Jan 30, 2017 - Flying Biz Class - p4 |. Fiji Marriott .... form part of the destination wedding facilities at the resort
P5
WEDDINGS
Vuda gets a chapel Hideaway adding an adults-only retreat
P6
Natalie & Matt 5 'Ws' - who, wore, what, where, when?
P7
Bebe Spa Fiji - Where to unwind at the Outrigger
Fiji Marriott rates go live - p2 | Tropica going upscale - p3 | Flying Biz Class - p4 | Up the Duff deal - p8
Trash the Dress explained - why, where, when Why would you want to take a perfectly good wedding dress, one that you’ve spent weeks and weeks deciding on and hundreds of hundreds of dollars to purchase, and wear it into the sea? That was my reaction the first time I heard about the ‘Trash the Dress’ phenomenon which continues to rise in popularity in Fiji. To get a better understanding of what’s involved, I Do Fiji Holidays spoke with one of Fiji’s leading photographers, Michelle Cheer from Cheer Wedding Photography, to explain how it works and to determine if your gown will be worse for wear, pardon the pun. For the unacquainted reading this column and learning about Trash the Dress photography sessions for the first time, here’s what you need to know. ‘Trash the Dress’ , or sometimes known as ‘Rock the Frock’ or ‘Fearless bridal’ refers to a post-wedding photo session that commonly involves a fun or romantic activity. An activity that’s going to take you and your partner out of your comfort zone. In some parts of the world, that could be climbing a tree, covering yourself in paint or even setting fire to your frock! As the name suggests, you probably won’t be wearing the dress ever again! In Fiji, ‘Trash the Dress’ is most commonly associated with wearing your wedding gown into the ocean! Due to the nature of the activity in Fiji, it’s also identified as ‘Drown the Gown’, if you go out deeper. The point of difference between a Trash the Dress session in Fiji compared to overseas locations is that the wedding dress tends to be salvageable. Michelle Cheer has been working as a photographer for the past five years. She had her first Trash the Dress session four years ago when a couple from Germany approached her, keen to see what she could do. Michelle had been aware of the trend, so was keen to experiment with the fad Since then, Michelle’s had a steady flow of brides and grooms seeking her professional
services to create lasting memories, beyond the chapel, gardens and shoreline. “I’m finding more couples are getting adventurous these days and wanting unique wedding photos.” Michelle explains that ‘Trash the Dress’ sessions, unsurprisingly, are most commonly held the day after a couple have tied the knot. However if newlyweds are tight for time or on an elopement it can be organised the same day. She and her assistant generally arrange to meet the couple at Denarau Marina, from where they jump in a chartered speedboat for the 40 minute ride out to a sand bank/sand bar in a private location. Michelle points out that should the resort the couple are staying at have a gorgeous beach, such as Natadola Beach for InterContinental Fiji and Yatule guests, she’ll be happy to come to meet them on site and conduct the session away from other guests. Being Fiji, it’s going to be warm, so its best if couples meeting Michelle at the Marina arrive in a change of clothes. They can put on their wedding attire at their destination but most chose to meet, already in their outfits the day after their wedding. Formal shoes or sandals can be left behind, and for the grooms, forget about the jacket. If the bride has a veil, bring it along. “Some brides actually also opt to bring an extra white wedding dress just to trash!”, she tells us. “Everything is informal and casual, so brides don’t need to worry about their hair and make-up. Just light make up, waterproof mascara and we’re off.” Michelle’s ‘Trash the Dress’ shoots are held in water no deeper than waist height, so brides don’t need to be stressed about local sea and marine life striking up an interest. Snaps are captured both in the water or on the beach. And the results are amazing - you can view a gallery on the I Do Fiji Holidays’ website.
