Simply paradise! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
"I recently stayed at Matava with my boyfriend and it was heavenly! We disconnected from the world and enjoyed the game fishing (We caught 3 huge tuna thanks to Joe the amazing guide and captain), ocean kayaking, hiking, and stunning food (Sammy, the gardener, is a genius). Go to Matava to reconnect with yourself and your significant other!"
Simply paradise! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Dec 3, 2012
Simply paradise! - Review of Matava, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Oct 2, 2012
Kadavu Iguana
One of our Matava members of staff saw a local villager wandering by with a couple of Kadavu Iguanas and persuaded him to part with them. We were delighted to release them and snap off a few pics before they disappeared into the foliage...
These Iguanas are so well camoflaged, they can literally disappear right in front of your eyes....
Jul 25, 2012
Fun week at Matava - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
We really enjoyed out time at Matava Resort. This was our first visit to Fiji and it was beautiful.
The staff was warm, friendly and always made sure we had everything we needed. All we had to do was mention that we wanted to visit the village or go see the fruit bats on the other island and they said "Let's go". They really made the trip fun in between dives. The food was excellent and plentiful.
The weather was unusually cool and water rough while we were there but the dive staff tried to find the best dive site with the least current or least swells. Underneath was clear and we never encountered any current.
The diving was beautiful. The weather got better as the week went on and we really enjoyed our week. Our room was beautiful and very clean with a beautiful view. They have lights in each bure for night and they give you solar powered lights to take back with you each night so you can find your way to your room.
We were comfortable without air conditioning and they have mosquito netting for the bed(although we did not see many mosquitoes) You can get wet on the boat ride to the resort from the airport if it is raining but they are careful to keep the luggage dry. Once you get to the resort, if it is low tide you have to walk to the dock in ankle deep water and mud so wear shorts and sandals you can take off.
The staff was fun and village kids came one night and showed us traditional Fijian dances. They were great. It was a very relaxing and fun week.
Fun week at Matava - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Jul 6, 2012
Fiji fun - Review of Matava - TripAdvisor
Fiji fun”
This was our first trip to Fiji. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favor and it rained every day or night. The water's surface was rather daunting outside of the reef because of the unusually high swells and current, the mantas never showed up on Manta Reef and there were surprisingly fewer fish than we expected. But those are all things that are not controllable.
The dive staff was terrific and did their best to make not good conditions into a great experieince nevertheless. Our gear was always ready, the boat crew was always helpful and the dive masters always kept track of where all the divers were.
We stayed in Two Tree Bure...47 steps up into the forest and worth every bit of the climb! The room was spacious and the view was spectacular. It was so private that we did not need to close the drapes at night.
The entire resort staff was incredible. Every person knew all of our names ( there were 9 of us)from the first hour we arrived.
Breakfast (made to order)and lunch were delicious. The soups were amazing ! However,not being a beef eater, I did get a little tired of chicken four nights in a row.
Our trip to the waterfall with Athan was a day to remember, since one of my friends and I made it all the way to the second fall, swam in it's pool, climbed the rocks next to it and bonzai-jumped into the water from there. Without his attentive care and help it never would have happened.
From the moment we landed til the moment we departed,we were given exceptional care and attention.
Stayed July 2012, traveled with friends
Jun 18, 2012
Jun 5, 2012
"MAGIC AT MATAVA" - Review of Matava - TripAdvisor
Having worked through one of the hardest years of my life with considerable business and personal challenges myself and my beautiful wife Tamara decided that is was time to treat ourselves to an extra special experience. We were craving not just rest and relaxation though also looking for adventure in a pristine untainted environ. After having traveled to many other areas of the pacific we had strangely never been to Fiji. To many tourists thier knowledge of Fiji and it's islands does not extend beyond the heavily touristed areas of Nadi, Pacific Harbour or other typical manufactured experiences that seems to be the preffered option for many guests visiting this South Pacific Paradise. After learning dive in High school many years ago and developing a passion for Marine Ecology and awareness I have always sought to remove ourselves from the typical holiday experience and give us something that makes us feel how lucky we are to live on this earth and interact with it's beauty and Matava was exactly that. Our Kadavu Island experience at the lovely Matava started long before we actually reached the resort with our friendly escorts Yasawa and Wise waiting at Vunisea airport to begin our short trip to the resort. The transfer is by boat which is just fantastic and all part of the adventure. This boat ride only wets your appetite for some of what you will experience over the time of your stay giving you a unique look at the location , size and beauty of the island of which you are now a part of.
