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MATAVA RESORT �
a brilliant 3� star Eco-Resort that
walks the green walk with integrity &
doesn�t just talk the green talk for profit.
� Copyright
/
Review by John Hessburg
Founder & General Manager
You know that rhythmic reverie you
sometimes slip into when you�re relishing a long loping jog around a lake, or
maybe bearing down hard on a mountain hike?
Your mind will seize a snippet of song or a catchy phrase & repeat
it over & over like some mesmerizing chant, until it becomes a internal
metronome that actually stokes your adventure drive. That�s what happened midway through my
hour-long boat ride from the dock in Vunisea village, along 30 km of southern
Kadavu shoreline, out to one of the most remarkable dive resorts I�ve ever
reviewed in 2 decades.
MATAVA RESORT is a wondrous little
corner of God�s green earth, literally & ecologically. And getting there on the final leg from the Kadavu airport is a trip in itself!
After rounding two prominent forested
points on the wild southern coast, up ahead looms a bizarre rock formation that
so closely mimics a huge male lion ready to pounce on prey � it nearly inspires
a gasp the first time you see it. You�ll
wonder, �Was this rocky beast carved by
the same artist who�s sculpting Chief Crazy Horse at
So the shuttle-boat engine hums away,
the waves gently parting off the prow in a pulsing V, & my heat-wrapped
brain begins to murmur �crouching lion, hidden dragon / crouching lion, hidden dragon � � a facetious
tribute to Ang Lee�s film of tigery fame.
It all springs from this rambling thought: �For a few wonderful days I�m fleeing the hidden dragon
of that city job & its incessant pressures, escaping to the lair of the �
oh yeah � Crouching Lion of southern
Thank you so much for this epic
welcome, Kadavu (pronounced Kahn-DAH-voo).
You confer indelibly delightful memories in so many ways. In a place this far from urban blight, where
the jungles are deep, the hospitality even deeper, & the corals of
Astrolabe Reef as virginal as anywhere in the South Pacific, you have an actual
rocky lion the size of a semi-truck guarding your most precious coastline. How cool is that, sunseekers?
MATAVA RESORT on Kadavu Island, is such
a refreshing respite from city grit & workaday stress, such a uniquely
gifted green retreat, that it now ranks among my top seven small resorts
anywhere in the Pacific. That�s among a couple hundred tropical island locales
I�ve been blessed to visit & review over the past 18 years. MATAVA is run by purpose-driven men who
refuse to fudge even a smidge on what they know to be true: this beautiful
weary planet is in trouble from careless developers & wanton resource
sponges. Thus it needs constant daily
TLC, from every caring person, in even the little things to restore a healthy
balance to Good Ol� Mama Earth. These
guys at MATAVA have green ethics down to a system, & we will show you how
refined & intelligent that system is.
Yet the inspired team at MATAVA RESORT
� led by expat Brits Richard Akhtar & Adrian Watt -- keeps the
preservationist faith in a humble manner, never tooting horns nor swaggering,
never fashioning a false idol out of their eco-mission. They go for the green, not the long green,
never resorting to self-righteous zeal or stuffy PC (politically correct)
politics. Some American & European
enviros could learn a few gracious manners from these guys. But nuts to green politics. This story is about fun in the sun, with an
earth-friendly tilt. MATAVA RESORT
(MAH�-tah-vah) is just plain fun to visit, amigos
How about first we tackle (all game
fishing puns intended) the getting-there part.
One of the
Here is one major geographic blessing
-- MATAVA RESORT is the only vacation destination of note on the entire 65 km
of nearly wilderness south Kadavu shoreline.
As the only game in town, they enjoy one enormous advantage. While MATAVA RESORT is a comfy 3� star retreat,
fully civilized & offering lush gardens, well-manicured lawns, delightfully
rustic cabins (called �bures�) & meals to-die-for delicious, it is also the
only significant resort close enough to the famed Astrolabe Reef to reach most
dives in a wink. You�ll recall, the
Astrolabe is one the world�s greatest living coral expanses. What�s neat is that from MATAVA you can reach
most of the isle�s best diving & snorkeling sites in less than 20-30
minutes.
All the other Kadavu resorts of note
are built on the northern flanks of the island.
So to get their clients to coveted Astrolabe Reef diving sites, these
north-side resorts are forced to drive them down to the wasp�s skinny sliver,
then shuttle them across that isthmus to a waiting boat, then drone along for
another hour up the southern coastline, then drone back homeward. This draining drag of an itinerary can add
hours of exhausting transfer time to & from the actual dives. Meanwhile, MATAVA RESORT is literally only a couple
km, a few easy minutes away from coralheads & passes that provide a feast
for the eyes & later the memories.
Yes, because these coral reefs are eye candy, visually fresh &
delicious.
