NAN run trip report

[gumpy]

Hi Everyone

I did a NAN run to get me over 2400 for the 50k points. This was my first SC run of any sort and would like to report back.

1. I broke the trip up a bit. I did SYD BNE MEL. Stayed at the Holiday Inn which you can walk to. Met up with a mate and then continued on with the journey. Holiday Inn is completely adequate.

2. Flew into SYD early, spent 5 hrs in the flounge which was too long. The spa treatment was as good as ever as was the salt and pepper squid.

3. Air Pacific. Seat 1A. Fantastic. so much space, reclines to about 150 degrees, very comfortable, the food's ok.
The plane is old though, the entertainment system isn't very good and the plane is rather noisy when the landing gear is coming down. I would happily pay 3k for a return trip to LAX via NAN in Air Pacific J.

4. Sofitel Denarau - I don't like it... They didn't recognise A-Club Plat until I complained the next day, ants in the room, geckos in the room. The worst thing is it's noisy in the morning. The sound from the halls just flow right into the room. I told them there were ants in the room... they didn't act very surprised or caring... They did post points immediately though.

5. The Pearl Pacific Harbour - adequate accommodation.

6. Novotel Nadi - the best accommodation of the trip. I got a deluxe room (upgrade for A-Club) and it's really nice and modern. Very clean, definitely recommended.

7. Other activities - Deap sea fishing - we caught 4 tuna's and 1 mahi mahi.
Jetskiing and snorkeling... jetskiing is surprisingly brutal.
2 rounds of golf at Denarau. Fun but lost a total of 8 balls.
Fijian Massages - fantastic.

I will post pics when I get back home and process them.

I highly recommend the trip for those who need the sc's and need a holiday also.

Edit: Finally a massive thanks to the forum for bringing to light this bargain.

 

[kpc]

I highly recommend the trip for those who need the sc's and need a holiday also.

Agree 100%:mrgreen:. I did the Nan run earlier this year and had 2 wonderful nights at the Hilton.

 

[markis10]

6. Novotel Nadi - the best accommodation of the trip. I got a deluxe room (upgrade for A-Club) and it's really nice and modern. Very clean, definitely recommended..

Wow, first time I have heard someone say the Novotel at NAN is better than a Sofitel, sounds like Accor has done a bit of work on the old All Seasons Mocambo, good to see!

 

[gumpy]

Wow, first time I have heard someone say the Novotel at NAN is better than a Sofitel, sounds like Accor has done a bit of work on the old All Seasons Mocambo, good to see!

Markis10 I'll post pictures when I can. I was so impress with it that I took pics with my point and shoot, then I decided it didn't do justice and I pulled out my dslr for a 2nd round of pictures. I'm not sure the room is representative of the entire hotel but man this room was nice. Easily the nicest Novotel I've been in. The other good one is the new rooms in the Christchurch Novotel.

 

[malmacdowall]

Hi Everyone

I did a NAN run to get me over 2400 for the 50k points. This was my first SC run of any sort and would like to report back.

1. I broke the trip up a bit. I did SYD BNE MEL. Stayed at the Holiday Inn which you can walk to. Met up with a mate and then continued on with the journey. Holiday Inn is completely adequate.

2. Flew into SYD early, spent 5 hrs in the flounge which was too long. The spa treatment was as good as ever as was the salt and pepper squid.

3. Air Pacific. Seat 1A. Fantastic. so much space, reclines to about 150 degrees, very comfortable, the food's ok.
The plane is old though, the entertainment system isn't very good and the plane is rather noisy when the landing gear is coming down. I would happily pay 3k for a return trip to LAX via NAN in Air Pacific J.

4. Sofitel Denarau - I don't like it... They didn't recognise A-Club Plat until I complained the next day, ants in the room, geckos in the room. The worst thing is it's noisy in the morning. The sound from the halls just flow right into the room. I told them there were ants in the room... they didn't act very surprised or caring... They did post points immediately though.

