Dec 27, 2011

Renewable Energy Developing in Fiji | Peachy Green


I just returned from a week in the Fiji Islands, in the South Pacific.
The 333-island archipelago is located east of New Zealand and Australia and southwest of Hawaii, with only about 100 islands inhabited. The entire population is less than 900,000.
Renewable energy has been developing in Fiji for some time now. In fact, the Fiji government has adopted a Strategic Development Plan as part of its ambitious goal to become a 100% renewable energy power-reliant by 2011. There are several reasons why the government is promoting non-fossil fuel based resources:
  • Less expensive
  • More convenient
  • Easier to install and maintain
  • Infrastructure needs are usually minimal
  • Smaller carbon footprint – i.e. more environmentally friendly
141 300x201 Renewable Energy Developing in Fiji
Solar panels at Matava Fiji's Premier Eco Resort
Diesel costs have dramatically soared to over 200% over the last 4 years, yet 50% of electricity demand in Fiji is met by diesel generators. No wonder there is increasing usage of solar panels and wind energy there.
On Kadavu, south of the main island of Fiji, solar power is just about the only resource for turning on lights or using electricity. All of the cell towers are solar powered. The island is off-grid, which means you can only communicate with cell phones (where there is service) and wireless internet and other electrical-based uses are quite limited.
At Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort, electricity needs are minimal, given ample skylights, wide and open areas, and louvered windows that allow breezes to naturally cool the rooms. Most of the time, all electricity requirements are covered by the solar panels at the resort.
Renewable Energy Developing in Fiji | Peachy Green

Dec 12, 2011

Great Place - TripAdvisor


Last month I spent 10 day at Matava;the staff was a lot of fun,the food was great,diving was the best,hugh mantas,lots of sharks, I didnt want to leave,hope I can go back again.

Fred A

Dec 1, 2011

Asia Pacific's first PADI Green Star Award awarded to Matava, Fiji


We're pleased to announce that Matava – Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort has received the first PADI Green Star award in the Asia Pacific region in November 2011 for our sustainable and eco-conscious environmental activities and business practices.

The program helps PADI Dive Centers and Resorts identify practical actions they can take to protect and preserve the environment. Because they choose which conservation actions they would like to implement, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can completely customize the program for their businesses.

“There’s more to going green than simply jumping on the eco bandwagon,” says Bob Coleman, Vice President of Sales, Retailer and Resort Association, PADI Americas, Latin America and Canada. “Well-organized conservation initiatives can reduce costs while strengthening your brand, especially when you strategically introduce them into your overall business plan. Earning the PADI Green Star Award shows customers that you care about the environment and are taking action to protect it. With today’s environmentally-conscious divers, going green can be an important competitive advantage.”

Richard Akhtar of Matava and
Mike Holme of PADI Asia Pacific
The PADI Green Star award requires dive operators and resorts to conduct an objective audit of their facility and business practices and assesses performance in water and energy use, transportation, waste management and conservation leadership.

“We hope other dive operations and tourism providers in the Asia Pacific region follow our example and help to protect their local environment and achieve sustainable business practises in a green and clean manner!” said Mr Stuart Gow, one of Matava's Directors.

"We are extremely proud to win this award. We have been lucky to win overseas and global awards for our environmental policy in the past year, but it is especially gratifying to be recognised at home by our colleagues in Fiji." he continued .

Richard Akhtar, Managing Director of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort said "At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding environmental efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji's leading role and efforts in this regard especially."

"At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious global award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding similar efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji's leading role and efforts in this regard especially in our our region of the South Pacific."
Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has again proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment"

PADI Green Star Award presented to Stuart Gow of Matava by Drew Richardson, President of PADI at DEMA 2012
(Danny Dwyer, Drew Richardson, Stuart Gow, Hendrick Nimb, Mike Holme)
 The Green Star award was presented to us during DEMA week in November 2011 by PADI's Project Aware and PADI President Mr Drew Richardson.

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Notes to editors

About Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

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. Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
  
For interviews, images or further information please contact Stuart Gow, Stuart@Matava.com, t: 679-997-5416

About PADI Green Star Awards:

PADI Dive Centers and Resorts have a powerful new tool to help organize and implement environmental conservation programs - and be recognized for their efforts - with the PADI Green Star Award. The program helps PADI Dive Centers and Resorts identify practical actions they can take to protect and preserve the environment. Because they choose which conservation actions they would like to implement, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can completely customize the program for their businesses. For additional information, contact Roger Josselyn at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234 ext. 2519.



Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air! | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava Summer Special

2nd Person 50% off

Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the Second Person stays Half Price !

Valid for travel between 1st December 2011 – 28th February 2012

50% off 2nd person at Matava, FijiDetails:
  • valid for double / twin share
  • ANY Matava Dive, Romance or Adventure Package
  • 5 nights stay or longer
  • All meals and airport transfers included
  • Complimentary Snorkelling on Critter Junction
  • Waterfall hike and village afternoon
  • Lovo feast and kava ceremony

Additions:

  • Fiji Half PriceExtra night – 2nd person half price (based on double occupancy)
  • Extra days diving – 2nd person half price
  • Single Supplement – Waived
  • Based on published package and add on rates
  • Excludes gamefishing and kayaking packages
  • Travel through 28th February 2011 subject to availability
  • Blackout period: travel Between 23rd December 2011 and 29th December 2011 excluded

Air Pacific Special

Take a Friend to Fiji for Half Price Air special.

Air Pacific 50% Sale for 2nd PersonDiscover the wonders of Matava in Fiji and save money on the second person.
For a limited time, 2nd passenger gets 50 % off airfare from Los Angeles on Air Pacific.
From now until March 31, 2012 travel to fabulous Fiji and the second passenger travels for 50% off airfare!

TRAVEL DATES: valid 1 Oct 2011 through 31 March 2012
Sale ends Dec. 31

(No travel on the special airfare permitted during the blackout of 15-Dec-11 to 15-Jan-12)
Book your Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the Second Person stays Half Price !

Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air! | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Nov 29, 2011

Fiji’s national airline Air Pacific has ordered three new Airbus A330-200 aircraft

Fiji’s national airline Air Pacific today announced that it has ordered three new Airbus A330-200 aircraft to replace its current fleet of B747 and B767 aircraft.

These brand new, highly capable, long-haul aircraft will begin arriving in early 2013, and they will be operated on flights to Fiji from Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles.

“This decision is a significant milestone in our 60-year history because it will be our first-ever purchase of new wide-body airplanes, and these state-of-the art A330s are clearly going to be planes that our customers and the people of Fiji will be thrilled to fly,” said Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO David Pflieger. “In addition, I can’t begin to tell you how excited our team here in Fiji is with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design and outfit new aircraft that will embody the beauty and spirit of Fiji and its 333 islands.”

Air Pacific’s Chairman, Mr. Nalin Patel, echoed that enthusiasm when he said “Dave and his team did a fantastic job in conducting a comprehensive seven-month review of our entire fleet and network and then working with aircraft manufacturers to find the right solution for Air Pacific. The entire Board is very pleased with the outcome of those efforts, and Dave has our full support on this critical decision. The team’s success in finding and financing new planes that can start flying as soon as March of 2013 completely validates the support we provided them when they started their work 17 months ago.”

According to Mr. Pflieger, the landmark acquisition of new Airbus A330s signals a very bright future for the airline. “It’s the right plane at the right time for our company, and it will set us up for another 60 years of success. Our exhaustive evaluation proved not only that the A330-200 was the best plane for Air Pacific, but also that the features and capabilities of this new plane will complement our world-renowned customer service and ensure our passengers enjoy a spacious, comfortable, and relaxing flight on their way to or from Fiji.”

“These A330s will be equipped with the latest in cabin seats and in-flight entertainment, and their optimised 222-inch wide fuselage will accommodate more passengers and cargo than our current B767.” In addition, these new jetliners will have a look and feel that is truly Fijian, appropriately reflecting Air Pacific’s role as Fiji’s ambassador to the world,” said the airline’s CEO.

Mr. Pflieger observed that the new aircraft would also dramatically improve the appeal and effectiveness of Fiji’s national carrier in achieving its goal of becoming the airline of choice in the South Pacific. Mr. Pflieger added that once the new aircraft are operational, he expected their superior range and payload capabilities will also allow Air Pacific to explore the possibility of further growth, more jobs, and adding more destinations to its network.

“Some of the other advantages that these new aircraft will provide are: lower maintenance and operating costs, lower fuel burn and carbon emissions, and superior cargo capacity and capabilities. As a result, we fully expect that our new A330s to significantly help us cut costs and increase revenue – two key objectives for any airline — especially ours,” said Mr. Pflieger.

