May 12, 2012

The Bamboo Spa @ Matava - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu, Fiji


Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort
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

discover the south pacific secret for beautiful skin and hair

Pure Fiji
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

Eco Packaging
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.
Green EarthSome 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.Follow us on TwitterFind us on Facebook


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. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter


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May 2, 2012

Spectacular bure view at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Photos of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island
This photo of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Spectacular diving in spectacular location - Review of 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 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.
See also our Twitter feed and Facebook page for instant info.


Weather Situation at Matava, March 2012 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

Mar 10, 2012

Most beautiful place on earth!

Eveline I 
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

Grand Diamond Prize at Happy Hearts Love Sharks

Grand Diamond Prize

Calling all shark-saving wedding couples – how would you like a fabulous twin-centre honeymoon in stunning tropical Fiji?

Courtesy of our fabulous grand prize sponsors, Air Pacific, Pearl and Matava, we are
thrilled to offer a grand prize which includes

  • AIR PACIFIC: Return international flights, for 2 people, from Hong Kong to Fiji’s Nadi airport*
  • PEARL: Return private vehicle transfers, for 2 people, from Nadi airport
  • PEARL: 5 night’s accommodation for 2 adults in an Ocean View Penthouse Suite
  • PEARL: Full buffet breakfast daily for 2
  • PEARL: Romantic 3-course seafood dinner in a beach bure for 2
  • PEARL: Bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
  • PEARL: 6 dives (3 days x 2-tank sharks dives) for two with Beqa Divers
  • PEARL: A 30 minute massage for 2
  • PEARL: All taxes for food/accommodation*
  • AIR PACIFIC: Return domestic flight transfers, for 2 people, from Nadi to Kadavu island*
  • MATAVA: Return boat transfers from Kadavu airport to MATAVA, Fiji’s premier fully certified eco-resort*
  • MATAVA: 6 night’s accommodation, for 2 adults, in an oceanview bure at Matava
  • MATAVA: 8 dives (4 x 2-tank morning dives) for two with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Matava’s on site PADI 5 Star Dive Centre and unlimited all day shore diving at The Critter Junction (NB. For non-divers, scuba diving package can be exchanged for other resort activities)
  • MATAVA: Traditional Lovo Feast and Kava ceremony
  • MATAVA: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/coffee)
  • MATAVA: All taxes for food/accommodation*
Grand Diamond Prize | Happy Hearts Love Sharks:

'via Blog this'

Jan 31, 2012

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

Jan 24, 2012

6 Island Escapes to Take Your Mind Off Winter


Long Beach, Fiji (Digital Vision/Getty Images)

Long Beach, Fiji (Digital Vision/Getty Images)


Kadavu, Fiji

Kadavu, the smallest and least developed of Fiji’s “big” islands, is best known for scuba diving and bird watching. But if you’ve got to have your beach fading out of sight in both directions, this miles-long sandy stretch on the island is for you.

6 Island Escapes to Take Your Mind Off Winter

Jan 8, 2012

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


13 300x201 Vacation with a Green Conscience at Matava Fijis Premier Eco Resort
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!)
171 300x201 Vacation with a Green Conscience at Matava Fijis Premier Eco Resort
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:
23 300x201 Vacation with a Green Conscience at Matava Fijis Premier Eco Resort
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

Jan 6, 2012

Matava is the Grand Diamond prize @ The Happy Hearts Love Sharks Wedding Contest | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Calling all eco-conscious couples – how would you like a honeymoon in a certified eco-resort in stunning Fiji?

By making your wedding shark-free, you can show respect to both your guests and our oceans as well as earning the opportunity to win a fabulous prize!

Enter the Happy Hearts Love Sharks – Hong Kong wedding contest now.

The Happy Hearts Love Sharks wedding contest 2012Courtesy of our fabulous grand prize sponsors, Air Pacific and Matava, we are thrilled to offer a grand prize which includes

  • Return international flights, for 2 people, from Hong Kong to Fiji’s Nadi airport*
  • Return domestic flight transfers, for 2 people, from Nadi to Kadavu island*
  • Return boat transfers from Kadavu airport to Matava, Fiji’s premier eco-adventure resort*
  • 6 night’s accommodation in an oceanview bure at Matava
  • 8 dives (4 x 2-tank morning dives) for two with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Matava’s on site PADI 5 Star Dive Centre and unlimited all day shore diving at The Critter Junction (NB. For non-divers, scuba diving package can be exchanged for other resort activities)
  • Traditional Lovo Feast and Kava ceremony
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/coffee)
  • All taxes for food/accommodation at Matava*

*Winners must pay taxes and surcharges for flights. Availability for the grand prize flights and accommodation package will be subject to blackout dates to be confirmed in the winner’s Grand Diamond Prize confirmation letter.