Here�s another cool factoid about the
Astrolabe Reef. The local divers held me
in thrall with this item� Some
respected oceanographers believe a
formerly apocryphal theory may hold water after all. The stunning corals of Astrolabe Reef, which
wrap the southern shores on up to the NE wasp�s head in an upside-down fishhook
shape, offer more than 80 miles of prime fish habitat & may be the prime
polyp-spawning center that seeds much of the entire Fijian archipelago with new
coral life each year. That bio-concept
kind of sets me on my ear. Scientists
are still researching this idea & I wish I had that science diving gig,
believe me.
But there was one sticky wicket on my
last
In the world of eco-resorts, too easy a
commuter approach invariably spells commercialism & shopworn tiki statue
d�cor plus pool-bar clich�s that cater
to armies of lazy tourists, who flood a village, overwhelm it & prod it
into kitsch contamination. Thank heavens
MATAVA RESORT is spared that dismal fate by its perfect location � not too
close, not too far from the airstrip.
Think of MATAVA as a green Goldilocks.
As a
However, mind you, there is always a
catch in
MATAVA RESORT is not the spot for mincing
tenderfoot tea sippers with pinky finger extended a la matrons on the Titanic,
nor for obsessive-compulsive white glovers & delicate buttoned-down types
who -- like Niles Crane on Frasier -- seek chrome �n� whitewashed spas. MATAVA RESORT is not for fussy folks who send
their steaks back to the chef because they�re not �medium rare with a pale
blush.� This place is for
adventure-minded folks seeking some of the best reefs & deep sea fishing in
the world. MATAVA is for down-to-earth
people who don�t mind roughing it a little, who don�t mind 7-10 nights where
cell-phones won�t hound you & TVs won�t blare. MATAVA RESORT is not for cream puffs, nor
perfectionists, just straight-ahead folks seeking old-fashioned simple
pleasures. I mean TLC service with a
smile, perfectly fresh breezes with zero pollution, ocean waters so clean they
defy the norm Pacific-wide, & the best Fiji diving or Fiji snorkeling you
ever could wish for.
MATAVA RESORT offers a square deal for
a modest price: great reef diving + world-class deep-sea fishing + easy breezy
kayaking & village visits + warmly hospitable service + scintillating
supper-table conversations with like-minded eco-travelers. Let me once more rejoice that this is a
locale so fresh & pure it still amazes me I ever found it in a Pacific
where over-development is rampant. To
remain coolly objective, because I have loved
There are other beautiful resorts,
exceptional places that have captured our hearts all across
But here�s the kicker, sunseekers �. be
sure to arrive suitably prepared with a good rain poncho for the boat ride out,
with a solar flashlight for the unlit flagstone paths down to the dinner table,
& with soap & shampoo & toothpaste plus skeeter spray for your
cabana. Small price to pay for such a
verdant peaceful getaway. But do come
prepped for a few little quirks that spice up the daily flow of life on Kadavu.
Quirks are the way of all eco-resorts
worldwide, the sincere ones anyway.
Look, when they�re walkin� the walk there are bound to be a few rough
edges in
A full 80% of their electrical power
plus 70% of their hot water come straight from a half dozen hi-tech solar
panels. Much of their fresh produce
comes from a huge organic garden above the resort, especially their hot tasty
habanero peppers! Mmmm, so good for the
sinuses! Their H2O supply comes from
captured rainwater off the lush hillside & from seven pristine springs that
feed into clean concrete aqueducts & catch basins. They recycle most food scraps to local
farmers for animal feed, or they make garden compost; & they NEVER chuck
batteries, computer print cartridges, light bulbs, cans or bottles. Every possible item that can be reasonably
recycled, IS. You can bet your divin�
boots on that.
So here�s the deal funseekers. At MATAVA RESORT you get no conspicuous
consumption of luxury resources, but you get a superb price & excellent
service. Still, no place on any Pacific
isle we have visited is perfectly free of challenges. Here are most of the quirks we spotted in a
recent visit to Kadavu Island to assess their place in
�
Depending on winds & chop, it�s a 45-65 minute
haul from the Vunisea dock to MATAVA, in an open 22-foot fiberglass boat with
wooden bench seats. No problema if the sun�s
out. However �. if it rains you wear a
poncho & the driver will dutifully wrap your luggage in waterproof
tarps. No sweat. My shuttle driver knew the reefs so well he
outran a wall-like rain squall coming in from the NW & whisked me out to
MATAVA in a convenient hurry. The ride
out was
�
There are no screens on the spacious windows of your bure
(cabana), but the breezes keep insects out 90% of the day. The lack of screens, er, bugged me a bit at
first, but after a day I barely even noticed it. What�s more, MATAVA RESORT has the most
perfectly designed mosquito netting over its beds I have seen anywhere in the
SoPac. These strong nets are easy to
crawl into, & absolutely insect-proof.
