Are you looking to run away with your true love and be married barefoot on the sand, just the two of you at sunset in an exotic location or private island?  Fiji has long been a favorite destination for weddings, honeymooners or the re-affirming of vows. It’s very simple and cost effective to arrange a wedding in Fiji, and we can do all the legwork for you.

You will need to bring with you:

The couple must provide the following personal documents to the registrar for verification purposes at least two weeks before the wedding.

1.    Original Birth Certificate

2.    Valid Passports

3.    Divorce Papers, if applicable

4.    Death certificate if previous spouse is deceased.
A certificate of Single Status or certificate of no Legal Impediment must be produced ONLY IF:

1.    Marriage between a Fiji citizen and a foreign citizen.

2.    Marriage by former citizens of Fiji

3.    Marriage between foreign citizens residing in Fiji

5.    Marriage licenses can also be obtained from disctrict offices in main towns;

6.    Registration offices are open between 9.00am and 3.00pm Monday through Friday. Registration formalities take about 20 minutes and should be completed at least 36 hours prior to the wedding date.

7.    The fee is approximately FJD$20.00 and the license is valid for 21 days.

8.    All ministers in Fiji belong to a certain church there are no nondenominational ministers. For Catholic weddings the requirements include a letter of Freedom sent well in advance, approximately 2-3 months out, to the Fijian Priest along with the Baptism Certificate. Your normal pre-wedding studies must be completed with a letter from your priest.

Marriage Fees

The current marriage fees are shown here below in Fijian currency. Payment should be made in cash or postal money order made payable to the Registrar General.

Application for special license F$20.25

Marriage officiated in the Registry (including normal standard marriage certificate) F$22.50

Marriage officiated by the Registrar or District Registrar after official working hours F$30.68

Working hours are from 8.00am to 3.00pm Mondays to Friday and closed on weekends and public holidays.

Traditional Fijian design Marriage certificate F$15.34

Standard Certificate F$5.63

(Inclusive of Fiji Government taxes and subject to change. Rates are valid as at 1st January 2010)

* Please note some of these fees and costs above may already included in the wedding package you select.

Legal Age

The Legal age of consent to marry is 18 years for both male and female.

Marriage Officers both religious and civil marriage celebrant are available. Arrangements may be undertaken for couples to bring their own celebrant to participate in the vows and the blessing of the ring but the local celebrant will solemnize the marriage and sign the marriage certificate.

All registered marriage certificate will be forwarded to the Foreign Affairs office to obtain an Apostille seal to authenticate that the marriage is legal and be recognized in foreign countries.

Travel Gal Note: I have been assisting couples in planning their weddings in Fiji since 1999, contact me at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net

This year the annual 3 day canoe race is set for Nov. 7-9, 2012 in the Leeward Islands of Tahiti.  Va’a (canoe racing) is one of the traditional sport of Tahiti.  Over 100 canoes will race between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora.  The finishing line will be at the Matira Point in Bora Bora.  Travel Gal is making plans to be there - who wants to join me?

For more information contact me at Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net

Namale Resort & Spa is an 5 star all inclusive, adults only luxury hideaway tucked away in the jungle on the East side of Fiji - it is extremely romantic and in fact has been voted #1 most romantic resort in Fiji by 2011 Tripadvisor readers.

In celebration of the award, Namale Resort is offering a Valentines Day special - stay 7 nights/pay for 5 nts at this amazing resort.

Namale caters up to 44 people at any one time. With 120 staff on call to help turn dreams into a reality, their guests are pampered beyond belief.  Since we are talking about pampering - the Spa is world class - Namale Spa & Sanctuary is like no other… Built on 10,000 square feet of volcanic uplifts, treatments consist of a blend of Asian, Western and traditional Pacific techniques; leaving a feeling of relaxation and wellness for the mind, body, and soul.

To further celebrate love in Fiji, Namale created a Holiday Package for the perfect Valentines Day which includes seven nights at any bure or villa at the Namale Resort plus the following amenities:

• All Meals - Full service breakfasts, 3-course lunches and 5-course dinners and snacks
• All beverages including beer, liquor, red and white wines and champagne
• Round trip transfers to and from Savusavu Airport
• Fully stocked and daily replenished mini-bar
• Daily laundry service
• Complimentary access to the Namale Fitness Centre, Kava Bowl (Indoor Entertainment Centre) & Hydrotherapy Room at the Namale Spa & Sanctuary
• Complimentary activities include freshwater pools, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, golfing, volleyball, bowling, virtual golf, waterfall hikes, movie theatre and more!

