concert attended by around 160 people.

The Chief Executive Officer of Niue Tourism, Felicity Bollen, says the festival brings people together to celebrate life through music in a unique natural environment.

“Though the ukulele originates from Portugal, it will always be associated with the Pacific, and this festival was designed to showcase the many different styles and techniques from around the world in a Pacific setting,” said Bollen.

An on-line auction of ukuleles decorated by well known Kiwis and Niueans which ran in the week leading up to the festival was also a success. Nearly $3000 was raised, to go towards Niue's primary and secondary schools for ukuleles and music lessons.

In addition, an extra $1000 was raised through the generosity of two New Zealand guests, who paid to purchase a beautiful Kanile’a ukulele, which was donated by our kind sponsors in Hawaii, said Bollen.

Planning for the next NiueKulele Festival in 2020 is already underway.

RUN1034

What you see in Niue is what you get.

And what you get is endless - about the only thing you don’t get is a crowd. www.niueisland.com

34 islandtime May/June 2018

Solomon Islands

May they rest in peace The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau team wishes to thank its industry colleagues for the hundreds of messages of sympathy and support received following the tragic loss of senior marketing officers Chris Nemaia and Stella Lucas in the Solomon Islands last month.

We have been overwhelmed with the response.

Chris and Stella both joined the organisation in 2000 and in their combined 36-plus years with the organisation, they played major roles in helping to position their Solomon Islands home on the international tourism map and with great effect.

Both had wonderful reputations and both were known as people who could be easily and readily relied upon to do any job and do it to the betterment of their organisation, their industry and their country.

They will be forever missed.

Battlefield anniversary revives memories Building on the huge interest generated by last year’s 75th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, Matt McLachlan’s Battlefield Tours has released a special six-day Guadalcanal and HMAS Canberra package to some of the best preserved Second World War sites in the world.

The exclusive tour, which McLachlan will lead personally, takes place from August 4-9 and is timed to commemorate the Allied landings in 1942 and the sinking of the HMAS Canberra.

The itinerary includes visits to the United States Stewart Tank © Kirkland Photography Memorial behind Honiara on Hill 73, and to many of the actual battle sites. There is also a boat trip out to Tulagi in the Florida Islands, where the US Marines first made landfall at the start of the campaign. The tour includes five nights in Honiara, guided tours of the Guadalcanal battlefields and Tulagi, and all local transport.

A week of diving Three companies have joined forces to offer an eight-night diving package to the reefs and diving spots of Munda, on the southwestern corner of New Georgia. The companies are Allways Dive, Dive Munda and the Agnes Gateway Hotel in Munda, and the tour includes return flights to Munda from Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney.

The programme has been scheduled to offer seamless flight connections for passengers travelling on board Solomon Airlines’ services.

Departing on Saturdays and returning on the following Sunday, the package includes all accommodation at the Agnes Gateway Hotel, and 12 dives with Dive Munda, complete with tanks, weights and air fills.

The tours are available for sale until July 16, and travel is valid until July 21.

Seek the unexplored

Kolombangara Volcano

Tramps reveal a new side to the Solomons Go Tours says it has used its deep knowledge of the Solomon Islands to develop a unique programme designed to show travellers a side of the destination few have seen. In a clever combination of Guadalcanal Province and the Western Province, the programme features stays in over-water bungalows at the Titiru Eco Resort on Rendova Island in the Vona Vona Lagoon, a hike on volcanic Kolombangara in the Western Province, an in-depth tour of Munda’s Second World War history and snorkelling over sunken wrecks near Honiara.

Trampers will start the nine-day tour with an overnight stay in the Parangiju Mountain Lodge and a trek to waterfalls in the Guadalcanal hinterland, before flying off to Munda and a boat transfer to remote Rendova Island.

The island is home to Titiru Eco Resort and the culturally rich Ugele Village, famed for its craftsmen, and musicians and just 100 years ago, its headhunters, as evidenced by the eerie collection of skulls that are easily seen on the nearby and aptly named Skull Island.

Gizo, the Western Province capital, is the starting point for a boat ride and tramps on Kolombangara, the huge dormant volcano, which dominates the region, and a stay in two local guesthouses.

The programme concludes with a two-day stay in Honiara, which includes visits to bustling markets, Second World War battlefields and monuments, along with an option to snorkel over a sunken Japanese warship. Note that the hiking tour is a land-only cost, and does not include international or domestic Solomon Airlines flights.

Watershed moment for tourism The arrival of 25,000 international visitors for the first time since numbers were first recorded in 1990 marks a watershed moment for the Solomon Islands tourism industry.