Couples should allow around 50 minutes for the session, by which time Michelle would have amassed hundreds of images that’ll be certain to mesmerise. And if you’re concerned the gown will be ruined, Michelle says most brides tell her their gowns aren’t spoiled and actually come out whiter from the salt water. “We always advise our brides to soak the dress in soapy water at their resort and to then let it drip dry in our lovely hot sun.” Cheer Wedding Photography is based in Nadi and takes a maximum of four weddings each month, to ensure the highest level of service and product delivery. View a gallery for more of Michelle’s Trash the Dress photo sessions online - CLICK HERE - or go to her website at cheerweddingphotography.com In next month’s I Do Fiji Holidays newsletter, we chat with an expert on Drown the Gown wedding photography sessions. Cheers Dee
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For all your transfers and tours needs * Reliable and professional chauffeur driven service * Reasonable private transfer rates. * FOC return transfers for the Bride and Groom when booking your whole wedding group with us. Contact: MJ +679 8368222 email:
[email protected] www.uniquelyfijitransfers.com
No Fiji Marriott chapel...for now A firm date for the opening of the brand new, five-star Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay has been set for 1 April 2017, and we’re not kidding! The luxurious property has been many years in the making after a few stalled attempts to get it off the ground, but we are thrilled to see the grand reveal has finally been set. We spoke with Fiji Marriott Resort’s general manager Silvano Dressino who clarified a few key points about weddings for IDFH readers. We’d previously stated a wedding chapel would form part of the destination wedding facilities at the resort when it launched, having received advice from one of the contractors on-site. However Dressino has confirmed that while a chapel is certainly on the masterplan, it unfortunately won’t be a feature in the phase one opening. “It might come in the second phase, but [we] have no timings on that,” he explained. “Nevertheless we are indeed a great resort for destination weddings given the unique man-made lagoon and its over water Bure villas. “We also have some lawn areas identified for smaller wedding celebrations overlooking the ocean and of course have the newest ballroom on
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the island, with 360sqm space and state of the art technology”, Dressino told I Do Fiji Holidays. And to help couples with budgeting, here’s what you can expect to pay at the first Marriott International property in the South Pacific. We’ve scoured the resort’s website and found the “regular rate” (what you can expect to pay online) for a standard Guest Room at the start of April is FJ$400 per night, a Lagoon Front room is FJ$445, a Duplex Lagoon Front Bure will be FJ$500 and the Duplex Ocean Front Bure FJ$550. If you’re after one of the unique and exclusive Over-water Lagoon Bure villas you will be looking at around FJ$1,050 per night, while the top of the line, Over-water Royal Suite is going to come at the princely sum of $FJ$1,250 per night. Add breakfast for two adults for another FJ$30 per couple per night. For a quote, email
[email protected].
All material in I Do Fiji Holidays is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Every care has been taking in compiling the contents of this newsletter but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising thereafter. TravelManagers Australia Pty Ltd trading as I Do Fiji Holidays. TravelManagers is a member of IATA, AFTA, CLIA ACN: 113 085 626
Sydney Love on the Lawn promotion Book entry tickets for the Love on the Lawn wedding festival at Royal Randwick Racecourse on 19 March and for a limited time take advantage of a 2-for-1 offer. Tickets are normally $20 online - see loveonthelawn.com.au
Sheraton Tokoriki set back
Laucala ranks best in the region
Warwick inclusive
The drawn out reopening of Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island has hit another hurdle, with the resort advising customers its earmarked relaunch of 25 January has now pushed back a further three weeks. Hammered in late February last year when Cyclone Winston struck parts of Fiji, Sheraton Tokoriki was initially closed until 31 May, but after further assessments extended its reopening until 30 November, and then later revised the date until 01 February. Keep up to date with the latest news from Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island on our social media channels.
Oprah Winfrey’s favourite Fijian resort - the one she chose to stay when in the South Pacific seven years ago - Laucala Island Resort, continues to win high praise around the world. Readers of the acclaimed travel glossy Conde Nast Traveler picked Laucala Island as the only property in Australia & the South Pacific region to receive a Gold List accolade. Rates at the ultra-luxury resort are priced from $6,350 per night. Go to laucala.com.