The premier luxury small ship in the South Pacific, m/s Paul Gauguin is celebrating Valentines day by offering an exclusive gift package for guests celebrating romance.

From January 30 through February 18, 2012, guests booking any seven-night sailing will receive a special gift package, including Leonidas chocolates, flower turndown service, and a $100 per person credit at the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm, compliments of Paul Gauguin Cruises (a $230 value)*.

As with all 2012 sailings aboard The Gauguin, guests also receive 50% off standard cruise fares and FREE airfare from Los Angeles.

There is no place as tranquil and romantic as the picturesque islands of French Polynesia. Designed and decorated to sail the seas of the South Pacific, the cozy 332-passenger ship offers the perfect setting to celebrate love or commemorate a wedding, renewal of vows, anniversary-or simply each other.

Couples can take in the beauty of the South Pacific from the privacy of their suite or stateroom, sway to the sounds of a chanteuse at La Palette Lounge, explore paradise on island excursions, dine al fresco under a starry sky, and enjoy a Polynesian blessing ceremony.

With one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea, The Gauguin is renowned for the extra touches and attention to detail that make every occasion special.

Paul Gauguin Cruises also offers a Gift Registry, where guests celebrating their honeymoon, anniversary, or other milestone event can choose a “wish list” of gifts, ranging from shore excursions to dining and spa options.

**One Valentine’s Day gift package per booking. New bookings on 7-night sailings only.

Please refer to promotion code: Valentine’s Package - call the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details.  Offer expires February 18, 2012. Call for details.

So you like try paddle one canoe?  Join Lahaina Canoe Club, located on Canoe beach just south of the Hyatt Maui Resort at the South end of Kaanapali beach on Friday at 5pm or Monday at 8am for an hour of Recreational Paddling, enjoying some great exercise, whale watching, Hawaiian history and culture - and a fabulous sunset at no extra charge!

Go to - www.LahainaCanoeClub.com for details or read below:

The weekly program has been designed to open up the opportunity for the community to enjoy outrigger canoe paddling led by experienced paddlers with the oldest Outrigger Canoe Club on West Maui.

Focus will be on the education, entertainment and enjoyment of our local environment using the canoe as a vessel for teamwork, fitness and community involvement.

Morning paddles will be more fitness oriented and evening a bit more socially structured; Bring a swimsuit, smile and willingness to learn and participate.

So, I decided to give it a try - I’m so happy - my okole is back in the canoe - I just returned home from my first Lahaina Canoe Club Recreational Paddle and it was fantastic! Talk about a club with aloha - they are amazing!  They greeted us newbys  (including 4 tourists) with the warmth and good nature I’ve come to expect in Hawaii.

They gave us tips and pointers even beginning at how to get into the boat to paddling the correct way for ease and movement of the canoe.  Its all about timing and placement of the paddle in the water and moving in unison thereby ensuring the boat to skim across the water.

I’m at home now, showered and exhausted and happy.  Do you think paddlers of old dined on red wine and shrimp cocktails?

For more insider tips contact the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or email teresa@luxuryhideaways.net

Travel Gal Office Hours

Our office hours are 8am - 5pm Monday - Saturday (Hawaii time - which is 2-3 hours behind west coast time) however, as a service to my Clients, when I am not in the office I transfer the 800 number to my cell phone as I have Clients all over the world and if they need to reach me - I want them to feel secure that I am there for them.

Philosophy

My Clients come to me while searching for recommendations for the best vacation experience for their time, preferences & money invested. I’ve been told its nice to know someone who can sift thru the sales, promos and pretty websites to get the bottom line when planning a holiday. Instead of “just selling travel”, I am in the business of assisting with a travel experience. This is my mission.

Travel is about experiencing a new, exciting destination. Travel is about the smells, the sights, the sounds and strange food, meeting new people, learning about a new culture and seeing the world thru another persons way of life.

I am the Owner of Luxury Hideaways, located on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. I love living here and enjoy sharing my “kamaaiana” knowledge with my Clients!

My specialty includes the South Pacific Islands of Hawaii - where I live, as well as Fiji Islands (been there 5 times), Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.

Quite often Clients come to me originally for South Pacific travel and then return the following year for assistance in other areas of the world - thru my contacts with Park Avenue Travel, a Virtuoso agency, my Clients have “a friend in every port”!

