Jan 29, 2010

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort Reviews and Photos, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor






Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort Reviews and Photos, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Jan 27, 2010

Dream Holiday - Done Right - TripAdvisor

This was the absolute dream holiday. The team at the Matava Resort on Kadavu are outstanding in how they ensure their practices are environmentally and socially responsible and - that their customer service is amazing. Thank you team Matava for all you do.

As very avid divers, we can report too that the diving here is sensational and again, you know it is be doing in the most environmentally responsible (and safe) way with Matava.

For our videos - see the following links.
Dream Holiday - Done Right - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Jan 25, 2010

Shark Free Marinas: Reducing worldwide shark mortality.


Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters take the leading role in the world with a major shark conservation initiative in the gamefishing community.

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 14 July 2009 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters are proud to take a world wide leading role in the the international Shark-Free Marina Initiative.

The international Shark-Free Marina Initiative works with marinas, boaters and fishermen to develop policy designed to protect a vital component of the oceans health, our sharks.

Matava Director Stuart Gow said:

"We have worked hard over the past few months in Fiji at certifying many marinas and charter fishing boats as ‘Shark-Free Marinas’ and so far have more than any other country worldwide.

Matava and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters was the first in Fiji to sign up and is actively promoting, coordinating and distributing information about the Initiative. We are working towards when Fiji can be the first country to be proud to announce itself as a ‘Shark-Free Marinas’ Country!” he continued.

The majority of shark species caught by recreational and sport anglers are currently listed by the IUCN as ‘Threatened’ (or worse) and each year an average of a ½ Million of these sharks are killed in the United States alone. It is estimated that 70-100 million sharks are killed yearly world wide!

Bite Me Gamefishing Charters actively avoids fishing for any species of shark and encourages this practice to be followed by all. By encouraging non-lethal ‘catch-and-release’ shark fishing fishermen and those sharks inevitably caught accidentally can enjoy their sport while ensuring that shark populations are not further diminished. By promoting sustainable practices of ocean management we hope that sharks will be around to keep our oceans healthy for generations to come.

Many Fiji marinas and charter operations are already listed on the Shark-Free Marina website as well as having the right to use the SFMI logo and signs for their own publicity. We are now in the process of distributing the stickers, posters and metal dock signs to registered businesses, charter boats and marinas.

The SFMI website also has an education centre that we hope everyone will find useful, it includes tips on how to catch and release shark, a list of Endangered and Threatened species plus information on how they can help protect the ocean.

“At Matava, and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters we are of course both happy and proud to be spearheading this initiative in the South Pacific and indeed the World” said Matava Director and Bite Me Gamefishing Charter Captain, Captain Adrian Watt.

“We also see this as a great step forward and opportunity for all gamefishing and sportfishing charter boats, both on Kadavu and in the Fiji Islands, to move forward in their standards to achieve truly world class levels of service and capabilities demonstrated by the ‘catch and release’ programs.”

Captain Watt finished by saying “We would like to thank all friends and clients of Matava and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters past and present who have contributed to the success of our ecotouirsm principles and the resort and we look forward to exciting times ahead.”


The Shark-Free Marina Initiative has a singular purpose, to reduce worldwide shark mortality. We encourage shark conservation at sport fishing and resort marinas by prohibiting the landing of any shark at the participating marina. The SFMI works with marinas, fishermen and like minded non-profit groups to form community conscious policy and increase awareness of the need to protect our sharks, our ocean and our legacy.

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters is our on-site IGFA game fishing specialists offering the best of superb record breaking blue water game fishing for tuna, wahoo, sailfish and marlin. As an active member of IGFA and The Billfish Association we advocate tag and release of all billfish and Trevally not deemed to be a National or World Record.

www.Matava.com www.GamefishingFiji.com



Shark Free Marinas: Reducing worldwide shark mortality.

