Fiji Matai Specialist & Romance Travel Expert

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Cindi Sanden, Travel Agent in Soddy Daisy, TN

Cindi Sanden

Soddy Daisy, TN Travel Agent
Super Agent

Cindi Sanden

Soddy Daisy, TN · 11 Years of Experience

An independent agent with AWAKEN TRAVELS, LLC, , a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
4.8
(23)
100% Recommended
The arrangements were very well organized and made the trip and wedding relaxed for all the travel and event. Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Itineraries
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Fiji, Tokoriki Island, Savusavu, Matangi Island, Castaway

Interests:

Bespoke Travel, Couples & Romance, Beach Vacations, Adult Only, Luxury

Suppliers:

Pleasant Holidays, Classic Vacations, Paul Gauguin, Inclusive Collection – World of Hyatt, Oceania Cruises

About Me

Fiji Island Paradise
Fiji Island Paradise

With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, I am the owner and manager of Awaken Travels, a full-service travel agency dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys. My passion for travel has taken me around the world, but nowhere has captured my heart quite like Fiji. As a certified Fiji Matai Specialist, I possess in-depth knowledge of this South Pacific paradise, enabling me to create bespoke travel experiences that showcase the very best of what Fiji has to offer.

Fiji is an archipelago of over 330 islands, each with its own unique charm and beauty. From the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu to the secluded beaches of the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands, Fiji promises adventure, relaxation, and romance. The islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a dream destination for travelers seeking an idyllic getaway.

I learned to scuba dive in Fiji's pristine waters, an experience that opened up an entirely new world beneath the waves. Snorkeling and diving in Fiji offer encounters with vibrant soft corals, a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and playful octopi. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, I can arrange excursions that match your skill level and interests.

As a romance travel expert, I specialize in crafting perfect honeymoons, destination weddings, and couples' retreats. Fiji's overwater bungalows, private beachfront villas, and luxury resorts provide the ideal backdrop for romance. Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded beach at sunset, enjoying a candlelit dinner under the stars, or indulging in a couples' spa treatment overlooking the ocean. With my expertise, every romantic detail is meticulously planned and executed.

Fiji is not just about stunning landscapes; it's also rich in culture and tradition. The Fijian people are known for their warmth and hospitality, often greeting visitors with a friendly "Bula!" I can arrange for you to participate in traditional kava ceremonies, visit local villages, or enjoy a meke dance performance. These experiences offer a deeper connection to the heart and soul of Fiji, allowing you to understand and appreciate the local way of life.

For the adventurous traveler, Fiji offers a plethora of activities. From zip-lining through tropical rainforests and white-water rafting down the Navua River to surfing world-class waves at Cloudbreak, there's something for everyone. Hike to hidden waterfalls, explore ancient caves, or take a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Sigatoka River. I can customize your trip to include adrenaline-pumping activities or more laid-back explorations.

Planning a family vacation or a group getaway? Fiji's family-friendly resorts and activities make it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages. Kids can enjoy educational programs while adults relax at the spa or play a round of golf. Group activities like island-hopping cruises, snorkeling excursions, and cultural tours can be arranged to ensure everyone has an unforgettable experience.

Fiji boasts some of the world's most luxurious all-inclusive resorts, where every need is anticipated. Resorts like Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Namale Resort & Spa, and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa offer unparalleled service and amenities. Enjoy private plunge pools, personal butlers, and gourmet dining experiences. As a Fiji Matai Specialist, I have insider access to exclusive deals and packages that you won't find elsewhere.

Being a certified Fiji Matai Specialist means I have undergone extensive training provided by Tourism Fiji. This certification ensures I have the most current information on accommodations, activities, and travel logistics. My connections with local suppliers and resorts allow me to offer you unique experiences and VIP treatment throughout your stay.

At Awaken Travels, my dedicated team and I handle every aspect of your journey with precision and care. We provide personalized, seamless service—from international flights and seaplane transfers to accommodations and bespoke excursions. We take the time to understand your preferences, interests, and travel style, matching you with the best-suited agent on our team to ensure a customized experience tailored just for you.

We are committed to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. In Fiji, this means supporting locally-owned businesses, respecting cultural traditions, and preserving the natural environment. We can include eco-friendly resorts and activities in your itinerary to ensure your trip has a positive impact on the local community and environment.

Ready to start planning your dream vacation to Fiji? Whether you're seeking romance, adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, I am here to make it happen. Contact me today to begin your journey to this island paradise.