Enter contest now!


The Happy Hearts Love Sharks Wedding Contest

The Happy Hearts Love Sharks wedding contest was originally created in 2009 by Canadian shark conservation group Shark Truth.

Originally run purely as a Facebook competition to reward couples who had already held a shark fin free wedding, Shark Truth had 16 couples making their pledge public in the first year and 27 couples in the second – with a combined total of 10,000 bowls of shark fin soup prevented from being served.

The Happy Hearts Love Sharks wedding contest 2012

In 2011, Shark Truth gave HK Shark Foundation exclusive rights to launch a Hong Kong version of the contest.

Along with partners EcoVision Asia, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Humane Society International, HKSF developed a new vision for the contest, which included extending its reach beyond purely the Facebook community, to include interested couples in China, and also targetting couples in the planning stages of their weddings so that we might influence those who had not previously considered having a shark-free wedding.

When our vision attracted the support of the sophisticated high society magazine Hong Kong Tatler and of the popular bridal publication Darizi, as well as a sea of awesome prize sponsorships, we knew we had something special to offer. And so the Hong Kong edition of Happy Hearts Love Sharks was born…

Pledge to make your wedding shark-free and enter the contest now!

The Cause

By making your wedding shark-free, you can help keep our oceans in harmony.

Humans need healthy oceans

Our oceans are a precious natural resource that should be conserved for future generations. They are a valuable source of food and livelihoods and play an important role in regulating our climate (about half of the oxygen we breathe every day is generated through the photosynthesis of tiny oceanic organisms called marine phytoplanktons!).

Healthy oceans need healthy shark populations

Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems. As apex predators, sharks sit at the top of the marine food chain and help regulate the abundance and diversity of the marine life beneath them. Declining shark populations have a direct impact on the health of our oceans.

Sharks need people to say NO to shark fin!

Unsustainable demand for the Chinese delicacy Shark Fin Soup is causing a crisis in our oceans. The fins of up to 73 million sharks are thought to be traded each year – that’s 200,000 sharks per day! Along with habitat destruction, such massive overfishing has caused the dramatic decline of many shark populations, with some dwindling by up to 90%. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around one third of all shark species are now threatened or near threatened with extinction. Extinction is forever so, please, make your wedding shark-free now.

Enter the competition now.

For more information, please visit the FAQs on the HK Shark Foundation’s website.

Why say NO to shark fin

Shark-free weddings are sophisticated and environmentally conscious and, by serving a suitable alternative to shark fin soup, you can both respect your guests and our oceans.

Shark Finning is cruel, wasteful and unsustainable

When sharks are ‘finned’, the shark is pulled onto the boat, its fins are sliced off and its body is thrown back into the ocean. Although incredibly wasteful, the fishermen do this because the fins are the most valuable part of the shark and, by only storing the fins, the fishermen can catch many more sharks than if they had to store the bodies on board too – this is partly why the practice of shark-finning is so environmentally unsustainable.

Many people also condemn shark-finning because it is cruel. The sharks are usually still alive when thrown back overboard. They are unable to breathe because, without their fins, they cannot swim and pass water over their gills so, instead, they sink to the sea bed where they slowly suffocate.

Shark fin soup: All symbol, no substance.

Shark fins are prized because of the high demand for the Chinese delicacy known as Shark Fin Soup.

Traditionally, only emperors and the wealthy elite ate shark fin soup. Today, however, shark fin is a widely affordable luxury, thanks to the rising mass affluence in China and the global growth of industrialized fishing methods. Now, shark fin soup is a standard feature of Chinese banqueting menus and serving it is seen as a symbol of wealth and of respect for guests.

Interestingly, the shark fins have no taste and no nutritional or medicinal value on their own. All of the soup’s taste and goodness comes from the stock, which is normally made from chicken. The fins are added partly to give texture but mainly as a status symbol – and status is no reason to fish a species to extinction.

Enter the competition now and pledge to have your wedding shark-free.

For more information, please visit the FAQs on the HK Shark Foundation’s website.

Enter contest now!

Calling all sophisticated bridal couples! By making your wedding shark-free, you can show respect to both your guests and our oceans as well as earning the opportunity to win a fabulous prize! Enter the Happy Hearts Love Sharks – Hong Kong wedding contest now.

Links

Matava is the Grand Diamond prize @ The Happy Hearts Love Sharks Wedding Contest

Jan 3, 2012

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