"Everything was just perfect & the experience exactly what we were after. The eco-retreat is definitely in a wilderness part of Fiji. The accommodation very comfortable with unbelievable views over an Island. Definitely pay a little more for the Honeymoon Burres. All the staff are brilliant, friendly, warm & helpful. I can’t praise Maggie high enough for looking after us so well & being so entertaining. Food was excellent every day/night, tasty & abundant.
Most guests were divers but we scheduled an activity every day. Medicine man walk, village visit, snorkel trips, remote picnic on deserted beach & an exciting adventure kayaking from Ono Island across the channel back to Matava. In fact the adventure starts as soon as you leave Nadi. Small plane flight, truck across Island & then 1 hr open boat trip to the retreat.
Thank you so much guys for everything. We will definitely be returning & have such fond happy memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. "
Absolutely Brilliant Adventure - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Mar 19, 2011
Mar 4, 2011
Fantastic location & adventure options, and the people were terrific! - TripAdvisor
I've traveled extensively and for the overall value this was one of the best remote eco-resorts I've ever visited.Fantastic location & adventure options, and the people were terrific! - TripAdvisor:
The owners and staff treated me like a long-lost friend. Meals were made with local food, prepared very well, served family style, and there was always enough to go around. The guests were from around the world and were fun and friendly.
The staff were helpful, accommodating, friendly and professional. As a diver, I really appreciated how well the dive operation was handled -- gear, boat, dive masters, safety, etc. were all PADI 5-star.
If you open your mind and heart to the local Fijian people, especially if you visit one of their villages, they will be friends for life...
Feb 26, 2011
Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort
Matava wins AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award 2011
Matava has been awarded the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards
KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 26th February 2011 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to be announced as the winner of the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010 for its policies on environmental sustainability and the environment.
The annual Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards night sponsored by AON was held at the The Warwick Resort and Spa on the Coral Coast on Friday 26th February 2011, and attended by Matava Director, Stuart Gow. Many local tourism operators and business people attended the evening presentations. This year there were over a thousand nominees in the 12 categories. This glamourous event was Red Sea Rig & Cocktail theme, welcoming guests with a 3 course dinner, an awards ceremony & fantastic live entertainment with a turn out of over 400 guests.
The Environment/Local Sustainability Award recognises efforts to preserve the environment & local communities for the benefits of locals & visitors alike in developing & fostering both environmental & national conservation. It also assesses efforts to support cultural initiatives and promote public awareness and education in support of “Fiji Made” products by reducing their carbon footprint.
Matava was proud to be nominated in 3 categories, and was chosen as a finalist in all nominated categories at this year’s AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards. Bite Me Gamefishing Charters and Mad Fish Dive Centre were recognised as finalist in the Fiji Experience Award, and Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort was a finalist in the Quality Accommodation Award as well as winning the Environment/Local Sustainability Award.
“We are extremely proud to win this award. We have been lucky to win overseas and global awards for our environmental policy in the past year, but it is especially gratifying to be recognised at home by our colleagues in Fiji.” said Mr Stuart Gow, one of Matava’s Directors.
Richard Akhtar, Managing Director of Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said “At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding environmental 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.”
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 5 Star Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 14 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. 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 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards:
The awards which have been in existence for 14 years, honour those who have made a significant input to Fiji’s most important industry. The prestigious awards are given to individuals, groups and companies in a broad range of categories; covering accommodation, restaurant and dining, tours and transportation, environmental and local sustainability. Winners were chosen as part of a nomination process which began late last year and closed in January. Recipients of the various awards have proven dedication, active participation and innovation in their fields of speciality, and have thus merited the esteem of the industry. Over the years, the AON Excellence in Tourism Awards has grown in prestige and now not only bestows recognition but serves as an incentive for individuals and companies to aspire to greatness in the sector.
www.Matava.com
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Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010
Feb 20, 2011
Name our new dive boat to win a Dive Trip!
What will we call her?
Name our new dive boat to win a Dive Trip!
Name our new dive boat to win a Dive Trip!
We have happy news to share with you, we have a new BABY BOAT due for delivery at the end of March 2011!
It is currently on the blocks being built in the Fiji Islands.
NOW WE NEED A
NAME FOR OUR NEW BABY!
That's where you come in!
We are offering a prize of a free 7 day package at Matava for 1 (one) person as a prize for the winning NAME!
The vessel you are naming is an 8.5m/28ft custom designed Dive Boat. This dive boat has room for an exclusive 8 divers on a 2-tank dive,as well as a PADI Divemaster and a captain.
It has everything on board that a diver needs like rinse buckets, a camera table, a shaded area, and easy entry twin platforms for both going in and out of the water.
This vessel is custom designed for the specific diving done in Kadavu, Fiji Islands. Based on a proven hull design by NAIAD Designs from New Zealand, the boat was further developed by Bluewatercraft in Navua, Fiji Islands to allow a dry, safe ride, while allowing easy access to the water from the back twin dive platforms.
Send all entries to Richard@Matava.com, Subject : New Dive Boat Name...
Naming Nomenclature and some guidelines:
A couple of 'rules' and guidelines that need to be adhered to...