Plus you can tilt the window louvers all the way in if you need to
shutter down in a rainstorm. Most nights
I had no mosquitoes in my room. Maybe a
tiny bee or two, a few moths & oddball beetles. Though I was there in April, right after the
wettest season of the year, when skeeters had invaded
�
There is only a modest flow of warm water in the
shower, & you need to take �military showers� without lingering too long on
rinse cycle. But the showers are clean,
well-lit with tree-bedecked skylights & they work just fine. Quick sudsing & rinsing are the most
conscientious way to conserve water resources anyway, so this is no big deal.
�
There are only 3 light bulbs per cabana. Count �em, 3.
However they are placed perfectly � one over the bed�s headboard, one in
the bathroom & one outside the door for the porch � so these bulbs provide
all the lumens any reasonable traveler would want. Since nearly all power at MATAVA RESORT is
generated by strategically engineered solar panels, why waste watts, right?
�
Watt a great way to acquire electrical energy -- the resort's solar panels! �Watt me worry, if there are only 3 bulbs per bure?� (Adrian, good buddy, thanks for keeping the wry smile!)
�
MATAVA RESORT offers no luxurious foot-massaging
stretches of tawny sugar sand like Maui or
�
The resort staffers like to josh that Richard Akhtar
(general manager & point man among the owners) is the �Eco Police Commando�
for his zealous conservation of water, electricity & items like soap � hey
even printer cartridges. But guess what,
Richard has this place running like a well-oiled Swiss timepiece. He does a masterful balancing act of saving
resources without being stingy. That�s
how he keeps his prices down, nearly half that of the tony 4-star resorts in
�
No fuss no muss, no stress no mess. Just easy breezy good times & friendly
people. That�s the ticket at MATAVA
RESORT on
�
Sometimes resort staffers like to be quiet &
reserved � vaka fisi -- the Fijian
way in the heat of day. So give �em
space, ace. Time to chill, read a good
book, write a poem to your sweetheart. But
this place is brimming with good humor & echoing laughter the rest of the
time. Co-owner Adrian Watt is a charming
sort whose dry British humor sneaks up on you & disarms you gently. But that subtlety ends on the transoms of his
two good fishing vessels, named �Bite Me� & �Offensive Tackle.� You gotta love that sophomoric
locker-room leap. His co-owner Richard has a sly sense of humor
as well, & is a doting dad to two fine dogs. The resort�s high morale starts with Richard
& Adrian, who treat their staff with respect & give them room to be
creative. How many of us ever have been
blessed with a boss like that, eh?
�
Sure, let�s be real -- there are other quirks at
MATAVA RESORT. For example, some of the
outer roof thatching takes a stiff beating from rains & winds, & it
gets a bad hair day at times. But the
interiors of these bures are bona fide 3-star beautiful, with shiny mahogany
floors all sealed in polyurethane perfection, plus hand-wrought wooden posts,
pillars & expertly crafted joists.
The bures� furniture is simple & elegant, comfy as can be & the
views from these cabanas are stunning. I
got to stay solo in the honeymoon bure (my wife Susie was back in the
�
To be sure,
That�s everything that gave me cause
for a pause, folks �
Now it�s time to list the most
impressive attributes of MATAVA RESORT, qualities that ensure it�s a high-value
destination for Fiji diving vacations & Fiji snorkeling vacations, as well
as Fiji game fishing trips:
�
The 20 resort staff members are courteous, kind,
patient & they welcome you as warmly as if you were family. In our home
�
The domestic staff manager & hospitality boss is
Mr. Maggie, a bright decisive young man who is both flamboyant & wisely bon
vivant, while running a tight ship in the kitchen & keeping the main lodge
as neat as a pin. He is friendly to the
max, genuinely concerned about the well-being of each guest & he treated us
all like visiting royalty. Maggie wears
a traditional Fijian loincloth sarong, & a hibiscus in his Melanesian
mane. He laughs a lot (even at your
lamest jokes) & is always ready to fill your glass, bus a plate, fetch
another slice of tort or pamper his guests with uncanny tableside radar. He hustles tasty snacks to your table while
you�re still thinking of them, before you even utter a request. Two more things guests enjoy about Maggie are
his punctual drumming on the traditional Fijian hollow-log to announce each
mealtime, & his wild standup improvs while announcing each supper menu �
�Hooo-yess, then we will deliver a Mexican side dish of spicy albacore chunks
perfectly sauteed in a Chinese-y sauce to make �em sassy. And if you�re good
we might sing while we weave the long
beans onto your plate like a bird�s nest next to the rice mounds! Now everybody enjoy.� Maggie is the heart & soul of MATAVA�s
service with a smile. He�s a total
professional & a barrel of laughs.
�
Dive instructor Kate �Kandila� Wawatai is a
25-year-old natural beauty with a golden smile, arms of steel & a will to
match them. Both of her parents are
�
So does the husky big-hearted gent named Joeli �Joe�
Tuku, who is the senior scuba diving guide.