Figures released by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office show 25,709 international visitors travelled to the Solomon Islands in 2017, a 10.9 percent increase over the 23,192 recorded for 2016.

Australian visitor arrivals continue to dominate, with the 10,161 recorded accounting for 39.5 percent of all arrivals. The jump in the number of visitors from New Zealand to 1694 arrivals in 2017, a 9.2 per cent increase over 2016 figures shows the Hapi Isles are starting to attract strong attention in New Zealand.

Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau Tel: + 677 22442 E: info@sivb.com.sb www.visitsolomons.com.sb FB: www.facebook.com/ visitsolomonislands

May/June 2018

islandtime 35

Vanuatu

New tourism website a catalyst for growth

Tour blends culture and action

Visitors planning a holiday to Tanna now have easier access to travel information as well as the option to book directly online via the Tanna Travel Centre’s new website www.tanna.travel

A short escorted walk through tropical rain forest, followed by a traditional serenade to meet the tribal chief for a traditional welcome, marks the start of Evergreen’s new 3 In 1 tour on Efate. The six-hour day tour is designed to blend some of Efate’s leading natural attractions with the opportunity for travellers to learn more about Vanuatu’s local customs and culture.

The visitor information and bookings centre opened its office last October, and began taking bookings in March. Jimmy Kawiel, the Business Development Officer at the Tafea Tourism Office, said the website was key to ensuring tourism information was available online. He hoped the new website would help increase booking numbers and tourist interest in traveling to Tanna.

The Evergreen tour bus then stops at Crystal Blue Lagoon Beach on Turtle Bay, where the outdoor aquarium is alive with reef sharks, turtles, stingrays and tropical fish.

The welcome is followed by displays of dancing and local magic, traditional food and herbal preparation, sand drawing and arts and craft displays.

There is time for refreshments and a quick swim in the lagoon before the drive to the Mele Cascades Waterfall, where a gourmet barbecue lunch is served in the Riverside Garden. After lunch, walk through more rainforest to Efate’s most popular attraction, the Mele Cascades, and swim or explore its rock slides, pools and 50-metre waterfall.

The tour runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and includes return transfers, local tour guides and admission fees.

"It will also help our smaller operators, who have been working hard to improve their businesses and have access to online marketing, whereas before only big operators were able to do so,” said Kawiel. “This new development on Tanna will take tourism to another level.”

The Tanna Travel Centre, located at Whitegrass Airport, provides a wide range of information, including local attractions, maps and cultural history. Visitors can also buy handicrafts and local art.

It is part of the Provincial Travel Centre Network, operating under the Vanuatu Tourism Office. The website has a direct link to the national site to help keep information updated. The Chief Executive Officer of the Vanuatu Tourism Office, Adela Issachar, said the new site was a big step in connecting Tanna tourism operators with its consumers.

"We will be watching the success of the site closely to determine if this is a model that can be transferred to a broader platform,” she said.

GORGEOUS VANUATU © 2017 Kirkland Photos

Cuisine and you in Vanuatu

Come experience Vanuatu!

RO

Just over three hours away in our little corner of heaven, you can experience our French inspired cuisine, delicious tropical fruits and fresh seafood that will tantalize your taste buds.

E

EN

CH INSPIR

TIC DIN

IN

G

E

CA

W

L

FR

SH TR OPI

R

AN

D

Don’t wait, book now!

F

You can eat yourself silly or just laze on a white sandy beach and soak up the warm weather.

M

CUI

ITH

A VIE

W

SI NE

www.airvanuatu.com airvanuatu@airvanuatu.co.nz Like us on Facebook:

36 islandtime May/June 2018

/airvanuatu

REDRET032

F R UIT

Vanuatu

Two Canoes a new boutique option With a planned May opening, deluxe retreat Two Canoes will add to the selection of quality, boutique quality properties in and around Port Vila.

Located on the Havannah Harbour side of Efate, the property sits on 8000 hectares and has 12 kilometres of private coastline to explore. The host is Mark Provost, the owner of Two Canoes for the 2018 season.

Four Deluxe Villas and a private dining room make up the retreat.

Each villa has a king-size bed, a desk, ceiling fan, wifi, a private deck and a generous ensuite. The rooms are serviced daily and the resident chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner. The farm has over 7000 cattle, 2000 sheep, goats, horses, ducks, pigs, chickens, bats and even its own prawn farm, Guests have 12 kilometres of private coastline to explore with numerous beaches, coves and coral gardens, or hop on board the resort coach and spend the day in Port Vila or Havannah.

