Wairiki Mission Church, TaveuniInfinity pool at Taveuni Island Resort, Taveuni IslandNorthern IslandsVenturing north to Fiji’s second and third-largestislands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, is like steppingback in time with a leisurely pace of life and largelyundeveloped landscape. Local culture hasremained relatively intact, the rainforest is denseand is virtually unexplored, and the surroundingreefs are pristine. Access to the islands is typicallyvia a short flight from Nadi, which gives you abird’s eye view of the landscape of tumblingwaterfalls, beautiful beaches and volcanic peakssoaring out of the rainforest canopy.Taveuni Island Resort,Taveuni IslandSet on a lush hillside on Fiji’s third largest island,Taveuni Resort is nestled between the verdantforested mountains of Bouma National HeritagePark and some of the world’s finest diving in theSomosomo Straits. A small and intimate lodge,it has just 12 bures handcrafted from localwoods and with cool tiled floors, privatecourtyard showers and wonderful ocean vistas.The two-bedroom luxury villa offers superb viewsand has its own private plunge pool, chef andbutler service. With the beach just a two minutewalk down the hill Taveuni is a perfect romanticretreat, as well as being a favourite with divers.Matangi Island Resort,Matangi IslandHorseshoe-shaped Matangi is a privately ownedisland close to Taveuni. Home to a stunningresort, it offers complete seclusion and privacy ina relaxed informal setting. There are just ninebures here along with three treehouses and atwo-bedroom villa. The island has a selection ofgorgeous beaches and is close to some of thebest dive sites in the South Pacific. The resort canprovide equipment and courses for divers of allabilities as well as plenty of other activities such askayaking and sailing.Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort,Vanua LevuThe award winning Jean-Michel Cousteau Resortis one of the most renowned in the South Pacific.Set in a coconut plantation overlooking SavusavuBay, it has 25 charming bures with king size beds,sea breezes and wonderful views. None havetelevisions or telephones ensuring complete peaceand quiet. Diving at the resort is world-class and avariety of other activities for both children andadults is available, with the kids’ club and nannyservices making this an excellent resort for families.Designated adult-only areas also mean thatcouples and honeymooners are equally wellcatered for with undisturbed beach and poolsideareas for sitting back and just soaking up theatmosphere of the South Pacific.Bure at Matangi Island Resort, Matangi Island72Boat at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Vanua Levu
Cruising and sailingTui Tai SailingWith hundreds of islands dotted across aturquoise blue ocean, the South Pacific is aparadise for sailing enthusiasts and for thosevisitors seeking to explore the islands in moredepth. Cruise the South Seas past tranquil baysand inlets and across stunning lagoons andyou’ll encounter some of the most dramaticscenery imaginable. Some of the islands areparticularly remote ensuring they retain theirtranquillity and traditional charm, with localvillages that have remained virtually unchangedfor centuries. Itineraries vary in duration froma few days to two weeks, and with a newisland and coral reef to visit every day, thereare endless opportunities for land andwater-based activities.M/V Reef EndeavourM/V Reef Endeavour, FijiThe M/V Reef Endeavour is a small cruiseship that operates from Viti Levu and sailsthroughout the Yasawa Islands and northernFiji. The ship caters for no more than 140guests and her relatively small size means shecan negotiate remote reefs, islands andshallow bays that larger ships cannot access.The ship’s design provides many big shipcomforts including swimming pool and spapools, staterooms that open onto theextensive outside deck, and an embarkationplatform with a lift from the water level tothe main deck.Breakfast tray, Aranui IIITui Tai Sailing, FijiAccommodating just 24 guests the Tui Taioffers an intimate experience. An importantlifeline to many communities, the 43 metre shipis responsible for delivering precious schooland medical supplies to remote locations.Passengers are encouraged to participate indaily activities and visit the secluded villages itstops at. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts searchingfor a unique tropical experience, Tui Taideparts from Vanua Levu and plies the watersof Fiji’s northern island group. There are plentyof opportunities to swim, dive and snorkel aswell as experience some of Fiji’s rainforestsand waterfalls. Large enough to providecomfort on board and yet small enough toenable access to most locations, a trip aboardoffers a unique opportunity to sample authenticSouth Pacific life.Mystique Princess, FijiThe elegant Mystique Princess is a 56 metreluxurious mini-cruiser with 35 spacious,air-conditioned cabins. Sailing throughout Fiji’sYasawa Islands chain, trips depart from PortDenarau on Viti Levu. The ship is wellequipped and provides the opportunity toexplore some of the more remote parts of Fijiin real comfort. Each of the luxurious cabinshas an en suite bathroom and all have largepanoramic windows providing incredibleocean views.Aranui III, French PolynesiaThe Aranui III operates from Tahiti around thedramatic Marquesas Islands. Making regularstops to unload supplies, the cruise allowspassengers a fabulous insight into traditionalisland culture and the landscapes that inspiredartists for many years. The ship is used for bothpassengers and cargo and has been tastefullydesigned with space and comfort in mind.Standard berths feature private facilities, whiledeluxe cabins are larger and have en suitefacilities with a bathtub. There are also tensuites with balconies. Whilst on board you’lllearn about Marquesan history, culture andart from the guest lecturers, while thefully-equipped gym and swimming pool allowyou to stretch your muscles whilst enjoyingthe ocean views.M/S Paul Gauguin,French PolynesiaThe M/S Paul Gauguin was designed specificallyfor sailing around the shallow waters of FrenchPolynesia and visiting smaller ports. This stylishvessel can accommodation 300 passengers andmanages to combine a relaxing environmentwith genuine comfort and luxury. It offersspacious suites and staterooms, most withprivate balconies, a choice of three diningvenues, an extensive spa and a range ofwatersports. The atmosphere on board iswarm and informal and the talented staff adda unique French Polynesian personality toevery cruise.M/S Paul Gauguinwww.audleytravel.com/southpacific l 01993 838 830 l The South Pacific 73
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