Tag Archives: Fiji

Villa Takali, starting 2022 right

 

Nanuku Resort Entrance,  Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo; Romi Cortier
Water Feature
Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo Romi Cortier

Villa Takali, the luxurious Fijian Resort where Love Island was filmed, is where we kicked off our new year. Our friend Natalie is friends with the owner, and since the villa hadn’t been rented for the holidays, we were encouraged to pop by at our leisure, and enjoy the property.  On New Years day we headed  over to the villa, despite the heavy rains.  As far as I was concerned, a pool’s a pool, and even if it’s raining, it’s still 80 degrees… so how bad can it be. I had no idea what was in store for us.

To be honest, I’ve never heard of Villa Takali, and I’ve also never watched Love Island. Therefore, this entire experience took me by surprise. As we passed through the gate house, I felt like we were stepping onto a film set.  We parked the car, dodged rain drops as we crossed over the tennis courts, and headed into the covered colonnade. We dropped  our tote bags by the pool, and Natalie promptly took us on a 15 minute tour of the property. It seemed to go on forever.

Guest Suite, Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Guest Bathroom, Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
navy blue pool
Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo; Romi Cortier

The villa spans two acres set on Loloma Beach, with 10,000 square feet of living space.  Imagine if you will, a private residence  with 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms,  upper and lower guests suites, a master suite separate from the main house, a theater room, access to the private beach in front of the home. And did I mention the pool? It’s one of the largest private pools I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Pool View
Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Grounds at Villa Takali
Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Pool View
Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Villa Takali, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier

The infinity pool is covered in navy blue tiles, which gives it a luxurious dark blue color. It also makes it that much more intriguing as you step into the pool, because you’re not quite sure how deep it is. As you wade in and immerse yourself, all of your cares disappear. It’s you, the pool, the ocean, and the sky.

We spent hours swimming laps, playing games and lounging in the shallow end of the pool. I also spent some time by myself, walking the grounds of the property. There were so many beautiful details to take in. The lushness of the grounds, the multiple covered walkways, the private outdoor gardens, a  private 6 person jacuzzi off the master suite… every detail was beautifully thought out. Even in the rain, the villa was completely magical.

The villa can sleep up to 14 people and would be the perfect getaway for either a group of friends, or a large family.  And yes,  a private chef is available to tend to you and  your families  every need. This is truly a  sanctuary in the heart of the South Pacific with every amenity you can dream of.  A huge shout out to Natalie for giving us a taste of the good life… the really good life.

Loloma Beach,  Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier

Learn more about Villa Takali HERE 

 

 

 

A Reunion at Fiji’s Nanuku Resort

Nanuku Resort, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Nanuku Resort, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Nanuku Resort, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Nanuku Resort, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier
Nanuku Resort, Fiji. Photo:Romi Cortier
Christmas Dinner, Nanuku Resort, Fiji. Photo: Staff

Christmas dinner in Fiji at Nanuku Resort, that was our plan But it was no easy journey. We spent over 24 hours traveling to Fiji from Los Angeles.  Double masked for the duration, we arrived 4 hours early to LAX, only to learn that our flight had been delayed 4  hours. Strong headwinds added extra time to our 14 hour flight, add in customs and a 2 hour drive from Nadi to Pacific Harbor, and it felt like the trip that would never end.  By the time our driver pulled up to the Pearl Resort in Fiji, the same resort we’d gotten engaged at in the summer of 2016, we were absolutely exhausted.

My now husband, had been working on the reality show Kicking and Screaming during  the spring of 2016. After his show wrapped, I joined him there and made the proposal with the help of the hotel staff.  During his six week stay there, Recio had  become great friends with the resorts GM,  Ms. Natalie Marletta. I knew she’d be the perfect point person to help make the proposal spectacular, and she delivered. Hand cut flowers, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a spectacular dinner on the patio of Seduce restaurant, with a panoramic view of the South Pacific… this was no Gilligan’s Island. This was Fiji in all it’s glory,

Our friendship with Natalie has grown over the years. She attended our wedding in Venice, Italy, along with her husband, and she frequently visited us in Los Angeles when she was in town on business. And the last such time that she did that… Thursday March 13, 2020.  We were texting with Nat as she boarded her flight to LA, I said:  are you sure you should be coming to the states, they’re starting to shut things down. She said: Oh no honey, I’ll be fine. Twelve hours later as she exited her first class flight, the world had changed. She’d expected to be in LA for a week. However, she was informed that she had to return to Fiji the very next night, as LA was going into full lockdown on Sunday.