#1. All our boats end are named as "Something" Me
- Bite Me: our 31ft offshore gamefishing boat
- Tease Me: our 8m GT Popping inshore fishing boat
- Take Me: our 8m guest transfer boat
- Carry Me: our 8m workboat
- Dive Me: our 10m dive boat
Therefore the name must be "???? Me"
#2 For those of you who have met us, we like our humour... We're looking for something with a good measure of wit!
#3 A good double entendre would be PERFECT!
#4 It has to be acceptable by the maritime Safety Board (sorry, no F words etc...). You'll have to be more clever than that!
So get your thinking caps on and you could win yourself a free trip back to Matava to dive off the boat that you named!
Send all entries to Richard@Matava.com, Subject : New Dive Boat Name...
Prize Rules
- As many entries as possible per person is permitted (!)
- The winning prize voucher cannot be used in conjuction with any other offer.
- The closing date for the competition is Fri 25th Februrary 2011
- There is no cash alternative.
- The winner will be notified by email on the Mon 28 February 2011 and will receive the Matava Trip voucher
- The winner's name will be posted on this website as soon as the winner has been notified
- False information entered on the competition form will invalidate the entry
- The competition is open to any past guest of Matava
- The judges decision is final
Feb 18, 2011
Unexpected paradise!! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
My boyfriend and I, admitted city slickers, were looking for an off the beaten path experience when you stopped in FIji for a week last summer on our way to Australia. A friend recommended Matava and we couldn't be happier with our experience.
Unlike most people who visit Matava, we arrived as non-divers. We were thrilled with all the non-dive options, like the waterfall hike, beach picnic, kayaking and just general relaxing! We did decide to try our hand at diving one day and had expert instruction and a fantastic time.The staff at Matava is so genuine, friendly and competent. While the activities offered at Matava are a great draw, by far our favorite take-away from the experience was the people. We loved to gather with the other guests each evening and talk and laugh about the day by candle/lantern light.
We can't wait to come back!!
- Date of stay: June 2010
- Visit was for: Leisure
- Traveled with: With Spouse/Partner
- Member since: February 15, 2011
- Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes!
Feb 15, 2011
Feb 13, 2011
How children benefit from an ecotourism experience
Just because you are going on a family vacation doesn’t mean that learning should take a break too. Ecotourism is full of what educators call teachable moments or, more definitively, unplanned opportunities to explain a concept that has unintentionally captured a child’s interest.
Photo: Greenloons
Whether it is touring the rainforests of the Amazon, observing blue footed boobies throughout the Galapagos Islands, or understanding the water issues that surround the Okavango Delta in Botswana, ecotourism is a vacation experience that provides boundless opportunities to teach younger generations about the fragility of ecosystems and the significance of heritage.
Who among us has not witnessed the common occurrence while visiting the local zoo, going hiking through the wilderness, or even watching a local artistic exhibit of younger children looking with absolute wonder and amazement at the spectacle of music, art, flora or fauna? There is delight followed by an onslaught of illuminating questions about people and the natural world.
Photo: Greenloons
These teachable moments mark milestones for a child’s personal growth and development. And, the value system that is at the core of ecotourism can be a positive influence on all age groups, not just the very young.
Specifically, children can benefit from an ecotourism vacation because the experience offers an opportunity for:
- Instruction about indigenous wildlife – ecotours are not only small group tours that allow for up-close-and-personal views of nature, but ones that are generally led by a naturalist that have been trained to understand plants, birds, insects and animals of the region and their relationships to ecosystems, thereby bringing education alive.
- Increased awareness about environmental degradation – an important component of ecotourism is to inform tourists about ways to minimize waste, soil erosion, air and water pollution so as not to disturb the environment – lessons that no doubt will stay with children.
- Involvement with conservation efforts – whether it’s helping to record sea turtle activity in Greece or understand the destructive role of invasive plant species in the wilderness, ecotourism allows for deep knowledge of the fragility of the natural world.
- Focus on the depletion of natural resources – whether its learning about how an eco-lodge harnessed solar or wind power for their operations or how countries are implementing renewable bio-energy to power engines, ecotourism teaches how the impact of tourism is affecting sustainable land development, public transportation choices, and how other countries are using low-carbon technologies today.
- Exposure to cultural experiences – from tasting new foods to learning phrases in a foreign language, ecotourism interprets cultural traditions and experiences that provide long-lasting impressions about the world.
- Inspiration for a life’s passion – while snorkeling through a coral reef or observing animals in their natural habitat in Africa, ecotourism sparks the imagination to dream about a career or even find a solution to an environmental problem
Ecotourism even offers opportunities to incorporate your family vacation with your child’s science, social studies, foreign language, even art and music lesson plans. One of the most helpful and free resources available now is on the Rainforest Alliance site, which offers a Kindergarten – 8th Grade curriculum guide.
One example lesson plan for a Kindergarten student is entitled Biodiversity which challenges children to think about the diversity of local flora and fauna in local forests versus tropical forests as they classify insect and tree species, while the 8th Grade lesson plan entitled Guatemala’s Changing Forest has children learning about the Maya Biosphere Reserve by analyzing maps and determining recent changes in forest cover.
Dedication to the cause of the environment and its preservation can have a long-lasting impact on the way our younger generations feel more connected to ecosystems as well as view social involvement and economic success. Not only will children establish a deeper, longer-lasting connection with the region they are visiting during an ecotour, they will learn more about how they can make a more positive impact on the world.
