Changes in Tahiti Hotel Management

Rumour has it that Starwood Hotels is going to be pulling out of managing 3 popular resorts in Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. Apparently the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, the Sheraton Moorea and the Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa (part of The Luxury Collection) are all no longer going to be managed by Starwood in 2009.

Starwood will still have The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and Spa, the Meridien Tahiti and the Meridien Moorea all of which are very popular resorts in French Polynesia.

Perhaps coincidence, but I don't think so - Hilton Hotels are announcing new openings in February of 2009 in the region - Click Here for the Hilton Link

We anxiously await the official word and details from both hotel chains and see what resort changes may be made with the change of management.

Travel & Leisures Best Hotels in the South Pacific

Once again, Travel & Leisure Magazine has put out their annual list of the top 500 hotels in the world.

Most of these properties come with a hefty price tag attached to them, but if you are looking for a luxurious vacation and the best of the best this is a great list to browse!

Below is a link to the 16 hotels in the South Pacific Region that made the list:

Click Here

More Flight Options to Austalia

Watch for better prices on flights to the Land Down Under! The traditional routing for Canadians and Americans heading to Australia is to connect through Los Angeles. With direct flights currently being offered by United Airlines and Qantas, Qantas has long been known as the dominate carrier on this route.

That may all change as Delta Airlines have announced starting in July they are going to begin direct, non-stop service between LA and Sydney. Additionally, British billionaire Richard Branson is starting up a new airline to service the routing as well called V-Australia. V-Australia, a sister airline to Virgin Atlantic, is slated to begin service this coming February.

We also have options to fly using Air Canada through Vancouver giving Canadian a host of options when heading to Australia.

With the new flight options coming online, watch for some very competitive pricing as the airlines battle it out for market share on this long haul routing!

Kava - Coming to Canada?

If you have ever been to Fiji, there is no doubt in my mind that you have tried, or at least are aware of their national drink called kava or yaqona in Fijian.

Kava comes from the Kava plant and is made from the dried root that is pounded into a powder. This powder is then placed in a clothe bag and massaged in a kava bowl full of water.

The drink in Fiji and other Polynesian and Melanesian countries is steeped in tradition. In Fiji, to this day it is still it is still an incredibly popular drink especially with the men who typically gather around the kava bowl with their guitars to sing, tell stories and socialize as a form of entertainment.

I still clearly recall the first time I tried kava myself. Sitting around crossed legged on a little paradise sand island called Leluvia off the coast from Suva. The warm tropical breeze blew across the island rustling the palm leaves and the small group of us gathered as the men played guitar, everyone sang and the young Fijian children danced with glee.

The kava was served in a half coconut shell and drank one person at a time. As done traditionally, we clapped once to accept the coconut shell full of a murky, light brown water and then chugged the full bowl down while clapping twice and passing the bowl back to be refilled for the next person.

What does it taste like? The best description I can think of is muddy water. Not something the average North American would crave or describe as good - it is definitely an acquired taste!However, when you drink enough of it your tongue and lips start to tingle a little and it puts you into nice state of relaxation and tranquililty without disrupting your mental clarity.

Fijians grow up on kava and here in our Western World, most have never even heard of it. There are some people here in North American that are taking kava for medicinal purposes to help with anxiety and stress - but on the whole, kava is largely unheard of and not available here in Canada.

That all might change though. The European Union has recently lifted its ban on kava and the Fijian kava producers are hoping the same is going to happen here in Canada as Canada currently reviews their stance on the ban. The prospect of increased exports excites the kava producers of Fiji.

So whether you try it here in Canada one day or not, it is a must do on any trip to Fiji to sample a taste of such a huge part of the Fijian Culture.

Watch a Fiji Cultural Video - Click Here

Check out this story from the Fiji Times Online - Click Here

Photo 1 - Kava Ceremony on Robinson Crusoe Island

Photo 2 - Beach on the island of Leluvia

Air Tahiti Nui Cancels Direct Papeete to Sydney Flight

Air Tahiti Nui has decided to halt non-stop Sydney-Papeete flights next summer which is unfortunate for those of us from North America that are looking to do a stopover in Tahiti on a trip to Australia.

The good news is they will continue flights three times weekly from Sydney to Auckland and Papeete working great for those that are looking to visit these 3 diverse South Pacific countries.

Of course stopovers can still be easily arranged in Fiji, Cook Islands or Hawaii as well when heading south Australia and/or New Zealand.

Want the World's Best Boutique Island Resort?

Are you looking to stay at the World's Best Boutique Island Resort? Pack your bags and head south to the Cook Islands and the wonderful little island of Aitutaki.

The Pacific Resort Aitutaki has just been awarded "The World's Leading Boutique Island Resort" at the 15th annual World Travel Awards that were held in Turks and Caicos. For the ultimate vacation split your time between Rarotonga and Aitutaki so you can get a feel for both of the islands. They are the two 'biggest' islands in the Cook Islands but you can still easily ride your bike around them and will find they both offer a very different feel.

Often Pacific Resorts offer specials when you stay at both their properties - one in Rarotonga and this award winning property in Aitutaki.

Watch Video - Click Here

About Pacific Resort

Aitutaki Secluded Luxury…Like a siren of the Pacific, Aitutaki, Cook Islands, beckons you. This magical place, full of South Seas idyll and romance, is home to Pacific Resort Aitutaki, an enclave of privacy, refinement and luxury, that seduces even the most discerning traveller. Pacific Resort Aitutaki has just 27 luxurious ‘absolute beachfront’ bungalows, suites and villas all with their own personal, panoramic view of Aitutaki’s world-famous lagoon, where every sunset majestically captures the colours of the lagoon and the ocean beyond.