If pre-paying meals is important to you, Warwick Fiji has this month introduced All Inclusive Packages, covering all meals & beverages for your stay. For around $150 per adult per room, you’ll get three meals a day included and a drinks plan, for the duration of your stay at Warwick Fiji. Packages are available across all room types for stays between now and 23 June - email Paula for more information.
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Fares fair! One-way airfares to Fiji are on sale with Fiji Airways until 28 February. Here’s all the current options available to Nadi, based on select dates. Fiji Airways˘ $266 Sydney Melbourne $301 $258 Brisbane $305 Adelaide Virgin Australiaˆ $249 Sydney Melbourne $289 $219 Brisbane Jetstar* Sydney Gold Coast
$199 $179
All fares listed are based on Economy class travel in low season, from prices. For an up to date quote, please email Paula.
Fiji sunset timing
Tropica facelift, going upmarket
Longer registry office hours
For the bride that has to know absolutely every minute detail of her wedding...(let’s face it, that’s every bride!), then the timeanddate.com website is for you. Knowing the specific time the sun will set in Fiji on the day of your wedding is handy when organising your professional photo-shoot, especially if you have your heart set on sunset pictures. For the record, sunset varies from 5:42pm in June to 7:52pm in January.
Tropica Island Resort has closed for five-and-a-half months in order to begin a $10 million renovation. Located on Malolo Island and a near neighbour of Malolo Island Resort and Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the property expects to reopen to guests from 1 July 2017. Tropica Managing Director Rob Cecconi said all 30 bures will be overhauled with the aim of the revamp to lift the resort to “world class standards” and pave the way for “even better experiences for guests”. Seven suites and a new beachfront bure are earmarked to be added to the resort’s existing facilities, Fiji Times reports. tropicaisland.com
Opening hours of Fiji’s Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry offices have been extended from now until 28 February. The extension applies to BDM Registries in the Central, Northern and Western Division, including on Saturdays. Specifically, Monday to Friday opening hours for registry offices overseas couples are likely to use are as follows: ◆ Nadi - 8am-6:30pm ◆ Suva - 8am-7pm ◆ Lautoka - 8am-5pm ◆ Savusavu - 8am-4:30pm On Saturday, the BDM hours of operation are from 8am-4pm and at 1pm for Savusavu guests. bdm.gov.fj
FJD exchange rate Currently, the market rate of converting Australian Dollars to Fijian Dollars equates to:
$1.00AUD = $1.55FJD
Toberua half price
Prices across all Bures at Toberua Island Resort Fiji have been slashed by 50% for new bookings made by 28 February. The promotion runs from now until 31 March and applies across all Bure styles - Tropical Oceanfront, Deluxe Oceanfront, Premium Oceanfront and Toberua’s new Lagilai Villa which has three bedrooms. Prices start at FJ$400/night.
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DJ WORKS FIJI Music for every occasion!