Irene Lane is the founder & president of Greenloons, a company dedicated to providing nature enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists worldwide with trusted information about responsible, sustainable, and certified ecotourism travel vacations and volunteer conservation efforts both in the U.S. and internationally. For more information, see: Greenloons.com.
How children benefit from an ecotourism experience | Your Travel Choice Blog
Feb 9, 2011
It’s NOT just about us……
As scuba divers, we all have an extraordinary opportunity to see parts of the world that many aren’t able to experience. Certainly the opportunity to visit diverse countries around the globe is a major part of what drives divers and professionals alike. A growing number of industry members are choosing to combine their dive trips with service projects and opportunities to give something back to local communities.
Last year, Mark Fischer of HyrdoSports Dive and Travel in Keizer, Oregon led a group of seven to Kadavu, Matava in Fiji. While there, the group did some great diving but the main thrust of the trip was to visit Koro Village. The community has limited access to medical, dental or standard eye care services. Fischer’s group, that included two dentists, a school librarian, an accountant and a heavy equipment operator, did what they could to serve local residents and put a smile on their face. Many of the smiles weren’t just the locals, but also the “visitors”.
“Everyone knew that they would be doing some type of service on the trip. It was extremely rewarding and I know that we made a difference,” Fischer points out. He’s already making plans for a second trip later this Spring.
Fischer correctly observes that it’s important for dive travelers to give back to the local communities and places they visit – and he’s not the only one.
Steve Weaver of Weaver’s Dive and Travel regularly encourages his clients to plan on bringing small things with them on trips. “School supplies including crayons, pens, paper, pencils and picture books are always welcome,” he points out. But he made another interesting observation - “Sometimes TIME can be even more valuable than money – just sitting down and talking with kids and locals makes a big difference.
It’s not just dive centers involved in making a difference. Last year, Deep Blue Adventures launched its “Good Will Diving” initiative. During the DEMA Show, officials from Deep Blue Adventures promoted “Eyes for Fiji”. The team collected nearly 200 pairs of reading glasses to send to Fiji to help meet a need for the local populations.
“The response has been overwhelming. People in the dive industry and divers in general are very generous,” says Cheryl Patterson of Deep Blue Adventures. “Everyone wants to take part – it’s incredible.”
Both Patterson and Fischer were quick to praise Air Pacific for providing assistance with baggage fees – at no charge.
Members of the industry have been “giving back” for years but the efforts are now gaining more momentum - and attention! Susan Shaw of Divegear has been raising funds to purchase wheelchairs for the people of Fiji. To date, she’s purchased and shipped more than 3,250 units to a population in need.
There’s certainly more to talk about (last month, the Ralph Erickson Educational Foundation sponsored the training of 10 new instructors in the Bahamas for example) and every effort is a worthy one.
In the end, it doesn’t matter WHAT you do as long as you DO something. There’s a world of opportunity out there and we encourage everyone to find a way to give back. Remember, it’s NOT about us!
DiveNewswire: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Jan 27, 2011
Help Pack For A Purpose make a difference in the lives of children in Fiji | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort
Matava has committed to being part of the Pack For A Purpose initiative. Click here to find our exact requests…
Help Pack For A Purpose make a difference in the lives of children around the world. Use available space in your luggage to provide supplies to the communities you visit. If just 500 individuals pack 5 lbs (2.27 kgs) each, we can provide 1.25 tons of Supplies!
The genesis of the idea:
During our first trip to Africa, my husband Scott and I learned that while we were limited to 40 pounds (18.14 kgs) of luggage on safari, the airline had an allowance of 100 pounds (45 kgs) of checked luggage plus a 40 pound (18.14 kg) carry-on. In making plans for a second trip, we looked into visiting a school near the lodge we would visit in Botswana. We contacted our safari company, Wilderness Safaris, to see if we could determine any specific needs of that school. Armed with that information, we were able to deliver 140 pounds (64 kgs) of school supplies, including soccer balls, to the school. It was enormously rewarding to be able to help the people in the community that had given us such a life-changing experience. Since then, we and a few of our fellow-travelers have made several trips to other countries in Africa and have been able to deliver an estimated 1,000 pounds (453 kgs) in donations of clothing, school and medical supplies. I asked a travel agent why other travelers did not use their luggage allowances this way. “Because nobody thinks about it,” he said. That was our “aha” moment.
Scott and I knew from our experiences that taking large amounts of supplies required a great deal of time and close logistical cooperation with the touring company. We felt we needed to come up with a simpler and more direct way for travelers to take supplies where they were going.
By asking travelers to pack 5 lbs (2.27 kgs) of supplies, we felt we would be able to involve everyone who wanted to add value to his or her trip by participating. By delivering the supplies directly to the traveler’s accommodation, it would be possible for every traveler to contribute and require no logistical support. That amount would take only a small space, require little effort and still make a big impact.
I realized that to make my idea a reality, I would need the assistance and skills of many other talented people. It is with gratitude that I would like to acknowledge and thank the people below as well as those who have agreed to serve on our Board. They have given generously and freely of their time and expertise.
Extra special thanks go to Erik Macenas who designed our Logo and our Website with unending patience and an amazing ability to work with a team.