With Joeli at the dive boat helm, you�ll have fun as he knows the names,
flora, fauna of much of the Astrolabe Reef.
Big Joe has logged about 5,000 Kadavu scuba dives. You want to dive? Then Joeli is Da Man with Da Plan �
�
Co-owner Richard Akhtar is soft-spoken, attentive to
his guests & has a hearty laugh that can ignite any post-diving party in a
hurry. He�s a blast to chat with at
suppertime & has some wide-ranging tales of life in
�
Co-owner Adrian Watt taught himself to be a
world-class deep sea fisherman. He
patiently learned what his passion led him to
�
The deep-sea fishing just offshore from MATAVA RESORT
is enough to boggle even elite anglers.
Get a gander of some of
�
MATAVA RESORT offers 8 simple clean bures at different
hillside elevations, sprawling over about 7 acres of lush palm-graced
hillside. There are flowering trees
everywhere, the air is redolent of fresh foliage & salty breezes. You�ll never be hassled by crowds or pesky
townies at MATAVA. Never, mates.
�
Kava purists say the �yaqona� (yan-GOHN�-ah) or kava
root tea grown on Kadavu is the strongest & tastiest kava in all of
On that note we segue into a detailed
info kit below, provided with TLC by Richard Akhtar & the staff of
MATAVA RESORT.
MATAVA RESORT on the beautiful old-world
Kadavu
is
Just
to make sure, friends, the word is pronounced �MAH-ta-vah.� The resort�s name is derived from a famous
battle that took place on this land back in the 17th century.
Warriors from the then powerful Rewa district on
KADAVU SCUBA DIVING & KADAVU SNORKELING:
PRIME DIVE SITES on the RENOWNED ASTROLABE REEF:
Exclusive
diving on virgin reefs awaits those who dive near our beautiful resort, aka
�Astrolabe Hideaway.� We have over 20
world-class sites offering enormous variety for divers of all levels within a 5
minute to half hour boat ride. We cater
for divers from beginner to expert, with the sites varying in depth &
current. Visibility seldom drops below
20 meters & usually exceeds that.
The
Great Astrolabe Reef is the world�s fourth largest barrier reef & is
Diving
& snorkeling trips to the reef are conducted daily. More than 25 sites
offer enormous variety for divers of all levels within a 5 minute to half hour
boat ride. Matava is in a privileged location on the Astrolabe Reef & has
access to all 5 of its passages. We also have very easy access to �Manta Reef�
where these wonderful rays are seen on over 70% of dives all year round. Our 2
dedicated dive boats can dive up to 6 divers each. For additional divers &
groups, we have a third boat & we can cater to groups of up to 14. The
warmest water is in the Summer months (November � April) with temperatures
ranging from 28-30 degrees centigrade. In the Winter the water ranges from
24-28 degrees centigrade. High quality rental dive gear is available though
should divers require more than a 3mm long wetsuit they should provide these
themselves.
When
you check-out a Voluntary Marine Reserve contribution (nominal) will
automatically be added to your bill. This money goes to various villages to
help them maintain marine reserves & protect the reef.
If
you are considering Kadavu scuba diving with us, please check in with the
Watersports Centre on the day you arrive. You can then book your place on the
dive boat, store any dive gear you have with you & complete any necessary
PADI forms.
At
breakfast, our team of Divemasters will decide on the most suitable dive sites
for that day. They will base their decision on the prevailing weather
conditions, the state of the tide & the level of experience of those diving
that day. Whilst we endeavor to take all
our guests to Manta reef, we limit our diving there to a maximum of two visits
per week to avoid disturbing the feeding mantas.
The
Astrolabe Hideaway boasts & diving team comprising two instructors, & 2
divemasters (an outstanding number given our capacity for a maximum of 22
guests). We offer a full range of PADI
dive certification & courses include:
Open Water Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Rescue Diver or
Divemaster.
Among the most visually attractive &
fascinating Kadavu diving sites are:
Wall
dives on both sides of the passage also home to Spot X & the
KORLOLEVU PASSAGE
A
deep passage with spectacular walls.
Covered with soft coral, this passage offers amazing scenery & an
eerie sense of being completely in the middle of nowhere. Schooling barracuda & visiting grey reef
sharks complete the experience.
EAGLE ROCK
Named
after the eagle rays, which often fly around this pinnacle. The dive also typically hosts grey reef
sharks, whitetips, shoals of barracuda, trevallies & snapper. At certain times, the water is thick with
these shark & fish making it a surreal dive as you may wonder who is
watching who.
CABBAGE PATCH
This
structure is home to thousands of reef fish, just hanging out waiting to
impress the diver. The anemones &
coral are beautiful & reef sharks, hump head wrasse & moray eels are
commonly seen on this relaxing dive.