For instance,my Client broke her arm in Poland, thru my Virtuoso connections, we were able to get her into see one of the top Doctors in the country and she only missed 3 days of her trip and was able to continue on with her holiday!

I’ve been fortunate to travel thru Europe twice, (most recently spending a month in a villa in Italy), visiting Rome, Cinque Terre & Pompeii and the cruising Mediterranean Sea.

So, where do you want to go? Lets get started!

Teresa Nelle
Luxury Hideaways
800 644-6659

Specialties

Extensive  knowledge about travel in and around Fiji; Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii, Italy and New Zealand; Planning Destination Weddings, family travel

It is the year to discover Australia - From the dramatic silhouette of the Sydney Opera House, the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, waterfront dining and vibrant nightlife, the city will leave you captivated.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Australia - here is a sample itinerary for 5 nights but I highly recommend planning your trip for at least 10 nights if possible.

Experience Sydney in 2012 Package Includes:
Roundtrip flights from Los Angeles to Sydney
5 nights Sydney, 3-star hotel
Sydney City sightseeing tour
Sydney Harbour lunch cruise
Blue Mountains World Heritage full day sightseeing tour
Entrance to Wild Life Sydney at Darling Harbour
Roundtrip transfers Airport/Hotel
Qantas Vacations 24 hour emergency travel assistance
Air taxes
Optional hotel upgrades available: Choose from The Menzies Hotel Sydney,
Holiday Inn Old Sydney, Sydney Harbour Marriott or Shangri-La Sydney.
Add from $100pp*

Travel Dates

• Valid for travel departing between 15 Apr - 8 Jun 2012 or 15 Jul - 21 Sep 2012.
• Other travel dates may apply
• Give the Travel gal a call at 800 644-6659 and lest get packing!

Yes this is correct! For the first time ever, Qamea Resort is offering free wine, beer & soft drinks (by the glass)

The owners of Qamea Resort & Spa have sourced a large shipment of quality New Zealand wines, and will offer them FREE by the glass to all guests staying from 1 April 2012. In addition to the wine, the resort will also offer FREE Fijian draft beer on tap by the glass and a selection of FREE soft drinks by the glass. This will be offered to all of our valued guests at Qamea Resort & Spa beginning 1 April 2012.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

EVERY Guest staying from 1 April 2012 - 31 March 2013 will receive unlimited and COMPLIMENTARY selected wines, draft beer on tap and soft drinks (all by the glass) served from the bar between noon and 10pm daily.

Qamea Resort and Spa is located in the Eastern side of the Fiji Islands, just a short speed boat ride from Taveuni Island.

Qamea is an exclusive tropical destination for discerning travelers seeking a truly unique and authentic Fijian experience without sacrificing luxury or service.

From the moment you step onto the island, you will feel as if you have entered a Fijian village set in a South Pacific tropical paradise.

Travel gal note: This is a fantastic adults only, luxury resort that offers privacy, jungle experience, private beach picnics and more!

This fantastic offer was just announced a few days ago - contact the Travel Gal for more details at 800 644-6659 or teresa@luxuryhideaways.net

I am returning to the Hawaiian Island of Molokai after 5 years, this time my Mother and sisters are joining me.  I am planning an “Experience Molokai” on a 4 day excursion.   We will stay at Hotel Molokai (a genuine luxury hideaway) from all things mainstream - which is styled after a Polynesian village and located on Kamiloloa beach.  It is a tiny oceanfront resort complete with a bar and restaurant - by the way, it’s the only place to get draft beer on the island!  The hotel is “community minded” as they offer a Polynesian show every Friday night as well as host a community party once a year - this year its on January 24th - we will be there.

When visiting Molokai you will experience authentic Hawaii with unspoiled coastlines, serene seascapes, untamed wilderness and no building taller then a cocoanut tree.  In the central town of Kaunakakai, absent of traffic lights and virtually unchanged since the early 1900’s.

This charming paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town is also the island’s main harbor, where some locals still fish for their dinner. Stroll down to Kaunakakai Harbor to the end of the state’s longest pier, extending well past the reef - just you, the local fisherman and the sound of local boats slowly jetting out of the harbor.

Our highlight of the vacation will be our trip to Kalaupapa National Park.  It is restricted to 100 outside visitors a day.  No one is allowed in without a sponsor and visitors must be 16 yrs or older.