Rebecca Rothney
Who We Are
The Members of the Board are experienced travelers and active members of their communities. Collectively they have travelled to all 7 continents and have a cumulative life experience of 346 years. The Members of the Board are actively involved with many other non-profits and committed to enhancing the global community in which they live. Additionally, the Board Members are entrepreneurs and work in corporate America.
Click here to find Matava’s requests for the villages in Kadavu…
Help Pack For A Purpose make a difference in the lives of children in Fiji | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort
Jan 24, 2011
Welcome to Paradise! - Review of Matava - TripAdvisor
We researched the Matava resort extensively and communicated with the staff many times before our trip. They were always happy to answer any questions. It made our decision easier to come to Kadavu.
Our Fiji trip felt like a dream. There is so many things to do around the resort. Perfect for a couple to experience in such a beautiful destination. We came to Fiji interested in doing some Fishing, Trekking, and snorkeling during our stay. Every activity was amazing. We stayed in the Honeymoon Bure during our vacation and it was quite comfortable and had the most amazing views. The dining options were steller too. Lots of dishes with different touches of different cultures. I also became fond of the coconut ice cream and fresh Pinapple. The staff was was very welcoming it all started with Maggie. He was very helpful in so many aspects.
When we did our Trek, Sami was our tour guide and he also did a spectacular job. He brought us to a few waterfalls and guided us through a few local villages. All along the way we had incredible views and took a ton of great pictures.
We also did a day on a remote island. Maggie dropped us of on a beautiful remote island after starting a fire for us to cook food on from the resort. We spent the day relaxing, snorkeling, and trekking around the island while taking photos.
We did 4 days fishing and that went great as well. I brought my own Jigging and Popping tackle as this is a hobby of mine. Adrian recommended several Poppers and Stickbaits in which I brought too. We were really impressed with how Adrian and Joe worked together to make sure you have the best experience possible. Fishing with Joe was also a blast. He is absolutely hilarious! These guys really work well together. We ended up catching Giant Trevally up to about 35kg, Dogtooth Tuna, Bluefin Trevally, and Redbass. The conditions weren't perfect weather wise for fishing but we were certainly happy with the action. One day I was able to boat 11 GT's, Bluefin Trevally, and some Redbass. That's certainly not a bad day fishing anywhere! Adrian tells me it can get even better!
I strongly recommend Matava to anyone that wants to experience Fiji away from the bigger cities and see more of the remote beautiful areas that Fiji is known for. We are already thinking of another trip back!
Welcome to Paradise! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Our Fiji trip felt like a dream. There is so many things to do around the resort. Perfect for a couple to experience in such a beautiful destination. We came to Fiji interested in doing some Fishing, Trekking, and snorkeling during our stay. Every activity was amazing. We stayed in the Honeymoon Bure during our vacation and it was quite comfortable and had the most amazing views. The dining options were steller too. Lots of dishes with different touches of different cultures. I also became fond of the coconut ice cream and fresh Pinapple. The staff was was very welcoming it all started with Maggie. He was very helpful in so many aspects.
When we did our Trek, Sami was our tour guide and he also did a spectacular job. He brought us to a few waterfalls and guided us through a few local villages. All along the way we had incredible views and took a ton of great pictures.
We also did a day on a remote island. Maggie dropped us of on a beautiful remote island after starting a fire for us to cook food on from the resort. We spent the day relaxing, snorkeling, and trekking around the island while taking photos.
We did 4 days fishing and that went great as well. I brought my own Jigging and Popping tackle as this is a hobby of mine. Adrian recommended several Poppers and Stickbaits in which I brought too. We were really impressed with how Adrian and Joe worked together to make sure you have the best experience possible. Fishing with Joe was also a blast. He is absolutely hilarious! These guys really work well together. We ended up catching Giant Trevally up to about 35kg, Dogtooth Tuna, Bluefin Trevally, and Redbass. The conditions weren't perfect weather wise for fishing but we were certainly happy with the action. One day I was able to boat 11 GT's, Bluefin Trevally, and some Redbass. That's certainly not a bad day fishing anywhere! Adrian tells me it can get even better!
I strongly recommend Matava to anyone that wants to experience Fiji away from the bigger cities and see more of the remote beautiful areas that Fiji is known for. We are already thinking of another trip back!
Welcome to Paradise! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Jan 12, 2011
Refer a Friend to Fiji on Air Pacific and Companion Rate is $625
Air Pacific, Fiji’s International Airline, is offering reduced airfares to travelers who take a friend along to Fiji on Air Pacific.
THE OFFER: Fly roundtrip from Los Angeles to the South Pacific on Air Pacific from only $1,050* and travelers can take a companion for an additional $625*
OR get three of your friends to travel to the South Pacific with you and you will travel for free**.
The South Pacific includes the following destinations: Nadi, Fiji Islands; Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia; Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand; Tongatapu in Tonga; Port Vila in Vanuatu; Apia in Western Samoa; Honiara in the Solomon Islands.
If traveling to any of the destinations beyond Fiji, the stopover in Fiji is Free.
This offer is available for sale from January 8, 2011 until May 31, 2011. Travel is valid from January 15, 2011 until May 31, 2011, and all travel must be completed by June 14, 2011.
*Prices include fuel surcharge. Government taxes and other fees are additional from $115.
