June 21... The winter solstice. Shortest and maybe coldest day of the year yet in Melbourne. Only 24° in Fiji with overcast skies and choppy waters.
Departure day
.
All-round sad day.
Various staff stop for a personal goodbye as they see us, even the resident sales crew from the nearby residential development. Emma grabs a quick last kayak before we are lunching with Karen, her daughter, a school-friend and the friend's mum, Aunty May... another one of those delightful Fijian ladies you just want to grab and cuddle!
And by the end of lunch, we do!
But the end of lunch brings the farewell song, sung beautifully by all available staff. Some of us tear up. It is the epitome of all this place has been, means and delivers.
Two hours back to Nadi, two hours in the airport and five and a half flight back to Melbourne.
And so the results of the compare and contrast?
Airlines: Fiji Air - basic. Singapore Airlines - unmatched... not that either resort was responsible!
Accommodation: Nanuku by a mile.
Meals: Nanuku by an arms length.
Activities: Nanuku, mainly due to the abundant, delightful staff and their flexibility.
Snorkelling: Maldives - many more fish.
Weather: Maldives - but I'm prepared to admit that no resort can actually manage that!
Staff: Nanuku - outstandingly so.
It's the Pacific alternative for me next time!...
The only trip where I've been sad to see Melbourne
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2025-02-15
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uncle icky
2014-06-22
I'm guessing 'company' in Maldives and Fiji were equally equal.
jbushie
2014-06-22
That goes without saying... Company at both was excellent!