5. The Pearl Pacific Harbour - adequate accommodation.

6. Novotel Nadi - the best accommodation of the trip. I got a deluxe room (upgrade for A-Club) and it's really nice and modern. Very clean, definitely recommended.

7. Other activities - Deap sea fishing - we caught 4 tuna's and 1 mahi mahi.
Jetskiing and snorkeling... jetskiing is surprisingly brutal.
2 rounds of golf at Denarau. Fun but lost a total of 8 balls.
Fijian Massages - fantastic.

I will post pics when I get back home and process them.

I highly recommend the trip for those who need the sc's and need a holiday also.

Edit: Finally a massive thanks to the forum for bringing to light this bargain.

Look forward to seeing the pictures... Will be there in 7 days... 8 days at Naviti resort and 1 day at Novotel Nadi.....
looking forward to chilling with Mrs Mac and the 3 junior burgers....

Any tips?

 

[rechoboam]

Can't do too much about the wildlife, Denarau is basically a swamp albeit a pretty one. The Westin was good but food on Denarau in general was disappointing. I think I lost a ball on every hole of that golf course, and more than one on some holes. Nice day and good beer in the bar there.

 

[Major]

Can't do too much about the wildlife, Denarau is basically a swamp albeit a pretty one. The Westin was good but food on Denarau in general was disappointing. I think I lost a ball on every hole of that golf course, and more than one on some holes. Nice day and good beer in the bar there.

At last!!! A golfer of my standard. Good to see.

 

[gumpy]

DSC01210 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
DSC01208 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
DSC01205 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9210376@N07/5901022462/

pics from my little sony

 

[djfuzz]

Thanks for the report and pics - which hotel is that?

Hoping to do this run one day - maybe if the double SC stars twinkle in December.

 

[markis10]

Novotel at Nadi I suspect, I would recognize that roof line anywhere, really glad to see it given some love!

 

[gumpy]

Yeah it's Novotel Nadi, it's got a really high roof, i love it.

They've put some effort into make it quite pleasant. Would not hesitate to head back there.

 

[rechoboam]

Actually it seems I stayed at the Radisson which we liked. Shows how much attention I pay on leisure trips.

 

[gumpy]

Yeah I hear Radissons is quite good, will try them or Hilton next

 

[Simo]

Doing a family holiday to nan next month... Staying at westin thanks for the heads up about food on danaruru island.

 

[rechoboam]

Doing a family holiday to nan next month... Staying at westin thanks for the heads up about food on danaruru island.

Sheraton restaurant on the beach had good food, it's starting to come back to me through the Mojito haze. It is run by a Sydney person with some sri lankan background and the Sri Lankan curries were excellent. 'Flying Fish'. I think it has a sister restaurant of the same name in Sydney. Good coughtails and the kids loved playing on the sand next to the table. (Image below)
I liked the restaurant at the Westin with its Indian food but mrs r didn't.



But for a real treat go to the Sitar in Nadi. Apparently that's the place for real Indian food, and everyone raves about it. The wives don't like spicy meals so we didn't get there. Some people might suggest security is an issue if travelling alone in the outskirts of Nadi but I doubt it's a problem requiring more than standard sensible behaviour and several of my colleagues have worked throughout Fiji with no issues. Probably a little refreshing after Denarau.

 

[djfuzz]

Sorry, have to ask again, what's that photo of rechoboam?

Also, it's been a while, but when we were last at the Westin, they had a very nice pasta bar (!) which made some of the tastiest tortellini fillings I've had anywhere. From a glance at the property's website, it looks as if that place may have gone. Would have loved to have had a go at the Japanese restaurant in the gardens had the food at that pasta bar not been so moreish and dragged me back in every night we were there!

 

[rechoboam]

Flying fish restaurants bar at I think Sofitel but wld have to check

 

[ozmille]

But for a real treat go to the Sitar in Nadi. Apparently that's the place for real Indian food, and everyone raves about it. The wives don't like spicy meals so we didn't get there.

We really enjoyed Sitar. The food was not over spicy.