** Government taxes and other fees apply from $315.
Air Pacific, 800-227-4446, www.airpacific.com
Refer a Friend to Fiji on Air Pacific and Companion Rate is $625
Fiji Kadavu Matava video from guest
Fiji - 22 Dec 2010 flight to Kadavu Island then boat to Matava eco-retreat
Jan 10, 2011
Dec 14, 2010
FREE HONEYMOON UPGRADE ON ALL 10 DAY PACKAGES AT MATAVA!
DEAL #2 from Matava for January 2011:
Book any of our packages to go fishing, diving, bird watching, or indeed just hanging out at Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort during the whole month of January and get upgraded to our exclusive Honeymoon Bure free!
Buddy dives for FREE in January 2011 at Matava, Fiji
2 great deals in January 2011 from Matava!
DEAL #1
Don’t miss your chance to have your buddy dive for free at Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort during the whole month of January 2011 and see the mantas on the Great Astrolabe Reef.Use this great deal to get your one of you diving for free to get in even more diving this year.
Dec 11, 2010
Deep Blue Adventures Announces New Charity Program
Charity begins at home and with that in mind Deep Blue Adventures is announcing the creation of Good Will Diving, a new branch of Deep Blue Adventures that will be dedicated to bringing together divers with organizations or people in need. Good Will Diving will organize and participate in various benefits, fundraisers and educational programs while providing a place where anyone interested in assisting or contributing to a need can find information on a cause and participate.
Deep Blue Adventures Announces New Charity Program
Deep Blue Adventures will utilize Good Will Diving to highlight one specific cause for a set time each year to maximize the opportunities to help while also taking part in other charities. Right now Good Will Diving is putting a call out to all charities and foundations to suggest their own causes for the program as well as any individuals or dive stores. Cheryl Patterson of Deep Blue Adventures says that the program was created to serve. "Divers are a very community-oriented group of people and we often have many clients asking what they can do to help," says Patterson. "Sometimes it is the form of taking school supplies or other much needed items to a place they are visiting, other times it is looking to offer aid during a disaster or making a financial contribution. We have always provided this information whenever it has been requested, but we wanted more people to know they have a reliable contact point."
November is the official beginning of Good Will Diving. This first cause they are tackling is the need for eye glasses for Fijian Villagers. Patterson says that it is a way of giving back to some of the places that divers enjoy so much. "As divers and travelers we experience many wonderful aspects of the countries we visit," Patterson explains. "We often fall in love with the surroundings, the food, the culture and, of course, what we find there beneath the surface. More often than not, the people are what touches us the most and deepens our experiences. We felt that highlighting a need of some of the warmest people we have ever met in one of our top-selling destinations would be an appropriate place to start." Good Will Diving is not requesting money for this effort but instead– used or old reading eye glasses. "Kids and teens can be just as involved as adults and no one has to dig deep in their pockets – that's part of what Good Will Diving is all about," says Patterson. Patterson goes on to point out that while foundations often need financial support, and they won't turn that down, folks can also often make a huge difference in someone's lives without any cost.
One of the reasons Deep Blue Adventures chose the Fiji effort was because one of the team members had a personal connection. Terri Huber, Senior Sales Representative with Deep Blue Adventures felt a connection with the Fijian people. "One night, during a recent trip to Fiji, I was chatting after dinner with another guest and Matava resort owner, Richard Akhtar," says Huber. "During our conversation, the subject of the needs of the Fijian Villagers came up and Richard immediately responded without hesitation, eye glasses. Having traveled to many remote diving destinations around the world and being welcomed and treated graciously by the locals we have thought of a small gesture to say "thank you". We as divers visit and enjoy these far off countries and return home with long lasting memories, photos, and souvenirs. So, why not give back a little to help out the remote villages of Fiji?"
The glasses will be distributed to various villages in need across the country. Matava Resort on Kadavu who operates the Matava Foundation has agreed to assist Deep Blue Adventures in their first Good Will Diving venture in getting the glasses to those that need it most.
At DEMA this year Deep Blue Adventures collected glasses to send. Anyone who didn't attend DEMA can still contribute to this effort by mailing in reading glasses, and Deep Blue Adventures is willing to absorb the postage costs involved if a donor emails
GoodWillDiving@deepblueadventures.com or calls 888-266-2209 and requests a self-addressed, postage paid envelope. DBA is encouraging dive stores, clubs, schools, scouts, business and other organizations to consider becoming a collection point for Eyes for Fiji and engaging their local community in an effort on a larger scale. Once the glasses are received any interested donors will be issued a $50 travel voucher as a thank you for their donation. Glasses collected will be sent on a regular and ongoing basis to the islands through the company's various contacts. All vouchers will be distributed electronically due to conservation efforts also being made by the company.
As of today, they have already collected 115 pairs of glasses! For more info visit Deep Blue Adventures' website at www.deepblueadventures.com
Deep Blue Adventures Announces New Charity Program
Dec 3, 2010
Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010
MEDIA RELEASE: 29th November 2010
Recognition for Matava at the
Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010
Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010
Matava has won in the Best in the Marine Environment category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 organised by responsibletravel.com.
The Judges said “Matava is a beacon for responsible tourism and an example to other dive sites. They maintain a strong commitment to both the conservation of the marine environment and the development of the local Fijian community. All staff and dive guides are from local villages, they have signed an agreement with local villages designating 3 established marine reserves as 100% no-take zones, across large geographic areas, and even succeeded in assisted in getting marine conservation on to the Fijian National Curriculum.”
