Tahiti, Bora Bora Honeymoon or Fiji Honeymoon
Tips from Renee Duane Meyer, owner/ founder Unforgettable Honeymoons®
This is the question that is asked most often by anxious couples who are seeking the ultimate honeymoon destination in the South Pacific. Many couples are under the impression that Fiji and Tahiti are very similar. At Unforgettable Honeymoons® we have been planning Fiji and Tahiti Honeymoons since 1994, and have discovered through thousands of couples feedback reviews, and personal travel that Fiji can be a more rewarding, satisfying honeymoon experience overall for most couples.
There are significant differences between Tahiti and Fiji :
Most couples don't realize there are significant differences between these two island paradises. Making the wrong choice could ultimately lead to a disappointing honeymoon in the South Pacific. Many Couples look at images and photographs of destinations such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Fiji and make their decision based on what they see. They don't realize that the beauty of a destination is not enough to create the ultimate honeymoon experience and that planning a Bora Bora and Tahiti Honeymoon or Fiji honeymoon is far more involved than planning an all inclusive honeymoon resort.
The Basic Differences between Fiji and Tahiti:
Fiji : Fiji consists of 330 mostly unspoiled islands, English speaking (Former British Colony) independent, and a 10 hour non stop flight from Los Angeles. (flights almost nightly) Fiji is a 4 hour flight from Sydney, and 2 hours from New Zealand. Many couples stop in Sydney or New Zealand on their way to or from Fiji.
Tahiti- Bora Bora: The Islands of Tahiti are comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos, however there are only a handful of islands that actually can receive tourists. The main ones being the Island of Tahiti, Moorea, Le Tahaa, Rangiroa, Huahine, Manihi, and Bora Bora. Bora Bora being the most famous of these islands. Language French and Tahitian. Tahiti is an 8 hour non stop flight from Los Angeles. Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia.
Are the Fiji and Tahitian Islands Equally Beautiful
You'll find stellar white sand beaches in both Fiji and Tahiti. Both have mountain ranges, valleys and lush green landscape. Both are absolutely stunning locations.
Fiji Resort Style: Private Islands and Romantic All Inclusive Hideaways
In Fiji there are very few big chain hotels. In fact the only high rises are on the mainland of Fiji and most honeymooners steer clear of Vitu Levu, the mainland of Fiji. Fiji's resorts are all bungalow (in Fiji they call them "Bures") style hideaways geared for couples and romance.
A typical Fijian island hideaway is on its "own" island
These private Fiji Islands consist of anywhere from one to 50 or so bures, a main dining bure, a watersports Centre and spa. Each bure is free standing and beachfront, some may be set back from the beach and even some yet may be "tree house" bures. The private island Fiji hideaways are usually owned by individuals from Australia or the US. Many of the Fiji island resorts offer meals and most activities to guests, alleviating the stress of economic decision making throughout the day. Private picnics, snorkeling, guided hikes, meals, tips, all of these are usually included with the total price.
Tahiti Resort Style: Large Chain Hotels offer bungalow accommodations
Tahiti is more similar to Hawaii. Larger chain hotels such as Sheraton, Sofitel, Intercontinental, and Four Seasons dominate this island paradise. The rooms however are very different than Hawaiian resorts. The rooms in Tahiti are mostly bungalows. Free standing garden, beach and overwater bungalows. All resorts have restaurants, pool areas, spas, and concierge. There are no "all inclusive" resorts in Fiji (with the exception of Club Med) and guests need to be prepared to budget $700.00 USD per day , per couple to cover costs for meals, drinks and activities.