And even when your idyllic getaway comes to an end, the seduction doesn’t stop. When you return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, you’ll pause every now and then to revisit your magical memories of the experience that is Aitutaki. Memories of this exclusive, luxurious, romantic sanctuary will hold you in its spell forever.

For more information visit www.pacificresort.com

Travel Tips for Sydney

TEN TRAVEL TIPS FOR SYDNEY

Sydney is one of my favourite cities in the world. No matter who you are, there is so much to do and see you should spend a minimum of 3 full days there and much more if you enjoy big cities and have the time. A few of the major sites of interest include the world famous Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Queen Victoria Building, Pitt St. Mall and of course there are so many incredible beaches to visit if you are there in their summer months. Extra time can be spent doing day trips to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley.

Here are 10 travel tips to help you enjoy this great city!

1. Sydney is a world class city offering pretty much anything and everything a traveller could want - great culture, nice beaches, beautiful parks, excellent dining, plenty of shopping and a wide range of accommodations to fit anyone's budget. If you love city vacations this is a place for you and don't cut your time too short as there is always something new to explore in Sydney.


2. Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. This is an excellent way to get out in the harbour and take in the views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline. As well, the ferry takes you to the gorgeous Manly area with a beautiful beach, great ocean sidewalks, cafes, restaurants and shops.


3. For a beautiful walk start at Coogee Beach and follow the path along the coast to Bondi Beach or vice versa. If it is the right time of year, you can enjoy the beaches at both ends and in the middle of the walk as well as taking in the beautiful views and ocean breeze.


4. No visit to Sydney would be complete without a trip to the unique, world-renowned Opera House. Book tickets in advance if you are interested in actually seeing a show at the Opera House. However, for most tourist just walking up to the Opera House, sitting on the steps and strolling around the outside of it with its unique roofline is magnificent enough. If you are interested, you can also book a tour of the inside of the Opera House.


5. For the adrenalin inclined tourist, you can climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge giving you great city views. For the less adventurous, who are still looking for views of the city, you can pay to head to the top of Centre Point Tower located in the middle of the Central Business District which also gives great panoramic views of the city and harbour.


6. If you love nature and the outdoors, take a stroll through some of Sydney's great parks. There is an abundance of green space to be enjoyed such as the popular Hyde Park and Botanical Gardens. Most suburbs also have great parks so find the green on a map, take a blanket and picnic lunch and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.


7. Spend some time enjoying Darling Harbour with its numerous shops, cafes and restaurants. There is also a nice park and of course being located on the harbour, some beautiful water views to take in.


8. The Rocks is a historical area of Sydney where the British set up the first penal colony upon their arrival in Australia. Today, it is a gorgeous little tourist area to wander around and explore. The Rocks make a great place to head to for a nice lunch or dinner or cold Australian Lager.


9. If you are staying in Sydney for a long duration try to book accommodations with kitchen facilities to make your stay more comfortable. It can also really help you save some money if you are on a budget.


10. Finally, plan your time according to what you enjoy. Sydney has so much to offer there is something for everyone. A world-class zoo, architectural walks, the Blue Mountains, the Aquarium, night clubs, museums, galleries and the list goes on. Do some research before arriving so you can maximize your time in this great city and do as much, or as little, as you would like to do.

New Zealand Video

I just came across this promotional video of New Zealand and thought I would share it with everyone here. If you have been to New Zealand, I am sure moments of this video will bring back memories and a big smile to your face! If not, sit back relax and enjoy.

NZ is a great country - diverse with warm and welcoming people. Remember they are on the other side of the equator so their seasons are opposite to ours here in Canada making it a great Canadian winter destination - or even late fall/early spring.

Hope you enjoy the video - Click Here

Love to Cruise? Love the Land Down Under?

If you love to cruise then don't forget that Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific have some great cruise itineraries. Cruising has been such a growing success in the North American market and we are now starting to see it take off in popularity in other parts of the world such as Europe, Australia and New Zealand.


In fact, due to the growing passion that Aussies have for cruising, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) who owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises have just announced they are going to be opening an office in Sydney Australia to support their Aussie clients.

Let's see what happens in the future years, but hopefully we see some new ships in the region adding to some of their already interesting itineraries.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is now in its 3rd season sailing the South Pacific and has some amazing itineraries. I have travelled a lot through the South Pacific and when I saw this itinerary, I truly think it is a dream itinerary for a North American heading down to the South Pacific:








How many North Americans ever thought they would visit remote Pacific Countries like New Caledonia, and Vanuatu?!? They are paradise and now easily accessible! A great add-on to any Australian trip!

Sheraton Fiji Reopens after Renovations

The Sheraton Fiji has reopened after being closed for about 6 months and pumping $40.7 million Fijian dollars (about $27.5 million CAD) into upgrades at the property. With 278 rooms, it is a modern property located on Denarau Island.

For those of you that are looking for a high end hotel when you first arrive or before you depart Fiji - the Sheraton is a great option.

For North Americans heading to Fiji, in my opinion, it is not where you want to spend all of your time. You are best to land in Nadi and then head out to the outer island where you get to experience the real Fiji!!

More on the Sheraton Fiji - Click Here

Welcome to Travel Talk South Pacific

Welcome to my second travel blog - Travel Talk South Pacific. This one is all about the wonderful South Pacific! All my life I have been intrigued by Australia and the South Pacific. Now, I can say that I have spent more time travelling the South Pacific than I have the Caribbean and Mexico that are on my door step.

Nothing excites me more than roaming the beautiful beaches and cities of the South Pacific. I hope in this blog I will be able to help others learn more about the great travel opportunities and get you excited about these regions as I am!

Cheers,
Carl