We reached Matava in the early evening just as the sun had set. The magnifIcent main Bure lay before us lit up by the soft glow of the resorts lighting and a dozen beautiful smiles which were just as warm and inviting. I will never forget the feeling I experienced when I first arrived here. Before I even stepped of the boat onto Matava's jetty we knew we had chosen wisely.
You are them ushered my Maggie through to have a meet and greet with the staff while being treated to whatever refreshing beverage your heart desires to start to settle in. The first thing you notice is how attentive the staff are knowing everybody's names, likes dislikes and meal preferences. Any one who had special requests was well catered for and nothing was ever a problem.
Not only are the staff here very special so are the other guests. You notice this as soon as you arrive here it's like you have arrived in "Eutopia" the whole mood is vastly different and interactions you will have here remind me of a theme a fiction author would set in a book about perfect human realtions in a perfect world (You will know what I meen when you experience it for yourself) We spent the first half of our holiday in "Lomalagi" Bure down by the water and then the second half high on the hill in the Honeymoon Bure with sweeping views of the reefs. They were both comfortable, appealing and clean. The beds were lovely and better than what you get in just about very hotel anywhere which is nice when you want to sleep as well as you can so you can take full advantage of the activities on offer.
Whatever you come here for they will make sure you don't go home dissapointed whatever your into. My wife is now a fully qualified diver thanks to the expertise of Matava Director Richard Akhtar. Richard gave her the confidence and skills necessary to become a safe a relaxed diver. We enjoyed getting to know Richard and appreciate the time he took out of his busy schedule to make sure we were satisfied. Many thanks go to my wonderful dive master Cherie and her husband Glen who made sure our dive experiences were A1 and that we were comfortable every other part of the trip and were just generally great company. Marine operations were all conducted by Big Joe who ran the Mad Fish Dive centre Matava's own dive centre and has exceptional knowledge as a coxswain, fisherman, diver and is a true Master Mariner who gives you the freedom and scope you want as an experienced diver. Joe is combination with his deckhand Lea took us to the best spots at the best times and worked hard to make sure we were always kept comfotable and given the best possible diving experiences. All dives were amazing though swimming with a dozen feeding Manta's doing Barrell rolls is hard to top especially when one decides to lift you with it's enormous wings.
Thanks also go to George - George served us with humour and courtesy and is a typical proud Fijian man that values his heritage and shows a spectacular exhibition during his powerful tribal dance moves. Vinaka George. Our private romantic Dinner on our Bure Balcony high in the hills was made extra special by Seta she is attentive though subtle and is a credit to her Father who lives behind the resort with his magnificent Garden. General resort life meals and escursions were all expertly executed by Ta an her team and she always had everyone doing what they needed to to make sure everything was running smoothly. Ta organised a beach picnic on a deserted island with Military precision and turned a beach full of coconuts and driftwood into a beach banquet in half an hour for three boats of divers!
We did heaps of dives, walks to the village, waterfalls and kayaking, traditional cooking, kava and ran out of time to do everthing else - That trophy Wahoo will have to wait till next time. The dive operations looked after my gear beautifully it was always washed and stored and waiting for me just where I expected it to be ready for another day. Everything carried on and of the boats for you which i'm not used to though very appreciative of. We were very lucky to have found such a special place in this world and were very disappointed to go. All our expectations of a tropical holday were met by this establishement and we would go back in heartbeat.
