Mike Brown at the Fairmont Kea Lani

Aloha,
If you are going to do your Birthday in style then you have to add the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii as your next Birthday Destination. I just celebrated my, ahem, 50th going on 29 again, Birthday last weekend at the Fairmont here on Maui and I was treated like a Rock Star. The kind staff upgraded me to a Kilohana Suite. These are located Oceanfront at the end of the Wings. They are at elevation, so have amazing panoramic views of offshore Islands and the Sunset. From Dec-Apr, when the whales are here, this is a perfect vantage point for watching the whales cavorting out of the water in the warm tropical Maui waters. The Kilohana Suite is equipped with a powerful set of binoculars and there are many lookout spots on the huge wraparound balcony of these Suites. An amazing property for honeymoons, weddings and family vacations.

The Suite itself is very spacious. Separate Bedroom with access to the Balcony. Balcony has plenty of deck furniture for lounging. Living room has a wraparound glass wall to take in the incredible view. Living Room also has a large screen TV with Bose sound system , gaming equipment, and wireless Internet. Internet is free if you join the Fairmont Presidents Club ... which is also free. Self Parking is free, there is no "Resort Fee". 24 Hour Fitness Center in the Resort is Free, Wallstreet Journal or local paper was delivered to my Suite every morning.

These things can add up to big savings when you take in overall cost of a Resort Experience. The Kilohana Suite just like the other Rooms at the Fairmont Kea Lani, has a large marble Bathroom with large soaking tub, his and hers sinks and a separate shower from the bathtub. The Suite has a mini-fridge and a microwave. For me, the best part was that it came with - a beautiful white chocolate and raspberry Birthday cake, nice '06 Red, box of chocolates and a discount coupon for their luxurious Resort Spa :)

Hmm wonder what you may get on Your next Birthday here :) :)


Aloha,
Mike
800-256-4280 ext.109

Kaanapali Alii with Mike Brown

Aloha,
What another gorgeous day it is here on Maui. Just back from staying and experiencing the beautiful Kaanapali Alii for 2 nights with my 2 kids. Wow, I could not believe how awesome the Alii Rooms are furnished. With a Full Kitchen , washer/dryer, huge balcony, nice living room and 2 bathrooms , one with a bathtub in it. Parking was free, but you do have to pay for Internet connection.

Best part for me was to see how huge the front Beach has grown, This has to one of the best stretches of sand on Maui!! Pool was fun enough for the kids. They have 2 pools. The Other is for quiet people :) They also have 2 jacuzzis and a large BBQ Social area a 2 big flat screens in operation by the pool. No Liquor Outlet at this Condo Resort though, so BYO by the Pool. You can order food to be delivered by the Westin next door , but you pay a lot for delivery and min order is $35 before 20% tip is added. But you can always stock up yourself with supplies on the way to the Condo no probs. I loved the Alii best as the condos were exquisitely furnished and the Beach has to be one of the best in the World !!!!!

Mahalo Kaanapali Alii,
Mike
213-784-6129

Mike Brown Fiji Reviews

Aloha and Bula Bula , Hope you all are having a wonderful 2010.

I just returned from my latest foray to the fabulous Fiji Islands. I visited some wonderful Resorts and attended a very positive Tourism Conference. I must say right off the bat that the Exchange Rate continues to be a very positive reason to go to Fiji. The US Dollar really goes a long way to give you much more bang for your buck!

Fiji is among the top 15 best rated countries for American travelers during the current recession in the US financial market. This has resulted in a 26% increase in US Visitors to Fiji compared to last year. Once they come back they are reporting just how amazing Fiji Islands really are.
For Instance, Mana Island Resort was recently listed by Trip Advisor readers as one of the "Top Ten Best Beaches in the World." Mana is the only Mamanuca Island resort offering all inclusive pricing - Call me for more details.

Also, The new InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa has been included in the 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Hot List, one of only three South Pacific hotels and resorts to make the definitive list of the world’s best new hotels. They offer everything from Champoinship Golf, to horseback riding on Long Beach, and even Surfing and Scuba.

