Mini trip to Fiji Flying FJ Y

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This trip happened unexpectedly, because a girl friend of Miss FM wanted to go on a minitrip to Fiji. Miss FM wasn’t keen, because she had been to Fiji before but after months of hassling she gave in. Unfortunately the day after she booked the tickets, the (now Ex) friend decided not to go. This created a fair bit of stress for Miss FM, so I stepped in and offered to go instead. Miss FM was quite happy about this, but did not want me to incur a lot of expenses, so insisted on us staying at the original planned accommodation.

Thus I found myself travelling economy to Fiji, staying at the Sheraton at Denarau and leaving early on a winter morning. The first two I could handle, but the thought of a foggy morning made me nervous! As it was all turned out well and we landed in Sydney dead on time.

Miss FM insisted on a trip report, but I did not have my accompanying photographer. Thus do not expect the usual standard of photographs – more just happy snaps and what a mess! I am used to having everything given to me in a nice folder, where I can pick the exactly right photo, or order ones for the next day. Now I have them scattered all over – on my Iphone, Ipad, Miss FM’s phone, an underwater camera – just a nightmare! I also kept forgetting to take photos of food, until it was half eaten - I have never previously appreciated Mr FM’s talent as much as I should have.

 

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Our first stop was to claim back the tax on the underwater camera Mr FM had purchased for me. There were long queues but we noticed a sign about filling in online before you arrived at the airport. Miss FM quickly filled in the online form on her phone and we joined the shorter queue.

Next was off to the First Class lounge. We had booked on a Qantas codeshare. My FF no was on the boarding pass, but no status. On reaching the entrance a list was consulted and we were allowed through.

We decided not to ask about spa treatments, as we were planning treatments in Fiji and I am a bit over airport spas – not the right ambience. Miss FM is not a breakfast person, so we waited until nearly 11 and then went to a table.

I did notice there was no smoked salmon on the menu and no champagne was mentioned. However there were large numbers of people drinking from flutes, so I felt safe to request some. I had poached eggs sans smoked salmon and Miss FM had the salt and pepper squid.

We finished our meal and were leisurely reading when we heard Nadi called and rushed off to gate 55. I was a little uneasy as it seemed a bit early and I hadn’t checked the gate number on a screen, which I always do just in case. I finally found a screen checked our flight number and found it was boarding at gate 25 – it also didn’t say boarding, but we were feeling quite foolish at getting the gate number wrong, so hurriedly went back to 25. When we reached there, boarding wasn’t happened and we finally worked out that there were two flights to Nadi and it was the earlier one that we had heard. I blame the early morning start….

 

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We didn’t have long to wait before boarding started. They were boarding row 40 back, but gold and platinum (and business) can board at any time. We got out our cards. I was allowed through, but they tried to stop Miss FM as row 12 wasn’t boarding yet. They then noticed her gold card and said in tones of great surprise - oh – you are gold! and let her through as well.

The plane was lovely and new and Business class looked terrific with cream seats. Keeping my envy under control we moved to the back of the plane (well row 12 anyway). The have a 2 4 2 configuration, which is quite civilized.

The crew were very pleasant and lunch (although small portions) was tasty. We settled down to watch movies, but became very thirsty. There was only one tiny glass of water offered with lunch. Towards the end of the flight the crew came though with cans of soft drink and I requested water. When the FA came through to collect headphones I asked for water again. He came back with his hands full of headphones and indicated a bottle of water in his pocket, which I had to extricate. Miss FM and I totally cracked up over this! On exiting the plane I noticed similar bottles in the business class cabin, so I assume he nicked one of theirs for me.

 

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We drew some cash, using my wonderful Citibank card and a 15 to 20 minute cab ride saw us at the Sheraton.

There are three “hotels” sharing the area – Westin, Sheraton and Sheraton Villas. Lovely gardens, masses of pools and water features. Just a lovely area, although perhaps a bit large and impersonal for me. All guests can use all restaurants (7 or 8) and charge back to their rooms.

Cannot fault the staff – everyone was friendly and really keen to make your time enjoyable. We had a beach studio on the ground floor, so beautiful views and 2 minutes to walk to the beach/sea. We were in block 13, which I would avoid. Plusses a very quick walk to the Sheraton lobby, minuses heaps of noise from the nightclub. I would probably go for block 15 on, unless walking was an issue.