The settlement of Kalaupapa is on the West side of the nearly flat, 10 square-mile Makanalua Peninsula which juts into the Pacific below the world’s highest sea cliffs.  A place of stunning beauty, it’s been blessed by nature’s grandeur, and cursed by humanity’s ignorance and fear.

The peninsula is accessible only by sea, by air or via a trail from “top side” Molokai, which descends 1,700 feet of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

There are 3 ways to travel to Kalaupapa Settlement, one is by traversing the 2.9 mile trail, with 26 switchbacks down the side of a cliff. The decent is almost 1700 ft and strain is emphasized on the knees and ankles.  The second option is by mule (which I don’t ride) or we can also fly in by small plane.  Since I am traveling with my 83 yr old Mother, we are flying in.

Upon arriving in Kalaupapa Settlement, we will be met by our Damien Tours guide and for the next few hours we are expecting to experience one of Hawaii’s most remarkable tours, in a community hidden from the world for so many years.

We are anticipating learning about the leper colony, its people, incredible tales of struggle and human suffering, along with stories of courage and love.

Kalaupapa Settlement & Father Damien - In the 1850’s when Hansen’s disease, formerly known as Leprosy, swept through the Hawaiian Isles the worst cases were sent to this isolated peninsula. In 1873, Father Damien arrived and was revered for his infinite love for the residents of Kalaupapa.

Last year the Catholic Church ordained him as Saint Damien for his good works helping the abandoned people of Kalaupapa Settlement.

Our tours will be organized by Molokai Outdoors - a local company owned by Clare who has lived on Molokai for 11 years. She is married and mother of three, 2 daughters and a son. Before coming to Molokai, she traveled the world for 12 years, acquiring many professional windsurfer titles. You will find Clare driving the company computers, hiking to Kalaupapa, kayaking the coastline or running free clinics for Molokai youth in windsurfing and kayaking.

Below is an excerpt on an article I wrote a few years ago after returning from Molokai:

Especially informative was the trek to Kalaupapa! I had absolutely no idea exactly how strenuous a trek it is. I am an avid hand over fist hiker with a good deal of stamina, and just going to the 15th switchback challenged me. The leader of the pack is Clare, the owner of Molokai Outdoors. She is absolutely amazing! The combination of her passion for the island and it’s history, as well as her infectious personality made our experience all the more enjoyable. I’ll hike with her anytime!

Stay tuned for the next article on “Nightlife Molokai style aka The Molokai Bread Run.

If you too would like to discover Molokai, or any other Hawaiian Island,

contact us at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@luxuryhideaways.net

Your friend in the islands

The Tuamotu Atolls located in French Polynesia and are the remnants of ancient collapsed volcanoes and these coral atolls boast some of the most renowned snorkeling and scuba diving on earth. Expert divers refer to the magnificent coral filled lagoon as “God’s Aquarium”. This sheltered lagoon is home to dolphins, rays, and myriad colorful tropical fish. Nearby Fakarava is classified by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve as it is home to black sand beaches, a black pearl farm, and a variety of rare birds and plants.

Rangiroa
Rangiroa (rain-gee-roh-ah) is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago, which comprises 78 coral atolls scattered over several hundred miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Life on these remote atolls is simple, quiet and peaceful. In the small villages, the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotus, often participating in the daily activities of the Taumotu people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish breeding farms, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Rangiroa, referred to as “The Island of the Long Sky” is the largest atoll in the Southern Hemisphere, the second largest atoll in the world, and heralded as one of the world’s greatest dive destinations. It is an impressive sight viewed from the air with its string of 240 coral islets (motu) encircling a 400 square mile turquoise and jade-green lagoon.

Fakarava
Fakarava (fah-kah-rah-va) is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It is the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls. Fakarava’s main village is called Rotoava.

Fakarava, “The Island of Dreams,” is the second largest atoll after Rangiroa. It is an untouched world with an ecosystem that is home to rare birds, plants, crustaceans and exceptional dive sites.

It was once the ancient capital of the region and the site of the first Catholic mission in the atolls built of coral in the 1870’s. The environment is so pure that the atoll is being considered for classification as a UNESCO nature reserve for the preservation of rare species.

Scuba diving and snorkle explorations are magical since many dive sites are virtually undiscovered.

If you would like more information or to plan a magical holiday to an amazing tropical island paradise, call us at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net today!