Jan 24, 2010

Tim GT Part 1

Waterfall and adventure in Kadavu, Fiji

Located one hour walking time from Matava is a stunning waterfall which plunges into a cavern of overhanging rocks dappled in ochre and russet colors. The pool below provides an excellent place for a refreshing swim following the walk www.Matava.com

Manta Ray Magic, Kaduva, Fiji - Thanks to Matava Resort

This shows our incredibly privileged experience in seeing manta rays underwater off Kaduva Island in Fiji in December 2009. It is thanks to the environmental ethic of the team at the Matava Eco-Resort that these dives are undertaken so as not to disturb the animals.
Truly a mind-blowing experience - listen for the underwater cries of joy!
Video by Glen Miller and Jackie Hildering.

Diving Fiji - Matava Eco-Resort

This was the absolute dream holiday. The team at the Matava Resort on Kadavu are outstanding in how they ensure their practices are environmentally and socially responsible and - that their customer service is amazing. Thank you team Matava for all you do.

Magic - TripAdvisor

Spent a week fishing at Matava with some friends. Although in some respects 'basic' I found the facilities to be more modern/adequate than their website indicated, which meant I was pleasantly surprised.

The real magic of the place is the location and service. All of the staff couldn't have been more welcoming, helpful or friendly. Add to this a pristine and amazing location, great food and a nice atmosphere and you have the ingredients for a perfect holiday destination.

We had great weather and Adrian and Joe (the fishing crew) really know their trade and are a great pleasure to fish with. Each of the 3 of us caught new personal bests, some of us in multiple species. I still can't wipe the smile off my face.

We were sharing the resort at the time with a group of 18 divers, and they were absolutely loving it as well.

If you are into diving, fishing, other water activities like snorkeling and kayaking, or just in to relaxing without the need to be pampered in a 5 star resort, this is a place you should visit. I am already planning my return.

Magic - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor



Jan 23, 2010

Fantastic - Fishing Trip of A Lifetime - TripAdvisor

Two friends and I stayed here for a week whilst fishing with Adrian, one of the owners of the resort. The fishing was world class, and we all agreed it was the best fishing trip we have done.

Besides the fishing, the resort itself was fantastic.

Definite highlights would be the friendly and helpful staff, and the dishes for the 3 course dinner every night. Everyone, including the owners, made it a point of knowing every guest by name. Maggie is a definite character.

Talking to the other twenty five or so diving guests that were there at the time (most were returning customers), they all agreed Matava contained world class diving.

Being dedicated fishermen, we are willing to put up with sub par conditions if the fishing was fantastic. However, at no stage did we feel we were roughing it. I would not hesitate to recommend Matava to friends as a fishing or diving resort.

Fantastic - Fishing Trip of A Lifetime - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor



Jan 21, 2010

MV Clipper Odyssey



Matava Resort recently had its first cruise ship visit when the MV Clipper Odyssey visited and disembarked 75 passengers into the waiting arms of Matava Resort staff. 
 
Our guests for the day went on one of three activitity trips organised by the resort. About 25 guests were taken out to the Great Astrolabe barrier reef for a snorkeling experience of a lifetime aboard our resort dive boats.
 
25 guests went on a birdwatching trek through the island's rainforrest and bush to seek and successfully find and photograph the islands 4 endemic bird species. (Kadavu Musk Parrot, Kadavu Fantail, Kadavu Honeyeater and Kadavu Whistling Dove) 

 
Finally, another large group were guided to our local Fijian village where villagers greeted our visitors with a traditional Fijian kava ceremony and put on a traditional 'Meke' before everyone took a dip in the village's spectaculor waterfall.
 
The cruise ship visit was and extraordinary success and all visiting passengers enjoyed a special day that they will long remember.
 
We look forward to extending this reef, birding and cultural experience to future cruise ship passengers.