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What to expect flying up the pointy end
As a travel agent specialising in Fiji, I Do Fiji Holidays has been fortunate to have travelled to the South Pacific destination more than 30 times over the past 10 years. On a recent trip, we had the opportunity to sit up front with Fiji Airways to experience their Business Class product. Here is what to expect. Fiji Airways operates two aircraft types between Australia & Fiji, Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s, the latter being newer and capable of carrying more people. I’m on flight FJ914 out of Sydney which departs at 6:30am. It’s an early start but has me in Nadi before lunch so I have half a day on the ground. It’s the fuller of Fiji Airways’ two daily flights I’m told as it’s aboard the smaller 737 jet. (The later flight will have you at Nadi airport after 7pm). At the airport, a dedicated counter speeds up the checkin process, and you’ll also get lounge
access ahead of your flight. In Sydney, that’s the Business Class lounge operated by Qantas, which while extremely comfortable, doesn’t have a wide choice of food options this early in the morning. So what’s all the who-ha about Business class anyway? The most obvious difference is the hard product - the seat. It’s generously sized and has a 48” seat pitch (the distance between rows) and 14” recline. In Economy Class, pitch is 31” and recline is 6 inches. The seat is also 4 inches wider in Biz. Shortly after being seated in 1A, I’m offered a choice of juice or sparkling wine ahead of the flight and after the cabin door is closed I’m provided a warm towel. On the 737, there’s no seat-back entertainment unit so passengers are provided an iPad pre-loaded with a selection of movies, TV shows and music, along with
noise-cancelling headphones. About 30 minutes into the four hour flight breakfast is served, starting with fruit, cereal or yoghurt & breads, followed by a choice of cheese omelette or a vegan burrito. Service is fantastic & I’m quickly offered my cabin attendant’s pen when I can’t find my own. For brides and grooms flying to Fiji, aside from the comfort factor, the appeal of the Business Class product is the generous luggage allowance. Each passenger can check-in up to 40kgs of baggage (compared to 23kgs in Economy) and can carry on two cabin bags of 7kgs (compared to one), which means you’ll have somewhere safe to store your wedding dress. Note: When flying Economy Class, if you are one of the first guests to check-in, there’s an opportunity to upgrade your seat to Business for $410 per adult and $310 per child. fijiairways.com
Share your proposal In 2017, I Do Fiji Holidays is rolling out a catalogue of new features to facilitate our taste for fresh and interesting content. One of which is a proposal story. If you and your fiancé have a romantic wedding proposal story from the past 12 months and you’re keen to boast about it with other readers, we’d love to help you shout it from the rooftop! Send a detailed description of your proposal and a picture of you and your soon-to-be other half (along with a piccie of your rock!) to I Do Fiji Holidays and we’ll take care of the rest. If you are interested, email me at
[email protected] and you’ll hear back from us soon.
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It's your day
The next great spot for couples to...
Operators of the popular Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa on the Coral Coast are expanding their holiday offering in Fiji, with construction of a brand new property, 15 minutes north of Nadi International Airport, well underway. Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa Vuda is located in a Fiji Government designated future tourism precinct at Vuda. (Like Nadi is pronounced Nandi with a silent ‘n’ , Vuda is pronounced ‘Vunda’.) Recently, IDFH was shown around the site by the resort’s exec manager of sales Brad Russell, who whet our appetite for what is planned in the near future for the couples market. Vuda is an area renowned for its “golden sand” - a major point of difference from properties at the popular Denarau, which tend to have black sand. A number of other resorts, including First Landing, have already established a presence here. Hideaway Vuda is positioned on a private beach (right), enveloped on either boundary by a rock walls . Scheduled for a soft opening on 1 April, the first stage of the FJ$40 million adult’s only resort will comprise 21 standalone bures and a central complex. A further 80 rooms are in the pipeline. Positioned in the 4.5-star rating, Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa Vuda will contain DNA linking the property to its established sister property on the Coral Coast, such as stone edged garden boxes that surround the decks of the bures. Russell told IDFH The resort will feature five 70m² Beachfront bures, positioned closest to the beach at around 80m from the shoreline, each has its own private plunge pool. The southern most pavilion is designated as an exclusive Honeymoon Bure, slightly larger at 85m². Garden Bures are set further back behind the Beachfront Bures over
to celebrate
Hideaway
two rows, some of which are a duplex and share a common wall. Each Bure will offer a unique combination of indoor and outdoor private showers, a product replicated from the Coral Coast property. Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa Vuda’s primary elevated structure contains the welcoming lobby, administration facilities, conference spaces and six Deluxe rooms (split as two Oceanview and four Mountainview rooms).
Branching off the building is the resort’s only restaurant which will contain an open and closed kitchen. The venue will offer a mix of indoor and outdoor seating (on a wrap-around undercover deck) for more than 150 guests, overlooking Vuda Bay. Beside the restaurant will be the resort’s pool with a swim-up bar. Gym and spa facilities are also being built.