OUTER GREAT ASTROLABE
( exploratory diving � never
in the same place twice! )
Spectacular
hard coral as far as the eye can see.
Get the reef fish species list for
GOLDEN CHIMNEY
A large hole in the coral reef descending to
approximately 12 meters completely covered in golden soft corals, which when
blooming light up the entire area.
Gorgonian fans, moray eels, reef sharks, garden eels & pipe fish are
other highlights of this dive.
CORAL WONDERLAND
Combines
the best of wall, drift & relaxed coral watching. The dive starts deep with some very large fan
corals on the edge of a very deep drop off.
At the end of the wall, schools of barracuda often hang out along with a
grey reef shark or two. The last part of
the dive is spent in shallower coral gardens which go on & on with reef
fish schooling in large numbers.
FUN
& AFFORDABLE ECO-TOURS
&
CULTURAL TOURS NEAR MATAVA RESORT:
Kadavu is now established as a
leading world dive destination. However,
if you visited Kadavu without exploring at least a little of the island, your
visit would be incomplete. Kadavu offers
rainforests, mangroves, waterfalls, beaches, unique wildlife, unspoilt
villages, & the opportunity to become involved in cultural activities
unchanged for hundreds of years. At
Matava, we offer a variety of activities for those wanting to explore the
island or learn more about the Fijian way of life. Many of these are joint initiatives between
the resort & local communities.
Located one hour walking time from the resort is a
stunning waterfall which plunges into a cavern of overhanging rocks dappled in
ochre & russet colors. The pool
below provides an excellent place for a refreshing swim following the
walk. It is also popular among guests to
sit & relax while the local village children scramble up the rocks
surrounding the pool & show off with amazing high dives. The village
charges a small fee per guest & this is paid to the resort when you check
out. The resort maintains a visitors book in which we ask you to comment on
your visit to the falls.
TEITEI WALK
Guests may like to join one of our local farmers &
medicine man on a walk to his teitei (garden).
They can learn about the local crops of dalo, tavioka, uvi & yaqona
(kava root) & about the uses of local forest plants for crafts, medicine
& building. Afterwards, they have
the chance to relax & talanoa (chat) with members of his family in
their village home before returning to the resort. The return trip takes approximately three
hours & includes breathtaking views, shady forest paths & grasslands.
Guests wishing to check out
the views above water may wish to try our sea kayaks or canoes. You can explore nearby villages & river systems on the main island; always a treat.
In association with
Our normal overnight kayak
adventure begins with a leisurely guided kayak from the resort to Nacomoto
village, pausing along the way for some snorkeling & a packed lunch on a
secluded sandy beach. After arriving at the village you present your �sevu sevu�,
a gift of a bundle of Kava root & receive the traditional welcome from the
village chief & elders. Then a local guide from the village will take you
on a walk into the hills to see some sights of historic interest. The guide is
extremely knowledgeable about the history of the region & the surrounding
flora & fauna. Then cool off in the hidden waterfall where the guide will
offer you some green coco nut milk straight from the tree. Dinner is back at
the village with the elders & the family you will be staying with. You will
be invited to join in the ensuing kava ceremony & hear the ancient stories
of the village elders. After a good night�s sleep & a hearty breakfast a
resort boat will collect you for the trip back to the resort. (or you can
choose to kayak back !)
NACOMOTO TREKS
Matava has a daylong return
trek to Nacemoto village that takes in mangroves, rainforest &
grasslands. The steep climb involved as
part of this walk is well worth the effort for the spectacular views over the
Astrolabe Reef. Sections of rainforest
provide welcome shade along the way, while two inviting waterfalls will tempt
hikers into taking a dip. Transfer to & from the village is by boat.
The traditional drink of
The local village performs a meke
(pronounced "MAY-kay") for guests of the resort upon request. A meke is a ceremony of traditional songs,
music & dance often unique to a particular village. The performers may be school children or the
village women�s group. Usually most of
the village attends, offering encouragement to their friends, joining in the
fun & providing for a real cultural exchange. This is a village initiative supported by
Matava to keep local versions of the mekes alive & at the same time raise
money for the community development projects in the village. Here are some super-important rules of basic
etiquette for proper respectful behavior in a Fijian village. First, never enter any village perimeter
unless you stop near the gate, or the front pathway, & pause, then request
permission from a village elder who comes to greet you. Don�t wear hats or sunglasses. Don�t carry bags etc. on your shoulders. Take off your shoes before entering a
house. Upon entering a house, sit down
inside the door. You will be invited to
move to the appropriate place. Stoop
slightly & say �CHILL-oh� if passing people who are seated on the
floor. Ladies should dress
modestly. Cover legs with a skirt or
Sulu. Cover shoulders with a blouse or
T-shirt. Most Fijians will say grace
before starting a meal.