Jan 17, 2010

Kadavu Islands, Fiji

Kadavu Islands, Fiji

"Explore here the most beautiful places on our planet. Watch moves, look pictures and read interesting stories. Find something for you and go there today!!!

www.exotic-vacation.com must give you great ideas for your next trip.

Are you ready for adventure of your life? Enjoy the life!"

Jan 15, 2010

Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards Recognizes Rivers Fiji For It’s Preservation of Cultural Heritage Practices | Adventure Travel News

Rivers Fiji, an O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) affiliate organization, has been highly commended in the “Preservation of Cultural Heritage” category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. Rivers Fiji, a whitewater rafting and multi-sport outfitter committed to sustainable tourism practices in the Fiji Islands, was selected as one of the top 35 companies out of more than 2000 nominations worldwide.

The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards are the most prestigious and competitive of their kind in the world. They are a collaboration of the online travel directory responsibletravel.com, UK media partners Telegraph Travel and Geographical Magazine and World Travel Market (WTM). WTM hosted the awards ceremony earlier this month. The central tenet of the awards is that all types of tourism can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.

Rivers Fiji is the result of one of many O.A.R.S. Family of Companies’ sustainable tourism endeavours. George and Pam Wendt founded O.A.R.S. in 1969 with a goal to help people of all ages and abilities enjoy “the best outdoor experience of their lives.” This Northern California-based whitewater rafting and adventure travel outfitter is recognized as a leading environmental steward within the industry. O.A.R.S. was the first, and only, North American rafting outfitter to be 100% carbon neutral through the support of carbon offset projects that are inspected, verified and certified by independent third parties including Green-e, the Gold Standard, CDM, and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance. Because of O.A.R.S.’ eco-savvy reputation, they have been asked repeatedly to host education trips for congressional staffers, politicians and eco-celebrities. It is the 1998 founding of Rivers Fiji, however, that the company is most proud.
 
By supporting community development and environmental conservation, Rivers Fiji programs are not only “eco-friendly,” they define eco-tourism. With the help of 9 mataqali (landowning groups), 2 villages, a logging company, and the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB), O.A.R.S. and Rivers Fiji successfully established the Upper Navua Conservation Area in 2000. This unique public-private partnership protects the pristine Upper Navua River Canyon from future logging or gravel extraction in a 10.5-mile conservation corridor. In return, Rivers Fiji compensates the NLTB and landowners through lease payments, user fees and employment opportunities.

Rivers Fiji believes that empowering local communities in this manner makes its programs successful. “We have created full-time employment for the local people,” said George Wendt, President of the O.A.R.S. Family of Companies. “In fact, with the exception of our managing director, all of our employees are from the communities where we operate. Thus they have a real stake in the long-term sustainability of the places we visit and in Rivers Fiji as a sustainable tourism operation. Infractions by logging companies and plans for road development through the conservation area have been thwarted due to mataqali alerting Rivers Fiji management and local authorities.”

Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. Marketing and Partnerships Director, stated from the awards ceremony in London, “Historically Fiji’s tourism development has been focused on the coastal communities – with Fiji’s interior populations receiving little benefit. Rivers Fiji, however, provides economic alternatives for people whose previous development options were limited to logging and resource extraction. We believe Rivers Fiji has helped broadened Fiji’s overall perspective regarding the economic value of conservation as it relates to its people and ecosystems.”

Dr. Harold Goodwin, Director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Chair of Judges said, “Working our way through this year’s long lists, we were impressed by the willingness of so many organizations to take responsibility and to do what they can to help make better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit. Despite the economic difficulties being faced by the travel and tourism industry, responsible tourism continues to move ahead, and I’m continually impressed as more is achieved by more people. As judges we are all very aware of the great work that is being done by so many and our decisions are often very difficult and sometimes long debated.”


Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards Recognizes Rivers Fiji For It’s Preservation of Cultural Heritage Practices | Adventure Travel News

Jan 14, 2010

As good as it gets!!!

