South Pacific

When you hear “South Pacific” and “honeymoon” what comes to your mind? 
The true definition of a honeymoon in paradise? The most romantic place in the world but too far away? A place you dreamed about but never thought you could afford?  Well, we’re here to let you know that the South Pacific is not just a mere dream  honeymoon anymore!  It is a lot more affordable and much more accessible for Canadian couples than you think. 

Just ask your DestinationVows Specialist for more information or recommendations!

And there’s something else that ALWAYS comes to mind when one thinks of the South Pacific, and that’s Romance, with a capital “R”!  Australia, along with the South Pacific paradise islands of Tahiti and Fiji, are truly a dream for your senses.  They offer some of the most breath-taking locations anywhere on earth for some of the most romantic adventures one will ever experience.

Australia

We could write a book on the many romantic adventures or places that couples can choose to experience when honeymooning on the great island of Australia, but here’s a couple of ‘must see & do’s’ we recommend when ‘downunder’.

If you and your partner are true lovers of the ocean, then the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world is a must see when in Australia.  It’s a remarkable treasure, with over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch over 2,600kms.  For the best in scuba-diving and snorkeling – this is the place to go!

Whitehaven Beach is another definite "must-see" in the Whitsundays. The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of Whitehaven stretch over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island , the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It defines nature at its best and provides the greatest sense of relaxation and escape.

As soon as you arrive it’s easy to see why it is the most photographed beach in Australia and has been named "Queensland's Most Beautiful Beach" by 'Keep Australia Beautiful' and Queensland’s Friendliest Beach more than once.  And cnn.com recently named Whitehaven Beach the 'world's top eco-friendly beach 2010'.

And when it comes to city life, there is no place like Sydney.  Experience this city’s friendly people, never-ending entertainment and activity, amazing harbor— take the harbor cruise and enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner and it’s also a great way to see the beautiful city skyline. But there are many ways to see Sydney—ferry, charter cruise, yacht or water taxi or you can even climb to the top of the Harbor Bridge for 360° city views!

Fiji is THE place for the best romantic getaways in the world and hands down, the perfect honeymoon destination for romantic sunsets, candlelit dinners on the beach and those midnight beach strolls.  Choose an island (there are 333 of them!) that is just right for you. Many offer romantic activities from private picnics on deserted islands, candlelit dinners for two on the beach under a canopy of stars.

It’s deeply steeped in history and rich with tradition.  These utterly enchanting islands are embodied in their tropical climate, idyllic waters and compassionate people – known as ‘one of the friendliest people in the world’.

First stop – Nadi.  A bustling and lively city mainly due to the fact that it is only 10 minutes from Fiji’s main airport and most visitors to Fiji are sure to pass through.  It’s also a great home base while exploring the rest of Fiji.  Be sure to visit the Subramaniva Swami Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the southwestern hemisphere, located in the downtown area.

For peace and tranquility, The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a popular half or full-day trip close to Nadi, at the foot of the Sabeto Mountains and features a beautiful orchid collection and a landscaped tropical walk through a natural rainforest.

The Naihehe Sacred Caves situated deep in the Sigatoka Valley, are popular with tourists and locals alike. Once a fortress of Fiji's last pagan tribes, the caves contain a priest chamber, sacred pond and great Cathedral Chamber. The caves are still considered sacred today and locals still frequent to pay tribute to their ancestors. And visitors to the town of Sigatoka are given the opportunity to experience life in a typical Fijian village.

Taveuni, the third largest island in Fiji,  has a number of popular trekking trails found all over the island and ideal for avid hikers alike. The Lavena Coastal Walk and Tavoro Falls offer some wonderful hiking opportunities with well signposted tracks to follow. For those who are serious, the Vidawa Forest Walk, the trek up to Lake Tagimaucia and the Des Voeux ascent are particularly challenging climbs.

Tahiti is the ultimate in romantic destinations.  Each of its islands is a tiny paradise with secluded intimate resorts, small quaint villages and miles and miles of quiet pristine beaches make it the perfect destination for couples who seek privacy and ‘alone’ time.  Tahiti spreads over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and comprised of 118 islands – some crowned with jagged peaks and others appear to be barely afloat above the breaking waves.

The three most popular archipelagos are the Society Islands, comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; The Tuamotu Atolls or "Tahiti's Strand of Pearls", include the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava; and the Marquesas, or "The Mysterious Islands."

There is no better way to gain a sense of everyday Tahitian life and experience the culture of French Polynesia, than passing through the small villages on a circle-island tour. As nearly every island has a coastal road following the lagoon shores, you can either drive around the island by rental car or take a guided bus tour. Explore the island interiors on a 4x4 safari, guided nature hike, or horseback ride. Skim across the lagoons on a motorized canoe, sailboat, or powerboat. For dramatic views above the islands, take a helicopter tour.

A few minutes from the island of Tahiti by plane, and only thirty minutes by high-speed catamaran, lies Moorea – ‘The Magical Island’.  Describe by some people as the most beautiful place on earth,  it soars magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet  and what you would imagine a South Seas island to be.  Definitely a place that should be on your bucket list!

And just under a one hour flight from Tahiti or Moorea,  is Bora, Bora – ‘The Romantic Island’.  Its’ lagoon resembling an artist’s palette of blues and greens is love at first sight for most couples.  Romantics from around the world have laid claim to this island where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. This could be easily be described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched roof villas, and fabled ambience.  Simply put – paradise!