TURTLE TALES

© Sally Hammond

 

The small six-seater seaplane noisily circles the coral-edged sands, spiraling down to those predictably peacock coloured waters. Yet even as we splash down, perfect South Seas harmonies are audible. As the plane's door opens there they are: a dozen staff, bright leis in their arms, wading out to us, their smiles as wide and white and sparkling as the beach.

Welcome to Turtle Island!

As we are helped into calf-deep water, warm as a baby's bath, one dark Fijian hand drapes me in flowers, another passes a tall glass of punch, garnished just as much as I am it seems, and we wade ashore. Sipping it, we are gently propelled along the beach, sandals in hand, to our bure overlooking those same waters.

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This article continues to describe the romantic feel of this South Seas island information on accommodation provided, local food and cuisine, things to do and see.

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(finishes…)

 We spent a week on Turtle Island. Well, six nights, actually. 

It was not enough, of course. But a dose of relaxation and romance certainly goes a long way to recharging those emotional batteries. Of course we felt we had to buy the cassette of Fijian songs that the girl left playing for us each day after she had finished cleaning our bure.

 Now when I listen to it, I feel the cool floorboards under my bare feet again, and smell coconut oil. And sometimes, too, I swear I can hear the splash of waves on a deserted beach.

©Sally Hammond 2006

(Sally and Gordon Hammond travelled as guests of Turtle Island)

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