Sandrine, you were fantastic.  Everything you sent us was detailed and thorough.  I carried my folder with me for reference and knew exactly what was arranged and paid for.  I appreciate your attention to detail, flexibility, and commitment to perfection.  There is nothing I would suggest changing.  I was also confident that, should we have needed anything, we could rely on you.  So vinaka vaka levu (thank you very much)!  I didn’t worry about the ‘details’ at all which gave me more time to enjoy everything!

Trip: Our trip was amazing.  We did 3 tours - all of which were organized from our hotel.  Super easy and all great.  We even had one of the staff arrange a taxi to a supermarket for us $10 each way and the driver waited for us.  Super!!

The only thing I would add is that Fiji is very very expensive.  I was expecting expensive but not to the degree that it was!  

Air: Fiji Airways was absolutely amazing.  The staff were gorgeously dressed, couldn’t do enough to make us comfortable.  The meals were delicious, the seats comfy.  Business Class boarded 1st, de-planed 1st.  Our luggage was tagged priority which also meant it came out on the belt before other luggage (which was nice!). 

 The lounges in both Vancouver and Nadi were comfy.  The lounge in Nadi was stellar.  The food was delicious (much better than Vancouver). The Fiji lounge was packed and the staff stayed late as both LA and Vancouver flights were delayed.

The flight from Nadi was delayed until 2330h (from 2200h). Not a problem for me - especially being comfy in the lounge.  I received an email so was aware and there were lots of announcements closer to departure time.  I know some people missed their connections in Vancouver but also know that Fiji Airways had personnel at the top of the gate to assist them.  Oh!  And the check-in counter in Nadi opened early which was nice! 

I always love Air North.  They were their usual.

Hotel:  I think the Fairmont is over-priced quite honestly.  There was a time when I felt pampered and spoiled staying there.  But now, it’s pretty run of the mill.  The convenience of being at the airport makes up for it.  I was glad I broke up the return though.

Some of the guests found the Hilton to be a bit ‘dated’.  We absolutely loved it.  I was provided with a single bed which I appreciated.  The kitchenette was stocked with everything we needed.  The beds were comfortable.  There was ample hot water - gorgeous stand-alone tub and really nice shower.  Washer and dryer in the suite with laundry soap provided.  Everything was clean.  Most days we were provided with 6 bottles of water and milk at no charge.  Housekeeping was a bit hit and miss at times - we sometimes had to ask for things like clean tea towel, dish detergent, wash cloths.  But those are minor things.  There were no bugs.

On arrival at approx 7:00 AM, Hilton staff ensured we could be in our room by 11:00 (even though check-in wasn’t officially until 3:00!).  And they allowed me to use their facilities for the day of check-out.  I stayed by the pool until 5:00 instead of hanging out at the airport.  I really appreciated that.

The Hilton has a total of 7 pools - one of which is adult only.  Surprisingly, we didn’t use that one!  There were constant ‘kids’ activities at the pools - the staff were absolutely amazing to watch with the kids - rugby on the land and in the water, tug of war, making things out of leaves (swords, headbands, etc.).    Plenty of chaises.  Complimentary towels.  Water was clean.  Pool aerobics everyday which was super fun.

You will note that our suite was truly beach front.  It was amazing.  We drank coffee on the patio every morning - quiet and peaceful.  FYI - we strolled down the beach in front of the Sofitel.  Beach access not nearly as nice as ours - a stone breakwater to climb down.  None of the units were beach front like ours.

The most outstanding thing about the Hilton is their staff.  Our desk staff on day 1 made sure we were ground floor, away from the pools, but not so far away that it was difficult to walk to amenities.  All the staff were super super friendly (I really can’t describe their infectious happiness, laughter, grace, and generosity - it’s not like anything I’ve experienced before - in any country).  Everyone we met in Fiji was like that but our Hilton staff were beyond amazing.  They never stopped moving - greeting guests, carrying luggage up and down the steps, calling taxis, announcing the arrival of the Bula Bus or someone’s tour bus.  And all with smiles and enthusiasm.

Transfers: The tour company was easy to find.  The employee quickly located us on her list and called our transport to come to the terminal (they park away from the terminal).  She also gave us our voucher for return trip.  Seamless and easy.  I took a cab back to the airport - there are always some at the Hilton.  Similar price to shuttle, I think.  But nice to have the shuttle pre-booked - esp on arrival.  I would recommend doing that for future travellers.