Leaving on a Jet Plane

 It was an early morning, really early when the alarm went off at 4.30am.  That gave us time to shower, re pack and head down to catch the airport shuttle which left at 5.30am.  Quick, easy and only $8.50 pp.  This shuttle services the hotels that surround the airport and with only a couple of stops it didn’t take long at all.

It was one of the quietest and easiest check in’s we have ever had…

Though there was a little de ja vu, and for those who know what my job was down at the cruise terminal, you will understand why the interaction between the Virgin agent and the older couple in front of us brought a smile to my face.

Virgin Agent : “Can I see your international Vaccine Certificate”

Older couple pull out a couple of bits of paper.

Virgin Agent : “No I need the International certificate, it has to have the QR code on it”

Older couple give a her a vague look

Virgin Agent: “ have you got a Medicare account “

Older couple : “ yes, my wife has it on her phone “

Virgin Agent: “ great, we can download it ”

Older couple: “Oh but her phone is at home”                                                                    

this is when I felt the agents pain....

Virgin Agent: “ you will need to step this way “

We left whilst they were desperately searching his phone, but all worked out as we later saw them when it came time to board the plane.

The flight was uneventful, although our departure time seemed to be following Fiji time, we were nearly an hour late taking off..

The flight it self was fairly uneventful,  nothing flash with Virgin, basically user pays or should I say consumer pays.....  they will give you coffee & water, but anything else you pay for... So for 4 hours it wasn't such a drama.

The best inflight entertainment was watch the D**kh**d in row across from us trying to avoid having to put on his mask.  The flight attendants tried in all manner to get him to put it on.  Personally I would have been happy if the Captain announce that if the fellow in 19C didn't put his mask off he would be banned from further flying.

They were on before us so I assumed that he had already been warned.  First sign was when the flight attendant came up with 3 boarding passes and asked if they were these passengers.  Back again and asked him to put his mask on "Oh I am drinking my water" he said as he scramble to get a bottle of water out, which after a sip he held in his hand.  Back again they came " I'm still drinking" ... third  time the attendant must of have had sterner words and he said "My mask is in the overhead" ..."get it out" she said.....  Yay he got his mask out..... So yes he masked up, but wore it tucked under his chin....  What makes masking more important now is that you don't have to test before boarding, but you do after you arrive .... if we test positive... let me tell you Virgin will be getting one dirty email.....

  

When entering  Nadi airport we were ushered by the Myfiji agent into the fast track lane which got us through customs a little faster than the rest who had to join the regular line…. 

Once we collected our bags and exited the customs hall we were greeted by representatives from  Rosies Tours. who must represent My Fiji …. they were our ride to the resort.

As we pulled into the resort we heard the beating of the drum welcoming us and letting everyone know new guests had arrived.

Check in at the hotel was also seamless and it was not long before we were escorted to our room.

We have an Ocean View which has a distant view of the sea and not a complete ocean front. The room is light and fresh, with that brand new feel to it.  Pretty much the whole resort does as it has just come out of a year long refurbishment.

After unpacking we walked to the restaurant called The Waters Edge.  It is situated in front of the Sheraton Villa’s which is the resort next to ours, but with shared facilities.

That first Cocktail marked the start of our holiday, and here we enjoyed a delicious Mud crab soup and BBQ ribs. 

Tip if staying at the Sheraton that falls under the Marriott banner, ensure you become a member of the Bonvoyage loyalty scheme as it gets you 10% off all food and drinks.

Wanting to  absorb just a little more of the resort before heading to bed we found another bar and over a couple more drinks we listened to sounds of their resident band.