If we only had one night in LA for fine dining, then it had  to be at one of our favorite spots, so we headed to the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. We arrived with our little bottle of hand sanitizer, to a nearly empty dining room sprinkled with guests. We had an amazingly long and luxurious dinner, and also ran into George Hamilton. At 80+ years of age, he knows how to turn on the charm, and  graciously took a photo with us. It seems we always run into celebrities when we’re with Natalie… she’s our good luck charm.

Dinner at the Polo lounge
Romi Cortier, Natalie Marletta, Recio Young, Polo Lounge, Beverly Hills, Ca.

When we said goodbye that night, none of us could have imagined how long it would be until we’d see each other again. While our lockdowns in the states were intermittent over the next year,  Fiji would remain closed until December 1st, 2021, over 21 months.

So was it worth it to make such an exhausting journey just three weeks after Fiji had reopened? You better believe it was. After a gazillion  phone calls, whats app chats, texts  and emails, Natalie was finally standing in front of us, in the flesh. Her gorgeous smile and radiant blue eyes were soup for the soul. Since we were four hours delayed arriving at her resort, she grabbed us, threw us in the Hummer, and hightailed it  down the road to Nanuku Resort, where her family was patiently waiting.

We arrived at the resort, hopped out of the SUV, and walked down the long log colonnade to an outdoor dining area with ocean views. It was divine!! And there was our dinner table lined with familiar faces, her husband, her kids, and a few new friends she couldn’t wait to introduce us too. We ate and drank for  hours,  basked in the warm Fijian air, and showered the kids with gifts that we’d brought from LA.

Christmas is Fiji is so much simpler than in the states. No over the top tinsel decorations from Target, Costco or Walmart. Just hand made displays nodding to the spirit of the season. It’s simpler, relaxed, and exactly what we needed to wrap up 2021. We’d missed that Bula Spirit, and were so happy to be back at our second home.

 

Bula, Nanuku Resort, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier

 

Branded image by pool
Nanuku Resort, Fiji. Photo: Romi Cortier

 

 

My Best Sunsets of 2017

The Pearl Resort, Fiji, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Sunset at The Pearl Resort, Fiji, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Catalina Island, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Sunset at Catalina Island, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Pacific Northwest, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Sunset in the Pacific Northwest, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Laguna Beach, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Sunset at Laguna Beach, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Malibu 2017, Photo Skyler Campbell
Sunset over Malibu,  2017, Photo Skyler Campbell
Malibu, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Sunset over Malibu, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Moon Festival, Chinatown, LA, Photo Romi Cortier
Sunset at the Moon Festival, Chinatown, LA, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier

My best sunsets of 2017   takes a look back at some of my favorite moments throughout the year. Any sunset that makes you stop and take notice is a great day in my book, and if it happens to take place on a special occasion, then it’s a an added bonus. With a year full of Breaking News alerts 24/7, it’s nice to take a moment and focus on what was beautiful and right in the world.

The Fiji sunset on January 2nd,  was one of the most serenely colorful sunsets I’ve ever seen. There was  the finest mist of rain coming down on that 80 degree evening, adding a little extra moisture and magic to the reflected light of the sunset. I’d forgotten  that I’d  started 2017 in Fiji, so this image is a beautiful reminder of one of the best vacations I’ve ever had.

Sunset on Catalina Island was  an amazing day for two reasons. I’d surprised my fiancé with a Helicopter ride to the island, which was fantastic because he’d made friends with the pilot while taking this photo below, who then invited him to sit up front on our trek across the channel. This made his first chopper ride an experience that kept him grinning for hours afterwards. The chopper flew at  about 300 feet above the ocean, making the 11 minute journey both quick and thrilling.

Recio and Romi, Helicopter transport from Catalina Express, Longbeach, Ca. 2017
Recio and Romi, Helicopter transport from Catalina Express, Longbeach, Ca. 2017

Part two of July 4th in Catalina was getting  the news about the surprise early birth of my great nephew Cannon, as the fireworks began over the bay.   Someone randomly played the Dynasty theme song on the beach as the fireworks exploded overhead…. magic!! Who could’ve ask for a better day.

Sunset in the Pacific Northwest was taken a few weeks later when I went to visit Cannon, the newly born little nugget. It’s hard to believe that I have three great nieces and nephews at my age…. who knows, at this rate I might get to see some great great nieces and nephews before my days are done here on planet earth. What makes me most happy about this news, is that both of my sisters are now enjoying being grandmothers at such early age.