At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM), Docklands, London, on Wednesday 10th November, the Awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, organisers and founders of the Awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards.
Justin Francis, founder of The Responsible Tourism Awards and managing director, responsibletravel.com, organisers of the Awards said:
"This year I have been heartened by the depth of commitment and connection our winners have shown to the local communities in their destinations. Their successes and pioneering spirits are remarkable and the very real and authentic experiences they have created, set responsible tourism apart. They also remind us that holidays can be both luxurious for visitor and enhancing for local people - helping build schools, water pumps, clinics and conserving cultural and natural heritage.”
Richard Akhtar, Director of Matava – Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort said:
"This year I have been heartened by the depth of commitment and connection our winners have shown to the local communities in their destinations. Their successes and pioneering spirits are remarkable and the very real and authentic experiences they have created, set responsible tourism apart. They also remind us that holidays can be both luxurious for visitor and enhancing for local people - helping build schools, water pumps, clinics and conserving cultural and natural heritage.”
 |
| Lorna Young accepting Matava's Award at WTM 2010 |
"At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious global 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."
Amanda Wills, managing director, Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards said: “I’m once again humbled by the commitment, drive and ingenuity of today’s winners. They have shown us all what can be achieved by the people and places seeking to benefit from tourism, even when the economic climate continues to challenge us all. Their’s is truly an example for the rest of the industry to follow, and I’m delighted that Virgin Holidays is again able to be a part of this celebration.”
Launched in 2004, the Awards are run in association with partners World Travel Market, Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine.
In 2010 Simon Reeve, best-selling author, presenter and broadcaster launched the Awards with an exclusive interview in Metro Newspaper:
"The Responsible Tourism Awards focus attention on travel firms that are providing us all with amazing trips that make a difference to a local community while still protecting the environment and our planet. And they remind us that responsible travel is not only better for our world, it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel."
- Ends -
Notes to editors
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 5 Star Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 14 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. 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.
For interviews, images or further information please contact Stuart Gow, Stuart@Matava.com, t: 679-997-5416
About The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards
The Awards are the most prestigious and competitive of their kind in the world and are a collaboration between online travel directory responsibletravel.com; UK media partners Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine and World Travel Market who host the ceremony. The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism - from niche to mainstream - can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.
About responsibletravel.com:
responsibletravel.com is the world’s leading travel agent for responsible holidays. The site offers over 3,500 richer, deeper and more locally distinctive travel experiences that are better for destinations and local communities.
responsibletravel.com is the world’s leading travel agent for responsible holidays. The site offers over 3,500 richer, deeper and more locally distinctive travel experiences that are better for destinations and local communities.
Whether you’re after an action-packed adventure, a relaxing beach escape or a charming countryside getaway closer to home, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Co-founder, Justin Francis had the original idea for the website on his travels through Africa having completed his MSc in Responsible Tourism. He launched the site with backing from Dame Anita Roddick in 2001 and since then has been included in Courvoisier’s The Future 500, Thames and Hudson’s 60 Innovators Shaping Our Creative Future and taken his place on the Advisory Board of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University. Based in Brighton, England responsibletravel.com also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.
Contact: Stuart Gow
+679 603 0685
Nov 22, 2010
Get Away from it All at Matava Fiji's Premier Eco-Resort | Peachy Green
4:11 AM
Get Away from it All at Matava Fiji's Premier Eco-Resort | Peachy Green
Matava Fiji's Premier Eco-Resort
So, I posted several days ago about my trip to Fiji. Where did I go, you might be wondering!
I was staying at the remotely located Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort. Here, you can experience “real Fiji,” according to one of its owners, Adrian Weeks.
Matava is located on Kadavu, about a 1-hour plane ride south of Nadi on the main island of Fiji. Once you disembark the plane, you’ll travel about 1 mile over the only roads on the island to a very small marina. Hop on an exposed fishing boat and get ready to travel over fringe and barrier coral reefs to a vacation spot that will really take you away from it all!
Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort is 100% off-grid, running primarily on solar power. The property is nestled among the mangroves and palm trees in a secluded bay. Forget about making cell phone calls or logging into Facebook. All this means is that I’ve been delayed in writing posts for Peachy Green about my experiences.
But, after all, isn’t that what vacation is all about?
Matava Fiji runs on solar power, with a generator back-up
Matava is a wonderful place to stay in Fiji, but be prepared for a truly off-grid vacation, in every sense of the phrase. For eco-conscious travelers, this is the place to go. Aside from being able to enjoy the natural, unspoiled beauty, consider:
- Sustainably grown, organic crops used to prepare every meal
- Natural setting without unnecessary clearing
- Native plants
- No use of chemicals or pesticides
- Minimal electricity usage and demands: kerosene lamps at night, no electrical outlets in rooms, no wireless internet, no air conditioning
- Louvre windows to allow sea breezes in at night
- Amazingly friendly staff to help you with any need
What can you do at Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort? Plenty! The resort can accommodate about 20 guests at a time. Individual bures (rooms) allow for your own private get-away, but meals are served community style at the same time, with the same offerings – just let the resort know in advance of any dietary restrictions.
Matava Fiji's Premier Eco-Resort from low tide
People who enjoy Matava come for:
- Fishing
- Diving
- Relaxing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Adventure
- Weddings and reunions
When you are at Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort, you really feel like you are a world away.