Mr Pflieger thanked the Air Pacific Board for its unequivocal support in obtaining the new aircraft, and he also thanked the entire Air Pacific staff for their dedication and hard work in getting the Company to where it is today.

“The team at Air Pacific has been working extremely hard for over a year now to cut costs, increase revenue, deliver better operational performance and ensure that we continue to provide world-class customer service. Those efforts have already paid off with better performance across all areas of the company, and I want to thank our team here in Fiji and world-wide for their selfless dedication and efforts to date,” Mr. Pflieger added. “While we have made significant progress on almost all other fronts, and the modernisation of our fleet will provide the capstone to our turnaround and revitalisation plans.”
Back to News section

Nov 24, 2011

Sea Save Foundation - Auction Home Page - BiddingForGood Fundraising Auction

Welcome to the Sea Save Foundation Holiday Auction! Bid on the Perfect Holiday Gift and Support Ocean Conservation in the Process.

The Sea Save Foundation Holiday Auction is now open!

The proceeds will go to Sea Save Foundation in order to support ocean conservation.

Auction items range from exotic diving vacation getaways, diving equipment and gear, underwater photography courses by noted oceanographers, and incredible hand crafted works of art guaranteed to delight and surprise.

So, tell your friends, family, and community. Let the bidding begin!

Sea Save Foundation - Auction Home Page - BiddingForGood Fundraising Auction

Nov 21, 2011

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

I have just returned from a 10 day trip to Matava. It was WONDERFUL. The best diving that I have experienced. The 45 minute dive that I had with the Manta rays is one that I will never forget - It was truly a dream come true.

The staff was superb - The food was excellent - The ambiance was beautiful. I highly recommend this wonderful resort for anyone who loves to dive and relax away "from the rat race."

Kay K
South Dakota, USA

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

Oct 12, 2011

Green Passport - Holidays for a living planet

A global campaign including green planet tips for the world's growing number of international tourists have been development and launched by the United Nations Enviroment Programme (UNEP).

The internet-based campaign, "Green Passport", aims to raise tourists' awareness of their potential to contribute to sustainable development by making responsible holiday choices. Click here to visit the campaign and learn how you can going green while you are on the go!

Aug 13, 2011

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort has a new WiFi system for Guests


Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort has installed a state of the art WiFi system through its satellite communications solution running off the in-house solar power.

We are pleased to offer our guests internet connectivity with our Main Bure Complex. The best areas for reception are at the far right of The Manta Bar and in the charging station area.


Our internet services is provided via satellite system, which has a maximum upload/download speed of 56kbps.


Our guests may access the internet on their laptop or devices by purchasing a token from the bar.


The WiFi connectivity is available from 9am to 5pm (during solar power activation times) , so be aware of the shut down time when activating your tokens.


Packages
Our Packages are:
Duration
Download Limit
Colour of Ticket
Cost
1 hour
10MB
Red
F$ 20
2 hours
20MB
Green
F$ 30
3 hours
30MB
Blue
F$ 40

Each ticket last for EITHER the time duration or MB download limit, which ever is reached first.Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort
Matava Resort is proud to install this communications solution purely using the alternative power already available at the resort.

Jul 26, 2011

My new favorite place on the planet! - TripAdvisor

My husband and I spent a week at Matava and were immediately working on ways to stay longer or at least return next year. This is definitely a place to get away from it all and enjoy the real Fiji. Don't expect wireless internet (or even power outlets) in your room, a swimming pool, or white sandy beaches. But if you want to meet great people (staff, locals, and fellow travelers), experience awesome diving, snorkeling, fishing (all deep sea, you can't fish within the reef), kayaking, and hiking, and enjoy some of the freshest, tastiest food around, this is the place to go.

We spent one day fishing, two days diving, one day solo kayaking and snorkeling, and one fabulous day on a guided kayak/snorkel trip that included lunch in a local village and a hike to a waterfall through the rain forest. We also had a nice romantic dinner in our bure one night, and a lovo feast and kava party another.

This is truly the real Fiji, there are very few roads and cars on the island, most of which are located near the airport. Access to the resort is by a 45 minute boat ride over some of the most beautiful waters you've ever seen.

We can't thank Maggie, Cherie, Ta, Cita, Adrian, Glen, Lisa, Tay, Tox, and the whole gang at Matava enough. This was a truly amazing experience that gave a whole new perspective and hopefully lifelong friends.

