Kadavu Island, FIJI
Matava - The Astrolobe Hideaway
On the remote and magnificent island of Kadavu, Fiji, a new eco-tourist hideaway boasts secluded splendour, while also satisfying your spirit of adventure! Matava, The Astrolabe Hideaway, is the latest gateway to adventure, offering easy access to the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the most spectacular reefs in Fiji, indeed in the world!
The Great Astrolabe Reef
The Great Astrolabe reef was named when the French ship the Astrolabe ran aground in the 1800's. Running on the southern side of the island of Kadavu the Astrolabe reef is one of the world's largest barrier reefs. Being over 70km's long it offers a wide variety of diving for all levels of divers. In fact we believe that in a confined area it offers as much variety in coral and marine life as does the Great Barrier Reef which stretches for over 2000km. With that kind of comparison you can expect some of the world's best diving all within a small area.
Accommodation
All bures are constructed from local Fijian materials by traditional techniques. Polished boards, four-post beds, solar powered electricity and sun decks and small furnishings have been added to endure your stay in Fiji is comfortable. All bures are oceanfront or have spectacular water views.
Ecological Paradise
Set amidst lush tropical surroundings; Matava The Astrolabe Hideaway is a small and intimate getaway, designed to blend its natural environment. Traditional thatched Fijian bures with timber four poster beds are nestled in the rainforest offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views. You will drift into sleep to the soothing roar of waves breaking on the distant reef, and be awakened to the call of exotic native wildlife. There are no roads, no town power, no town noise or water. You can only arrive at Matava by boat, use solar power, drink water from ancient subterranean springs and stargaze at unpolluted skies. BLISS.
World Class Diving
As experienced PADI instructors, your Matava hosts will escort you through the wonders of their hidden paradise including exciting shark dives, vertical drop off diving and sites yet unexplored by other divers. Fijian soft and hard corals, brilliant colors and diverse marine life beckons below. No fast food diving here, it's just you and the ocean. Beginners can take a fully certified course, while experienced diver can choose from single divers or special dive packages.
Water works
Confident on a board? Try some rugged reef surfing as well as kayaking around magnificent tropical terrain, snorkeling over colorful coral and sail boarding into the sunset.
Nature lovers
If you enjoy onshore activities, take advantage of the breathtaking scenery and landscape of this Fiji Island. Horse ride in the lush Fijian forests, trek to a waterfall, picnic on deserted white beaches and stargaze from Matava's spectacular hill top observatory.
Island culture
Between the shark dives and clear water kayaking, you'll blend into the Fijian way of life. Go from the rush of a sea turtle sighting to the mellow bonding of a Fijian kava ceremony. Enjoy meke dances and scrumptious lovo feasts with neighboring villagers. Far from the madding crowd.
Kadavu Island - Fiji
Matana Resort, Dive Kadavu
Kadavu Island is the 4th largest island in Fiji, a simple 45 min flight from Nadi International Airport is where this peaceful small resort is tucked into a tropical forest! You will be met at the airstrip and taken on a 10-minute boat ride to your traditional thatched bures. Surrounded by gardens, the spacious bures allow you room to stretch out with all the modern comforts and the simple details of fresh picked flowers.
Meals are taken on an elevated deck with a panoramic view over the lagoon to the extinct volcano. The main house, which has a fully stocked bar, has the feel of someone's living room - probably because it is. Bob and Rena Foster are the fun loving owners who live on site, a guarantee that things will run smoothly.
Ultimately the reason we fly to Fiji is for the diving. Bob and Rena have one of the finest dive operations in all of Fiji. This is a place for beginner divers, for those who want to get their certification here, or for the most advanced divers. Dive Kadavu has a fully equipped dive shop, with state of the art equipment for hire or purchase. Most of the dive sites are 15 to 20 minutes away by one of the very deluxe 28-ft. aluminum catamarans that have been custom built coupled with the latest safety features. These fully equipped boats have stable diving platforms for easy entry and exit. Dive kayaks are also available.
The diving is varied with abundant marine life; the soft coral abounds on sites such as the Yellow Wall. Clown fish & anemones, lion fish and brilliant anthias are just a few of the inhabitants of these very active reefs. Very interesting u/w topography with swim-throughs and bommies. Special trips can be arranged to the world famous Astrolabe Reef. If so inclined you can make up to 4 dives per day!
Non divers can enjoy snorkeling or swimming right off the resort's magnificent beach. The hills behind Matana provide spectacular hiking terrain, with kava and paw paw plantations, and open rugged hillsides leading to rainforest. A visit to the adjoining village primary school is a must and Friday night lovo is not to be missed. All in all a wonderful place for a dive vacation for all the reasons we desire. White sand beaches, thatched beach huts, fabulous diving in a tranquil atmosphere.
Wakaya Island - Fiji
Wakaya Club
The elegant hideaway of Wakaya is set on a private island surrounded by a virgin reef with soaring cliffs, pristine beaches, and rare tropical birds. Luxury, comfort, and elegance are reflected in each of the 1500 sq. ft. bures. This all inclusive club offers a 9 hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, fishing wind surfing, nature hikes and some of the finest diving in Fiji.
Accommodations:
The Wakaya Club is an exclusive holiday resort on privately-owned Wakaya Island, some 45 minutes from Nadi International Airport, by "Air Wakaya" - the island's own twin-engined 1992 Britten Norman Islander plane, air-conditioned for your comfort.
The Wakaya Club has incorporated every imaginable luxury for your comfort and enjoyment. Each of the eight, 1500 sq. ft cathedral ceiling guest accomodations is discreetly nestled along the beach. trimmed in thatched roofs, hand woven bamboo walls, polished yaka wood floors in a plantation style setting. Well stocked wet bar and refrigerator, all inclusive for your enjoyment. Fabulous bath with soaking tub, separate shower stalls, 3 sinks, hairdryer, cotton robes and wonderful Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries!
The muffled beating of the "Lali" drum heralds sumptuos melas prepared by the Wakaya Club's four resident chefs. Dinner is served in "The Palm Grove" dining pavilion and luncheon is taken on the rambling deck, overlooking the lagoon. All sporting activities are included such as the tennis court, the nine hole golf course, a boules court, championship croquet court, and scuba diving.
Diving:
The reef offers some of the best scuba diving in the world. Scuba Pro equipment is available for certified divers. Two boat dives per day are included with extra tanks available. The magnificent reef drops to an endless wall of thick branching soft coral as a backdrop for the splendid pelagics you may encounter. A friendly Manta, A Great Hammerhead, tutles, and the never ending plethora of schooling tropical fish await you!