FOR COUPLES considering tying the knot at Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa Vuda, the major lure will be a beautiful bure-style wedding chapel (pictured bottom), set just metres from the beach and adjacent to the Honeymoon Bure. Featuring wrap around windows and a grand entry, the air-conditioned chapel will have a capacity for approximately 40 guests. Attached to the chapel will be another openair bure, designed as a location for guests to mingle, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres pre- or post- wedding. Another deck will also extend off the oceanside face of the chapel, providing fantastic photo opportunities for newlyweds. Due to its intimate Stage 1 sizing, Hideaway Vuda can be operated as sole-use for wedding groups. If ‘taken over’ by a wedding party, guests will be able to determine the mix of their guests, which would enable children to also be welcomed at the resort. Developers envisage an official opening of Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa Vuda on 1 June. View additional images from I Do Fiji Holidays’ site inspection online HERE. For enquiries or to request dates, please email
[email protected].
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I’m not there as a photographer. I’m there to capture memories, of you making memories.
Natalie & Matt
Photos by K Thorpe Photography Booked by Deahann, I Do Fiji Holidays Where? Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort When? 17 December 2016 What? Dream Wedding Package
IDFH: Why did you choose a destination wedding, and why Fiji? Natalie: My husband and I visited Denarau in 2014 and absolutely loved the culture and the naturally friendly people. Matthew put forward the idea of a destination wedding. After many conversations we decided Fiji was such a beautiful location to get married. We also wanted to eliminate as much stress as possible and be relaxed in the lead up to the wedding day, and on the day itself. We decided on the Outrigger after lots of research and consulting. We had not previously been to the Outrigger so for anyone who is considering a destination wedding, Fiji is so amazing. I strongly suggest going on a holiday to Fiji to have a look at the wedding venues and destinations to see what suits you best. We were lucky that the Outrigger was everything we could’ve asked for. IDFH: What dress did you wear & what was it that made you pick this design? Natalie: I chose an Allure dress from Ferrari Bridal. The gown was a sweetheart A line cut, was partially lace and had a detailed bodice and long lace train. I loved the dress, it just felt right when I put it on. I'd tried many others but felt as if some of them were missing something. Once I put on the Allure gown I immediately knew it was 'the one'. It made me feel elated and emotional. This was the first time it hit me that I was going to be a bride. IDFH: Were there any hiccups or stand out funny moments? Natalie: The weather turning bad, but I am just thankful that it didn’t cause a huge amount of disruption. Funniest moments were with our hair & make-up artist, Stanley Morrell.He’s so funny and puts everyone at ease around him. IDFH: Any tips or advice for future destination wedding brides deciding if they should choose Fiji? Natalie: There is so many perks about a destination wedding. The whole lead up to the wedding is a perfect time for family and friends meeting and gathering. It was a constant party. I'm an anxious person and stress a lot but having the ability to just slowly work through decisions online was fantastic. For those who are really controlling, you may find this process challenging. I took my time, researched, emailed back and forth and put my trust in the Outrigger staff (who are amazing). They created my dream wedding just by reading my generalised instructions on paper. It was the best decision we made. We had the best time and loved every minute of it. See more photos and read more from our Q&A with Natalie at www.idofiji.com.au.
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Take a walk
down the aisle.
Bebe Spa Fiji Spa treatments are a rite of passage for a bride-to-be in the lead up to the most important day of her life. If Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort or the Coral Coast is the location of your wedding day, then a visit to the Bebe Spa is a must. Bebe Spa Fiji Spa Manager Praveena Dewan (pictured) tells I Do Fiji Holidays about some of the options available for brides and couples.
Bebe Spa Fiji floats majestically above Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort on a plateau known to villagers as Vakalomalagi Hill - Heavenly Hill. Surrounded by lush, undulating landscape and adjacent to the Bure Ni Loloma wedding chapel, Bebe Spa encompasses eight treatment rooms with private open-air balconies, affording sweeping views of the Coral Coast. Signature treatments using indigenous ingredients and techinques fuse with the world’s finest spa products from Pevonia Botanica and Pure Fiji.
