Great Place - TripAdvisor

We 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!

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

Vacation with a Green Conscience at Matava Fiji's Premier Eco Resort | Peachy Green

Matava Fiji's Premier Eco Resort is big fun on a small energy budget

Let’s be realistic. Travel usually leaves a big carbon footprint. Even among the most eco-sensitive of us, its hard to get away without wasting energy and using fuel.

But, you can vacation with a green conscience atMatava Fiji’s Premier Eco Resort. Located on Kadavu, south of the main Fiji island, Matava is a100% off-grid, solar powered resort that uses minimal electricity while providing maximum fun!

Only 22 guests at a time can be accommodated at Matava. All meals are prepared on site and served community style.

Matava offers diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, boating, ocean swimming, bird watching and more. It is nestled near the beach, surrounded by tropical rain forest. Because there are no roads that reach this area of the island, everything must be brought in or out by boat – or grown locally. When I visited last week, the main attraction for the other guests was the amazing scuba diving (something I will have to take up soon!)

Day dawning at Matava Fiji's Premier Eco Resort

Matava has its own organic gardens which provide fruits, vegetables and herbs for its menu. Extra seeds are provided to families in nearby villages, too. Several times a month, recyclable materials from Matava – including plastics and paper – are picked up and hauled out by boat. No pesticides or herbicides are used at the resort.

Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco Resort has been awarded a number of honors and accolades as a result of its green practices. These include:

• Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award, Marine Environment Category (World Travel Show 2010)
• Excellence in Tourism Award (Accommodation Budget 1999)
• Project Aware Marine Environmental Award
• Founder: Shark-Free Marina

Pristine, preserved environment at Matava on Kadavu, Fiji

Several important causes of Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco Resort are:

• Saving sharks
• Educating villagers about environmental preservation
• Minimizing energy use
• Working to establish and maintain marine reserves
• Coral reef education and preservation

Not only is Matava involved in education and raising awareness locally concerning environmental issues, but the resort also has resources for its guests to review.

Community outreach is a primary focus of Matava, as well. The owners believe that, by teaching young children the importance of sustainability and preservation at an early age, they will grow up with a deep understanding of and respect for natural resources.

Can you believe it – a resort that not only conserves energy and helps the environment as a result of its own practices, but also works to encourage others to do the same!

Yes, you can vacation with a green conscience at Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco Resort.

Vacation with a Green Conscience at Matava Fiji's Premier Eco Resort | Peachy Green

Once in a lifetime holiday! TripAdvisor

My Husband and I stayed at the Matava November last year and I am counting down the time until we can get back there. I was certified as a scuba diver there and my teacher was brilliant! One on one training - what more could you ask for!

The food was "to die for" and being a foodie didn’t expect such wonderful & new culinary delights!!

Our Hostess with the mostess “Maggie” was so warm, friendly & funny I would go back just to spend another week with her! Love Ya Mags!!.

The Directors Richard, Adrian & Stuart well who could ask for better people to get to know and enjoy such wonderful company with! Bula Guys!!

The accommodation was peaceful and comfortable and all the staff were fantastic! As a first time diver I couldn’t ask for a better place to learn to dive! Can’t wait to see you all again soon!
XOXOXOX JULIE & DAVID XOXOXOX

Review
Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

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

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

Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Wir verbrachten auf eine Empfehlung eines Freundes hin über Weihnachten 10 Tage auf Matava - und dies war etwas vom besten was wir je erleben durften!

Das Resort besteht aus etwa 10 im tradtionellen fijijanischen Stil gebauten Hütten mit zum Teil herrlichen Ausblick auf die kleine vorgelagerte Insel und das Meer - alleine auf der Veranda sitzend und den Ausblick genießend könnte man Stunden zubringen. Weiters gibt es eine Gemeinschaftshütte, wo die Mahlzeiten gemeinsam mit allen Gästen eingenommen werden. Auf jeden Spezialwunsch, ob Vegetarier oder Allergien, etc. wird Rücksicht genommen. Das Verhältnis zwischen Gästen und Mitarbeitern ist herrlich entspannt und freundschafltich, alle sind wahnsinnig freundlich, hilfsbereit, immer lächelnd und zu Scherzen aufgelegt.

Die Tauchcrew ist sehr professionell und versucht auf alle Wünsche einzugehen, zum Teil waren wir nur zwei bis drei Taucher plus Guide. Wir hatten dort unsere besten Tauchgänge und wirklich sehr viel Spaß zusammen.

Das Resort legt viel Wert auf Umwelt- und Naturschutz, Strom gibt es nur für die notwendigsten Dinge und man merkt bald, dass es auch nicht viel mehr bedarf um einen super Urlaub zu haben.

Ich kann das Resort und die Insel jedem empfehlen, der gerne abseits der Massen Urlaub macht, Einheimische kennen lernen möchte, es gerne ruhig hat aber auch die Gemeinschaft schätzt, tauchen oder schnorcheln liebt und kein Sonnenanbetender "nur" Strandurlauber ist (Strand auf der gegenüberliegendenen Insel, nur bei Ebbe)!!

Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

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

This place is a little slice of heaven.

However, if you are the type that likes to be entertained or have schedules then this isn't the place for you. We spent 5 days here and didn't dive or fish but we were busy. We went kayaking, hiking, exploring the mud flats, snorkling (it's quite good right out front of the resort) and just relaxed and slept. A much needed rest.

The food was great and all staff were friendly and helpful. Oh, we did take the kayak trip to the remote village and although our guide didn't seem super pumped to be out there with us, we had a fantastic adventure with him. he was knowledgeable. The village was a highlight and the voices of the children singing to us while we hiked to the waterfall is one of my favorite memories. It was hard to leave this place.

It's rustic and wonderful, our type of place.

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

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

We have been to several places on Kadavu and find Matava the best.

We would return just for the food but when you add the reef, the wonderful staff, diving, snorkeling, fishing, and the very nice beach facing the resort we will be there again in 2010 and that should be about 12 visits for us since we began traveling to Fiji in 1993-ps we did our rescue PADI Certification there.

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

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.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D564Zv4sPJ8
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pshqJoeTBc

Dream Holiday - Done Right - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

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

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

Matava gets TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 6 hotels in Kadavu Island

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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: ^#1 of 6 hotels in Kadavu Island