I've been to Paradise . . .

Fiji was paradise. The most relaxing holiday I have ever had and the very best time with The Princess.

It was magical from the moment we arrived at Nadi Airport where we were greeted by Rosie Tours who welcomed us to beautiful Fiji with Bula (hello) Beads as seen here, modelled by The Princess.

We stayed at the Raddison Resort on Denarau Island which just out of Nadi. Our suite had the most glorious views, this photo is taken from our balcony looking down to the ocean, the restaurants and the pool areas.

The suite was large and quite luxurious. It was beautifully appointed with everything one could need or want including laundry facilities and full cooking facilities, if one so desired to cook. I DIDN'T!!!!!

We had only just arrived and The Princess opened her case and had strewn her belongings everywhere. Home away from home!!!!!!

I loved the bathroom with its twin basins, phone beside the toilet, big tub and separate shower. The Princess and I would take a big bubble bath every night before going to dinner.

Babes had to go to work every day.

It was a tough life for The Princess and I. We would wander down to the restaurant for breakfast. We ate beautiful fresh tropical fruits each morning. After breakfast we would go back to our suite, watch a few cartoons before changing into swim wear for a hard day at the pool.

It was so hot and humid, we spent all day, every day in the pool. You can see the pool bar in the background. We would swim over to sit half submerged in the water, sip on lemonade, champagne or cocktails, order lunch and swim to our deck loungers to eat lunch before slivering back into the pool. Ordering food and drinks was the most taxing thing I had to do each day!!!!!

I would dress The Princess and I up all nice to go to dinner each night. Here we are in the Orchid Bar of our hotel having pre dinner cocktails.

The Princess would pick tropical flowers that had fallen to the ground for our hair each night. All of us including Babes would have a flower!!!! The Princess also discovered toothpicks and became obsessed with them!!!!!!

I love cooking, however I really loved not cooking for a week. We ate in at the hotel each night as Babes would be tired from working. The hotel restaurants catered for all tastes, pizza for The Princess and Babes . . .

and for those with slightly more discerning tastes, such as myself meals like this.

I thought of you Natasha as I had a cocktail . . .

or two!!!!!!

Not to mention the champagne I drank with my lunch, dinner etc.

This was left in our suite one day, compliments of Babes boss. Nice, thank you very much.

Fiji has the most beautiful skies. Clear blue during the day and glorious sunsets at night.

On our very last day we went on a boat cruise. Denarau Island has a busy marina, the scene for the day set by this group of Fijian's playing guitars and singing. The Fijians, as with most Polynesian people are very musical, they have beautiful singing voices. They also have warm and happy personalities.

We boarded this nice big catamaran and 30 minutes later . . .

we arrived here at South Sea Island, a beautiful coral atoll.

This really was paradise, Babes and I snorkeled, we saw the most incredible coloured schools of tropical fish and coral, I really wish I had an underwater camera.

While Babes snorkeled on his own The Princess and I sat at the waters edge and watched in fascination as tiny tropical fish swam at our feet.

We then relaxed in the sun before being treated to a yummy open air Barbecue Buffet lunch.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect holiday.

The next morning we were up at 4am to catch our flight back to Auckland. I was devastated to be leaving my luxury resort and to return to reality.

It wasn't 'Heaven on a Stick' it was 'Heaven on a Whopping Great Pole'!!!!!