IDFH: What are the most popular treatments brides and bridal parties choose? Praveena: Aside from our regular selection of treatments, Bebe Spa offers Hen’s Party packages which most wedding parties opt to go for when staying on-site. When there are five paying guests the bride’s services are absolutely free of charge. Options include the: 1 hour Duavata Togetherness - a refresher manicure and pedicure for $134pp; 2 hour Rairai Totoka Dina Looking Sensational (back massage, mini facial, manicure & pedicure and 1 hour cocktail party with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and canapes at Kalokalo for $235pp; or the Lagilagi package which includes a manicure and pedicure, hair style and make-up application
and 2.5 hours of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a cheese and tropical fruit platter for $303pp.
IDFH: What options are available for couples? Praveena: Bebe Spa has three specially designed packages for couples, and we can also customise a package to suit a couple’s desire. Available packages include the Signature ‘Time Together’ romantic interlude which combines a milk bath, a choice of massage, a Dilo & Cucumber Wrap and a Blissful Facial, spread over three hours and priced at $581 per couple. Another choice is the Signature 1.5 hour ‘Romantic Discovery’ package that includes a milk bath, champagne and choc-dipped fruit & a Fijian Bobo, Swedish or Balinese massage, for $352 per couple.
Couples can also Mix & Match one 1 & 2 hour spa treatment and tack on a 30 minute Milk Bath Soak. View the complete range of treatments available at Bebe Spa Fiji by clicking on the menu.
IDFH: Should couples pre-book a treatment before they arrive at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort? Praveena: Guests usually email us ahead of their arrival to pre-book a spa treatment, either through their travel agent, wedding planner or directly to the spa with me at
[email protected]. We can also assist with organising gift vouchers should the couple wish to offer this arrangement to their wedding party.
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Keep up with I Do Fiji Holidays @idofijiholidays
@idofijiAU
@idofiji
Stay social with I Do Fiji Holidays! Join our conversation! Remember you can keep up to date with the latest news, deals and developments in Fiji between copies of the I Do Fiji Holidays newsletter and on our social channels. Click to follow. In case you missed it, IDFH was first to break the news of the imminent opening of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, with our Facebook post reaching an audience of over 585,000!!!!
idofiji
Dee’s Up The Duff Deal
AU $5,533*
This issUe’s Up The DUff Deal is an exclUsive shorT-life package i’ve creaTeD wiTh hooT holiDays for coUples aT shangri-la’s fijian resorT & spa on The coral coasT. inclUDeD is: g g g g
Return flights with Fiji Airways to Nadi Personal Meet & Greet at Nadi Airport Return airport to hotel private car transfers Six nights in a Superior Lagoon View room at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa g Services of a wedding coordinator g Wedding ceremony set-up and decor g Marriage certificate g Minister or Civil Celebrant to officiate g Wedding set-up g Trio of Serenaders
from
I Do Fiji Holidays
per couple, ex Brisbane
g A bottle of bubbles for toasting g Floral bouquet and boutonniere of seasonal blooms for the Bride and Groom g Souvenir wedding gift PLUS, HOOT HOLIDAYS BONUSES >> FJ$1,000 food & beverage credit >> Breakfast daily >> Fijian Village tour for two >> 30 minute back massage >> Use of non-motorised water activities
@idofijiAU
* Package by request, based on availability, subject to change and priced on two people (bride and groom) only. For travel between 1 February 2017 and 31 August 2017, black-out dates and surcharges may apply outside low season. Prices departing Brisbane start at AU$5,533 per couple; ex Sydney $5,613 per couple; ex Melbourne and Adelaide $5,873 per couple. International flights with Fiji Airways, includes 23 kilograms of luggage allowance, meal, drink and entertainment. Extra nightly rate starts at $185 per person. Quote reference code ‘UTDSFR’’. Book directly with
[email protected].
Next month in IDFH Inside InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort's wedding chapel We talk 'Drown the Gown' with Island Encounters Take a drone's eye-view of Mana Island Fiji and so much more!
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