Thank you to all that made an individual contribution to our satisfaction while at Matava it did not go unnoticed.
"MAGIC AT MATAVA" - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Jun 3, 2012
Fantastic resort & staff - TripAdvisor
I'm back home and reflecting on the absolutely wonderful scuba diving trip my buddy, Sherry, and I had April 17-26, 2012.
All of my 18 dives were fantastic & unforgettable! Dive master, Alex, has great knowledge of the creatures and their ocean environment, and his care and attention to us was superb.
The dive with the manta rays on the other side of the Astrolabe Reef was a wonderful experience. On every dive I was among the world's most beautiful corals...and the colors were amazing! I appreciated also that at my age (72 years) there were no limitations or restrictions imposed.
I loved everything about this Matava experience!
The resort's eco-environmental commitments, the bure were stayed in, the great food Sita prepared for us, the village visit--and especially the friendly environment with the guests and staff visiting during 'Happy Hour".
Thanks, George, for being such a great host! Matava has an excellent team. Miss you all, and wish you continued success.
I've travelled much of the world, and this Matava experience will be unforgetable.
(Dr.) Diane Tyler
Vancouver Island, Canada
May 27, 2012
Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort earns 2012 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort
Honoured as a Highly Rated Resort as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site
KADAVU, FIJI – 24th May 2012 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Lees than 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.
To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.
“Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort is delighted to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Stuart Gow, Director at Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable eco-resort experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.”
“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.”
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 5 Star Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. 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
About TripAdvisor®
is the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor’s millions of monthly visitors.
TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 19 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 69 million unique monthly visitors**. TripAdvisor’s travel media brands include www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com,
www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.
*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, January 2012
**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Inc. and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, January 2012
©2012 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE TripAdvisor
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Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort earns 2012 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence
May 12, 2012
The Bamboo Spa @ Matava - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu, Fiji
Matava - Fiji's Premier eco Adventure Resort is proud to have opened the first full service Pure Fiji Spa on the island of Kadavu.The Bamboo Spa is the first and only full service Spa facility on Kadavu. We decided to partner with Pure Fijias our environmental policies and missions are so much in line.
We are proud to have Ms Channel Joy join our management team as our Spa Manager and Senior Beauty Therapist since opening. Chanel has been a professional in the spa industry in Fiji since the 1990's and was one of the designers and managers of the Pure Fiji Spa at Pure fiji;s headquarters in Fiji.
Matava Resort is proud to have installed this Spa purely using the alternative power already available at the resort. All water heating and lighting is supplied by purely solar systems.
The Bamboo Spa
- a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu
Step lightly over the gateway to relaxation - a symbolic beginning to your journey through this oasis - leaving behind cares and the outside world as if on a far distant shore. Each guest's journey is unique...  |
| Chanel and client in the Frangipani Room |
As part of our full body rituals, your path begins with another soothing experience rich with symbolic meaning - a warm foot soak in fragrant coconut milk bath... a welcoming and cleansing gesture which will leave you feeling serene.
Choose your path through this sanctuary, with a promising selection of natural treatments lovingly made with uniquely Fijian plant extracts - heavenly massages and wraps, miraculous facials, and the most luxurious of spa pedicures and manicures.
Indulge your body with one of our unique signature treatments; experience all of our world-class facilities for a total spa escape and ritual.
With flowers freshly picked from the Resort's gardens and the exotic fragrances emanating from the spa’s entrance and hidden gardens you realise you’re in for a truly unique experience. The tranquil surroundings and discreet staff lend a sense of peace and harmony in balance with nature.
Not only will skin and body be refreshed and revived - but every choice on this journey will leave your heart a little lighter, your spirit a little brighter until we at the Bamboo Spa welcome you once again.
The Bamboo Spa features the nourishing products of Pure Fiji.
Pure Fiji is committed to quality and embodies a passion for the beautiful people, traditions, and environments of Fiji.
Pure Fiji employs nearly 500 people from seven rural villages, a human network that produces cold pressed nut oils and natural packaging materials. Hand-made paper made from natural fibers, traditional masi bark cloth, woven baskets, and nut oil production provide these communities with sustainable income while perpetuating honored traditions and unique skills.
Pure coconut oil, the base ingredient for all of Pure Fiji's products, has been used for hair care, skin care, and massage for generations. Pure Fiji's natural bath and beauty products include luxurious body butter, hydrating body lotion, coconut sugar rub, shampoo and conditioner, coconut milk bath soak, and nourishing body oil.
Pure Fiji is committed to quality and embodies a passion for the beautiful people, traditions, and environments of Fiji.
Pure Fiji employs nearly 500 people from seven rural villages, a human network that produces cold pressed nut oils and natural packaging materials. Hand-made paper made from natural fibers, traditional masi bark cloth, woven baskets, and nut oil production provide these communities with sustainable income while perpetuating honored traditions and unique skills.
Pure coconut oil, the base ingredient for all of Pure Fiji's products, has been used for hair care, skin care, and massage for generations. Pure Fiji's natural bath and beauty products include luxurious body butter, hydrating body lotion, coconut sugar rub, shampoo and conditioner, coconut milk bath soak, and nourishing body oil.
Pure Fiji
discover the south pacific secret for beautiful skin and hair
For centuries South Pacific and Fiji islanders have used pure coconut oil and flower extracts to nourish, moisturize and beautify both skin and hair. Pure Fiji brings you the best of these traditional blends for today's natural bath and body care. Discover intensive hydrating body oils, creamy coconut lotions, nourishing hand made soaps and fresh sugar scrubs that will get your skin glowing.
Protecting the Environment & Reducing our Carbon Footprint
Pure Fiji is committed to sustainable manufacturing and reducing its carbon footprint. Botanical ingredients such as the blend of nut oils are wild-harvested
This reduces our requirement for energy dependent irrigation and fertilization methods thus limiting our carbon impact. Bottles used in packaging are PET which are an environmentally responsible choice as they require 24% less energy to produce and generate 40% less solid waste than glass bottles. Gift packaging is made by hand using natural fibers such as handmade paper or in delightful woven baskets.
What are we doing right now to improve conservation?
Eco-smart production
Sustainable Raw Materials
Botanical ingredients produced in Fiji are harvested sustainably without impact on the plants themselves or the surrounding environment.
Processing of several of the ingredients used in formulations rely on hand-operated cold pressing of nuts into oil. This limits the carbon impact on the environment while creating employment opportunities for rural communities.
Some of the methods employed in processing the ingredients use a natural source of energy such as passive solar dryers. This eliminates the need to use bio-mass, electric resistance, or liquid fuel-fired heaters.By-products from coconut husks and the shell material from oil bearing nuts are recycled as mulch and fertiliser.
The structures which support these enterprises are often made of local, environmentally low-impact materials such as plaited sago palm roofing. Such buildings are bright, airy, and cool, eliminating the need for artificial lighting or ventilating. Some suppliers of the processed botanicals minimise any environmental impact by running generators etc on natural, unrefined coconut oil.
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 5 Star Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. 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.
Pure Fiji is a natural bath and body products manufacturer which caters to the exclusive spa and salon industry. Founded 12 years ago by Gaëtane Austin and her daughter Andrée, Pure Fiji began research, development, and production of their uniquely Fijian products around the family kitchen table. Organics and natural products are popular now, but Pure Fiji has always appreciated the numerous benefits of coconut oil and the myriad of botanical and herbal curatives and remedies that have been utilized by the Fijian people for hundreds of years. Having pioneered the use of local nuts and botanical extracts into true South Pacific therapies, their spa located within the grounds of the factory premises serves as a invaluable research and development tool for both the products and the uniquely Pacific spa therapies which complement them.
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May 2, 2012
Spectacular bure view at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Apr 29, 2012
Above and Beyond a Dream Vacation - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
I spent 10 days at Matava with The League of Underwater Superheroes and had the time of my life! I could not have dreamt up a better vacation!