We wanted an early night, so ate at the buffet restaurant at the Sheraton – Feast. Extensive selection – seafood, curries, asian, salads, grill station, dessert buffet. I felt the seafood was average, but having just spent a week in Port Douglas, eating at places like Nautilus, On the Inlet and 2 Fish, I was probably a bit picky. The Tandoori chicken was fabulous and the other curries as well. Didn’t try much else, but it was what we were looking for in terms of choice and speed.

 

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Some more photos from round the resort

 

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Next morning I awoke feeling quite apprehensive, as this was the first of our boat trips. To put it into context, I learnt to swim in my early 40s when I had 3 kids under 8 and felt I had to. I am now quite comfortable in a pool, but the open sea is still scary. I had sent Mr FM off to buy me snorkelling gear and he had come back with what he felt was as safe as possible – including an inbuilt whistle

We were picked up from the Sheraton and taken to Port Denarau where we boarded the Whale’s Tale. Quite a big boat with close to 40 other passengers. Breakfast was served once on board – scones, pastries, croissants, fruit, tea, coffee and bubbly. This set the tone for the day – alcohol was included and gosh – they sure didn’t stint! Wasted on Miss FM and I as I had a glass of wine with lunch and she didn’t drink (although we drank heaps of water). It made for a really fun day – there were quite a few New Zealanders, who started off raucous and progressed. The Welsh were very quiet to begin with but outdid the New Zealanders by the end. With plenty of guitar playing and singing by the crew, it really was a fun day.
We were told what the many islands were as we sailed by and finally reached Schooner Island – a tiny uninhabited island, which was our base for the day.
Anyone who didn’t have their own gear (pretty much everyone except us) went and got kitted out and then we swam out to sea looking at fish and rocks as we went. My mask worked beautifully and I had a great time, with Miss FM keeping an eye on me.
Afterwards we had a buffet lunch followed by a Kava ceremony. Then people were free to do what they liked – more swimming, massages and towards the end a huge beach Volley game, with mainly crew and a few hardy passengers.
Back on the boat and everyone very relaxed and friendly so plenty of singing all the way back. We had an unscheduled stop at First Landing to drop off two passengers to save the transfer back from the Port. They were having such a good time they almost refused to get off.

The crew were superb and worked very hard to make sure everyone had a great time. They organised one of the New Zealanders to take around a box for tips – quite tactful, as there was no pressure to give anything if you didn’t want to.

 

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Back to the Sheraton and dinner at the Flying Fish. We both had a curry which was fish and a prawn roll. This was actually flaky pastry with prawns instead of sausage meat – quite delicious and not overpowered by the curry.

 

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Next morning was our first lazy day. We settled ourselves in at the adults pool with books and spent most of the day reading and snacking from the pool menu. Miss FM talked me into a coughtail – slushies for adults. (unfortunately photo won't load )

 

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That evening we had booked in at the “fine dining” restaurant – Ports o’Call. It was heaps of fun. Everything was done on the grand scale, with complimentary Amuse Bouche to start, palate cleanser and chocolate cups with liqueurs. The Crepe Suzette was prepared beautifully at the table, with the orange peeled one handed in a spiral and set on fire. Unfortunately the place was so dark, it was hard to capture it.

So a good experience, as long as you are not expecting the Bridge Room or Aria.

 

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Our third day was another snorkelling trip. This time we had booked with PJs who take you out to Bounty Island. The boat is smaller and no alcohol included, so more family oriented.

Fruit was offered en route and there were soft drinks and water available in an esky. Miss FM was expecting to stop mid ocean to do some snorkelling (she had done this with them on a previous trip). However this did not happen – possibly because of bigger numbers and more children than when she had gone with them before.

Bounty Island has a small resort on it. I would have been a bit taken aback to have my island invaded by day trippers, but they didn’t seem to mind and in fact were happy to tag along to the coconut husking and turtle feeding. Bounty and Treasure Islands have a turtle breeding project going – breeding and keeping them for around two years, until big enough to be released into the sea.

We went snorkelling on arriving at the Island. My mask was playing up so I insisted on Miss FM going off with the others, while the Beginners guy babysat me. Eventually I got it working enough to follow them, but still wasn’t feeling that happy. We were almost out to the other group, when I saw how far out we were, had a minor panic attack and told my companion that I was going back to the shore. He had the bread for fish feeding, so I told him to carry on and that I would be fine to swim back. On returning I found one of the mothers to talk to and we had a lovely chat. I did later feel annoyed with myself for turning back, but I did actually snorkel and see a fair bit both swimming out and back and I think it is better to be comfortable than foolhardy.