My new favorite place on the planet! - TripAdvisor

My new favorite place on the planet

My husband and I spent a week at Matava and were immediately working on ways to stay longer or at least return next year. This is definitely a place to get away from it all and enjoy the real Fiji. Don't expect wireless internet (or even power outlets) in your room, a swimming pool, or white sandy beaches. But if you want to meet great people (staff, locals, and fellow travelers), experience awesome diving, snorkeling, fishing (all deep sea, you can't fish within the reef), kayaking, and hiking, and enjoy some of the freshest, tastiest food around, this is the place to go.

We spent one day fishing, two days diving, one day solo kayaking and snorkeling, and one fabulous day on a guided kayak/snorkel trip that included lunch in a local village and a hike to a waterfall through the rain forest. We also had a nice romantic dinner in our bure one night, and a lovo feast and kava party another.

This is truly the real Fiji, there are very few roads and cars on the island, most of which are located near the airport. Access to the resort is by a 45 minute boat ride over some of the most beautiful waters you've ever seen.

We can't thank Maggie, Cherie, Ta, Cita, Adrian, Glen, Lisa, Tay, Tox, and the whole gang at Matava enough. This was a truly amazing experience that gave a whole new perspective and hopefully lifelong friends.

Jul 23, 2011

Fiji feels like paradise - The Boston Globe

To travel 7,500 miles for a five-star, air-conditioned villa on the beach would have been to miss the heart of Fiji. That was not what I had in mind as I traveled with a 50-pound suitcase of medical supplies from the East Coast to Fiji’s Nadi International Airport and on to Kadavu.

Rising from the sea in a wall of densely forested mountains, Kadavu, the fourth largest of Fiji’s 333 islands, is surrounded by Great Astrolabe, the world’s fourth largest barrier reef. Eight years ago, after sailing through Fiji’s Yasawa archipelago, I came here on a whim and ended up pledging to provide medical supplies for one of the villages. Now I was returning to fulfill that promise and explore the closest place to paradise I had ever been.

Kadavu’s seduction is twofold: the seclusion of an almost uninhabited island and a culture so embracing that you do not feel alone. Divers come here to drift down the five Great Astrolabe reef passages. Snorkelers like me find opportunities to wriggle through soft coral gardens fringing bay after deeply indented bay.

For my 10-day stay the thunderous reef breaks and empty gold and white beaches seemed to belong to only a few visitors. Of course, they do not. Kadavu is home to 75 small villages where smartphones and tradition coexist to a surprising degree. Seemingly poor, they are rich with natural resources that still sustain them. A growing number of eco-resorts help preserve their environment and way of life.

When I met Adrian Watt, Richard Akhtar, and Jeanie Mailliard on my first trip, they had just left high-powered jobs to become the owners of Matava Resort on Kadavu’s southeast coast. Recently joined by co-owner Stuart Gow, they set a gold standard on the island for blending with the local ethos while building a full-service adventure outfit.

Almost invisible from the water, nine grass-and-wood “bures,’’ or bungalows, keep alive a natural construction method that Fijians are forsaking for concrete. Solar-powered hot showers and ocean breezes for air conditioning make guests feel virtuously green. One of Akhtar’s first acts on arriving was to negotiate a no-take agreement with his Kadavu Koro village neighbors who own the fishing rights in the area. The result is a flourishing marine preserve around little Waya Island, a short swim from the resort’s dock.

Mailliard’s first project was an organic garden that supplies her gourmet menu, considered the island’s best. Dinners under the tall, open-air “bure-levu,’’ communal meeting space, bring guests together at lantern-lighted tables where the highlight could be a coconut-infused curry, or Fijian “kakoda,’’ citrus-cooked raw fish, made with your own deep sea catch of the day.

As Matava’s guests, we were welcomed not only to Kadavu Koro’s waterfall, at 80 feet the island’s tallest, but also to the village.

Continued...

Fiji feels like paradise - The Boston Globe

Jun 28, 2011

Matava Resort June 2011

Spent a wonderful 9 days at the Matava Eco Resort http://www.matava.com on Kadavu island in Fiji http://matava.com/kadavu-island/ diving some spectacular reefs. Kadavu is the 4th largest island in Fiji and it refreshingly remains basically undeveloped with few roads and not much besides villages connected by paths. Much of the island is surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef the 4th largest fringing reef in the world. http://scuba-diving-fiji.com/fiji-scuba-dive-centre/great-astrolabe-reef .