Two Canoes employs local staff wherever possible in line with its value statement: “to strive to employ and develop the skills of Ni-Vanuatu people before we employ nonVanuatu workers.”

Explore Vanuatu with the people that know it best When you’re booking tours and transfers in another country, it pays to go through a local operator with an intimate knowledge of the country and a proven track record of delivering a quality service.

Why Evergreen?

• Almost 20 years in operation • Intimate local knowledge and caring staff

In Vanuatu that operator is Evergreen.

• Handling agent for all major international travel agents

Vanuatu’s leading indigenous inbound tour operator has been on the ground for almost 20 years, and over this time they’ve built up an extensive network that spans all the major tourist islands.

The best tours in the best places, and the best transport to get you there.

• Extensive range of half day, full day and interisland tours • Exclusive operator of Mele Cascades Waterfall Tour

But being a great operator isn’t just about getting people from A to B. At Evergreen they treat each guest with genuine care and warmth. So that along with seeing the best spots that Vanuatu has to offer, they do so in the company of passionate guides who love showing what make these islands so magical.

• Modern air-conditioned transportation options

Indeed, Evergreen is the place where you see the real Vanuatu. Not the one that they don’t write about in guidebooks, but the Vanuatu that comes from the heart.

Find out more at www.evergreenvanuatu.com or sales@evergreen.com.vu

www.nasamaresort.com

info@nasamaresort.com May/June 2018

+678 28009 islandtime 37

Vanuatu

Relax in barefoot tropical luxury

Holiday Inn keeps the kids busy Some children are easily bored on holiday, but that’s unlikely to happen to families who stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu, according to the staff.

The beaches are a natural focus for many children’s’ activities, from boys playing chess with Dad on the big set on the sand, to playing soccer with the boys who work at the resort, or lounging on bean bags and deck chairs on the beach, under the stars, and watching a movie.

The children also have their own Kids Club, where boys and girls aged from three to 12 can sit on mats and learn how to weave flax, play lots of games and enjoy other non-stop fun. Food naturally features on any list of what makes a good holiday, and the children were delighted with their breakfast: “They have everything on that buffet!”, and pizza by the pool.

There are also “super fast” sailing boats, and kayaking around the little island just off the shore of the resort was also fun, the children said.

A popular trip beyond the resort was to Eton Beach with its straight lines of coconut trees. “There was a big coral wall and at the bottom a deep hole that we got to swim in,” one child wrote. “The water was so clear, blue even. I just loved that day.”

Stay a few steps from the beach in a 200-year-old teak villa, or a deluxe marquee. Paddleboard with turtles. Ride a horse. Cast a line for a reef fish or a blue marlin. Kayak through rainforest to the magical Malo Blue Hole. Dine on famous organic Santo beef and fresh seafood, delivered daily, and organic produce from our own garden or local markets. Suspend reality and rebalance mind and body in our over-water Ratua Coral Reef Spa.

Phone +678 35551 management@ratua.com reservations@ratua.com

ratua.com

Stunning tropical location

Exclusively for adults and ely for adults and locateddrive just 30 minutes drive ust 30 minutes Port Vila, rt Vila, thefrom Havannah is the Havannah is an oasis tranquility and your of tranquility and of your perfect romantic retreat. With omantic retreat.

With only 17 uxurious villas setluxurious villas set amidst elegantly landscaped elegantly landscaped gardens, you can be assured you can be assured privacy and personalized and personalized Havannahservice, style. Havannah style.

Exclusively for adults and located just 30 minutes drive from Port Vila, the Havannah is an oasis of tranquility and your perfect romantic retreat. With only 17 luxurious villas set amidst elegantly landscaped gardens, you can be assured privacy and personalized service, Havannah style.

Samoa North Efate, Vanuatu Samoa Point, North Efate,Point, Vanuatu Samoa Point, North Efate, Vanuatu +678 35600 I Email: reservations@thehavannah.com I Website: www.thehavannah.com Tel: +678 35600Tel: reservations@thehavannah.com Tel: +678 35600 I I Email: Email: reservations@thehavannah.com II www.thehavannah.com Website: www.thehavannah.com Tel: +678 35600 I Email: res 38 islandtime May/June 2018

Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s top 10 family favourites Welcome to one of the best destinations for family adventures JUNGLE ZIPLINE Kids can fly over the treetops like a superhero!

KUSTOM KARNIVAL Experience ni-Vanuatu culture at The Beach Bar, Mele Bay. HIDEAWAY ISLAND Superb snorkelling, underwater post office, say no more!

