Vomo Newsletter
Contact
PHONE: +679 666 7955
FAX: +679 666 7997
EMAIL: sales@vomo.com.fj
ADDRESS:
Vomo Island Resort
PO Box 5650
Lautoka
Fiji Islands
Fancy a fish? These amazing Giant Trevally’s were caught just off Vomo by a guest out for a few hours in our tender with the activities crew in April. Looks at those grins! Caught on different days we think they are damn impressive at over 35kg. Well done!
The waters around Vomo are abound with GT’s, Spanish Mackerel (Walu) and even game fish. Our guests can head off fishing twice a day for a few hours or for a half or full day excursion. Whilst we can’t guarantee a catch, the probability is very high!
Since visiting Vomo for the first time in 2008, Nicola Alpe has gone from overawed guest to the person in charge of bringing Vomo to the public. Having celebrated birthdays, an engagement and a wedding on Vomo she is well qualified to extoll all the amazing aspects and secrets of the island.
How long have you been a part of the Vomo family? Three and a half years. Time flies!
Your position held? Marketing Manager / relaxed and appreciative guest.
Why do you enjoy being involved with Vomo? Let’s just say when I’m on Vomo, it’s a pretty amazing office! That and the fact that being personally acquainted with the staff, all 110 of them makes me smile as they are so warm hearted.
What is your favourite thing to do on Vomo unrelated to work? I love climbing Mt Vomo a few times before breakfast, my husband and I always make sure we have a Vomo Lailai picnic and I love spending time being pampered in the spa. It’s work you know!
What makes Vomo’s guests so memorable? Making connections with really interesting and genuine people who are in such a positive frame of mind is fantastic.
What is your favourite memory of your time on Vomo so far? Walking down to The Rocks beach, locking eyes with my now husband and seeing all of our friends and family there supporting us in such a special place for us.
Vomo is many people’s dream destination. What is your dream holiday destination and who would you go with? Anywhere as long as there is Champagne, my kindle and my husband! My next holiday is learning to ski – not sure yet if that will be a dream!
What do you think are the top must do’s on Vomo? A Vomo Lailai picnic, making it to the top of Mt Vomo, drinking Champagne at The Rocks (at any time of day, and actually anywhere on the island) and right now I’m really enjoying channelling Jen Aniston on the stand up paddle boards (effectiveness is debatable!).
Privately owned by a small group of New Zealanders living in New Zealand and abroad, one of Vomo’s owners and Chairman, Chris Alpe has been bitten by the Vomo bug in recent years. Involved in tourism in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the USA, its only natural that a gorgeous property such as Vomo would make it into his portfolio.
How long have you been a part of the Vomo family? Since 2002.
Your position held? Chairman / Shareholder.
Why do you enjoy being involved with Vomo? Because what we do can make a difference to the resort and our guests.
What is your favourite thing to do on Vomo unrelated to work? Drifting through the days and having the time slip by, marked by events such as climbing Mt Vomo each morning and having a sunset cocktail at the Rocks in the evening.
What makes Vomo’s guests so memorable? Seeing them being embraced by the staff and embracing the Fijian way in return.
What is your favourite memory of your time on Vomo so far? The day I married my wife at The Rocks in 2011 surrounded by an island full of our friends and family.
What is your dream holiday destination and who would you go with? Salmon fishing in Alaska with my wife. Although chances are she’ll be reading whilst I fish!
Describe Vomo in three words? Welcoming, relaxing, revitalising.
What do you think are the top must do’s on Vomo? Climb Mt Vomo, visit Vomo Lailai, experience The Rocks at sunset.
Some of our guests say there is just the right amount of nothing to do on Vomo whilst others say there is so much to do they need more days on the island to get through all the activities! Either way about it, the Activities staff do a wonderful job and as this image shows, they are always ready for guests keen to head out onto the water. Vx
Assistant Resort Manager Toni-Maree Milgate is as much a part of life on Vomo as a tropical cocktail is. A tireless behind the scenes worker, Toni-Maree is synonymous with meticulous organisation, flowing maxi dresses and an unflappable nature. In charge of many aspects of the Vomo experience including functions and wedding planner, sales and the kids club, she lives on the island with her family; General Manager Wayne and their two children.
