Matava

On the remote and magnificent island of Kadavu, Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort boasts secluded splendor which also satisfying ones craving for adventure and exploration. Bordered by the Great Astrolabe Reef Matava is a small and intimate getaway. Matava is designed to blend with the natural environment of Fiji and all it has to offer. Traditional Fijian bures are located in the Kadavu rainforest and are set around lush tropical surroundings. Matava accommodates up to 22 guests at one time and offer privacy, comfort and superb ocean views. Each guest will have an amazing Kadavu experience which will be true to Fijian culture and customs. PADI Certified, Matava offers a unique diving and is located only a few minutes away from the Great Astrolabe Reef. Matava offers the perfect environment to scuba dive, snorkel, surf, fish, and kayak with opportunities to trek, visit villages, bird watch or simply relax and unwind.
Matava is an ideal eco-hideaway designed to cause minimal impact on the environment and to promote conservation awareness within the local community. Matava is the genuine eco-adventure lodge, beautifully set off the beaten track which allows for privacy and isolation. The intimate resort has beautiful, comfortable rooms, outstanding cuisine and offers a full range of adventure and cultural activities that makes it the premiere resort on Kadavu
Be warned. Matava will cost you about the same as a five star hotel. Your level of comfort will be similar to the middle ages. You will experience the absence of many basic services and necessities as part of the eco experience. Many basic comforts such as fan in your room, insect proofed bures, night lights, electricity after 5 p.m. are missing at this resort. You are expected to be happy with occassional cold showers, mud beaches, mosquitoes and spiders in your room. The service here is sweet and friendly, they go out of their way to be sure you have what you need. If you have to have anything special, bring it with you when you come. (Starbucks coffee, cocoa or the like) There are no electrical outlets in your room, but I didn't realize it until we came home. There is a charging station during the day in the main lodge, from the solar cells. Plenty good enough.

The diving here is good. The manta diving is great. However, the locals live off the reefs and hunt them regularly. The large fish have been speared and the remianing fish are wary of divers. There are many reef fish and colorful corals. It depends on where you go. The weather in early November (We were there November 1-10, 2012) is changable....it could be warm or cold, sunny or rainy....about 50% of each. This time of year, bring a light jacket.
The food is excellent and abundant, the Fijian staff is wonderful, the views are great, the diving operation is well run.
This is not a place for children, they would have a hard time keeping busy. However on another note, they might get on well with the Fijian children, but I don't think children are recommended at this particular resort.