By Una Murray

Guests at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji were filled with anticipation and excitement, as they waited to ring in the New Year — Fijian style! Guests started the evening with dinner at one of our four restaurants, each providing a different and exciting menu: an amazing buffet at the Vale Ni Kana, tasty Aussie-style BBQ at Baravi Bar, exquisite fine dining at Ivi Restaurant, and mouthwatering wood-fire pizzas at the Sundowner Bar.

Guests enjoyed various multi-cultural Pacific dance, including Fijian fire-dancing, before the beating of the Lali (Fijian beating drum), signaling the final moments of 2009. Guests then gathered on the Baravi lawn, where Activities Manager Kini Sarai started the count down at 11:58 p.m. At midnight, a sign lit up the sky with the greeting “WELCOME 2010,” and thousands of balloons were released, as the staff led guests in the Tui Boto (Snake Dance). Guests then made their way to Vakavanua Lounge to dance the night away to the sounds of the live band, Sneak Preview.

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Tikaram, Lady Mavis Ah Koy, Chief Butler Viniana Vuibau, and Sir Jim Ah Koy

The Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji was honored to host two very special guests during the Christmas and New Year holidays, Sir Jim Ah Koy, Fiji’s Ambassador to China, and his wife Mavis. They said they were very impressed with all the resort has to offer, including the outstanding service, the friendliness of the employees, and the beautiful Bula smiles around every corner. Lady Mavis was especially excited about her treatments at the Bebe Sanctuary and the amazing butler service they experienced. They said they will definitely return to the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji on their next visit.