How long have you been a part of the Vomo family? Almost five years.
Your position held? Assistant Resort Manager.
Why is Vomo such a great place to work? Being so removed from the hustle and bustle of what everyday routine brings to most allows you to appreciate taking your time to eat breakfast in the morning and look at the stars at night.
What is your favourite thing to do on Vomo unrelated to work? Having a freshly cooked breakfast and freshly squeezed juice without having had to buy any ingredients at the supermarket, load it into the car, pack it in the cupboard, prepare it, clean up or throw it away!
What makes Vomo’s guests so memorable? Hearing about their road through life and the countries they have travelled to.
What is your favourite memory of your time on Vomo so far? The Fijian welcoming ceremony the staff gave our daughter Siena when we first brought her to the island.
Vomo is many people’s dream destination. What is your dream holiday destination and who would you go with? Disneyland with Wayne and the kids.
Describe Vomo in three words? You’ll never leave.
What do you think are the top must do’s on Vomo? Helicopter arrival, private dinner and a Vomo Lailai picnic.
The best thing about an evening sipping cocktails at The Rocks is that every evening is different. This one is no exception. After a rain shower the pale light was almost surreal and made the already clear water quite remarkable. One of our guests took this picture, looking out to the Yasawa Islands from The Rocks. Vx
One of the aspects of Vomo life guests are fascinated by is what is it like not only to work for Vomo, but to be living in such an idyllic place. Whilst our Fijian staff are transferred back to the mainland for their days off, our Executive Chef, Engineer, General Managers and their families are here 24/7. We caught up with a few of our managers to find out what makes Vomo such a unique and enjoyable place to work and live.
Since joining the Vomo family in 2010, our Executive Chef Geoffrey Crabbe has become firmly entrenched in the Vomo way of life and the Vomo culture. Hailing from South Africa via New Zealand, Geoffrey has brought many new practices and ideas to the Vomo kitchen and his team have fourished under his tutelage and leadership. A keen diver and reluctant early riser, Geoffrey is trying to make the most of being in such an idyllic spot – when he finds the time!
How long have you been a part of the Vomo family? 17-months.
Your position held? Executive Chef.
Why is Vomo such a great place to work? It’s relaxed, there are no pretenses and I have plenty of freedom to create.
What is your favourite thing to do on Vomo unrelated to work? Go to the beach – I don’t get much time to do anything else!
What makes Vomo’s guests so memorable? They are always so nice and pleasant to be around.
What is your favourite memory of your time on Vomo so far? Meeting the owners of Weta Workshop.
Vomo is many people’s dream destination. What is your dream holiday destination and who would you go with? A road trip through the US, Canada and South America with my girlfriend and my brother.
Describe Vomo in three words? Relaxation, cocktails, beach.
What do you think are the top must do’s on Vomo? A Vomo Lailai picnic, diving and visiting the Rocks Bar at sunset.
After what can only be described as a shocking week weather-wise we are happy to say that Vomo is drying out and we are looking forward to many more days just like this. This shot was taken only recently looking to the Mamanuca side of the island from just past the golf course.
We thank you for checking in with us to make sure we were okay during the bead weather. Our thoughts are with our staff and their families as they get their homes and businesses back on track.
We wish you and your families a very Happy Easter. Travel safely, rest and rejuvenate.
Vx
Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Daphne is now sitting 900km south of Fiji and poses no direct threat to Fiji, or Vomo. Strong winds and rain will ease later in the day (Tuesday) and overnight.
Despite lots of rain and some strong winds, Vomo and it’s staff and guests are safe and we have not sustained any damage to the island, resort or infrastructure.
The outlook is that the skies will clear and Easter weekend will see clear skies and fine weather.