REVIEWS

Rating: 4.8
23 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 23 reviews

Thank you!
Reviewed By Dad - Happy Jack Az | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
The arrangements were very well organized and made the trip and wedding relaxed for all the travel and event.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
17 of 22 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
She Took Care Of Everything
Reviewed By Sean - Chandler, AZ | Traveled to
We wanted to go to an All Inclusive - Adult Only - Resort in Jamaica. Way too many options for a non traveler like me to know what is good & real vs. a touristy rip off. Not only did she show us the "Good Places"... But she got EVERYTHING lined up. She got us freebies, and discounts, and most importantly: She monitored our travel. We were never "alone" during our transition into and then out of complete and total relaxation! Well done Cindi!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
30 of 53 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
My Key to a Great Vacation
Reviewed By No Nickname - Arizona | Traveled to
I am a do-it-yourselfer but that no longer applies to my vacation plans. After spending over a week trying to find a workable combination of airfare, hotel, car and Disney Land tickets I finally cried uncle and set out to find a travel agent. I reached out to 10 agents and no one came near the responsiveness and understanding of exactly what I was looking for except for Cindi Sanden at Awaken Travels. Cindi gave me many opportunities and wound up saving me over $1,200 (in addition to a lot of headaches) for my trip. She is now my one and only travel agent. I will never try to do it on my own again with her in my corner!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
32 of 60 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Bucket List
Reviewed By Jacque - Gilbert, AZ | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
Cindi helped our family plan several bucket list trips this year due to a medical diagnosis. She was/is always very attentive to our needs and makes sure that each of our vacations are truly once in a lifetime memorable. Cindi's level of customer service is impeccable!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
29 of 55 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Honeymoon to Jamaica
Reviewed By Stacie - Virginia | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Cindi was very responsive and helpful. She helped us plan our honeymoon to Jamaica. The only down fall from the trip was not having seat assignments together on the flights.
Cindi Sanden responded
"Thank you so much for taking the time to review our services Stacie. I am sorry to hear you were disappointed that you were unable to sit together on your flight. Because of your budget for the trip your reservation was for Basic Economy Flights and unfortunately when you book these budget flights you are unable to pre-select your seats. It was my true pleasure helping you plan your Honeymoon to Jamaica and I wish you joy and happiness in your marriage and life. "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
18 of 34 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
Fiji Matai Specialist
Tourism Fiji Certified
CTA - Certified Travel Advisor

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

20th Anniversary Trip of a Lifetime
Thank you, Cindi and Awaken Travels! Cindi helped my husband and me plan our 20th wedding anniversary trip and really went above and beyond for us. From sending us a little gift before we left to having perfectly planned and printed itineraries for us so that we got to do all the things we had planned for. Thank you, Cindi and Awaken Travels, for a very memorable, fun, and stress-free experience from start to finish! We recommend them to EVERYONE!
Katie E.
Fiji Honeymoon and 50th Birthday
Cindi met with us at our earliest convenience and discussed what we were looking for. She had just returned from a trip to resorts in Fiji. She worked with us to iron out all the details — flights, coach transfers, boat transfers, resort stays, meal plans, and special occasions. It was our honeymoon and my 50th birthday in one trip, so she arranged champagne, a birthday cake, and a message in our room. Very nice. She followed up afterwards. I could not have asked for anything more. She provided a full itinerary before the trip and arranged for any changes to seats on the airlines. Use Awaken Travels for your next vacation!
Mark P.
Anniversary in St. Lucia with $4,000 Upgrade
Cindi was great to work with. She planned our 10-year anniversary trip to St. Lucia. We priced it out prior to contacting agents and not only did she beat our best price, she was very thorough and thoughtful. We stayed at Jade Mountain for a few nights and Cindi wrote a personal letter to the GM of the hotel explaining our trip and requesting them to take care of us. When we arrived, we learned that we were upgraded to one of their expansive pool suites — basically a $4,000 upgrade. Thank you, Cindi, for all the help!
Gabriel T.
Saved Over $1,200 on Family Trip
I am a do-it-yourselfer but that no longer applies to my vacation plans. After spending over a week trying to find a workable combination of airfare, hotel, car and Disneyland tickets, I finally cried uncle and set out to find a travel agent. I reached out to 10 agents and no one came near the responsiveness and understanding of exactly what I was looking for except for Cindi Sanden at Awaken Travels. Cindi gave me many opportunities and wound up saving me over $1,200 — in addition to a lot of headaches — for my trip. She is now my one and only travel agent. I will never try to do it on my own again with her in my corner!
Sue W.
Best Vacation Ever in Cabo
Cindi was amazing at helping us plan our trip to Cabo. I provided her a list of what was most important to us — an all inclusive, incredible food, great beach walks, pampering, adults only, entertainment, and our list went on. She nailed it perfectly! Our trip was everything we asked for and more. She truly took our desires, upped them a notch, and created what my husband is calling the best vacation he has had. We have had some pretty amazing vacations too! We received nice touches along the way, such as a personalized passport holder and luggage tag. It took all the stress out of the planning part and only increased the enjoyment.
Lee
First International Trip to Costa Rica
Cindi planned the perfect getaway to Costa Rica for us! Leading up to the trip, she kept us well-informed with weekly emails full of helpful tips — what to pack, what to wear, how to get around, and more. Her familiarity with the destination made a big difference, and her insights on the tours we selected were spot on. Our accommodations were absolutely flawless. As my first international trip, it truly could not have been better. Thank you, Cindi — we cannot wait to plan another adventure with you soon!
Peggi H.
Bora Bora Family Adventure
We had the pleasure of working with Cindi from Awaken Travels on our recent Bora Bora adventure. Cindi was incredible — from the flights and transfers to the exact bungalow we wanted, she took care of everything. She was patient as our family of four debated excursions, knowing exactly what would work for us. She booked an amazing spa day and made sure our kids could enjoy it too. Her correspondence is incredibly prompt — no question went unanswered, and being new to international travel, no question was ever unimportant. Even while on her own European vacation, Cindi made it clear she was always just a phone call away. Cindi made the whole process fun, enjoyable, and completely stress free. We highly recommend Awaken Travels!
Nicki R.
European Dream: France and Italy
Every detail was meticulously planned and communicated to us via email or text in a timely manner, which was so important to us. This was evident both before and during the trip. From transportation, lodging, restaurants and tours, Cindi has a wide network of resources and each experience was terrific. We spent two weeks traveling through parts of France and Italy experiencing everything from culture and history to shopping, dining and some R&R too. The hotels she recommended all exceeded our expectations and the staff at each could not have been more accommodating. We were so impressed with everything they did for us and cannot wait for Cindi to help plan our next big vacation!
David R.
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