Lunch was in the resort open air dining area and then followed by free time and activities. All drinks on the Island were purchased via a card. You hand over $50 to reception, they provide a card and you spend against it, returning to reception to get the balance before leaving.

I am glad we did both, as although they were similar, there were enough differences to make it worth trying.

If you drink a fair bit, Whales Tale is better value, PJs is great for kids. The crew were so nice to all the children and the activities were more family oriented. Food nicer with Whale’s Tale but perfectly adequate with Pj’s. Really liked both sets of crew, but then that is probably true of most of Fiji.

 

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For dinner that night we walked over to the Westin and went to Zing, which is the Asian/Indian restaurant. Seriously nice vegetable samosas, followed by a lobster curry and a butter chicken. THere are shows and activities happening most nights - these were the dancers at the Westin. (and I have no idea why the Lobster curry is upside down!)

 

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Our final day was a lazy one again. After a sleepin we walked over to the Villas to the Wet Edge restaurant and had a casual brunch. Beautiful setting right on the water.

More reading and relaxing and then walked over to the Westin to have some Spa treatments. It is a peaceful setting in big gardens with open treatment rooms, quite far apart and angled for privacy. We were in a couples treatment space, which annoyed Miss FM, but she coped I had a honey melt – just incredible. Started with a pineapple and sugar cane scrub and then honey which is melted by having hot stones massaged over you – an hour of bliss.

 

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Our final meal was at the Westin – the Kitchen. We had made the booking online, but they didn’t have it – could still fit us in, but we spent the evening looking at a blank wall rather than the sea. Fortunately there were a number of lizards running over it, so that kept us amused.

I had zucchini fritters, which were tiny and crisp and quite delicious. Miss FM had scallops. I followed with Spatchcock, which was very average, but Miss FM enjoyed her pasta. The desserts were chocolate puddings – really, really nice!

Then off for an early night, as we had a taxi booked for 7am.

 

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The airport was buzzing with people when we arrived with multiple flights leaving. We were approached and asked which flight. After I told him he said “Business Class?” - I regretfully admitted we were in economy and was directed to the correct queue. It was very long! I thought there has to be a better way and asked some personnel whether as Qantas Platinum I could use the Business checkin. She said yes, as long as I understood that Business would have priority. Miss FM and I walked over to the very much shorter queue. I did notice a desk next to Business checkin, that said “Online, Platinum and Gold”, so I am not sure whether that is where we should have queued, but having been authorised for the business one we stayed there

The young lady who checked us in was very pleasant and priority tagged our check in luggage and our carry on bags and told us where to find the lounge.

A very small and crowded lounge, but perfectly adequate for a quick bite to eat and a cup of tea before the flight. There was the usual range of breakfast cereals, as well as two hot items – the Fritatta was quite delicious.

 

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After takeoff I found the galley at the back of the plane and request two blankets and some water. The FA did hesitate for a second and then took out a litre bottle of water and handed it over. Many of the other people in the plane seemed to already have blankets – I am not sure where they got them from, but two were speedily delivered to our seat.

This crew was a cut above the others and came around multiple times during the flight offering refills of water. However Miss FM and I were well supplied with our bottle and suffered no dehydration problems this time.

The flight back is an hour longer, but after another quite pleasant meal and some movies it was no time at all before we were landing. Our luggage came out in the first few bags, which is better than I get as an F passenger with Qantas (on our last flight from Lax they came out towards the end of economy! ). So all in all I found Fijian air a pleasant experience and I wouldn’t have any issues with travelling them again in short haul (preferably in J though!).

 

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We went to the transfer area and I asked if an earlier flight was possible and we were moved to a slightly earlier one – unfortunately had just missed the next one. I was appreciative of the change, as we were on discount Y tickets.

I managed to drop my platinum card in the terminal and I am very grateful to Qantas for posting it back to me. I hadn’t bothered chasing it, as I am almost at my anniversary date and wasn’t planning any travel for a few months, however it turned up in the mail.

One last photo of a sunset taken near our room - just to have a photo to finish the report.

 

[kermatu]

Nice little trip!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Nice little trip!

Fiji wasn't high on my list, but totally enjoyed it and will have to go back with Mr FM!

 

[kermatu]

A friend just visited too and said it was fantastic. Not been on my list either but might be a nice alternative to NZ for a short break.

 

[Flying mermaid]

A friend just visited too and said it was fantastic. Not been on my list either but might be a nice alternative to NZ for a short break.

With the added bonus for Canberra people that it is warm in winter!