Return to Paradise Part 1: Moorea

Since it had been several years since our last visit to the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora my colleague Janelle and I decided to take a trip to the islands to visit some of the resorts which we'd not yet seen/stayed at or which had undergone renovations since our last visit to these islands.

Thanksgiving in Paradise Part 1: Getting there/Royal Davui Island Resort

As my husband Bob and I did not take our traditional Labor Day trip this year, we decided that Thanksgiving would be the perfect time to take a vacation away from the cold Atlanta weather. After looking at quite a few options, we settled on Fiji, an area we'd been wanting to visit for years! We love the South Pacific, and I was eager to see how Fiji compared and contrasted with other countries in that region.

Thinking back and looking forward

Photo taken over Guanacaste, Costa Rica in July 2009.

With 2009 just behind me, and 2010 stretching out in front, I'm remembering my trips over the last year and getting excited for those I'll take this year! Last year took me to some fabulous places, both domestic and international, including French Polynesia, Mexico, Tonga, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Fiji, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Palm Beach, and Isle of Palms (SC). Now, if I could just get reviews and photos finished and posted here for all of these...

I can't wait to stay at...

the new W Vieques in Puerto Rico, opening March 1st, 2010 (though currently only taking reservations for travel dates of May 1st and later)!
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3170



Though the resort is larger than those I usually enjoy, with 150 rooms, its location, amenities, and unusual design are compelling enough to put it at the top of my short list of long weekend ideas! One of the reasons I've not yet visited this small island off off Puerto Rico's main island is that until now, there were no true resort options on Vieques--only limited-service hotels and villas. And as much as I love small properties, I'm not a fan of having to make my own breakfast while on vacation!

New air service from the US to Fiji!

Beginning today, Continental airlines is offering nonstop service from Honolulu, HI (airport code HNL) to Nadi, Fiji (airport code NAN)! The outbound flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays, departing Honolulu at 6:55PM and arriving at 12:40AM 2 days later (due to crossing the international dateline). Return service will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, flying out of Nadi at 9:50AM and arriving in Honolulu at 5:25PM the previous calendar day.