Business is booming!

Happy New Year to everyone!  It seems as if the year is off to a great start for us at South Seas Adventures once again.  There are some really good deals out there right now to all types of resorts in the South Pacific, especially in Fiji and the Cook Islands.  I am going to start 2010 with some of our latest feedback from our clients who have recently used our services to travel to destinations in the South Pacific. 

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Destination – Koro Sun Resort, Fiji

Agent – Cindy Swartz

Hi Cindy,

We did have a great time, the people there are fantastic.  We are definitely going to write a glowing review on TA and will include you and SSA in our comments.  We just got back from our reception in New Orleans so we haven’t had the time to make sure we wrote a great one yet.
 
Koro Sun was great, the really went out of their way to make sure we had a terrific ceremony.
 
Thanks,

Danny

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Destination – Little Poly, Cook Islands

Agent – Tree Ritchie

Kia Orana Tree,
 
I posted a review of the Little Poly titled “Better than advertised” on 11/20/09.  Is there a cetegory on Trip Advisor to comment on the travel agents?  If so, I’d be happy to write a sterling review for you as well.  Everything went seamlessly.  We couldn’t have had a better place for our honeymoon.  Thank you so much for sharing your South Seas experience that was invaluable in our decision to not only go to Rarotonga but stay at the Little Poly.
 
Thank you,

Matt Butler

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Destination – Magic Reef, Cook Islands

Agent – Tree Ritchie

Hi Tree
 
I will go to Trip Advisor. Here is my rundown of the trip in brief and long form:
 
Everything I was concerned about, worked out great.  The weather was almost always sunny.  The bungalow was right on the beach.  The people who run Magic Reef were super friendly and extremely helpful, especially the younger Kiwi woman.  Travel was smooth and easy (although our return flight had a last minute delay of 5 friggin hours).  Traveling the island on the scooter was simple, food was easy to come by, as was beer.  We enjoyed the people, they were super friendly.  Also, we left 4 dogs at home, so the two dogs that constantly hung around were most welcome.
 
Minor quibbles about the Magic Reef:  They have no loungers.  This is very weird, and the owner said they couldn’t get them on the island, but the scuba place had one, other hotels we saw from the dive boat had them, and the tattoo shop we went to even had one!  So I definitely recommend they get some loungers.  The other quibble, which we knew about before going, is that the water is so rocky, it is practically impossible to even wade about in the surf.  The house next door where one of the dogs lives had cleared out a small area, and even other people from the hotel went in that small area to get wet.  Obviously, that would be a huge job, but if they slowly took some of the rocks out of the surf, it would be awesome.  Still a great place, but on Trip Advisor I would reiterate the rocky beach and lack of lounge chairs (but will still give it 4/12 stars).  Magic Reef was an awesome recommendation from you.  Glad we trusted you.
 
The one issue that was a bit more significant was the scuba diving.  I’m glad Ed and Kat thought we had a good time, we tried to be good sports…and it’s through no fault of the scuba company, but…the water was cold.  Having been to both Fiji (in January) and Polynesia (in March) where the water was very warm in both places, we were not prepared for the cold water in Rarotonga.  Other divers with us mentioned it as well.  Ernesto wore a second wetsuit and was still cold. I was fine for like 30 minutes, then ready to get out.  The cold water would not have mattered as much if there had been more marine life, but there was very little.  We actually like Mexico but don’t go much because the diving isn’t great, and the diving in Cook was comparable to Mexico, but colder. 
 
So the diving, which we had actually just assumed would be what we’re used to, wasn’t so hot.  But everything else was awesome, and diving wasn’t my primary goal on this trip…relaxing in the sun was…and that was mission accomplished.
 
Thanks for everything.  We are looking to hit Phillippines in May, do you work with them?  Our alternative is to hit the Caribbean, and I’m sure you don’t work with that area.
 
Thanks again!  Happy Holidays!
 
Todd Engle

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Destination – Little Poly & Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Agent – Tree Ritchie

Kia Orana Tree,
 
Thanks for your email and sorry for this late reply.  It’s been quite busy around here since our return from the honeymoon. 
 
The trip to the Cook Islands have left us with plenty of wonderful memories along with just a few minor nuisances.
The Flight to Rarotonga went smooth and we arrived there a half hour early. 
 
Little Poly was very nice with no regrets on staying there!
 
The positives there: Loved the location of Are #1, so close to the water and very private.  Great outdoor daybed, incredible beach and really enjoyed swimming, kayaking and some snorkeling.  Billie and Jeanine were our favorites.  The tropical breakfast each day was delicious. The Monday’s new Island night was really amazing with so many different types of food to enjoy along with the great entertainment.  The property was well maintained and never crowded. 
 
The negatives there: When in the outdoor tub in the back, you can smell the septic tank in the small shed that is located behind Are #1 & 2.  Our comforter cover had some blood stains.  Housekeeping was sometimes lacking on cleanliness and providing toiletries.
 
The Captain Tama’s and Raro safari tours were very enjoyable with high recommendations.  We rented a scooter for 5 days, which was the way to go in getting around the island.  It only rained half of one day in Rarotonga and half of one day in Aitutaki.  The humidity was surprisingly bearable with maximum temps. in the upper 70′s in Rarotonga and around 80 degrees in Aitutaki.