Relax and enjoy the environment. Get to know a few of the other guests without the interruptions and distractions of cell phones and computers.
Perhaps finally, you’ll see what you’ve been missing!
Nov 1, 2010
Perfect escape - TripAdvisor
If you want a relaxing holiday with great diving in a small, secluded resort then Matava is for you.
The staff are fabulous (especially Maggie!) and the accommodation is very comfortable - the views from the Honeymoon Bures are definitely worth the extra few dollars.
If you want cocktails by the pool and large crowds of people stay on the big island - Matava is about getting away from the rat race.
Snorkelling off the beach, awesome diving on the Astrolabe Reef (Naigoro Passage is one of the best dives I've done), and relaxing afternoons on the deck of your bure.
Overall, very highly recommended, and the sort of place we would definitely return to.
perfect escape - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
The staff are fabulous (especially Maggie!) and the accommodation is very comfortable - the views from the Honeymoon Bures are definitely worth the extra few dollars.
If you want cocktails by the pool and large crowds of people stay on the big island - Matava is about getting away from the rat race.
Snorkelling off the beach, awesome diving on the Astrolabe Reef (Naigoro Passage is one of the best dives I've done), and relaxing afternoons on the deck of your bure.
Overall, very highly recommended, and the sort of place we would definitely return to.
perfect escape - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Oct 30, 2010
Eyes for Fiji - A Good Will Diving Featured Cause
November 2010 marks the official beginning of Good Will Diving, and for this Deep Blue Adventures is highlighting the need for eye glasses for Fijian Villagers.
CEO & Founder of Deep Blue Adventures explains “We chose this cause for a number of reasons. As divers and travelers we experience many wonderful aspects of the countries we visit. We often fall in love with the surroundings, the food, the culture and of course what we find there beneath the surface. More often than not, the people are what touches us the most and deepens our experiences. We felt that highlighting a need of some of the warmest people we have ever met in one of our top-selling destinations would be an appropriate place to start. This is also something everyone can be involved in – we are not asking for money, we are asking for something very simple that many people are able to give – used or old reading eye glasses. Kids and teens can be just as involved as adults and no one has to dig deep in their pockets – that’s part of what Good Will Diving is all about. While foundations often desperately need financial support, and we will always encourage and be part of that, many of us are not aware that we can often make a huge difference in someone’s lives without it costing a penny. Finally, another reason we selected this program is it struck a very personal chord with one of our team members”.
Terri Huber, Senior Sales Representative with Deep Blue Adventures explains.
“One night, during my recent trip to Fiji, I was chatting after dinner with another guest and Matava resort owner, Richard Akhtar. During our conversation, the subject of the needs of the Fijian Villagers came up and Richard immediately responded without hesitation, eye glasses. Having traveled to many remote diving destinations around the world and being welcomed and treated graciously by the locals we have thought of a small gesture to say "thank you". We as divers visit and enjoy these far off countries and return home with long lasting memories, photos, and souvenirs. So, why not give back a little to help out the remote villages of Fiji?”
While the glasses will be distributed to various villages in need across the country, Matava Resort on Kadavu who operates the Matava Foundation has agreed to assist Deep Blue Adventures in their first Good Will Diving venture by providing a contact point in Fiji and facilitating in getting the glasses to those that need it most. Organizations such as clubs or schools that participate in the Eyes For Fiji Program and elect to take a group to the resort will receive a Meke from the village, with an official handing over ceremony to the elders of the village as part of their week at Matava, a truly memorable experience.
If you are interested in contributing to this effort, you can do so simply by mailing in reading glasses, but Deep Blue Adventures is willing to absorb the postage costs involved on your behalf if you email GoodWillDiving@deepblueadventures.com or call 888-266-2209 and request a self-addressed, postage paid envelope.
We are also encouraging dive stores, clubs, schools, scouts, business and other organizations to consider becoming a collection point for Eyes for Fiji and engaging their local community in an effort on a larger scale. Once the glasses are received any interested donors may request a $50 travel voucher as a thank you for their donation. Glasses collected will be sent on a regular and ongoing basis to the islands through the company’s various contacts. All vouchers will be distributed electronically due to conservation efforts also being made by the company.
On behalf of the people of Fiji, and all of our team members here at Deep Blue Adventures, we thank you in advance for your interest and support.
Deep Blue Adventures the best dive travel vacations worldwide - Eyes for Fiji - A Good Will Diving Featured Cause
Oct 25, 2010
Fabulous & Friendly Service & Awesome Diving! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Stayed only 9 days at Matava Resort and loved every minute. Wonderful staff, VERY friendly and always around if you need anything at all.
Beautiful food (& heaps of it!) gorgeous views from our tropical bungalow & awesome diving.
Dive staff really look after you & take you to all the best spots. Great knowledge of the area and surrounding reefs. Highlights of diving were turtles, manta rays (up close) and lots of sharks! Not to mention colorful corals.
Will definitely go back there.
Anj & Rob (Victoria)
Fabulous & Friendly Service & Awesome Diving! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Beautiful food (& heaps of it!) gorgeous views from our tropical bungalow & awesome diving.
Dive staff really look after you & take you to all the best spots. Great knowledge of the area and surrounding reefs. Highlights of diving were turtles, manta rays (up close) and lots of sharks! Not to mention colorful corals.
