Goway Islands Experts Return from Fiji
Two Goway Islands Experts, Kelly Marshall and Gemma Adina have recently returned from a FAM trip to Fiji where they had an epic adventure sailing around the Mamanuca Islands with a pre and post-cruise resort experience. Kelly and Gemma share their memorable experiences, tips, and reasons why you should recommend beautiful Fiji to your clients.
What was your highlight of the trip?
Gemma: The highlight for me is Blue Lagoon Cruises, such a great way to get around the Mamanuca and Yasawa group of Islands with so many unique and different experiences every day.
Kelly: The entire trip was a highlight, but if I had to choose, it would be the day we spent on Drawaqa Island (on the Blue Lagoon Cruise) with the Naviti Primary School children. We visited their class rooms and watch them perform local songs and dances. A truly unique experience.
What kind of client would enjoy a Blue Lagoon Cruise?
Kelly: Blue Lagoon is a boutique cruise, with a max of 68 passengers, so we would recommend it for clients who enjoy small ship cruising. If your clients are seeking a traditional big ship cruise with several restaurants onboard, this is would not be the right fit for them.
Gemma: For clients looking for an authentic Fiji experience with the opportunity to meet lots of new people this is a MUST DO and let’s not forget all the memorable cultural experiences and water based activities that are included, keeping you as busy as you would like to be.
You visited the Mamanuca Island Group and the Coral Coast area. How do you compare the two areas?
Kelly: The Coral Cost is lovely, it’s located about 1.5 hours from Nadi International Airport and is home to larger resorts that cater to all types of clients. It is a relatively busy area being on the main island of Viti Levu and allows for easy access to many attractions and adventures (such as zip lining, cave tours, and Sigatoka River excursions).
The Mamanuca Islands are secluded (most people visit just one island) and they are best suited to people looking to get away from it all. These islands are excellent for couples on their honeymoon or families seeking a relaxing escape. You can find white sand beaches, and beautiful ‘bure’ (bungalow) style accommodation. Most resorts are relatively small, some are even private island resorts. Fiji is known for its abundance of marine life and amazing coral reefs and the Mamanuca Islands embody that. Diving or snorkelling is a must and something your clients shouldn’t miss.
Is there anything new or noteworthy in Fiji?
Kelly: Goway will be launching the Malamala Beach Club which is an Adults-Only Private Island located 30 minutes from Port Denarau. The day pass includes return transfers from the marina. This is a great place to send your clients on their last day before catching their flight back to Los Angeles. Who wouldn’t want to spend one last day sipping cocktails and catching the last bit of sun before returning to reality?
Gemma: Fiji Marriott Momi Bay is a beautiful new property that opened in April 2017 located just 45 minutes from Nadi International Airport. It is a great option for clients interested in a stopover or short stay in Fiji. Something unique about this property is that it gives your clients the option to stay in an Overwater Bure on the mainland, and is now the second property in Fiji to have Overwater Bures.
What tips can you give travel agents for recommending this destination?
Gemma: Fiji is a destination known for its friendly people, cultural experiences, the wide variety of accommodation choices, and the water and land based activities. The US and Canadian dollars both go a long way in Fiji, making it a great option.
Kelly: While the resorts in Fiji are beautiful, the entire destination is incredible. The people and the experiences you can have in Fiji are like nothing else in the world. Fiji gives you the best of culture and travel experience, combined with remote locations, and pristine beauty. It is a destination that needs time to do it justice and should not be rushed. To make sure your clients have an optimal experience, I would recommend 10-14 days and to visit at least two different locations. They will not be sorry.
On your next trip to Fiji, what would you like to see/do?
Kelly & Gemma: Both of us would like to experience more of the Mamanuca Islands (on our next Fiji trip, and also head to the Northern Islands, like Savusavu and Taveuni, known for their abundance of vegetation and the incredible soft-coral marine parks.
You can contact Kelly and Gemma for any questions on Fiji or for assistance in creating the perfect vacation package for your clients.
Kelly Marshall
Phone: 1 800 667 6601 ex 5973
Email: [email protected]
Gemma Adina
Phone: 1 800 667 6601 ex 6235
Email: [email protected]
