Nasama Resort: Hotel Review

The pool and cabana overlooking the ocean

My trip to Vanuatu was a myriad of firsts. My first time travelling to Vanuatu , my first time travelling with Air Vanuatu and my first time staying at Nasama Resort on Efate Island, Vanuatu which is serviced self contained accommodation. You can catch a bus or taxi to the resort which are identified with a capital red B or T on their registration plates. It is about a 20 minute drive from Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila, I was keen to see what the hotel looked like . When we arrived I saw reception was in a cute little hut like …….. A short walk past Cafe Vila , the hotel restaurant and volleyball net, near the pool area. I got the keys to my room 119 which was right on the Pacific Ocean with views of the pool and a balcony. On first impressions, I saw it was quite spacious, which is always a big plus. Because November is the beginning of cyclone /wet season , (still very humid, as typical year round) the hotel was quiet, which of course is fantastic, as it means cheaper prices and less tourists , where you can enjoy a greater degree of space and quiet.

My apartment complex as seen from the pool area

I was welcomed in a very hospitable manner in my room , ( a Beachfront Studio coming with a King Bed and Single Bed,) a lovely lady (forgot her name) gave some good tips such as beach safety, things to do and what is happening at the hotel. The hotel does have wifi, however my gripe was that connectivity was only strong outside the balcony and not inside the room itself. To save electricity, you have to insert your card in for lighting and powerpoint connectivity. Shower wise, water is controlled by solar which means sometimes hot temperatures take longer time to get but I had no problems at all showering . I did think this was a fantastic initiative .

The bed was especially comfortable and I had a very good night’s sleep every night of my stay. There is a fan to keep cool and you can open the shutters which lets air into the hotel room, as it gets very humid. There is a Samsung flat screen TV, however the channels are very limited, with only 6 satellite channels. Though, this wasn’t too much of a problem considering we were only in the hotel for small periods at a time.

Samsung flatscreen TV

Lounge Area

The pool area is amazing and has very tropical island vibes . It has a cabana with two sun decks as well as sun decks on the outside. The pool temperature is cool, but it was humid, so wasn’t too bad. The pool area directly leads to the beach with a little hut on the rocks right on the ocean providing an excellent vantage point, and of course the perfect instagram photo . There is also a safe natural rockpool to swim in, free of currents . You will also find the massage hut offering different massages varying in price depending on treatment , the hot stones do command higher prices. The entry massage, a half body 30 minute massage, starts at 3,000 Vatu.

Overcast day on the beach where the rockpool designated swimming spot is

Other facilities and services offered include Gym, Table Tennis, BBQ, babysitting , cots and highchairs, tours and activities pick up from resort, book and DVD movie hire, free on site parking, snorkelling, surfing , over water wedding chapel and mobile phone to hire

I mostly had lunch and dinner at “Cafe Vila” which is a combined hotel restaurant and sports bar. Service and the food as well as cocktails were impeccable!. I particularly loved the chicken curry. My favourite cocktail I enjoyed own the menu was the much loved Pina Colada and Toblerone Cocktail , as I am a sweet tooth. You really do feel like at home with the friendliest hotel waiters/waitresses , that do make sure your experience is a memorable one. Ensure before Vanuatu you exchange money for the Vanuatu Vatu , which is the only cash they take, they also take credit/debit cards, but that comes with a 3.5% surcharge fee.

A selection of wine and champagne on display at Cafe Vila. The G.H Mumm per bottle costs $15,000 Vanuatu Vatu.

Overview of the partially open air Cafe Vila. Relaxed ambience.

My favourite meal: Chicken Curry!

Overall, I had a fantastic stay, and I look forward to returning.

+My room was spacious

+VIEWS! Overlooking the ocean and pool coming with a balcony

+The friendliest /most hospitable hotel staff

+Food is very good at Cafe Vila and good selection of cocktails. The restaurant also doubles up as a sports bar.

-Wifi connectivity only works outside on the balcony. Not inside the room.

-Cafe Vila has a 3.5% surcharge on credit cards. Only cash accepted is Vanuatu Vatu.

- Satellite TV limited to only 6 channels, however only a minor gripe as I was out more then in the room

Rating: 7/10

Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa: Hotel Review

Having had the opportunity to travel overseas again, I was excited to visit Fiji again, which I had not visited since 2006. I was to stay at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, located on the very beautiful Natadola Beach, about an hour’s drive from Nadi Airport.

I was picked up by one of the hotel’s cars , after arriving in at 6 in the morning from Melbourne. When I arrived, I was blown away by the immense size of the hotel property which sits right on the beach, giving a view of Natadola Bay and the Pacific Ocean. I was quite hungry and hadn’t had breakfast yet, with the only meal being refreshments on the plane . I went to Sanasana a casual place which offers both a la carte and buffet menus. I treated myself to some bacon, hash browns and some baked beans and of course my much needed coffee.

Photo taken from the hotel lobby overlooking Sanasana Restaurant

The hotel has rooms in accommodation called “Bures” either facing the garden, lagoon or bay/ocean. My room 2324, was facing the ocean, directly on the beach, with the most incredible views of the Natadola Bay and Pacific Ocean. The property is modern and stylish . My room even had a bath outside on the balcony, the best place to watch the sunsets,(couldn’t see sunrise as it happened behind the hotel property) as you can imagine are pretty spectacular going a golden or orange/pinkish colour. I had the best sleep day in day out. There is also a desk behind the bed , a TV with surround sound.

