LOVE MATAVA - Can't wait to return! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

LOVE MATAVA - Can't wait to return! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

I was looking for a dive trip to the western Pacific and did a lot of internet searching, Tripadvisor searching and talking to people. After much research, I decided on Matava, both at the suggestion of South Seas Adventures (a travel agency I highly recommend) and from the internet info. I was not disappointed. I am a biologist with a keen interest in outdoor activities that have some learning component, such as diving, bird watching, bicycling, hiking, etc. I was traveling solo so I didn't want to end up in a typical tropical resort situation with lots of newly weds only, lots of folks mostly interested in sunning by a pool and sipping expensive drinks and so on. There are places for that, but that's not what I wanted. Matava EXCEEDED all of my expectations.

It does take some effort to get there; it took fully 26 hours from start to finish from California. The overseas flight is only 10 hours, but the various other transfers take time. Still, for some reason, I had no jet lag, either direction. The final leg of the trip is a marvelous boat ride from the airport at Vunisea, Kadavu to Matava. This offered me the first view of that incredible blue and blue-green water, wow.

Matava is a small eco-friendly resort on the eastern (SE) part of Kadavu, perfectly located for easy access to the world-renowned Astrolabe Reef. The grounds and bures are simple and clean and perfectly comfortable. They have everything I needed for a great stay including excellent beds with mosquito netting, great pillows and hot showers. There is some electricity, augmented with gas lanterns. There is however ample electricity to recharge your batteries, laptop, etc.. The staff are incredible at Matava. They really go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and relaxed; I can't say enough about everyone that works there. A particular thank you to Maggie, Lou, Jen, Drex, Tay and I know I'm forgetting people, so please forgive me if you read this! I also enjoyed talking to Richard, one of the owners, as he is an amateur fish taxonomist and helped me out with some of the various fish intricacies I ran across. The resort has a fairly extensive field guide collection too, so you may not need to bring your own.

I have an Advanced Open Water dive card, but hadn't dived in over 10 years; I did take a refresher course at a local dive shop 2 weeks before the trip. Still, I was rusty to say the least and our divemaster was extremely patient and accomodating to my needs; a big thank you to Lou for that! The dive shop carries equipment for rent which is all in very good condition. You might bring your own dive computer though as those are not for rent (at Matava nor in the local dive shops so far as I could tell).

It was March, Fiji summer, and I brought a 3mm wetsuit, booties and mask and snorkel. I rented the rest and that worked fine. I would bring additional neoprene such as a hooded vest to go under the wetsuit as I did get a little cold on the 2nd dive each day (water temp was about 81 deg F, a little cooler than normal possibly due to El Nino). The divemaster was kind enough to loan me her vest and I was comfortable in the water after that.

Now, the best part: the diving is spectacular! I have dived in the Cayman Islands, Hawaii, off California and in Baja and had always wanted to dive the western Pacific. I knew this ecosystem was the richest in the world but you really have to see this in person to know what that means. The coral diversity is amazing - hard corals galore, amazing leather corals and lots of softies as well. The Dendronepthya (carnation corals) are unbelievable in color and abundance. I was really stunned. Our divemaster knew the sites aboslutely cold as she has several years of experience diving this area, so she was able to show us big things, small things and all things in between. She found lots of great nudibranchs, flatworms, small fish, and so forth in addition to the sharks and mantas everyone hopes to see (me included, and we did too). I can't say enough about the quality of the diving and the leardership of the staff. It seemed like every dive was the "best I'd ever had."

The resort is very remote with no roads whatsoever - only boat access. There are no town lights to ruin the sky and the stars are as you'd expect, incredible. Are there other things to do aside from diving and star gazing? There are, but diving was my main goal. There is world-class fishing to be had and I was happy some fishermen were there while I was as it meant some great fresh fish on the table at night! One can snorkel right from the resort into a mix of seagrass beds and hard coral formations mixed with rubble fields further out. Lots of habitats to explore and creatures to view there. There are also a few hikes, both up the hill behind the resort and to local villages nearby, which are very interesting. There is a nice waterfall in the closest village from which many of the staff come as well. There are some endemic birds, though they can be alittle shy and hard to see. The Kadavu parrot, kingfisher and honeyeater were the easiest to see for me. My trip included a kava ceremony which was very low key and interesting. I hadn't had kava before and found it very relaxing and in the low dose I tried, not negative in any way. Very nice.

You may be wondering about the food: in a word, GREAT! Fresh fish, organic vegetables and fruits every day and home made bread. All that diving makes you hungry and the food is plentiful (they keep bringing plates of it until you say stop), varied and delicious. I may bring my own french press and coffee next time though as there is only instant coffee (personal thing, not a big deal).

In short, I cannot wait to go back to Matava. If you are seeking a small resort which caters to divers and fisherfolk and can live without the, imho, overbearing luxuries and attitude sometimes found in other resorts, Matava is for you.

