Sep 11, 2008

Fiji forums: Anybody ever been to Kadavu? - TripAdvisor

Fiji Islands
Joined: Apr 2005
Forum posts: 673
Travel map pins: 70

"BULA from Fiji -

Three cheers for Matava! It's a wonderful Eco Resort. Best things to do:

Snorkel by kayak

Kayak to a village (you can even spend the night in the village and kayak back for a unique native experience)

Do a waterfall trek

Visit the small, uninhabited outer island for sandy beaches and snorkeling

Go deep sea fishing for a day

Vist the villagers

Take a "resort course" - it just takes a couple of hours, then you can dive while you are there!

Most of all, enjoy this rugged, unique island and the wonderful people from Matava. You will probably hear back from Richard, who normally answers their emails. Tell all of them (Richard, Jeannie, or Adrian) that Susan from Fiji highly recommends Matava!"



Fiji forums: Anybody ever been to Kadavu? - TripAdvisor

Sep 8, 2008

Traveler Reviews - Thank you for an amazing stay - TripAdvisor

“Thank you for an amazing stay”

Matava - The Astrolabe Hideaway

5 of 5 stars
Regina, Saskatchewan
Mar 28, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

This was a truely wonderful place to stay. We were not divers, we are eco junkies, and we found plenty to do. The hiking in the rainforest to the waterfall; to see the Fijian Children scaling cliffs and jumping into the cold freshwater was a blast. The medicine man tour. Talking to the locals about their culture. Kava nights with the Fijians. Canoeing around the resort. Some people did a night in the local village, others hung out and relaxed. We also experienced a Lovo (Fijian underground cooking)

Matava did not have a beach, but it was a short snorkel over the beautiful house reef, or canoe to the Island Waya to spend the day on the white sand beach. While on Waya, climb the Island peek to get amazing views of Kadavu, Matava Resort and the most beautiful Astrolabe reef.

Snorkling trips for 25 dollars for 2-3 hours.....WOW, I can not tell you how beautiful the corals are. The staff made sure you were safe, and kept a keen eye on you. The coral is undescribable. I think it may put the Great Barrier to shame. So Divers...this is the place for you! (Manta Rays, Sharks, corals, etc)

The staff and food is acceptional. The staff took time for us, and made sure we were taken care of. If you go; you will enjoy wonderful cooking from the kitchen ladies, and I challenge anyone to shave some coconuts. Maggie is an amazing host, and will make your stay that much better.

Accommodations are state of the Art. They are clean, well taken care of. The sheets are changed every 3 days. Oh and there is hot showers...a plus for the tropics.

Please remember before you go, that Kadavu Island is not very developed and you are in the middle of no where with limited power. It takes 45 min by boat from the airport to get you to the resort. (No Roads) Pack mosquito spray, and a flashlight. Bring extra batteries for your camera, and huge memory card. Participate and ask questions to the locals as they love to share their culture. We met many people from all over the world, and we will never forgot this place and the people that have touched our lives. You soon understand what is means to be on "Fiji Time."

Ian Faye
Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ianmfaye's Summary
Date of Stay: February 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Hobbies / interest / culture
Age group: 25-34
Member since: March 28, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure


Kadavu Island: Matava - The Astrolabe Hideaway - Traveler Reviews - Thank you for an amazing stay - TripAdvisor