Does it get better than that?!!

My hotel room furniture

I had the best sleep in this bed

Balcony bath! I did not get to enjoy it unfortunately

Shell necklace given as a token on arrival at hotel and a good read, Signature Luxury Travel & Style

After just over 4 hours of flying , I was hanging to go for a refreshing dip at the beach which was just calling me, on a very beautiful warm day, in stark contrast to the cold weather back in Melbourne. The hotel has a gorgeous infinity pool with boastful views of the bay and ocean, which illuminates in blue at night time. There are a few bars , with Toba being one of the bars where you can order your delicious cocktail or other beverage that tickles your fancy to be enjoyed at the pool, with waiters delivering them right to you. I believe one of the biggest positives was just how relaxed and friendly the staff were , which plays a huge role in enjoying your stay. They operate on “Fiji Time” which is taking things at a slower pace than in the bustling big city of Melbourne. This is a good thing in that you can recuperate but may lead to a minor degree of complacency in delays or forgotten of orders.

The signature Infinity Pool !!!

At night time the infinity pool is illuminated

You also have the Kama Lounge which has a chic bar and plays big sporting events on the projector and has some matching music. The bar offers light meals such as breadsticks and a trio of dips, chicken wings as well as alcoholic beverages . It also hosts live entertainment at night which changes every day with traditional Fijian singing, dancing , drumming and lighting of the fire torches ceremonies in native Fijian garb. There is also ample space on the lawns for the kids to run around and play. Another big positive is that the property has a kid’s club with heaps of activities for the kids to partake in whilst the parents get a brief break, as well as kid’s pool. One of the things that attracts flocks of families to Fiji is the family oriented nature of the Fijians !. I couldn’t fault the staff at all, always very hospitable and taking service to the next level, always greeting me and striking conversations up ensuring I was having a fantastic stay.

The very trendy Kama Lounge bar

My most memorable highlight was undertaking a 2.5 jetski safari which included snorkelling and a 45 minute pitstop at Robinson Crusoe Island , only reached by kayak, jetskii or boat ,with refreshments. The safari is operated by Hydro Sports Fiji, which is part of the hotel offering paddle , deep sea fishing and diving, boards, snorkelling kayaks, jet skis and parasailing. Hydro Sports Fiji is Australian run but led by Fijians who went to lengths to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment. I highly recommend Hydro Sports Fiji for their back to front knowledge of the areas the water sports occur in and for their professionalism.

I am not a golf fan, but if you are an avid golfer , there is a PGA accredited golf course where you can enjoy a round/s of golf to your hearts content. The hotel can transport you to the hotel. The hotel also operates tours to Sigatoka, about a 35 minute drive where you can mingle with locals at the Municipal markers selling fruits, seafood and vegetables as well as traditional Kava roots used to make Kava, a drink. There are also opportunities to purchase souvenirs to remember your trip to Fiji.

Snorkelling whilst on the Jetski Safari! The most memorable thing I've done on my travels so far

➕ Hotel staff hospitality and very friendly, highly professional and enthusiastic.

➕Location Location!. The hotel is situated right on Natadola Beach, I had an Oceanside Room looking directly onto the beach. Spectacular tropical gardens.

➕Has a good range of dining options from the casual Kama Lounge and Toba Bar and Grill where waiters can bring your cocktails to you whilst you sunbake by the pool , to the high end Navo Restaurant.

➖Minor complacency in meal orders , delayed or forgotten, but otherwise faultless

Rating 9/10

Fiji Airways :Boeing 737-800 Economy Review

My plane after disembarking at Melbourne Airport . Fiji Airways Boeing 737-800 registered DQ-FJG.

A very recent review, seeing I just got back to Melbourne last night, I will be reviewing the Fiji Airways Boeing 737-800 Economy product from Nadi to Melbourne, operating as Fiji Airways Flight 933. The journey itself was 5 hours 43 minutes, leaving Nadi right on time around 6:30pm as scheduled in the last moments of daylight as it is winter.

Boarding began at 5:45pm, and my name was called on the public announcement system as the aircraft was in its final stages of boarding. Fiji Airways for the most part, operates the Boeing 737-800 on most flights to Australia , Samoa and New Zealand . Only on selected times will you see the much more roomier Fiji Airways flagship Airbus A330 fly to Australia. To be honest, I really would have preferred flying on the A330 as I felt quite cramped in economy 3-3 configuration of the narrow body Boeing 737. A small consolation was that I had the window seat 34A ,which is my main preference on any flight domestic or international.

The absence of inflight wifi wasn't really a significant issue for me, however, the lack of space and inflight entertainment was, especially on being on the longer end of travel time. There are no individual inflight entertainment screens, only overhead screens which showed a couple of airline selected films over intervals during the flight. Cabin service was mostly ok, I couldn't complain. The meal was chicken curry and rice with a bread roll and coconut chocolate bar . The flight itself I quite enjoyed, especially at night looking out the window and seeing the stars in the sky, as well as entering the country and seeing lights of cities and towns.

Chicken Curry with rice , bread roll with butter and chocolate coconut bar

➕ Good flight

➕Window Seat

➕On time departure

➖Small aircraft for a longer flight which meant more cramped space

➖ No individual in flight entertainment screens

➖No wifi

Overall rating : 5/10