LOVE MATAVA - Can't wait to return! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Tourism luminary dies - Fiji Times Online

JOAN Moody, co-founder of Moody's Namena Island Resort, a founding member of the Savusavu Tourism Association and a founder of the Namena Marine Reserve, has died in Labasa Hospital after a brief illness.

She was 73.

Mrs Moody and her husband Tom created the resort on remote Namena Island beginning in 1982.

Located 19 nautical miles off the coast of Savusavu, the island, then known as Namenalala to denote emptiness, had never been inhabited due in part to the lack of a water supply.

The Moodys developed the resort themselves including an elaborate water catchment system, solar and wind power generation, and with the steadfast aim of keeping the virgin feel of the 110-acre island intact.

As such, the couple became one the first to practice low-impact and environmentally sustainable development.

Mrs Moody was also instrumental in the creation of the marine reserve in order to protect the stunning barrier reef surrounding Namena Island from being over-fished.

Because of its uniqueness, the resort has been the subject of numerous magazine and newspaper articles around the world and will soon be featured by National Geographic Television.

The Moodys are legendary in the tourism world for remote resort operations.

Prior to coming to Fiji, they operated Pidertupo, a resort in the San Blas islands off the coast of Panama.

After many years of successful operations, their resort was burned to the ground and Mr Moody was seriously wounded in an attacked by alleged operatives of the Noriega regime.

Before this, they were associated with resorts in British Honduras (now known as Belize) and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Mrs Moody's burial will be in America.

The family has established the Joan Moody Memorial Fund for those who may wish to show their respect.

In keeping with Mrs Moody's strong belief in the value of education, the fund will go toward the education of children in the remote Kubulau area of Vanua Levu, where many of the resort employees live.

Some of the fund will also be used in repair efforts in Kubulau after the damage caused by Hurricane Tomas.

The family said deposits could be made direct to: Westpac, account name Namena Limited, account number 1168092700.

Deposits should contain the note "For Joan Moody Memorial Fund". Or donations can be mailed to Moody's Namena Resort, PMG, Savusavu.

Tourism luminary dies - Fiji Times Online

Matava wins Major Environmental Award at the PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards 2009 for 2nd Year in a Row!

Matava has again won the PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards 2009 in the category Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award 2009

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 16th February 2010 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it is an official 2009 recipient of The Project AWARE Marine Environmental Achievement Award for the 3rd year in row.
KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 25th March 2010 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it has again been announced as the official 2009 winner of PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards 2009 in the in the Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award 2009.

The PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards were developed to better recognise the achievements of those PADI Dive Centres and Resorts who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of diving.
In competition with more than a thousand dive centres throughout the region, Matava was awarded the great honor of this award as a token of appreciation for all the efforts and initiatives put forward by the company in the last few years.

"At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to again receive this prestigious 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." said Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar.
Mr Ian Cumming, PADI Regional Director for the Fiji Islands, said "I'd just like to send my congratulations to the Team at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort who have again taken out the Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award for 2009 for the second year running."

"Having visited the resort I know firsthand the mighty efforts everyone there have gone to to ensure the resort is very much the 'Eco Adventure' resort that has guests coming back time and again. Given the location of the resort, which adds greatly to its charm, it is a wonderful achievement that everyone involved in the resort should be very proud of!" Mr Cumming continued.

Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of global ecosystems. "This Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," states Richardson.

"Our Marine Environmental awards recognise dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays! The number of outstanding environmental programs taking place is inspiring," said Joanna McNamara, Project AWARE Coordinator.

Joanne Marston, Manager of Project AWARE, said "Project AWARE Foundation is delighted that Matava's positive continuing environmental actions have been recognized by PADI Asia Pacific.  As a Project AWARE Go ECO Operator Matava show a dedication and commitment to conservation that goes above and beyond.  Congratulations again Matava."


Adopting a fresh new format that provides a system in which all PADI Members can participate, the PADI Member Awards programme was based on a system that ensured PADI Members compete with other PADI Members within their own geographical region for one of the five Awards. All PADI Dive Centres and Resorts were considered for nomination by a specially convened selection panel, who selected up to three finalists for each of the Awards.

A panel of PADI judges then considered all of the finalists and Matava is very pleased to be announced as the winner of the PADI Member Award 2009 in the category: Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award 2009.

Mr Akhtar went on to say that "This PADI Member Award gives us special recognition within the entire tourism industry and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business. After 7 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognised again and this time by the world's largest international scuba certification agency, PADI.

"Our continuing resort upgrades in 2009, and the addition of further high-tech solar power plant solutions for the Main Bure and each individual bure, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country."

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. To win this for 2 years running is indeed an honour and is an indication of the dedication of all the Matava staff."

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Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, works in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.   To get involved in environmental activities and make a lasting difference visit www.projectaware.org

 

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

Mad Fish Dive Centre and Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters are our on-site diving and fishing specialists offering the best of both under and on the water activities.

