Expert: Cindy Grant - 6/20/2009

Question
Cindy,

Hello, I will be brief, I am certain you are busy.  My gf and I are considering a 13 day get away sometime at the end of Dec 09 or through the first 2 weeks of Jan 10.

We have abywhere between 8-10k?  Will that be cutting it to close?

Is there anyway we can split time in a water bungalow and a tradional ocean view hotel?  Are there any all inclusives over there that are top notch?

Primarily though we are looking for the most exclusive beaches to spend our time on.  Away from everyone and everything.  Something we stay someplace nice and accessible by take it upon ourselves to walk somewhere removed and isolated?

As far as activities can you rec. anything?  Helpicopter? Scuba? is there one spa better than another?

I plan on buying a book on Fiji, might you rec.? one?

Thank you very very much for your time!.

Answer
Hi Chris,
If you are looking for an overwater bungalow, that would be the islands of Tahiti.  I would recommend either Moorea + Bora Bora, or to really get away, Rangiroa + Bora Bora.  On the first islands, get a gardenview room or gardenview bungalow and then an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.

A budget of $8 - 10k is reasonable, but more in the 8-10 night stay range.  Also, spend more of your nights in the garden room or bungalow type accomodations instead of the overwater bungalow (which is relatively pricey).  There are no all-inclusive resorts in Tahiti.

Fiji is going to be a little more affordable for the longer stay, but not with overwater bungalows.  There I would recommend two islands, combining a hotel room type stay on the main island with a beach bure (bungalow) on one of the smaller island resorts.

I recommend scuba, snorkeling, and shark feeding (Bora Bora).  Helicopter tours will quickly push you way over budget.

I don't have a book recommendation, sorry!  Certainly there might be something at the bookstore that will help you in the planning process.

If you would like package pricing and options, feel free to contact me at cindy@expertfamilytravel.com, 972-625-6200.  Website at www.experthoneymoon.com

Best regards, and good luck on your trip,
Cindy Grant
Expert Family Travel