Sunset at Laguna Beach was a day set aside to celebrate my fiances birthday by doing what he loves most, hanging out on the beach. This was  his first time visiting Laguna, which has always been a special place for me  because of its fantastic  art gallery scene.  Sue Greenwood Fine Art at 330 N. Coast Highway  is worth the drive down from L.A., and is a must see.

Sunset over Malibu Beach was a very special day, as it included one of the most beautiful beach parties I’ve ever attended, with a very small and special group of people.

Sunset at the Moon Festival in Chinatown was a happy accident. I went there to capture a few beautiful Chinoiserie buildings for my Artful Living archives and voila… celebration! It was magical,  fun, and incredibly colorful. I felt like I’d opened a beautiful fortune cookie giving me an unexpected gift.

I thank you for reading Where Art Inspires Beauty, and I hope you’re able to make some of your own magic in the coming year. May 2018 bring you riches beyond your wildest dreams, and most importantly, beautiful sunsets.

 

A Day at Fiji’s Beqa Island

Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Bequ Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Bequ Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier

There’s nothing more relaxing than a day at Beqa Island. Located across the bay from Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, this tranquil oasis has about 3,000 inhabitants spread across nine villages… yes, nine. The native people here are known for their fire-walking skills, however, that wasn’t on our list of things to do on this day. If you’ve seen my earlier post, than you’ll know we arrived to Beqa Island by way of a European Hydrofoil called the Sea Venture owned by Sea Fiji Reefs. Since there was no dock on this part of the island, we dropped anchor off shore and were ferried to the shoreline via a much smaller boat called the Lawaki Delight.

Lawaki Delight, Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Lawaki Delight, Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier

We walked the beaches, lunched and snorkeled ourselves silly for the better part of the day. I only wish I’d had an underwater camera for the blue starfish and the other colorful fish I saw below the surface. There were little or no waves which made the snorkeling very easy. And the waters were very shallow for at least 100 feet from the shoreline, therefore, a newbie snorkeler like myself found it very easy to enjoy the water.

Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Natalie Marletta (Romi, Recio, Natalie, Marie & Krystal)
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Natalie Marletta (Romi, Recio, Natalie, Marie & Krystal)

Our hostess Natalie Marletta, seen above, arranged this unforgettable day. Apparently it’s quite rare to be able to access this private island, but as Recio likes to say, Natalie is the First Lady of Fiji and can make things happen!  And boy did she. She gave us a day that we’ll remember for a lifetime. I so look forward to her next visit to LA so that Recio and I can return the favor. We don’t have a private island for her, but we’ve got the Polo Lounge and the Bel-Air Hotel, so we’ll see what she fancies when she arrives.

When it came time to leave the island, the Lawaki Delight had beached itself due to low tide, so an even smaller boat back took us back  to our hydrofoil. I absolutely love the shot I got of this little metal rowboat coming ashore to fetch us. It captures the serene beauty of this truly magical place. Thank you again Natalie.

Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Beqa Island, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier

 

Fly atop the Ocean with Sea Fiji Reefs

Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Recio Young & Romi Cortier, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Recio Young & Romi Cortier, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Recio Young, Natalie Marletta & Romi Cortier, Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji
Recio Young, Natalie Marletta & Romi Cortier, Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier

Sea Fiji Reefs owns this remarkable vessel called the Sea Venture, a revolutionary and innovative 35 ft glass bottom boat. Designed and manufactured in Europe, it has one of the biggest optical spheroid viewing ports available anywhere. The unique hydrofoil piercing system allows the vessel to literally fly on the surface of the water at speeds up to 40 knots. This is extremely important for people like myself who are prone to seasickness. I’m happy to report that I experienced absolutely no nausea on this excursion.

Our hostess Natalie Marletta chattered this stunning vessel to take us from the Pearl Resort to the ever chic and private Beqa Island for a day of snorkeling, beach combing, and lunch. There were easily a dozen of us onboard, and all of us had one of the most remarkable days on the ocean we’d ever had. On our return voyage back to the Pearl Resort, as the rain started to fall, we were all so happy to enjoy the balmy breeze blowing through our hair as we savored the moody afternoon skies. I felt like a 12 year old having the time of my life, forever changed by the exquisite beauty of this experience.

One of the things about a a vessel like this is that the glass bottom must be protected, therefore, we were ferried to the shores edge by a much smaller boat. It required two trips for all of our passengers, and was so completely fantastic as far as the overall experience.

Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier
Sea Fiji Reefs, Fiji, Photo Romi Cortier

If you’re visiting Fiji in the near feature, you must consider chartering the Sea Venture. It just might be one of the finest ocean experiences of your life. Thank you again Natalie for making this a magical day for all of us.

SeaFijiReefs.com