BLUE LAGOON Take a picnic at this turquoise swimming hole (with rope swings).

PORT VILA MARKET Fresh produce, art and crafts – open air, shopping Vanuatu style!

HORSE RIDING See Vanuatu’s natural wonders on horseback.

©David Kirkland

CULTURAL VILLAGE TOUR Show the young ones traditional ways of Vanuatu life.

SNORKELLING Warm, crystal clear water, lots of sea life – where do we start!

MELE CASCADES Waterfalls, swimming holes in the heart of the jungle.

BEACH TIME Kids will love exploring some of the South Pacific’s best beaches.

Stay 5 nights &

www.vanuatu.travel

SAVE 50

%*

*Sales until 31 May 2018. Includes buffet breakfast daily, free Wifi & complimentary use of non-motorised watersports.

Enquire for further details, conditions apply.

Phone +678 28000 Fax +678 28002 PO Box 6335, Erakor Lagoon, Paray, PORT VILA – Vanuatu.

This facility is independently owned and operated under a franchise/license agreement with Ramada Worldwide Inc. www.ramadaresort.com.vu

May/June 2018

islandtime 39

Hawai’i

Kaua‘i is blooming Winter may have New Zealand firmly in its clasp, but on the other side of the equator, the warm sun and soft trade winds of the Garden Island of Kaua‘i offer new activities such as Hawaii’s longest zipline, guided hikes or mouth-watering chocolates.

Beginning in the northern spring, families bound for Kaua‘i will be able to book private tours of the seven-hectare Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the island’s northern shore.

The 2.5-hour tour is an opportunity to touch, taste and take in the garden on an exclusive private walk and see a wide range of Hawaiian and Polynesian plants. The tour is available weekly, from Tuesday through Friday, and advance reservations are required.

For a bird’s-eye view of Kipu Ranch, Outfitters Kauai’i, which introduced ziplining to the island, has opened a jaw-dropping 1220 metre tandem mega-zipline, said to be the longest in the state. Riders “fly” head-first for almost 90 seconds and reach speeds of over 80 kilometres per hour. Even the take-off is thrilling, as the launching platform is 15 metres above the ground.

The chocolate farm and vanilla plantation formerly known as Steelgrass Farm has changed its name to Lydgate Farm, after the family which has owned the estate since

the 1860s. Additional cacao trees have been planted, and the Branch-to-Bar tour includes samples of over 14 different chocolates from around the world, and tastings of fruit grown on the property. The tour is available four times a week from 9 am to 12 noon.

The town of Kapa‘a is well worth exploring. The Kinipopo Shopping Village has numerous distinctive places to eat, and small shops stocked with local art and craft works. There are also plenty of activities, such as kayaking. The village was named one of TripAdvisor’s “10 World Destinations on the Rise for 2018”.

On the last Saturday of each month, the Kilauea Night Market at Anaina Hou Community Park has the work of more than 30 local artisans for sale. They specialise in fine art, pottery, paintings, photography, jewellery, apparel and woodwork. The monthly market also includes live entertainment and food trucks.

And if you’re on Kaua‘i on June 9, catch the annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade with its pā‘ū (skirt) horseback-riding units, parade floats and marching bands.

After the parade, a ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) block party will feature Hawaiian entertainment, food booths, crafts and cultural demonstrations.

“There’s no better way to experience rejuvenation than with a trip to Kaua‘i,” says Sue Kanoho, executive director of the island’s Visitors Bureau.

LET NATURE REJUVENATE YOU From the emerald cliffs of the Napali Coast to the endless stretches of white sand beaches, discover all that Kaua‘i has to offer!

Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau (808) 245-3971 www.gohawaii.com/kauai KVBH-19951_Islandtime_May2018.indd 1

40 islandtime May/June 2018

4/24/18 3:12 PM

Hawai’i

Chef draws on Italian traditions Alexander Dale, the new executive chef at Aqua Kauai Beach Resort on Kauai, is the third generation of his family to follow a culinary career. The resort, which is managed by AquaAshton Hospitality, is located on a 10 hectare site on Kauai’s longest eastern coach beach. Inspired by his family’s Italian culinary tradition, Dale maintains copies of the original recipes as used by his grandfather, Alfredo Dilisio, a silent film actor and chef.

Hawaiian venue for top Tahitian dancing The colourful Tahitian dance and drumming competition known as Heiva Kaua`i celebrates its 17th anniversary on Kauai on August 4 and 5. The festival, which takes place at Kapa`a Beach Park on the Kuhio Highway, provides a venue for the next generation of performers to present their talent, skill and cultural knowledge.