If you would like your own private Robinson Crusoe experience, a day trip to a remote beach on the main island of Kadavu (no private isles will be visited) can be arranged with the manager or host on duty. You will depart the resort after breakfast with a packed lunch & snorkeling gear & be dropped of on a distant beach. Collection is normally around 3.30 but can be at a time of your choosing.
Spinner dolphin can be seen in Kadavu waters all year round. They love to play with boats but are quite shy if you get in the water. Pilot whales are often seen outside the reef but around July / August, Humpback whales migrate into Fiji waters to calf. They can often be seen & photographed inside the reef. If we see a humpback inside the reef we offer all guests the opportunity to go out in a boat & see one up close.
The resort staff & its guests are often invited to functions in surrounding villages. When these occur, they offer a chance to experience Fijian culture & hospitality that few, if any tourists to mainstream destinations have the chance to see, let alone experience at first hand. Should a village invite the staff & guests to an event, we will advise you & organize transportation for any who wish to attend.
For reef lovers who enjoy the
sun on their back, the Astrolabe Reef also provides a superb snorkeling
experience. Whether exploring one of the
island's best fringing reefs right in front of the resort or taking a short
boat ride to the main reef itself, you will be dazzled by the amazing array of
corals & fish for which the Astrolabe is famous. For those with no snorkeling experience, our
dive team will be delighted to introduce them to the reef world with just a few
fun & easy lessons. All the
equipment they need is available for hire from the Watersports Centre.
Divers � We can collect you from the dive
boat with a packed lunch.
�BITE ME� -- a classic deep-sea fishing charter vessel
Our custom built DeepVee 310 has a crew of two
& is available for day charter for up to 4 guests. The boat is outfitted
with toilet, shower, galley, fridge & saloon. She carries a plethora of electronics &
safety equipment, Reelax outriggers & 80lb game chair, Simrad
sounder/plotter/radar with autopilot & a teak cockpit for your ultimate
safety & comfort.
The Fishing
Black Marlin
Blue Marlin Striped Marlin Sailfish
wahoo Yellowfin
Superb blue water game fishing awaits you around
the Great Astrolabe barrier reef, oceanic pinnacles, 4,000m deep trenches &
nearby sea mounts. Bite Me can be trolling in 1,000 meters of water within 10
minutes of the resort or working light tackle along the outer fringes of the
barrier reef for sailfish & record wahoo.
Cruising Trips
Cruise the sheltered
The Gear
Penn
International Shimano Reelax
Pakula Top Shot Black Magic Penn
Wellsys Halco Rapala
We carry Penn International 30lb, 50lb & 80lb
big game trolling outfits. We can also carry Shimano 6kg, 8kg & 10kg gear
for the light tackle enthusiasts or those guests wishing to make IGFA record
attempts on Kadavu�s famous huge wahoo. We also have highly specialised custom made
ultra-light gear for World Record attempts & heavy duty deep jig & salt
water fly fishing equipment.
�OFFENSIVE TACKLE�
Offensive Tackle is a 17 ft Warrior fishing boat
imported from
The Fishing
Wahoo
Yellowfin Mahi mahi GTs
Spaniards Coral Trout Dog Tooth Tuna
Offensive Tackle offers guests a complete range of fishing
including trolling lures along the miles of reef systems & outer barrier
reef slopes, casting in the mangroves, deep water jigging, casting poppers for
GTs & trolling the blue water for sailfish, tuna, mahi mahi & monster
wahoo.
The Gear
Offensive Tackle carries 30lb Shimano TLDs on
Excaliber custom rods & Penn Powersticks. These lever drag reels are easy
enough to use for the first time angler but capable of handling the hard
fighting reef predators & sport fish found all around the island. In addition we can carry light tackle casting
rods for the popper crunching GTs as well as high speed Daiwa Saltists on
Shimano T-Curve deep water jig outfits to find those deeper reef dwellers such
as dog tooth tuna, coral trout, black trevally & deepwater snapper such as
Opakapaka.
MATAVA
RESORT CONSERVATION EFFORTS &
CONSCIENTOUS
CARE for the KADAVU
Matava
Resort is a small & intimate getaway designed to blend in with its natural
environment. Traditional thatched Fijian bures nestled on the edge of the
rainforest look out over the Pacific Ocean & Great Astrolabe barrier reef.
It is the resort's policy to minimize our impact on the environment & to
promote & support ecologically sound conservation measures in our
community. Matava is walkin� the walk big time, in so many exciting
life-positive ways, sunseekers:
SOLAR POWER
All
lighting in the Ocean view accommodation & the main bure is solar powered.
The resort office also derives all its power from solar energy. The resort does
not operate any main generators, only a small emergency back-up generator for
the office should the need arise.
SOLAR HOT WATER
All
new-build accommodation is supplied with hot water derived from solar energy.