The restaurants were quite an adventure in going to somewhere different each evening.  The vouchers from Island Hoppers were a problem from time to time. First, we received the wrong amount and had to have them drop off the remaining balance at Little Poly so we can use them for Aitutaki.  Then, since the vouchers didn’t have an expiration date, Alberto’s restaurant wouldn’t accept them after we ate there one evening and ended up paying by credit card.  They were concerned about not getting paid without the date.  So, a trip to their office to get that corrected.  Then the Windjammer stated that since the vouchers state that they are good for “food or drinks,” we can only use them for one or the other, but not both.  Luckily, the food was right at about $90, so it wasn’t an issue after all.  I really think that work needs to be done to fix the problematic vouchers that we experienced some snags with.
 
The flight to Aitutaki and back went just fine.
 
Pacific Resorts Aitutaki was quite spectacular!
 
The positives there: We stayed in the Beack Bungalow #109, that had a hammock and 2 lounge chairs in the sand on a beautiful beach.  The interior and furnishings were very nice.  The grounds were quite amazing.  The daily fully-cooked breakfast was incredible.  The Island night Fire & Dance show was truly enjoyable, that was given to us as a honeymoon gift from the manager. Wow!  The Infinity pool was great to relax in and never crowded.  Room service is well run.
 
The negatives there: The in-room safe didn’t operate properly and a call to maintenance didn’t help, as they never fixed it while we were there.  The toiletries were often not replenished, so it was common to request that almost everyday. 
 
The Teking and Aitutaki Lagoon Cruise were simply fantastic! We also rented a scooter for 5 days there and we’re so glad to explore such an amazing place by just simply riding around the island! Even though there’s not too much to do there, it’s wonderful to appreciate the simplicities that life goes on an unforgettable place.
 
Well, there you have it and I hope I didn’t put you to sleep by now.  We thank you very much in helping make our honeymoon as special as it was!  I appreciate all your patience with providing all the information along with the details on what I’ve requested.
 
Have a great upcoming holiday season with a happy and safe 2010!
 
Sincerely,
 
Ivan     

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Destination – Paradise Taveuni, Fiji

Agent – Sarah Bosley

Hi Sarah,

This is ralph sucharski from wisconsin…….you arranged a trip to paradise taveuni for us last july. sorry this is so delayed.  Just wanted you to know we LOVED IT!!!!   the staff was amazing, kata, star, mere, charlie, luke, etc..  diving was terrific. NO COMPLAINTS.  beautiful grounds.  Allan is a prince.

Walked to vuna village one hot day to see the village i spent so much time in so many tears ago in the peace corps.  visited the elem. School and pat and the kindergarten teacher became instant buddies.  we’ve sent 3 boxes of school supplies to  terri at paradise. she will deliver the stuff to the school for us.  IF( a big if) the stuff makes it we are sending more.  the island has changed little since the late ’70′s.

just wanted to thank you for helping us get  there and making it so easy.  if we can afford another pacific destination, we’ll call you first.

have a great holiday season!

moce mada, vinaka vakalevu kemuni,

Ralph

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Destination – Royale Takitumu, Cook Islands

Agent – Tree Ritchie

Hi Tree,

Wanted to thank you again for all your help arranging our trip last month to the Cooks.

Your service was by far the best ever! Can’t beat having your travel agent on the same plane and resort with you! The Royale Takitumu and the Cooks in general were a perfect match to what we were looking for. We are still savoring our memories….

Have a great Holiday season,

Mark

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Destination – Garden Island Resort, Fiji

Agent – Gregory Cole

Greg,
 
We had an awesome trip. Got padi! The resort is gorgeous and I highly recommend it. The staff is so professional!

Thanks again

Kanchan

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Destination – Matangi Private Island Resort, Fiji

Agent Tree Ritchie

Hi Tree!

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and many wishes for a happy New Year!
My honeymoon was FANTASTIC – there are scratch marks down the beach when they finally threw Max and I off the island…hehehehe. Fiji is so unspoiled and magical. Amazing how experiences with different cultures continues to open your eyes & appreciate your own world…Fiji Candle lit dinners, snorkeling with exotic fish, hiking, jumpin off waterfalls, crystal clear blue and turquois waters, kava ceremonies, new friends, coral beaches, sunbathing, bat watching, culinary masters, fiji gold ale, small white tipped reef sharks, drums as breakfast wake-up calls, our tree house bure, sunsets, the list goes on and on!
 
Thank you for all your help and Max and I dream about being able to go back. Ally, Kay, Winnie so many awesome folks. Keep us in mind when there are super amazing deals!!!!!

Much joy an delight,
 
Kristina and Max

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That is all we have for now, but with the great feedback we have been getting you can count on us posting more in the near future.  A big thanks to all of our clients who have submitted us their feedback on their trips.  If you have recently traveled with us, and want to post your feedback on your trip please send your comments to the agent you used so that I can get it up on the blog.  Everything helps!  Until next time, be safe in your travels and have a great 2010!

Gregory Cole

South Seas Adventures, Travel Specialist