Sonaisali Island Resort in Fiji

Attention green travelers! I just returned from a week in Fiji (compliments of Tourism Fiji) and stayed at one of the most amazing eco-friendly resorts. You wouldn't even know that the Sonaisali Island Resort in Fiji was a "green hotel," unless I told you. There is no compromise in comfort at all. In fact, you might think just the opposite!

The Sonaisali Island Resort offers 5-star luxury with a low environmental impact. Not only is it one of the greenest places to stay in Fiji, but the resort is continuing to explore and implement additional eco-friendly practices.

The smallest details at Sonaisali Island Resort are addressed with the Earth in mind. I played paintball with a few fellow travel bloggers during my visit and get this - even the paint used is biodegradable! And, if you choose to have your wedding or other special event at the resort, locally-grown, native plants are available for décor.

Sure, traveling usually includes a carbon footprint.  Why not minimize yours at the Sonaisali Island Resort in Fiji?

• All rooms include energy saving light bulbs
• All rooms have low-flow shower heads
• All plants for landscaping and décor are grown on-site
• All landscaping consists of native plants
• Biodegradable housekeeping products
• Biodegradable guest bath products
• Guests can choose linen re-use instead of laundry every day
• All guest trash is sorted to remove recyclables
• Metals and plastics are sent off island for recycling
  
• Guest linens are hung to dry on clotheslines during sunny weather
• Garden beds are mulched with coconut husks to minimize water loss/evaporation
• No domestic vehicles are permitted on the island to minimize noise, dust and pollution
• Staff cups and mugs are used instead of plastic or paper
• Tree maintenance program
• Energy saving key system in guest rooms that automatically turn power off when guests are not in the room
• Weed control program uses extremely diluted spray (1:100) to reduce ground water contamination
• Green litter/trash and food scraps are composted daily
• Louvered windows with flyscreens allow for natural air flow and reduce A/C demands
  

Sonaisali Island Resort was my last stay in Fiji after a week visiting the islands to research and write about eco-friendly resorts and practices. Ah, if only it was my first stop!

I took a short boat ride across the lagoon from Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. Sonaisali Island is only about half an hour from the Nadi international Airport, which makes it very convenient for travelers.

When I checked in, a delicious non-alcoholic tropic drink was waiting for me.  The staff were friendly and accommodating, showing me to my room and demonstrating how the card keys work.

All of the rooms at Sonaisali Island Resort are beachfront or ocean-view. There are rooms that are like hotel rooms, and individual burés, as well. For larger groups and families, choose one of the three Beachfront Family Bures that have two bedrooms, full bathroom, large separate lounge area and expansive deck with views of the ocean.

Speaking of families, travelers with young children will enjoy having the opportunity to sign up their children for Kids Club, during the day, 7 days a week. For only $10 per child per day, your kids ages 4-12 will be entertained from 9-9! Babysitting or Nanny Service is also available on request.

Perhaps the best part of your stay at Sonaisali Island Resort - the food! A full breakfast buffet in the morning includes coffee, tea, rolls, yogurt, eggs, bacon and a variety of locally grown tropical fruits. I enjoyed a fantastic Indian curry buffet in the evening, too. Happy Hour foods are yummy and filling, including individual pizzas and tasty bruchetta.

There are so many things to do when you visit Sonaisali Island! I enjoyed horseback riding, paintball, swimming and the wonderful food!

Visitors should check with the activities desk at check-in. You could also go jet-skiing, take a harbor cruise, fish, scuba dive, snorkel, surf or go dolphin watching.

In the evening, be sure to check out one of many entertainment options. Watch a Fijian fire-walking ceremony, an Indian belly dancer, or frog hopping races. Don't forget Sunset Happy Hour each day.

Free activities at Sonaisali Island Resort include:

• Fijian Meke Cultural Performance
• Bula Tale Cultural Performance
• Fijian Coconut Leaf Weaving
• Fijian Cooking Demonstration
• Fijian Story Telling
• Learn to Speak Fijian
• Herbal Medicine Tour
• Children's Hostess / Children's Activities
• Sulu Tying Demonstration
• Coconut Tree Climbing
• Fish Feeding
• SCUBA Pool Splash
• Day / Night Tennis
• Canoeing
• Windsurfing
• Bumblebees - Water bikes
• Catamaran Sailing
• Volleyball

The island nation of Fiji is often called "The Jewel of the Pacific." Its a short 4-hour flight from Sydney, Australia, or only 3 hours from Auckland, New Zealand. My direct flight was 10 hours from Los Angeles. I slept on the plane and woke up to almost the same time zone as the West Coast of the United States... plus a day! Fiji is just across the International Date Line, and is in the Southern Hemisphere.

Fiji consists of 333 Islands with a total land area of 18,345 square kilometres scattered across the Pacific Ocean (Latitude: 12° - 21° S Longitude: 176° E- 178° W). Only about 100 of the islands are inhabited.

English is spoken in Fiji, as well as Fijian and Hindi. The currency is the Fijian Dollar. Climate is warm and tropical year-round, with the rainy season from November through April.

Green is just the beginning at Sonaisali Island Resort! Even though the green hotel is already taking many steps to maximize recycling, minimize waste and put every item it finds to good use, the property has an environmental initiative wish-list for the future.

Stay tuned for more information when these environmental projects are implemented:

• Conversion of chlorine pool to salt water
• Participation in EarthHour 2011, turning off all lights for 1 hour to conserve energy
• Worm farming
• Chemical-free housekeeping
• Water storage
• Gray-water tanks that allow rainwater to be used for toilet flushing
• Solar and wind farms
• Solar hot water heating
  

Did you enjoy this article? If so, please leave me a comment below and tell me what you liked best!

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