As each of the older style bures are replaced with a new-build ocean view bure,
a solar hot water system is installed. The entire resort should be running on
solar heated hot water by the end of 2009.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
All
rubbish is sorted. Food waste is fed to local pigs. We compost as much waste as
possible for the organic farm. Plastic & glass bottles are recycled, as are
aluminum cans. Batteries & empty aerosol cans are impossible for us to
dispose of & we request that guests take these with them to their home
country where suitable methods of disposal are available.
ORGANIC FARMING
We
minimize the need to import vegetables with associated transportation carbon
emissions by maintaining a large organic garden in the resort grounds. In
addition, we supply local village farmers with seeds & then purchase the
fruit & vegetables from them. Many fruit trees such as banana & papaya
are scattered throughout the grounds.
LAND MANAGEMENT
We
leave areas of land around the resort uncultivated to encourage the growth of
native wild flowers & ferns. Part of the resort foreshore is naturally a mangrove
shoreline & has been left untouched. Mangroves prevent erosion &
provide sanctuary to juvenile fish. No insecticides or herbicides are used on
the property. Any plants found around the resort are native to Kadavu or
already found on the island. No foreign plant species are brought in to the
island, ever, for obvious reasons.
MATAVA RESORT BUILDINGS
All
resort building structures are built using locally grown pine or hardwoods
planted for that purpose. They are then finished using traditional methods of
thatching & palm weaving. We do not use local wild hardwood trees for
lumber. All grey water is piped out to rubble drains for flowers & plants.
Bures are designed & orientated to benefit from shade & sea breezes for
cooling.
STAFFING & HIRING
All
resort staff are from local villages. The resort's annual expenditure is
directed, wherever possible, to the local community. Obviously, we do have to
import some specialized equipment not manufactured on the island or in
WATER SUPPLY
The
primary reason for the location of Matava Resort is the abundance of natural
spring water. During the drought of 2003, it was one of only two locations on
the South of Kadavu island that still had a water supply. The water is
naturally filtered through the limestone & is of excellent quality.
Nevertheless, rainwater is still collected at certain locations & used to
supply the organic garden and supplement the supply to some of the ocean view
bures.
MARINE RESERVES
Working
in conjunction with our neighboring
DIVING EDUCATION
Each
bure contains an information pack which includes advice on how guests can avoid
damaging coral & marine life. The main bure has an extensive reference
& information folder on coral reefs & their associated marine life.
Matava Resort is supporting the efforts of local community school Governors to
have the
GAME FISHING
The
resort has a Tag & Release policy on all billfish other than an obvious
World or Fiji National Record. All fish not destined for the dinner plate are
released. Matava Resort is a member of the International Game Fishing
Association (IGFA) & the game boat's skipper is a member & supporter of
The Billfish Foundation.
MATAVA RESORT�s RESPONSIBLE TOURISM CODE of CONDUCT:
Matava's dedication to Responsible Tourism is the driving
force behind our Environmental Policy. Far from being an abstract ideal for us,
Responsible Tourism shapes all our major decisions - from the concept that
'Small Groups Leave Fewer Footprints' to the choice of contractors &
suppliers. Here are our guidelines in a nutshell. Our key principles or code of conduct for
operating 'Responsible' Matava adventures are as follows:
� Use locally owned infrastructure for
accommodation & transport.
� Spread the financial benefits amongst local
people & operators.
� Provide employment & leadership opportunities
for local people.
� When recruiting our staff & crew, we assess
their environmental credentials & then train them to our own standards.
� Respect local customs & culture.
� Provide safe trips for Matava, Mad Fish &
Bite Me staff, crew & guests.
� Educate guests & local people about how we
travel.
� Limit the negative impacts to daily lifestyles of
local people not involved with Matava adventures & expeditions
� Issue our guests with clear guidelines on
responsible tourism. These cover a variety of issues from litter & waste
disposal in remote areas, to begging & artifacts. We encourage customers to buy local crafts
& support local skills, but never to buy products that exploit wildlife or
the harm the habitat.
� Limit the physical impact of trips in all
destination communities - particularly sensitive natural & cultural
environments.
� Provide support to organizations & local
communities around Matava & visited by Matava expeditions & adventures.
� Provide fun enjoyable trips to Matava guests.
� Provide opportunities for guests to interact with
local people.
� Actively discourage the participation of Matava
in activities which exploit animals - wild or domestic.
� Use local operators that adhere to Matava 's Responsible
Travel Philosophies & provide the best possible service to Matava guests
& staff.
� Support & encourage fair employment
practices.
� Give our guests the best possible value.
� Grass roots travel using local public transport
where possible � minimizes demand for special tourist vehicles & fuel.
� We choose locally owned accommodation where
available & local restaurants & markets for dining, retaining revenue
in local communities.
� Our Directors facilitate communication of our
values to guests & local communities, educating them in sustainable tourism
practices.