More accolades are pouring in as many discover just how beautiful and friendly Fiji and its people really are... Something Melissa McCoy and all the experienced staff here have known for a long time.

So let me tell you the latest from the Resorts that I visited this time around..

Westin Resort and Spa is in Denarau, Nadi. This is the oldest "fine" hotel in Fiji, originally the Regent. Westin added all of their well known ingredients, including the Heavenly Bed, and created a unique and relaxing environment. One short night and away I went to....

Namale Resort and Spa.. I discovered a private path to a private bluff overlooking a massive blowhole. At the end of the path was a woodedn deck/platform at elevation with both a daybed , Private Dinning Table ... and SCOOP>> a big 4 person blue modern Jacuzzi Spa Tub .. You can arrange a private meal, champagne and sit in this jacuzzi and watch the Blowhole, rolling crashing waves, under the sun or stars :) Talk about Romance !! Food is awesome , Dive Shop is fully operational (did you know you get a free dive or discover Scuba dive each day included in your Tariff ?????). The many Resort Pools are serene, and there are a ton of activities available to you. Let us NOT forget, that Namale now has a 18 hole golf course (you play 9 one way and 9 the other). Golf is also included, free, in your vacation package at Namale. Best part for me was the massage in their $2.4 mill Cliff-edge Spa :)

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Again, great food and there is now more Beach sand at the resort. Diving was incredible with their Fulltime Staff Marine Biologist (he is from Hawaii). Lots of great Fish ID which I love. During this visit to the resort, I was reminded that every child 5 and under gets their own personal Nanny assigned .. for free !!! So if you come with two 5yr olds and a 4 yr old .. you get 3 Nannys assigned !!! This Resort does a wonderful job of catering to both families and Honeymooners, so couples should definitely consider this Resort a perfect destination too.

Side note .. Did you know that all Resorts in Tahiti accept children? Yes they do. A country known as a premium romance destination, opens families and kids with open arms, at all resorts. So we ask, is it that important to go to an adult only resort in Fiji? Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has found a spectacular balance for couples and families. It has so much to offer both!

Koro Sun Resort ... They just constructed a new main Reception/ dining Building. I liked their semi Overwater Bures with private pool. You can literally walk out your front door straight onto the dive boat .. 4 paces max !! Their Dive Operation is receiving the highest PADI accolades. But the best is the Rainforest Spa with a natural stream cascading past your private massage Bure .. so serene.

Sofitel Resort... has the Mandara Spa on beachfront.. Wow !
Their activities department is run by Adrenalin Fiji and they offer Hot Air Balooning, Jet Ski Safaris, Scuba, Sailing and a choice of Sport Fishing Launches. We were at this hotel for the 4 nights of our conference so I was not able to enjoy as much as usual, But as always, the friendliness of the staff, live Fijian music during your breakfast buffet, and consistently great food, makes this one my favorite Nadi resorts. Nadi is not my favorite, but Sofitel is!

Viwa Island Resort ..Brand New Adults only Escape.
This is my new best kept secret for Fiji. It is a remote Island in the Yasawas, where they get the best Fiji weather any time of year. Just 11 Bures, well spaced out with air-conditioning and large front porch. Panoramic Beach views. Perfect white sand beach , great swimming and pristine coral reef to snorkel on right off the beach in front of your Bures. I personally think this Resort is underpriced for the quality of the Bures and Resort facilities. It takes an hour to walk accross the center of the Island so it is not small. The guests that came on my boat brought their surfboard and Kite Surfing equipment and this was their second trip there already ! Full Dive Shop in operation there. I had a great massage right on my Porch. Food is good, especially their chocolate croissants with Breakfast. Viwa is offered a stay7/pay5 Special, so 7 nights in your own Bure for 2 people including Continental Breakfast is less than $2000 incl tax.
Add air from LAX and Boat transfers and you are still under $5000 total !!!