Matava resort is a fantastic place to visit. Dont go there with preconcieved ideas of spa treatments or cocktails served to you by the pool, if your looking for that go else where. However if your looking for a lifetime of memories and experiences and a trip you wont forget then stop here and book immediately.

The resort is fantastically present for either diving, fishing or just pure relaxation with everything you need readily available. You are treated to a wonderful three course meal every night with fresh locally grown or caught food, cold drinks and the most friendly local people you could ever imagine. Instant friends.

The accomodation is a wonderful and extremely clean Bure's with ensuites, hot water for extra comfort and views from a deck people pay millions for. Everyone at the resort including Directors make you feel most welcome and help with every need, and enjoy a cold drink with guest in the evening which is always nice.

For Diving, its world class
For Fishing well World class
For pure relaxation world class and plenty of activites to keep you occupied

Visit Matava resort if your going to Fiji, dont waste your time anywhere else, seriously a great place.

When your there make sure you say hello to Maggie and remind him of Uncle Doug everyones friend.

Oh if you read this far then only negitives would be not a kid friendly place, which may not be a negitive after all and I could see it getting alittle sticky at night with no wind as there isnt any fans in the Bure's.

As good as it gets!!! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Jan 12, 2010

Fiji Earth Hour Design Competition

The WWF has launched a design competition as part of its Earth Hour 2010 campaign.The competition challenges aspiring artists of all ages to come up with an innovative design for Fiji’s Earth Hour campaign t-shirt.

Earth Hour is a huge global event and we hope to exhibit Fiji’s distinctiveness in this important campaign by using a uniquely Fijian design.We’re asking entrants to adapt the Earth Hour logo and give it a uniquely ‘Fijian feel’ - designs are also asked to contain the words 'Earth Hour'.

Submissions should be sent in with the applicant’s name, telephone number and address to; EARTH HOUR COMP, 4 Ma’afu St, Suva or by email; comms@wwfpacific.org.fj. The competition closes to new entries on 23rd January.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the Earth Hour launch event in Sukuna Park, Suva on 31st January and will see their design printed on thousands of t-shirts and worn all across Fiji throughout the Earth Hour campaign which runs until 27th March 2010.

The Earth Hour logo can be downloaded here:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3553215/earth_hour_logo.jpg

Facebook | Fiji Earth Hour 2010

Jan 4, 2010

Holiday ideas with Fiji on an action-packed Tui Tai luxury cruise | Travel feature | travelbite.co.uk

travelbite.co.uk

Action-packed cruise holiday in Fiji

Monday, 02 Nov 2009 11:11
Cruise holidays in Fiji (photo: Tim Burgess www.insearchofeden.org)
It’s my own fault. After a week of lazing on beaches in Fiji I had become restless and in search of adventure.

Enter Tui Tai - a luxury cruise ship which brings a whole new definition to the phrase “action-packed holiday”.


I boarded the first-class vessel on Monday night from Natewa Bay on north island Vanua Levu. I had assured my host, Tim, that I wanted to cram as much as possible into my trip, which is why he’s knocking on my door at 6am.

I drag myself out of my cabin (big enough for a double bed and also boasting an ensuite bathroom and air conditioning) for a 30-minute yoga session - only to find that during the night, we‘d moved to our next location, Rabi Island.

We are on the upper deck, surrounded by plush sunbeds where throughout the day you can soak up the rays as you cruise around, should you wish. The early start is definitely worth it. The view of the sparkling turquoise Pacific Ocean and some of the 333 islands making up the archipelago is outstanding.

With just two other guests aboard a boat that can comfortably accommodate 25, we are spoilt rotten by the friendly and helpful Fijian staff.

We have just enough time to grab a coffee before a speed boat whizzes us off to the first activity of the cruise – a dive on TTL Reef.

Holiday ideas with Fiji on an action-packed Tui Tai luxury cruise | Travel feature | travelbite.co.uk