MTA Conference and what's new in Fiji
"Need to get out of the cold? How about Fiji. I just came back, from the place "Where Happiness Comes Naturally".
Bula.
At present, Fiji has beautiful weather. It is 22 degree at night and 26 degree during the day. No humidity, just relaxing. To quote my colleague, "At the airport when you arrive, they confiscate your stress. How good is the gift of Fiji Time"!
Last week for 5 days I attended the annual MTA conference in Fiji. I have been to Fiji on more than 10 occasions and know the country well. I have probably inspected 50% of the hotel properties and I am a Silver Fiji Matai expert. So let me advise you what has changed.
The new upcoming area is Wailoaloa Beach. This area is on the beach between Nadi Airport and Denarau. In the past I have booked clients at Smugglers Cove, a great 3 star property, but now the area is developing with more 4* hotels, eg Crown Plaza. and a soon to be built Rydges.
I spent 3 nights at the Ramada, a 4 star property right next door.to Smugglers Cove A king suite at the Ramada offered a full size fridge, dish washer, balcony, plus washing machine and dryer. The suite was very well equipped and the service excellent. The hotel offers a great, reasonably priced restaurant on the 6th floor, Club 57 and a deck restaurant on the beach. Both restaurants provide spectacular sunset views.
The beach is not white and sandy like Natadola but it is quiet and occupied by locals enjoying fun activities: Rugby each evening and horse rides with Ali. The area is safe with abundant taxi's, beach bars and atmosphere. There is a Jack's souvenir store attached to the hotel and a good Singapore exchange bureau across the road. My highest recommendation in regards to the Wailoaloa area is the price! Everything is 50% cheaper than Denarau, though it is only 10 kilometers away and 15 minutes in a taxi.
For recreation I went to the "Garden of the Sleeping Giant", named after the stunning mountain where this beautiful 20 hectare garden is set. This garden started in 1977 by Raymond Burr and features exquisite orchids and tropical plants. The garden was a 1/2 hour taxi ride from my hotel. It takes at least an hour to walk through and costs FJD 30.
Close by to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is the village of Sabeto. As a cultural activity at the Conference, some of us visited the Sabeto District Primary school. We donated sporting equipment and stationery.. The kids were delighted and an exciting afternoon was had by all.
Brent Hill CEO of Tourism Fiji spoke at the conference and enlightened us all on the upcoming developments. Vatu Talei, a FJD 230,000,000 resort will open in Denarau in 2026, The Westin will reopen in 2025. There is to be a new Radisson just north of the Airport and so it goes on. I know it all. Please contact me for advice.
The best deals and advice you can get, is from some advisor who has just been to the location you are considering.
Vinaka, Sota Tale!