Alright, so it is no longer a secret! Lets talk, Fiji is booking up fast. In fact, is selling out MONTHS in advance. Some great values are still being offered, if we can get you in!! If you are thinking of Fiji (or Hawaii and Tahiti for that matter), now is the time to act on your desires for the vacation of your dreams. Check back soon for more pictures, which I am still going through - they'll be loaded soon.

That is all for now, call me soon, Moce Mada , Mike

Mike Brown
Direct:1-213-784-6129 or 800-256-4280 ext.109

Mike Bula Fiji 2009

Aloha And Bula from Mike!

I wanted to check in with you and hope that you had a wonderful summer!

It has been heartwarming how many of you have contacted me this past year to assist in planning another vacation, or just to say hello. I have been busy working with many Fiji Resorts working up new deals to give you more value and choice than ever before.

I love assisting you with your travel plans and look forward to helping you with your next great vacation or adventure to the South Pacific!

I have been speaking with many of you about your holiday travel. Vacations are being booked earlier and earlier, and some properties are already completely sold out for the Christmas and New Year holidays. It is never too early to begin thinking about travel during that time of year. If you are considering a Vacation during Thanksgiving or Christmas, please give me a call at 213-784-6129 so that we can discuss the options available to you. I will do my best to find availability for you at the property of your choice, by working closely with the resort management and our wholesalers on your behalf. Click here to call me on our dime I'm ext.109.

There have been some interesting developments since we last talked. Of much interest is the new flights from Honolulu direct to Samoa. Have you seen the new Survivor Series on TV?? It is set in Samoa this time and you see some awesome Island Vistas.

So all you diehard Island Fans looking for a new South Pacific Paradise... check out Sinalei Resort in Samoa - here is a video!

I know we are all looking for that extra value Special without compromising the quality of our Holiday so here is the latest upcoming specials at some of my favorite Resorts in Fiji....

Vomo Island Resort is offering a Stay7nts/Pay just for 5 in their Beachfront Villas between 10Jan2010 and 31Mar2010.

Yasawa Island Resort has a Stay9/Pay6 Special from 1Feb2010-31Mar2010

Vatulele Island Resort has a Stay7/Pay5 in their Deluxe Beach Bure (without pool) from 5Jan2010-31Mar2010

Taveuni Island Resort has a Stay7/Pay5 Special in their lovely Oceanfront Villa ( this includes beverages , own chef, on-call staff, private plunge pool, and private Beach). The panoramic view from this Villa is without Fiji parallel !!!

Taveuni Palms Resort.. stay 10 nights and receive unlimited Spa Treatments free of charge from your on staff personal masseuse.

Jean Michel Cousteau Resort.. Stay7/Pay5 in their Villa ( awarded best in South Pacific) Special is good between 11Jan 2010 and 26 March 2010

Namale Resort and Spa is offering either a Stay7/Pay5 or a Stay10/Pay7 till 31Mar2010
These Villas are also Outstanding with huge private pools.

Important News..
It now looks like Fiji will be under El Nino drought conditions early next year. Not good for Fiji, but good news for those who want sunny days :)

Thank you again for allowing me to be part of planning your dream vacations. I look forward to going to work each day and helping to plan custom dream vacations around the world! We not only sell Hawaii and the South Pacific, but worldwide cruises, Europe, Africa, Mexico, the Caribbean and more. On that Hawaii Note, This Year I have been to inspect some awesome condos and Villas right here on Maui. In fact I will be staying in the gorgeous Westin Villas this weekend here on warm sunny Maui :)

I truly enjoy finding the perfect destination for each client, and hearing all about the trip and seeing pictures upon your return! The smiles in those photos bring a smile to my face as well.

So please get with me soon to help you decide where you would like best to go in the next year or so. Look forward to hearing from you.

Mahalo, Aloha, and Bula !
Mike

Mike Brown,
Toll Free 1-800-588-3454 x109
Local 213-784-6129