Overall Feel at a Fiji Resort Hideaway: Guests feel the ultimate in privacy while surrounded by unspoiled paradise. The Fijian staff are friendly, warm and very interactive with the guests. Most meals and activities are included eliminating the need to carry around your wallet. Staff members check on guests often making sure all of their needs are met. Fijians are the friendliest people and you'll learn the word "Bula" very quickly (it means hello in Fijian)
Overall Feel at a Tahiti Resort: Guests will enjoy the feel of a full service resort complete with work out rooms, internet rooms, variety of restaurants and bars. Most hotels in Tahiti have a concierge to help guests make restaurant reservations, set up snorkel trips, etc.. Guests need to create their own itinerary in Tahiti. Staff operate more like that of a Hawaiian or Caribbean Hotel. The value for the US dollar is very low in Tahiti making it a bit frustrating for US citizens. A massage for example for one hour could run as high as $170.00 with tax and tip. a Cocktail at a nice bar $18-24.00, snorkel trip $120.00 per person.
Romantic Activities you can do in Fiji : - Private Picnics: The two of you can be dropped off on your own remote beach for the day with a gourmet lunch and no interruptions- either for no charge or only about $25.00 per person USD depending on what island you stay on in Fiji. You can even picnic on the same beach that Tom Hanks filmed castaway on)
- Private Dinner on the beach, under the stars for no extra charge.
(most islands in Fiji allow you to do this at least once during your stay for no charge) - Visit an authentic Fijian village and learn about the culture, meet the people
(like a National Geographic experience on your honeymoon, truly the highlight of your honeymoon. Impossible to do in Tahiti) - Buy authentic handicrafts – dirt cheap. Its shop till you drop there with the US dollar being so strong in Fiji . (Pay $50.00 just for just a T shirt in Bora Bora)
- Kava Ceremony- every night in Fiji no matter where you are staying you can participate in a traditional Fijian cultural ritual of Kava drinking. you connect with the local culture and learn Fijian songs and folklure. Truly one of the highlights of a Fijian honeymoon.
- Dive the Somosomo Straits. Fiji is the soft coral capitol of the world. It is truly a world class diving destination.
- GET MARRIED LEGALLY- You can get married legally in Fiji with no waiting period. Fiji weddings are recognized in the USA as a legal wedding.
Overall, Fiji may be a better choice for couples who are seeking:
- A high level of seclusion and privacy-many of the resorts only allow 5-20 couples at a time, this makes a Fiji honeymoon one of the most private types of honeymoons out there.
- Connections with the local culture - visiting a Fijian village is one of the highlights of a Fiji Honeymoon vacation.
- World class diving- Most Fiji resorts have PADI instruction and a myriad of dive sites within minutes of the island. Many couples choose to take a Scuba Dive course on their Fiji honeymoon
- A great value for the dollar (the best in the South Pacific)- a Fiji honeymoon is a lot more cost effective than a Tahiti Honeymoon because of the strength of the US Dollar in Fiji.
- A legally recognized wedding- You can get married on the beach in Fiji and its completely legal. There are no blood tests to take, and very little paperwork to do beforehand. Most resorts take care of all of the paperwork the day of arrival. You can get married the next day in Fiji.
- Pampering by hotel staff - The staff to guest ratio at Fiji resorts is much higher than that of Tahitian resorts. The result- staff who know you by your first name within the first couple of days of your visit. The staff are attentive to your needs much more so than that of a big chain resort.
- Exotic spa services and treatments - at a reasonable rate. Spa services in Fiji are less than 1/2 the price of Tahiti or Hawaii. A full one hour massage at most island hideaways runs about $50-60USD. and, there is no tipping in Fiji
Fiji All Inclusive Options:
Couples seeking a Fijian Honeymoon with practically everything included for a reasonable price are in luck, there are many choices, one of our favorites, Savasi Island Resort, is a secluded Romantic Fiji Honeymoon Paradise with all meals included and your own pool villa.
What to do next?
Find an expert Honeymoon Travel agent that has been to the South Pacific who specializes in Fiji honeymoons, or Tahiti Honeymoons for top advice and best pricing. Take a look around at different packages and locations and see what fits into your budget.
Honeymoon Planning to The Fiji Islands
Honeymoon Planning to The Fiji Islands
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