Spent a wonderful 9 days at the Matava Eco Resort http://www.matava.com on Kadavu island in Fiji http://matava.com/kadavu-island/ diving some spectacular reefs. Kadavu is the 4th largest island in Fiji and it refreshingly remains basically undeveloped with few roads and not much besides villages connected by paths. Much of the island is surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef the 4th largest fringing reef in the world. http://scuba-diving-fiji.com/fiji-scuba-dive-centre/great-astrolabe-reef .

The resort itself is nestled along the southeast side of the island and can barely been seen from the water blending in so well with the lush natural beauty of the island. The owners have carefully built the resort to have as little impact on the land and sea as possible. Most of the electricity is created by the abundant solar energy of the tropics, which also provides the hot water for showers in your private and very comfortable bure. With no roads to the resort EVERYTHING is brought in by boat. That in itself would be a challenge, but additionally everything needs to be timed by the tides because of the shallowness of the inside areas of the reef where it connects to the island. At low tide boats are sitting in the sand and us divers are walking to or from the transfer boats across sand and sea grass flats.

Don’t think for a minute this is a “rustic” basic resort. Far from it. Despite the logistics of supplying the resort, the staff goes beyond being friendly and caring and don’t ask me how such amazing and varied meals came out of that kitchen. A large garden supplies the majority of veggies served at the resort with the rest coming from the local village. What a treat that was.

The beautifully landscaped grounds are filled with flowers that are used fresh daily all over the resort. The individual buries are comfortable with nice beds and linens and cooling provided by the tropical breezes. A ceiling fan would have been nice as well, however with limited electricity I understand why they did not have them in each bure. There are mosquitos about in the evenings so if you are bothered by them come prepared with long sleeves and pants and some bug repellent. I did not have a problem but my traveling companion did. You sleep under a mosquito net so once in bed it is not an issue.

Because that area of Fiji is also world renowned for its deep sea fishing, the resort has a sports fishing operation as well and about a third of the guests were serious fishermen. This resulted in fresh wahoo and other deep sea fish on the menu multiple days along with amazing plates of sashimi two nights in a row.

Although we did not do much besides diving, read through the Matava website for some of the other activities you can do there. Coming soon yoga retreats! As it was they provided mats, straps and blocks upon request and doing yoga every morning at sunrise became the norm. A yoga retreat with diving now that gets my attention! Or maybe the order is wrong there, great diving with inspiring yoga also included.

Enjoy the galleries that tell the rest of the story including the wedding! Yep a wedding. That was an unexpected surprise and a wonderful way to wrap up our trip, with a big part the last night.

Galleries

Getting There

Getting there was not for the weak hearted. Graham flew in the day bef ...

Resort

Spent a wonderful 9 days at the Matava Eco Resort www.matava.com on Ka ...

Underwater Astrolabe Reef

Spent a wonderful 9 days at the Matava Eco Resort www.matava.com on Ka ...

Topside on the Water

The boat rides to the dive sites were as long as 45 minutes not necess ...

Camera Fun

Handed off the camera to Graham for what I thought was going to be one ...

Wedding

And then there was a wedding. Yep a wedding. A wonderful couple from t ...

Gayle - Fiji, Kadavu Island, Matava Resort June 2011

Jun 22, 2011

Heaven on earth - can't wait to go back...

My husband and I just spend 7 nights at Matava, and we are already planning our next trip there. We loved the place, and especially the staff sooooo much we have totally fallen in love with Matava.

The staff were wonderful, couldn't do enough for you day and night, always quick with a smile and a joke. The food was fantastic as was the diving.

Matava would not be for everyone, but if you don't mind rustic charm (no air con or fan, and limited electricity - tropical breeze, gas lanterns and mozzie nets instead) and want a true romantic adventure far, far from the maddening crowds then I would highly recommend this place to you.

Heaven on earth - can't wait to go back - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

May 14, 2011

Matava' amazing staff!

Matava' amazing staff!
How many can you name?
www.Matava.com

May 4, 2011

Matava: Earth Day April 2011

Matava: Earth Day April 2011 by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Apr 21, 2011

Exotic remote paradise - TripAdvisor

The best vacation adventure I have ever had! I daydream about Matava all the time.

Fishing on the Bite Me for blue marlin was quite a thrill!!! First time I fought a fish that I thought might just win!

The water was amazing every shade of turquois and blue you could imagine.

Wonderful people great food and the kava tasted pretty darn good to me.

Have never seen such beautiful fish and coral!

Cant wait to return to Kadavu!

Exotic remote paradise - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor