Our stay was UNBELIEVABLE! We have travelled extensively, but this far exceeded our expectations. The lodge was remote enough to escape the typical tourism crowd, but still provided so much.
The bures were incredibly comfortable with amazing views to the ocean and the staff were like family. We felt welcome as soon as we stepped off the boat.
The food was also amazing. Every meal was a wonderful surprise of fresh ingredients and spices (and plenty of it).
We were so sad to leave because after only one week, we felt as if we belonged at Matava. We will definitely be back.
Thanks so much to every single person at Matava. We will be forever grateful for such a wonderful experience.
Heaven!! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Jun 17, 2009
Jun 15, 2009
Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Range Launched
A new website has been launched for outdoor enthusiasts wishing to lessen their impact on the environment. The website is perhaps the first of its kind as it’s entire range of outdoor and adventure clothing is sustainably and ethically sourced.
Rebearth whos ‘Protect your Playground’ slogan reflects their commitment to mother earth provides eco friendly, sustainable, recycled and carbon impact minimised apparel and equipment for cyclists, mountain bikers, surfers, climbers and for anyone who enjoys spending their time in the great outdoors.
The Primary aim of Rebearth Future Adventure is conceived from an enjoyment of the natural environment as a playground for outdoor adventure activities and thus the desire to retain it in its current if not enhanced natural state. Whether your adventures take place afloat, with your head in the clouds, take the rocky road or keep you grounded on the beach or in the forest, Rebearth Future Adventure offer a range of products to suit your needs.
From Bamboo base layers and lanyards to Organic cotton clothing, from recycled tyre belts and sandals to surf wax and wind up head torches all made using environmentally friendly or recycled materials give you the chance to enjoy the great outdoors without your adventures having a negative impact on our planet.
Putting climate control and carbon reduction at the centre of all aspects of Rebearth Future Adventures business operations from retail to transportation, from manufacturing to marketing coupled with a social and environmental ethos including the donation of part of our profits to local and national projects means that you can be sure that when you purchase one of our products you are not merely paying lip service to protecting your playground but are in a small way actually helping to preserve our environment.
To see the ‘Rebearth’ collection visit their online store on the link below.
http://www.rebearth.co.uk
Rebearth future adventure - grounded
Rebearth whos ‘Protect your Playground’ slogan reflects their commitment to mother earth provides eco friendly, sustainable, recycled and carbon impact minimised apparel and equipment for cyclists, mountain bikers, surfers, climbers and for anyone who enjoys spending their time in the great outdoors.
The Primary aim of Rebearth Future Adventure is conceived from an enjoyment of the natural environment as a playground for outdoor adventure activities and thus the desire to retain it in its current if not enhanced natural state. Whether your adventures take place afloat, with your head in the clouds, take the rocky road or keep you grounded on the beach or in the forest, Rebearth Future Adventure offer a range of products to suit your needs.
From Bamboo base layers and lanyards to Organic cotton clothing, from recycled tyre belts and sandals to surf wax and wind up head torches all made using environmentally friendly or recycled materials give you the chance to enjoy the great outdoors without your adventures having a negative impact on our planet.
Putting climate control and carbon reduction at the centre of all aspects of Rebearth Future Adventures business operations from retail to transportation, from manufacturing to marketing coupled with a social and environmental ethos including the donation of part of our profits to local and national projects means that you can be sure that when you purchase one of our products you are not merely paying lip service to protecting your playground but are in a small way actually helping to preserve our environment.
To see the ‘Rebearth’ collection visit their online store on the link below.
http://www.rebearth.co.uk
Rebearth future adventure - grounded
Jun 14, 2009
New iPhone app gets you in the 'green habit' | MNN - Mother Nature Network
An MNN exclusive. I just learned of a very exciting partnership between two cutting-edge media companies in California whose love child is destined to become the definitive green iPhone app.
The app, an upgraded version of 3rdWhale -- which provides iPhone owners with access to a rapidly growing list of local, green businesses -- will now carry content from Creative Citizen, the wiki for green living.
Here is a first sneak peak at the app which will integrate a comprehensive collection of "Creative Solutions" for sustainable living:
One feature that sets the Creative Solution apart from those hordes of redundant "green tips" is that each solution carries with it with a set of tangible benefits, enumerating precisely how that action will reduce the use of water, energy, waste, carbon dioxide AND dollars.
Creative Citizen adds up all the actions that you pledge and tracks your cumulative environmental contribution (and financial savings).
3rdWhale allows iPhone users to download the app (for free currently) which provides them with a map of local green businesses by proximity -- everything from organic restaurants to eco-dry cleaners -- and the new Creative Solutions.
The app will be unveiled at an event in Santa Monica this Saturday called "The Evolution of Green: from Hype to Habit." Produced by EcoNouveau, the event will gather together many of California's most influential green leaders to answer one very important question (as quoted on the MaxGladwell blog):
There’s a lot of hype surrounding the green movement, but we’re not seeing a lot of habit. The results just aren’t materializing. Relative to the chatter, there should be much more change. Everyone is green in principle, but very few are green in practice. Why is that?
Well, one answer might be the lack of a portable tool that connects your daily activities with your green intentions. And it is just this void that the new 3rdWhale app hopes to fill by, as they say, "mobilizing the green revolution."
The 3rdWhale app is also designed for what the developers like to call "radical collaboration." A common buzz word in the politically correct world of CSR (corporate social responsibility) but the 3rdWhale/CreativeCitizen guys seem to mean it. Unlike most other apps, it is an open API within Apple's own open API, meaning that 3rd parties can create add-ons to the application, including a rumored green business rating system which will screen business owners for their green practices and rate them accordingly.
I have followed Creative Citizen closely from its formation by Scott Badenoch and Argam Derhartunian into one of the most robust tools for helping individuals live more sustainably. The fact that it is now integrating with a mobile search engine of local green businesses puts it well on its way to becoming the must-have app for green techies.
UPDATE: The Saturday event is currently at capacity but the CreativeCitizen programs will be streaming the event live (including interviews by yours truly) via a twitter feed:
Should be a fun event with lots of eco-celebs of PlanetGreen fame in attendance. You can check back here on this post or watch it on the CreativeCitizen website.
New iPhone app gets you in the 'green habit' | MNN - Mother Nature Network
Jun 13, 2009
Facebook | Username
Starting NOW, you can choose a username for your Facebook account to easily direct friends, family, and coworkers to your profile.
To select your username, visit the link NOW:
http://www.facebook.com/username/
To learn more about usernames, visit the Help Center:
http://www.facebook.com/help.php?page=89
Jun 12, 2009
Tell the Travel Industry How You Want Them to Get Greener
Tell the Travel Industry How You Want Them to Get Greener
Tourism and hospitality leaders want to make your vacations and business travel a "greener" experience for you, and for the planet. Global environmental and travel organizations, suppliers and media have joined with CMI Green and BBMG to produce this first-ever, comprehensive Green Traveler Survey. Your important feedback will help airlines, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and destinations make their operations and communications greener.Your answers are strictly confidential - none of the information you provide will be used for marketing purposes, nor will you be added to any lists without your optional, express consent at the conclusion of the survey.
Completing the online survey takes only 12-15 minutes, and as an incentive to complete it, TEN WINNERS will receive a choice of a $50 iTunes gift card, or a $50 Amazon credit, or a $50 donation to the charity of your choice.
Please take a moment now to take the survey. Your feedback really matters! Please also email the link to your friends and colleagues, and ask them to complete their survey by June 15th.
Jun 10, 2009
Sightseeing : Birdwatching in Fiji : Gowealthy.com
 | Bird watching is a pleasure in Fiji, with a variety of rare and indigenous found in its forests. |
You can observe the Fiji Goshawk glide majestically, a bird you only find in Fiji, or the Blue-Crested Broadbill, found only in the Viti Levu rainforest, or hear the deep hollow call of the Barking Pigeon at the Colo-I-Suva Forest Park.
There are about 80 species of terrestrial and freshwater birds of which about 10 have been introduced. They are distributed throughout the islands but those interested in sampling an array bird should consider visiting three islands: Viti Levu (which has 56 of the 81 known species found in the group), Kadavu, and the Garden Island of Taveuni. In general, the larger islands tend to be more ecologically intact and the bigger birds--notably the parrots and pigeons--are easily seen.
There are three species of hawk in Fiji. The most common is the swamp harrier, Circus approximans, which is most commonly seen over the grasslands, swamps and wooded areas. It feeds on rodents, birds and occasionally snakes. The Fiji Goshawk, Accipiter rufitoques, ranges from the coast to inland areas and preys on lizards, insects and other birds. Peregrine falcons, Falcus peregrinus, can also be found in Fiji but are not commonly observed.
There are several varieties of dove in Fiji. The most common is the introduced spotted turtle dove, Streptopelia chinensis, which is also among the most destructive vis a vis fruit crops. Among the most sought after by birders is the orange dove, Ptiliponus victor found in Vanua Levu, Taveuni and some of the other offshore islands. The male of the species is a bright orange with the exception of an olive green head. So rare is this bird that you'll be hard pressed to find a photo of it in any book.
Peale's pigeon, Ducula latrans , as Paddy Ryan, the South Pacific's premier nature photographer points out in his superb Fiji's Natural Heritage guide, is "more likely to be seen than heard" and sounds a great deal like a barking dog. Thus when walking through a remote rainforest, the bark you'll hear is more likely avian rather than canine in origin.
The white-collared kingfisher, Halcyon chloris, is a striking blue with a white collar around the neck. I've often seen them dipping into a friend's swimming pool in Taveuni. Also seen on Taveuni is the silktail, Lamprolia victoriae. Once thought to be a bird of paradise, it is becoming increasingly rare on other islands most likely because of logging. Paddy Ryan describes it as a deep black with metallic blue spangling on the head and breast.
Sightseeing : Birdwatching in Fiji : Gowealthy.com
Jun 1, 2009
Green Travel
HOW GREEN ARE YOUR TRAVELS?
Help Protect Your Favorite Travel Destination
"Green" Hotels Association® is encouraging all travelers to green up their travel. The U. S. Travel Data Center estimates that 43 million US travelers are "ecologically concerned." These travelers will be especially interested, but all travelers can take part in this important mission(the greening of the travel industry-whether away for business or pleasure.Managers of all businesses react and respond to requests of guests, customers and clients who voice their concerns. So, when you write a note or speak directly to management regarding our environment, you are casting a vote. You can write a note to the general manager of the hotel, to the captain of the airplane and to the manager of a tour company or cruise line with compliments or comments regarding their green program. Thank them for their green program if they have one. Or, ask why they don't have a green program. As a paying customer, it is important that you let them know that you want them to lower water and energy usage and reduce solid waste-and that you want to participate.
"Encourage businesses to think as you do by choosing where to spend your travel dollars. Spend your dollars with travel businesses that are interested in protecting the beautiful destinations we all love to visit", suggests President Patricia Griffin.
Hotels and airlines which have an environmental agenda deserve your patronization. Book your guestrooms and meeting rooms with hotels that are clearly interested in protecting our environment, and let management know that's why you've chosen their hotel. "Green" Hotels Association® member hotels are encouraged to implement water-saving measures, execute energy-saving techniques and reduce solid waste. Rather than putting all these measures into effect "behind the doors", GHA encourages all lodging accommodations to get guests and clients involved. Hotels can offer towel and sheet-changing options, soap and shampoo dispensers, guestroom recycling baskets and reduced food-related waste. Almost all guests realize that we need to help protect our favorite destinations. Those guests are more than willing to participate in a hotel's green program. Choose "green" hotels by calling or faxing "Green" Hotels Association® for a list of members. Or, check out GHA's Internet site-www.greenhotels.com.
"Further ideas for greener individual travel", says Patricia Griffin, "include: during your hotel stay, let management know that it is not necessary to change your towels and sheets every day. When you leave the room, turn off the AC/heat, lights and TV. Carry your own bar soap and shampoo. Leave the little bottles of shampoo if you don't use them. Avoid room service."
Book flights with airlines that recycle the waste created when serving food and beverages to passengers. British Airways, for instance, has a very strong environmental agenda. Southwest Airlines recycles all cabin waste, and was the first to offer electronic ticketing systemwide.
Use the hotel van instead of renting a car. Use public transportation in your destination city.
Before you leave home, you can take the first steps to green up your travel by turning down the thermostat on your hot water heater, adjusting your AC/heat thermostat and stopping your newspaper.
You can help protect the beautiful business and pleasure destinations we all love to visit. You can help protect Mother Earth. You can help protect our environment for future generations.
"Green" Hotels Association - Green Travel
May 30, 2009
Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort
Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort ( Free listing. Entered Oct 2008 ) | ||||
Categories: | [ Lodging / bed & breakfast ] [ Travel agent / tours ] [ Health spa / retreat center / camp ] [ Other vacation / travel ] | |||
Address: | PO Box 63, Vunisea | |||
| City, State: |
| |||
| Phone: | 679-333-6222 Fax: 679 333 6098 | |||
WebSite: | http://www.matava.com | |||
 | Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort Contact: Stuart Gow | |||
Description: | ||||
| ||||
Online Ordering: Yes Mail Order Possible: No Nonprofit: No
| ||||
Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort
May 28, 2009
Sightseeing : Birdwatching in Fiji : Gowealthy.com
| Bird watching is a pleasure in Fiji, with a variety of rare and indigenous found in its forests. |
You can observe the Fiji Goshawk glide majestically, a bird you only find in Fiji, or the Blue-Crested Broadbill, found only in the Viti Levu rainforest, or hear the deep hollow call of the Barking Pigeon at the Colo-I-Suva Forest Park.
There are about 80 species of terrestrial and freshwater birds of which about 10 have been introduced. They are distributed throughout the islands but those interested in sampling an array bird should consider visiting three islands: Viti Levu (which has 56 of the 81 known species found in the group), Kadavu, and the Garden Island of Taveuni. In general, the larger islands tend to be more ecologically intact and the bigger birds--notably the parrots and pigeons--are easily seen.
There are three species of hawk in Fiji. The most common is the swamp harrier, Circus approximans, which is most commonly seen over the grasslands, swamps and wooded areas. It feeds on rodents, birds and occasionally snakes. The Fiji Goshawk, Accipiter rufitoques, ranges from the coast to inland areas and preys on lizards, insects and other birds. Peregrine falcons, Falcus peregrinus, can also be found in Fiji but are not commonly observed.
There are several varieties of dove in Fiji. The most common is the introduced spotted turtle dove, Streptopelia chinensis, which is also among the most destructive vis a vis fruit crops. Among the most sought after by birders is the orange dove, Ptiliponus victor found in Vanua Levu, Taveuni and some of the other offshore islands. The male of the species is a bright orange with the exception of an olive green head. So rare is this bird that you'll be hard pressed to find a photo of it in any book.
Peale's pigeon, Ducula latrans , as Paddy Ryan, the South Pacific's premier nature photographer points out in his superb Fiji's Natural Heritage guide, is "more likely to be seen than heard" and sounds a great deal like a barking dog. Thus when walking through a remote rainforest, the bark you'll hear is more likely avian rather than canine in origin.
The white-collared kingfisher, Halcyon chloris, is a striking blue with a white collar around the neck. I've often seen them dipping into a friend's swimming pool in Taveuni. Also seen on Taveuni is the silktail, Lamprolia victoriae. Once thought to be a bird of paradise, it is becoming increasingly rare on other islands most likely because of logging. Paddy Ryan describes it as a deep black with metallic blue spangling on the head and breast.
Sightseeing : Birdwatching in Fiji : Gowealthy.com
May 27, 2009
The wow factor - Fiji Times Online
By MARGARET WISE
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
+ Enlarge this imageWhat dive tourists come to see ... the experts say dive tourism has been unaffected by world economic conditions and that Fiji stands to gain
SEVEN years ago, two poms and a yankee gave up their career and took a chance on Matava, a little known resort on Kadavu.
The friendship forged 20 years prior was for the long haul so trust was never an issue when the trio decided to combine their zeal with business in a distant island home.
Richard Akhtar, (left) Adrian Watt and Jeanie Mailliard are now major players in dive tourism - their position solidified this year by a recent acquisition - a major environmental award from PADI, the world's largest international scuba certification agency, last month.
And at a dive expo last week, the resort bordered by the Great Astrolabe Reef, was easily identified as one of the best dive spots in Fiji.
"We are so proud of this achievement because it is the only one given in the region and Fiji has never won before," Fiji Islands Hotel Association executive Michael Wong said.
Mr Akhtar, who met fellow Englishman Adrian in London, said contrary to belief, dive tourism had a great potential to enhance and promote the marine ecosystem.
"The award means a lot because it is a recognition of the work we and the community have out in over the past five years," he said as he explained he first came to Fiji ten years ago as a conservationist. He met Jeanie, an American, while on a tour of South Africa.
"Ours is a partnership that started as friends 25 years ago. We looked at a number of options and saw Matava, that was already in operation, as a good opportunity."
Mr Akhtar said diving was a niche market that had a great potential to grow if efforts to protect the reef continued.
"There is a huge gap for this kind of tourism and we try to keep it all natural, that is the cornerstone of everything we do, the natural beauty is still there and it will always be a draw for us," he added, referring to the industry as a whole.
The PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards 2009 was in the category Project Aware marine environment award.
The awards were developed to better recognize the achievements of those PADI dive centers and resorts which have made significant contributions to the growth and development of diving.
Last year a major resort upgrade saw the addition of new high-tech solar power plant. Working in conjunction with our neighboring village of Kadavu Koro, the resort has also established a marine reserve from the boundary of the Matava foreshore extending out to encompass the opposite Waya island.
"This area is protected from any sort of fishing, shell collecting and reef walking. Our focus at Matava is eco-tourism. We promote the natural environment, both marine and terrestrial and have adopted programmes to avoid damaging our environment," Mr Akhtar siad.
"These include conservation awareness, and waste management (recycling) programmes at the resort and with local villages. There are no power generators at Matava - our lighting is primarily solar, with additional kerosene lanterns if required. All rubbish is also sorted, food waste is fed to local pigs and we compost as much waste as possible." "Plastic and glass bottles are recycled."
Ecologically conscious yet adventure driven, the three directors who operate this intimate getaway where 22 guests can stay at a time, have proven they were born to blend in our natural environment - offering our visitors a whole new breed of holiday experience.
The wow factor - Fiji Times Online
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)