Will definitely go back there.
Anj & Rob (Victoria)
Fabulous & Friendly Service & Awesome Diving! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Sep 16, 2010
Super Resort - das richtige - TripAdvisor
Wir waren für - leider - nur drei Nächte in Matava und sehr begeistert! Das Resort ist sehr abgelegen, Anreise per Boot vom kleinen Inselflughafen. Wir hatten eine Oceanview Bure, die sehr nett war. Beim nächsten Mal würden wir aber des größeren Betts wegen wohl in die Honeymoon Bure gehen.
In Matava haben wir mit das beste Essen unserer 5-wöchigen Reise gehabt! Z.B. super frischen Fisch, den zwei australische Fischer jeden Abend an Land brachten, sehr phantasiereich gekocht. Mit den anderen Besuchern und Eigentümer Richard hatten wir sehr nette Abende. Wir haben auch viel über Fiji gelernt.
Die gute Seele Matavas ist, wie schon von anderen erwähnt, Maggie, die alles im Griff hat und immer nett und freundlich ist.
Wir haben eine sehr interessante Birdwatchingtour gemacht, mit Besuch im "Dorf." Ausserdem waren wir schnorcheln. Auch die Tauchausrüstung ist auf neuestem Stand.
Wir würden jederzeit wieder nach Matava gehen!
Super Resort - das richtige Fiji - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
In Matava haben wir mit das beste Essen unserer 5-wöchigen Reise gehabt! Z.B. super frischen Fisch, den zwei australische Fischer jeden Abend an Land brachten, sehr phantasiereich gekocht. Mit den anderen Besuchern und Eigentümer Richard hatten wir sehr nette Abende. Wir haben auch viel über Fiji gelernt.
Die gute Seele Matavas ist, wie schon von anderen erwähnt, Maggie, die alles im Griff hat und immer nett und freundlich ist.
Wir haben eine sehr interessante Birdwatchingtour gemacht, mit Besuch im "Dorf." Ausserdem waren wir schnorcheln. Auch die Tauchausrüstung ist auf neuestem Stand.
Wir würden jederzeit wieder nach Matava gehen!
Super Resort - das richtige Fiji - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Sep 13, 2010
Party at Matava for Thanksgiving with ScubaRadio Crew! - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort
cuba Radio Mermaid Special 2010
Come and join us and the Scuba Radio presenters and Mermaids at Thanksgiving for a week of fun and diving and Turkey Gobbling in November 2010.
November 20th to November 27th 2010
A week of diving, chaos and fun for only - USD 1199.00
The week will begin on Saturday 20th, however DO feel free to drop in for half the week, or even just the last few days! Drop us an email or call us on Skype and we'll work it out! Heck, it's going to be chaos anyway!
Greg et al will arrive at Matava in Fiji on Monday 22nd November, fresh from a week in Las Vegas at the DEMA Show. If you are planning on going to this Dive Show, cahnces are that you'll bump into the crew there, and you can fly with them all the way to Fiji.
Greg and the crew were here in May (listen to that show here!), and they loved it SO much that they're coming back. This time they're coming to Matava in Kadavu to dive the Great Astrolabe Reef with the mantas, and they are inviting us all along for the week!
Listen to Scuba Radio now!
ScubaRadio is radio talk show with a diving theme. Pictures are painted of the underwater world as listeners and guests share their diving adventures. Every diver has a story about the perfect dive, destination, or encounter with some amazing sea creature. ScubaRadio provides the forum. It’s like hanging out at a Tiki hut and sharing fish tales with friends.Never heard of Scuba Radio (where HAVE you been?), find the podcasts/archives of ScubaRadio here, available worldwide online! Just click here or paste the following link into your podcasting software: http://www.scubaradio.com/srpodcast.xml. You’ll find at least a couple years of past shows!
If you’re using Itunes, just click here and subscribe!The latest edition of ScubaRadio will now automatically download to your computer/MP3 listening device!
Scuba Radio Mermaid Special 2010
So here's the deal:
-
• 7 nights at Matava in an Oceanview Bure
-
• All meals and airport transfers included
-
• 5 days of 2 tank diving - 10 dives
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• Free unlimited shore diving
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• Free 3rd tank on 1 afternoon
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• Free use of kayaks, snorkelling around the resort
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• Traditional Lovo Feast and Kava Ceremony
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• Scuba Radio T-shirt and baseball cap
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• Free fun times with the Matava / Scuba Radio team and of course the ScubaRadio Mermaids
Diver - USD 1199.00
Non Diver - USD 899.00
Non Diver - USD 899.00
(only valid for double / twin share, Group 5 pay - 1 FOC)
Additions
- • Upgrade to 5 days of 3 tank dives (15 dives) – USD 199.00
- • Extra night – USD 125.00(based on 2 sharing)
- • Extra days diving (2 tanks) – USD 100.00
- • Single supplement – USD 500.00
Dates:- November 20th to November 27th 2010
Book your ScubaRadio MERMAID Package Now!
Click here to book your ScubaRadio MERMAID to the Fiji Islands today and see all the mantas and pristine tropical reefs on Mad Fish Dive Centre's dive boats on the Great Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu!
Party at Matava for Thanksgiving with ScubaRadio Crew! - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort
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