In the heart of the South Pacific, beneath southern skies,
lies the island
paradise
of Fiji. If you travel to dive, eat fine food, bask in the sun, or simply to
relax in a tropical paradise, Marlin Bay Resort, on the unspoiled island of
Beqa, is what you're looking for. This secluded island has been blessed by
nature with the perfect conditions for scuba diving. It is surrounded by one of
the world’s largest barrier reefs, providing hundreds of unique dives within
minutes. Enjoy year-round warm water, and a variety of coral, fish, and sponges
that you won't find anywhere else.
Surrounded by over 190 miles of spectacular coral, diving at
Beqa Lagoon is like exploring another world. The water is clear and warm,
visibility is typically over 100 feet, currents are mild, and the water
temperature stays a fairly constant 80. Many of the most spectacular dive
sights are only a few minutes from shore, and if you stayed long enough, you
could explore over 100 different sights!
The
village chiefs have given permission to only a few resorts to dive in these
waters and Marlin Bay, of course, was the first. It is not unusual to see only
one other dive boat the entire week. The Dive Masters at Marlin Bay have been
diving in these waters since they were children and are some of the most caring
people you’ll ever meet. They know every reef and coral head, and if you stick
close by, they'll show you where all the most intriguing creatures hide. Blue
Ribbon Eels, Clown Triggers, Lion Fish, Leaf Scorpions, Reef Sharks and
millions of colorful Anthias and Fusiliers all abound in these waters. Who
knows, you might even catch a local dive guide singing to and conducting a
large school of rabbit fish, regulator in hand. You’ll swear that those fish
are dancing to his music.
Marlin
Bay's private bures (villas) are large and luxurious. Tucked in the coconut
trees just a few yards back from the beach, each bure is elegantly furnished
with rattan, bamboo and decorated with colorful splashes of fabric and works of
art. Every bure is a mini-suite with a spectacular marble lined bath, a king
poster bed and a sitting room with one twin bed and settee. Every front porch
has a table, lounge chairs and a beautiful view; and if you walk a few feet in
any direction, you can find a cozy hammock to hunker down in with your a
favorite book or companion.
Meals are
hearty, healthy, served hot (sometimes spicy) and extremely satisfying. The
presentation is always beautiful, and the open air Bure Kalou (dining room) is
scenic and refreshing. A new meal always seems to appear before hunger has a
chance to wrest too strong a hold on you. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails begin at
about dusk, and dinner is served by candlelight. You’ll be surprised at how
much you’ll enjoy the company of the many international guests, but if you
like, you can have the chef arrange a private meal for the two of you in your
bure or on the beach. Whatever you do, don't miss dessert! Laniana makes the
smoothest, most heavenly double chocolate mousse tower that you’ll ever taste!
On any given
week, just a few feet from the Bure Kalou, the guests of Marlin Bay have the
exclusive privilege of witnessing the sacred fire walking ceremony. Early in
the day, young men from the neighboring village carry large branches to the
resort and build an enormous bonfire underneath a pile of stones. After burning
in a bonfire for 12 hours, the stones reach temperatures of over 1200 degrees.
When the fire is low and the stones are glowing red, the warriors reappear in
ceremonial dress. The eldest begins a deep resonant chant, and slowly, one by
one, the very young to the very old walk carefully across the scalding stones.