This community-sponsored, family-centred celebration of Tahitian culture features participants from Hawai`i, mainland United States and Japan, with ages ranging from toddlers to elderly. There are solo and group competitions, and exhibition dances portraying the legends and stories of Tahiti.

The Honolulu Tahitian dance group Te Vai Ura Nui provides drumming and exhibition dancing on both days, and the audience is encouraged to join some of the dances and the coconut husking contests. The solo competition is held on the Saturday, while the group competition is on the Sunday.

More than 40 vendors will offer an extensive array of Tahitian and other Pacific Island gifts, jewellery, art, woodwork and clothing. Food vendors will sell a variety of ethnic foods.

Polynesian artists and crafters will be demonstrating coconut frond and lauhala weaving, Polynesian carving and lei making.

Dale graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles, California. His work experience includes stints at The Crab Cooker, in Newport Beach, California, and chief culinary officer for Sea Legs Wine Bar. He was most recently at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore.

Dale says he will bring the same type of local influence to his signature dishes at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort.

“I look forward to elevating the cuisine at the resort by sourcing my ingredients from local family-run farms and using global techniques with a nod to my Italian roots,” said Dale.

An example of his new menu items is sautéed whole Kauai sweet prawns served with Portuguese sausage, smoked pineapple and polenta cake.

The resort introduced Dale in his new position at a collaborative dinner in April, held in partnership with the Oahu-based chef Ed Kenney, who has cooked for Barack and Michelle Obama, and who stars in the PBS show Family Ingredients.

Issue:

26

IT’S Vacation be er.

As Hawaii’s leading experts on accomodations, make their dream vacations a reality with our spacious condominium suites and hotels with thoughtful amenities. aquaaston.com | +1.808.564.7618 Aqua GDS Code: QU | Aston GDS Code: AH

H OT E L S FO R A L L Oahu

Maui

Kauai

Hawaii Island

South Tahoe

Orlando

Costa Rica

May/June 2018

islandtime 41

Hawai’i

Guests will paddle their own canoe A new six-person wa’a (canoe) will provide guests at the Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel with the opportunity to venture out on the ocean with the assistance of experienced Maui watermen as guides and learn some Hawaiian culture.

While they are paddling out to Pu’u Keka’a and beyond, they will learn about Maui and its shoreline from a uniquely Hawaiian viewpoint. The venture will be introduced early in the northern hemisphere summer.

Hale Huaka‘i, the beachfront ocean activities centre, is staffed by knowledgeable alaka’i who impart a Hawaiian perspective to activities like snorkelling, and standup paddle boarding. The centre extends the Hawaiian aloha and hospitality of the Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel out to the beach and ocean, while providing guests with a memorable and safe experience.

© Aubrey Hord photography

Local agents upskill on Hawaii As a holiday destination for Kiwis, Hawai’i continues to go from strength to strength. But even as visitor numbers continue to rise, Hawai’i Tourism continues to educate the travel trade about the unique experiences to be enjoyed on each Hawaiian island. During May (the "Month of Lei"), the New Zealand trade welcomed three Hawai‘i island visitor bureaux – Kaua’i, O’ahu and Hawai’i (The Big Island) - as part of a travel agency destination training initiative. They key message was to keep each island’s “personality” in mind, so the right traveller can find the right island experience for their Hawaiian holiday.

Maile Brown, Director of Marketing, Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau; Rusty Williss, Hawaiian Airlines Karishma Chowfin, Director of Travel Industry Sales, O‘ahu Visitors Bureau

42 islandtime May/June 2018

A snapshot of some of these "personalities" is as follows: • Kaua’i: Relaxation, rejuvenation, lush greenery, spiritual connection • O’ahu: Iconic, urban, cuisine, contemporary, energising • Maui: Captivating, laid back, small town, social • Lānaiʻi: Serene, secluded, luxurious • Molokaʻi: Unspoiled, rugged, Hawaiian culture • Hawaiʻi Island: Inspiring, active, exploration, volcanic

AS IF AN

OCEAN VIEW WA S N ’ T E N O U G H

EXPERIENCE OUR ROOM & BREKKIE PACKAGE Includes an ocean view room, welcome drinks for two, daily breakfast at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, guaranteed early check-in at noon and no resort charge. 5 night minimum stay required.

At the Prince Waikiki, the infinity pool and ocean merge while our personalized service helps everyday life vanish into the horizon.

Find your escape at P R I N C E WA I K I K I .CO M/B R E K K I E RESE RVATIO NS@PRINCEHAWAI I.CO M

May/June 2018

islandtime 43