January 2, 2010

Natadola - Yes! We Love FIji


www.fijisum.com.fj - 2/1/2010

Visitors to Fiji are least concerned about travel advisories or the political situation and rarely ask about the whereabouts of Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama.

Those with normal visual acuity will perceive the country as one with a chequered past and a benignant present working towards a halcyon future, with a commitment to equity and equality at the core of its polity.

But for the tourists, all that matters is a resort with exciting amenities and facilities and good value for money.

They are seldom disappointed and the opening of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on Natadola Beach in June inaugurated a new chapter in tourism for the South Pacific nation.

Spread across 35 acres of tropical gardens, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is the sole destination resort on Natadola Beach. It is the only stretch of natural, white sand beach on Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji.

Forbes Magazine voted Natadola as one of the 25 beaches in the world in 2008, praising its aqua-blue ocean facing lagoon.

General Manager Neil Houghton said the new resort offered convenience, exclusivity and luxury at affordable prices.

"Before the opening of the InterContinental Resort, visitors to Fiji had to travel to the outer islands to find the archipelago's beautiful beaches, which can add up to a couple of days of travel to the journey.

"InterContinental Fiji brings that authentic Fijian outer-island experience to the mainland.

This is a pristine location that the property will protect, celebrate and share with the world," he said.

This reporter experienced the services and facilities available at the resort while in Fiji to attend the Annual Tourism Conference in August.

A true destination resort, InterContinental Fiji has been created to provide a luxurious pacific retreat for discerning travellers seeking more than just a beachside getaway.

From the overall design and layout of the resort itself through to the smallest details, InterContinental Fiji is a visitor's gateway to authentic Fijian experiences.

While the sprawling lobby has a unique ambience, the reception and check-in counters are extraordinary and exclusive.

Designed and built to enhance guest comfort and pleasure, the Resort's rooms are spacious (the smallest is 65 Sq m) and functional.

Every room has a balcony or private terrace, featuring a Cleopatra-style tub and day beds for two, and a surround sound system (BOSE), with contemporary interiors creating the understated elegance.

Lovers of Golf can tee off from the Natadola Bay, 7000 Sq Yd Golf Course.

The 18-hole, par 72 is Fiji's first international competition standard course.

With 15 of its 18 holes hugging the Coral Coast, and up to five different tee-off stages per hole, its stunning location provides a forgivable distraction to its many challenges.

Living up to its name, the Resort offers some of the finest health and wellness facilities and programmes.

Mr Houghton said the Resort's Spa for instance, incorporated modern and traditional methods, using the fresh, local indigenous herbs and plants.

"Together with the caring touch of our qualified therapists, our wide range of spa experiences offers the best of the island's environment and hospitality.

"The Spa features a Wai Water Zone, the essence of life, while pre and post treatment area offers aquatherapy with water in all three states - gas, liquid and solid.

"Access to the steam area, hydrotherapy Jacuzzi and Fiji's first ice room is included in the price paid for treatment," he said.

The Resort markets a number of natural products by 'Ytsar,' stated to have a number of healing ingriedients.

As well as 'Planet Trekkers,' the Resort's Signature Club for children, the hotel offers 'Club InterContinental,' a resort within a resort.

With its own Club facility including private pool and lounge area, Club InterContinental features 55 hilltop villas, many of who feature individual plunge pools and spa baths.

"The Natadola InterContinental Hotel and Resort offers the charm of a private island, a concept that we will defend and promote.

"Since opening in June, the Resort, with its captivating design, sumptuous accommodation, creative world-class dining and commitment, InterContinental Hotel in Fiji has been delivering authentic Fijian experience and activities,

"The hotel will truly become one of the most magnificent luxury retreats in the South Pacific," Mr Houghton said.

For more information visit www.intercontinental.com/fiji

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