The scuba diving was overwhelmingly beautiful and the friendly staff was outstanding! Everyone there went above and beyond the call of duty. The food is outstanding as well and everything is so fresh, because it's grown right there. They even make their own honey! Dietary restrictions are not to be worried about either - they made all of my meals with no onions, simply because I don't like them...talk about accommodation.
We also took a day trip to the village and waterfall, which is not to be missed. The locals are all very friendly and the waterfall is beautiful! An amazing adventure! I'll definitely be back and I can't wait!
I can not thank everyone at Matava enough for my amazing stay there - Ta, George, Maggie, and Cherie, always there for us no matter what it was we needed. The fun and spectacular dive crew! Chenelle with her magic massage hands. The chefs and their delicious creations (we ate like kings). Sammy, and the kava crew! and thank you Richard for making it all possible!
Vinaka to all of my friends in Fiji, you are missed!
Above and Beyond a Dream Vacation - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Apr 6, 2012
Apr 1, 2012
Weather Situation at Matava, March 2012
A message to all friends and families of the Paradise Dive Group and other guests staying with us.
All of our guests are safe and well.
Many of our guests are attempting to contact their loved ones at home.
You may contact any of our guests via email at info@matava.com if you wish to call you may call on +679-603-0685.
We will continue to put up posts as information comes to hand.
The guests staying at the resort may be here for a couple of more days, depending on when flights can depart Nadi and land in Kadavu.
Weather Situation at Matava, March 2012 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort:
Mar 10, 2012
Most beautiful place on earth!
Hasselt, Belgium
Me and my husband spend a week at Matava in February. It was a wonderful experience!
The staff is lovely, they make every guest feel special! Maggie, Sita, Cherie,... they're all genuinly friendly and kind. They knew every guest by name, it really felt like a big family. The bures are clean and spacious, as is the bathroom. Even though it's very remote, we had all the comfort we needed.
The food was great! I'm a vegetarian and they cooked me a completely different vegetarian meal every night!
We went snorkeling a few times and did our first trial dive! The snorkel was beautiful! We really enjoyed our dive too. Alex, the instructor, was very patient and calm, which is perfect if you're diving for the first time!!
It really was perfect and I hope we can go back some day..
Most beautiful place on earth - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor:
'via Blog this'
Feb 23, 2012
Feb 22, 2012
Jan 31, 2012
Great Place - TripAdvisor
Great Place - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisorWe stayed 5nights at Matava, going home on Nov. 17. I have nothing but praise.Matava was perfect for us, but do your homework to see if it's for you. If you want blowdryers, boutiques, pools and fancy, skip this. Kadavu is gorgeous, and Matava provided us with everything we needed. The setting is stunning, and our bure felt very private. The showers were nice and warm, good pressure and I had enough water. Food was absolutely amazing. Bed was comfy and a mosquito net was provided.There was no a/c, but we didn't miss it. The breezes were more than fine to cool us off.We had an oceanview bure (bulubulu) and it was perfect. I didn't see the inside of a honeymoon bure, but was glad I didn't have to trek up all those steps every time I wanted something, though the views are spectacular from there.If you're on the fence over which bure to get, please be assured that the oceanview is very nice.The wonderful folks at Matava take excellent care of you. My brother called them and told them I was celebrating my 50th birthday, and they surprised me with a beautifully decorated birthday cake and singing.If you've read any other reviews, you know Maggie is an absolute hoot. George is too. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Loved, loved the meke!! (fyi a spa is in the works)We don't dive, but love to snorkle and kayak. There was tons for us to do, and we had the place to ourselves in the day. We signed up for the adventure package incldg 1 day kayak. Loved all of it!Waya Island is a very short kayak away, with gorgeous beaches, some of the best snorkeling I have ever done, and privacy.I could go there every day of my life and be an extremely happy woman! If this is your style, for God's sakes go! Do not miss it!
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