March
2005
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Vatulele Island Resort in Fiji

John C. Jones

 

When one thinks of Fiji it is the essence of the South Pacific.  However, most people think of the one island and actually Fiji consist of more than 300 individual islands covering the heart of the South Pacific.  Here is “all-inclusive” pricing designed especially for those seeking luxury and remoteness, and wanting to know all the cost are included once the fun begins. 

 

Vatulele (vah-too-lay-lay) is a five-star tropical superstar of resorts!  The island is designed by television producer Henry Crawford and a partner, Martin Livingston.  It is a place for weddings, romance, scuba diving and seclusion.  Vatulele puts the X in  exotic!   Of course, for the non-romantic there is sport fishing for giant tuna, wahoo, mahimahi and other trophy species. 

 

 

Direction To The Property:
”Only access to Vatulele is via small seaplane.

 This flight takes 25 Minutes.

The cost of this flight is
US $432.00 per person.   

Return  prices vary with the season.
Charters are also available at a cost of US $900.00.   

Each way. 

Other conditions may apply.”    From hotels.com  

“In keeping with the owners philosophy of providing a total escape, Vatulele is an oasis of barefooted elegance. Tucked away on a three-quarter mile long white sand beach, on an island completely surrounded by a magnificent coral reef, guests find an abundance of water-based activity: swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving (PADI dive facility), sailing, paddling.. Also included are tennis, volleyball, jungle hikes and visits to the four nearby native villages. The spacious identical villas, which are a stylish combination of Fijian and Mediterranean architecture with thatched roofs are comprised of sitting room, bedroom with king-sized bed, large bathroom and spacious shaded terrace.

With an emphasis on international sophistication in harmony with its natural setting, the menu features the use of local seafood, fresh produce and succulent fruits. Dine by candlelight under the stars or toast each other with French champagne on the elegant terrace overlooking the lagoon. No telephones, TV's newspapers, money transactions or shoes make Vatulele a wonderful world of tranquillity, elegance, beauty, and romance.”   Credit

 

There are eighteen villas arranged  in a totally Fijian jungle environment.  Each bedroom has a king size bed with twelve glass doors opening into an inviting terrace. 

 

 

Where more exotic could one go than Fiji for their wedding?   The floral archways of island flowers and palm leaves outline the couple and the Fijian Methodist minister as the evening sun goes down and the vows are exchanged.  A banquet, complete with deluxe South Pacific Island traditional foods and atmosphere, follow the wedding.   Included in the under $4,000 wedding is a 20 member Fijian choir, the minister, wedding cake, floral decorations, champagne, singers and dancers.

 

Accolades and Awards

 

Dec 2004- 'BEST BOUTIQUE RESORT' Fiji 2004 Excellence in Tourism Awards
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June 2004 Modern Bride's seventh annual survey of 3500 travel agents who sell  honeymoons: Vatulele voted #1 in Fiji and #4 in world. Fiji named #2 'secluded honeymoon' destination in the world.
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May 2004 - Fiji Tourism Awards - Winner: Best Resort Brochure, Best Web Site, Best Advertising Creative.
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May 2003 "Reader's Favourites" DEPARTURES MAGAZINE (Centurion & Platinum AMEX)
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March 2003 USA TODAY "Ten Great Places to indulge an island fantasy" (Vatulele #1)
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Jan 2003  Conde Nast Traveler "Vatulele, already one of the most  exclusive resorts in the South Pacific, has responded to the changing  expectations of its guests with a stunning new premium villa called THE  POINT."
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Dec 2002 FOOD & WINE (USA) "Fiji's most elegant and established  property..."
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June 2002. 'FORTUNE' magazine (USA). Named #2 - "Best Barefoot Resorts"
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June 2001 'Travel+Leisure' - "World's Best Service"
Voted number 1 in Fiji and number 8 in region: Australia, New Zealand,  South Pacific.
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March 2001 'Travel+Leisure' - 'World's Best Value Hotel' Voted number 1 in region: Australia, New Zealand,

South Pacific.
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Sept 2000 'Travel+Leisure'  "World's Best Awards" "Fiji's Vatulele Resort makes a dramatic world's best debut        placing  third in  its region - the highest ever finish for a South Pacific Resort".  Voted number one in the South Pacific.
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Year 2000 'Small Luxury Hotel of the Year'.
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Voted 'Best Boutique Resort 1999' by industry peers: Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
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 Fiji Islands: Voted 'the world's friendliest people by Conde Nast  Traveler Online Readers Awards 2001'

Picture credits Vatulele Island Resort

 

Contact Information:

 

 

 

Henry Crawford - Proprietor
Vatulele Island Resort
www.vatulele.com
info@vatulele.com

 

 Happy Traveling

 

“To The Ends Of The Earth And Then Some.”
E-mail jones@photoandtravel.com
You may e-mail travel questions to me.