� We employ local crew & guides to aid in
guests' understanding of local culture & etiquette.
� Small groups allow guests to experience cultures
at first hand, offering greater opportunity for cross- cultural understanding.
We are committed to
putting back into the communities & regions we visit by supporting many
aid, development & conservation projects in these areas. Much of this
support is through The Matava Foundation & guests are invited to
contribute.
MATAVA
RESORT WINS COVETED ECO-AWARDS +
RENEWS 3 �
STAR TRIPLE-A RATING for 3rd STRAIGHT YEAR.
Matava -
Matava -Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort remains the only island
resort on Kadavu that's been officially rated by AAA Australian Hotel rating
system that is recognized world-wide & is Fiji's official Hotel &
Resorts Star Rating Agency, & the award of the retention of its 3 � star
rating. "I am extremely proud that we have once again retained our 3� star
rating with AAA. This year has been a big one for Matava with the opening of
our brand-new Main Bure Complex, addition of the new restaurant, the refurbishment
of the Oceanview Bures & the building of our new Honeymoon Bure, as well as
new construction & ongoing maintenance to the existing
infrastructure," said Richard Akhtar, Matava Managing Director. "A lot of time & effort have gone into these projects during 2008 & it
is extremely pleasing that during busy periods we have been able maintain the
high level of service required & to be rated as such by an independent
international rating system."
Mr. Akhtar went on to say that "after the recent major resort
upgrade in early 2008, & the addition of our high-tech solar power plant solution for the
Main Bure, kitchen & The Terrace restaurant area, we believe are the leader
in eco-sustainable resorts in the country. The Green STAR Accreditation gives
us special environmental recognition & shows our customers that we are
continuing our responsibilities to the environment & are (conscientiously)
reducing the environmental impacts of our business. It is a wonderful result for Matava & the
To be awarded a Green STAR Accreditation, Matava -
� Energy efficiency -- Matava had to prove use
of energy efficient light bulbs & fixtures, earthly-friendly signage &
reminding guests to turn off lights & to use natural ventilation whenever
possible.
� Waste minimization -- Matava was awarded based
on its extensive recycling program, towel re-use & linen no-change policy,
plus even printer cartridge recycling in the office.
� Water management -- Matava also was commended
for wide use of dual-flush toilets, environmentally friendly cleaning products,
unbleached paper products, no leak-taps & recycled water on gardens.
In conjunction with
Matava's owner, Richard Akhtar said "Matava -
On Feb. 5, 2008, Matava
Resort
also was named recipient of the PADI Project
AWARE Environmental Achievement Award, a highly respected industry accolade
that only the most greenly efficient resorts worldwide ever can achieve.
Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the
importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of
global ecosystems. "The Environmental Achievement Award is about rewarding
vision, excellence & pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award
ensures the
enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," said
After reviewing Matava's application, Project AWARE determined that its
dive operation met all requirements set forth for Project AWARE's Environmental
Achievement Award & has consistently shown exemplary efforts to conserve
aquatic environments through education, advocacy & action, PADI officials
reported.
Matava Director, Mr. Richard Akhtar responded, "The PADI Project
AWARE Environmental Achievement Award gives us special environmental
recognition & shows our customers that we are responsible & committed
to reducing the environmental impacts of our business. After 6 years of hard work & commitment
to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognized by our
international scuba certification agency.�
Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit
organization, works in direct partnership with divers & watersports
enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy
& action.
KADAVU is
HOME to RARE & MARVELOUS BIRD SPECIES!!
Kadavu Fantail (Rhipidura
personata)
Dark
earth brown head, neck & cheeks contrast with two separate white eye marks
& a white throat that is bordered by a black band. The long fan tail is
tipped with white. Common in the remaining forests & very inquisitive, often
sliding along a branch fanning its tail & dropping its wings. Sometimes
follow observers some distance to keep making its scolding call. Often seen
around the resort grounds.
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Kadavu Musk Parrot
(prosopeia splendens) Distinguished
by its bright scarlet head & underparts & conspicuous blue bar across
the mantle. Back & rump are shining green. Its flight feathers are green
suffused with blue. A noisy parrot that produces a wide variety of raucous
squawks & screeches & is very agile when flying in amongst the trees. This
parrot is most active (and noisy) at dawn & dusk with the best vantage
point being the resort's organic garden. |
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Kadavu Honeyeater
(xanthotis provocator) A
featureless bird with olive grey plumage which is heavily streaked on the
back & underparts. The pointed black bill is long & slightly
downcurved & it has a conspicuous rosette of bare skin around the eye.
Often seen around the resort grounds. |
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Whistling Dove
(chrysoenas layardi) The
male is uniformly green, darker on the back with a conspicuous yellowish
green head, white belly & yellow undertail coverts. The female is similar
but lacks the distinctive head plumage. First collected by naturalists from
the Challenger Expedition which visited |