 

www.Matava.com    www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com    www.GamefishingFiji.com

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Matava is fully operational after Cyclone TOMAS

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort is 100% fully open after the cyclone passed Fiji on Tuesday 16th March 2010

 

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 17 December 2009 - On Monday 15th March 2010 Fiji was hit by a Category 4 Tropical Cyclone, TC TOMAS. The cyclone passed over the northern islands and well to the East of Kadavu Island.

Although the resort experienced high winds and heavy rain, no damage was done to the resort at all, apart from the loss of some thatch from the corner of the roof of the dive centre.

The guests and staff spent the whole day playing cards, board games and reading books safely in the Main Bure while Maggie served breakfast, lunch and dinner as normal. We even had some divers toughen up and go shore diving in the 'teeth' of the bad weather on Monday and Tuesday and get some great pics of critters on The Critter Junction dive site!

By Tuesday 16th March we were once again fishing, diving and trekking as normal, in glorious sunshine with not even a slight breeze!

The cyclone passed well east of Kadavu and was over in a couple of days of strong winds and grey weather.

Due to flight safety reasons, Pacific Sun did postpone its flights for a couple of days, but have now fully resumed services to Kadavu from Nadi.  All flights to and from Kadavu from Nadi International Airport are currently fully resumed and we have have had clients fly in and out of Kadavu today (Wednesday 18th March 2010).

We appreciate your patience in these matters, and rest assured that we are all fine and 100% fully operational at Matava - Fiji's premier Eco Adventure Resort.

Here is a pic taken by Adrian this morning from the deck of Mango, one of our Honeymoon Bures:


Richard, Adrian, Jeanie, Stuart & The Team @ Matava

Tropical Cyclone Tomas Gone

The weather today is....... Glorious..

Tropical Cyclone Tomas Gone

Divers and Medical Professionals Combine Work andPassion for Scuba Diving Through Fiji Project

Divers and Medical Professionals Combine Work andPassion for Scuba Diving Through Fiji Project

TO: Medical, Dental, Optometric and Pharmacy Professionals, Health Editors, Human Resource Managers

Most people think of Fiji as an island paradise, but there are many children in area villages who are in tremendous need of medical and dental care. Mark Fischer, owner of Keizer’s Hydrosports Dive and Travel, is putting together a team of “underwater ambassadors” and medical professionals to help those children on the land near some of his group’s most cherished dive locations. 

Learn how you can combine your profession, passion and also receive tax benefits as a result of participating in a medical mission to Fiji. Enjoying, appreciating and learning about preserving the beautiful, natural landscape above and below water will also be discussed. To RSVP or for additional information please email mark@hydrosports.com . To learn more about scuba certification at HydroSports please click HERE. 

DIVE Northwest, a 501 (c)3 non-profit, and HydroSports Dive and Travel located in Keizer, Oregon, are spearheading an effort to bring doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurses and support staff to Kadavu, Fiji, May 8 to 15, 2010. The 150+ children attending school in Koro Village have limited access to routine or preventative medical, dental or vision care. The project’s goal is to hold a week long clinic to provide care to students and faculty of the school and village.

For Trip Information Click HERE

 

To join our interest list please contact Mark Fischer at 503-304-5383 or mark@hydrosports.com.

HydroSports Dive and Travel
DIVE Northwest
3846 River Road North
Keizer OR 97303
www.hydrosports.com
503-304-5383

Medical Mission Fiji

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

Warning: Fending Off Mosquitoes May be Harmful to Your Health « I Count for myEARTH

Natural Mosquito Repellent

According to an article by Vanessa Vadim, environmental advice columnist for Mother Nature Network, "Every year, 500 million people are infected with mosquito-borne illnesses and at least 2.5 million die from those infections."

Mosquitoes are attracted to floral scents found in perfumes, hair products, sunscreens, moisturizers and fabric softeners. They also like potassium, which is found in meat, bananas, melons, sports drinks, milk, potatoes and tomatoes, all foods we like to enjoy in abundance for summer cookouts. Mosquitoes are also tempted by the lactic acid and carbon dioxide that our bodies produce with exercise, so lingering outside after a workout is a surefire way to attract these annoying little pests.

The good news is that you can repel mosquitos naturally by incorporating repellent plants into your landscape and by welcoming animals into your yard that eat mosquitoes. If this isn't an option for you, you can make your own personal mosquito repellent. Using unscented skin cream as a base, add a few drops of eucalyptus, cedar, geranium, peppermint, lemon grass, fennel, catnip, rosemary, tea tree, castor or soybean essential oils and apply the mixture to your skin. You can also use water or alcohol as a base, mix together with essential oils in a spray bottle and mist onto your skin. Another natural repellent? Avoid wearing dark colors. As with any product, be sure to check the label on each bottle of essential oil for directions for use.

This information provided with help from http://icountformyearth.wordpress.com

Warning: Fending Off Mosquitoes May be Harmful to Your Health « I Count for myEARTH