Tuesday 11 March 2008

I've been to Paradise . . .

Fiji was paradise. The most relaxing holiday I have ever had and the very best time with The Princess.

It was magical from the moment we arrived at Nadi Airport where we were greeted by Rosie Tours who welcomed us to beautiful Fiji with Bula (hello) Beads as seen here, modelled by The Princess.

We stayed at the Raddison Resort on Denarau Island which just out of Nadi. Our suite had the most glorious views, this photo is taken from our balcony looking down to the ocean, the restaurants and the pool areas.

The suite was large and quite luxurious. It was beautifully appointed with everything one could need or want including laundry facilities and full cooking facilities, if one so desired to cook. I DIDN'T!!!!!

We had only just arrived and The Princess opened her case and had strewn her belongings everywhere. Home away from home!!!!!!

I loved the bathroom with its twin basins, phone beside the toilet, big tub and separate shower. The Princess and I would take a big bubble bath every night before going to dinner.

Babes had to go to work every day.
It was a tough life for The Princess and I. We would wander down to the restaurant for breakfast. We ate beautiful fresh tropical fruits each morning. After breakfast we would go back to our suite, watch a few cartoons before changing into swim wear for a hard day at the pool.

It was so hot and humid, we spent all day, every day in the pool. You can see the pool bar in the background. We would swim over to sit half submerged in the water, sip on lemonade, champagne or cocktails, order lunch and swim to our deck loungers to eat lunch before slivering back into the pool. Ordering food and drinks was the most taxing thing I had to do each day!!!!!

I would dress The Princess and I up all nice to go to dinner each night. Here we are in the Orchid Bar of our hotel having pre dinner cocktails.

The Princess would pick tropical flowers that had fallen to the ground for our hair each night. All of us including Babes would have a flower!!!! The Princess also discovered toothpicks and became obsessed with them!!!!!!

I love cooking, however I really loved not cooking for a week. We ate in at the hotel each night as Babes would be tired from working. The hotel restaurants catered for all tastes, pizza for The Princess and Babes . . .

and for those with slightly more discerning tastes, such as myself meals like this.

I thought of you Natasha as I had a cocktail . . .

or two!!!!!!

Not to mention the champagne I drank with my lunch, dinner etc.
This was left in our suite one day, compliments of Babes boss. Nice, thank you very much.

Fiji has the most beautiful skies. Clear blue during the day and glorious sunsets at night.

On our very last day we went on a boat cruise. Denarau Island has a busy marina, the scene for the day set by this group of Fijian's playing guitars and singing. The Fijians, as with most Polynesian people are very musical, they have beautiful singing voices. They also have warm and happy personalities.

We boarded this nice big catamaran and 30 minutes later . . .

we arrived here at South Sea Island, a beautiful coral atoll.

This really was paradise, Babes and I snorkeled, we saw the most incredible coloured schools of tropical fish and coral, I really wish I had an underwater camera.
While Babes snorkeled on his own The Princess and I sat at the waters edge and watched in fascination as tiny tropical fish swam at our feet.

We then relaxed in the sun before being treated to a yummy open air Barbecue Buffet lunch.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect holiday.
The next morning we were up at 4am to catch our flight back to Auckland. I was devastated to be leaving my luxury resort and to return to reality.

It wasn't 'Heaven on a Stick' it was 'Heaven on a Whopping Great Pole'!!!!!

27 comments:

12 Days of Christmas Swap said...

Yes, a perfect holiday, shame that I was late picking them up from Auckland Airport -you know-last minute touches like dusting, cleaning bathrooms, mowing lawns, cleaning windows, a little bit of light gardening etc, etc etc, but wow don't they look relaxed and happy?

Alison Gibbs said...

Oh Rachael what a fabulous holiday.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Alison

Felicia said...

Looks like a fun time was had by all :)

Ruth Welter said...

Well Rachael, I can see Fiji was pretty rough going for ya. LOL Who wouldn't have a great time, ah, everything is so beutiful in your photos. What a room you had as well, even the bathroom was gorgeous. Do share more photos of your vacation if you have the time, they were just beautiful.

Unknown said...

What fun! Fiji looks amazing and it looks like y'all had so much fun!

bluemuf said...

Rachael, WOW...what a beautiful place to escape to. Oh to have sunshine and warmth. You all look so relaxed. This is what you needed a week of heaven.

Hug Karen

Aimz said...

'Tis a tough life indeed! I'd swap with you in a heartbeat :-)

Betty said...

Wow! What a fabulous trip! I'm a little bit envious!

Barbara said...

oh thank you for sharing your paradise with us! i feel sooo much more relaxed! i could taste those drinks...and will use that as an excuse in case i stagger a bit...lol...sooo happy to have you back!!!
hugz!!!

Sugar Bear said...

Welcome back Rachael! Wow - looks like you had a wonderful trip. I'm so envious in a very good way! Definitely a wonderful set of memories.
Karla

Alicia ~ Time Worn Style said...

wow Rachael, looks like you had the best holiday ever, I want to go there!! Love the photos, thanks for sharing
Alicia ~ time worn style

Our Home Schooler and Jen said...

wow what a wonderful holiday you had
im happy for you
and a bit envious - I shouldnt be but I am
forgive me

and yaye your home again
Jen

Katrina Chambers said...

Wow, that looks fab! So glad you enjoyed it - I am very jealous!! I love that saying "heaven on a stick" haha!!

Lori said...

Rachel, it looks just gorgeous there:) so glad you had such a wonderful time...and your little princess is a beauty!!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a wonderful place! It looks and sounded like you had the best time!
Penny

Kathleen Grace said...

Your holiday looks heavenly! Thanks for a glimpse of Fiji:>) So nice to meet you!

Linda said...

Hi Rachael, you were in paradise! Everthing is just too beautiful, I loved all the photos and you all look so happy...what a wonderful holiday. Hugs, Linda

Gail McCormack said...

Glad the desire to cook left you during your holiday ....Oh my goodness Rachael it looks wonderful, now this is my type of holiday!! Hope you've settle back into your home routine????

Fete et Fleur said...

Oh... What a dream! Thank you for sharing the photos.
Nancy

Siobhan said...

Hi Rachael, Looks like you had a fab time!!! I so want to head over to Fiji as I have never been there...YET! :)

Thanks for sharing.

Siobhan xo

Anonymous said...

Hi Rachael,
Thanks for walking through the door of Rochambeau today! Looks like you and your family had a wonderful time in Figi! Have a great day!

Constance

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

You look so gorgeous in that black dress!!

Anonymous said...

Ooooh....how wonderful for you. Loved seeing all the photos.

Anonymous said...

Rachael,

it looks wonderful and you look positively radiant :). Your princess is gorgeous and looks like she was having a grand time, as well! Thanks for taking us along in pictures.

Unknown said...

Rachael, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip with us!! YOU ARE GORGEOUS!! And oh, is your princess ever beautiful! Your suite is fabulous! I am so happy you all had such a wonderful time! No one deserves it more!

Lots of love,
Amy

Pineapple Villa said...

Oh how wonderful, my parents took me to Fiji many times when i was young and it is the most beautiful place with beautiful people. I almost felt like i was there reading your blog and seeing your photos! sigh, Mel xx

Natasha Burns said...

What a great holiday!!!! Fiji is beautiful and the Fijians are the best and most hospitable people I have ever met. Thank you for sharing your holiday with us and for thinking of me while drinking a cocktail, hope you had about a dozen of those delicious looking thirst quenchers!!!! BULA VINAKA! xo