zilch:
actually its going to be more resort orientated with me looking for some diving. I may be able to get the wife out for 1 or 2 days, but not much more.. I know i might be narrowing my choice, but the problem is there are 3 others on the trip.
Cheers
Jim
In that case, I highly recommend Matangi. It is a private island off taveuni, with friendly people, good diving, and out of this world food.
http://www.matangiisland.com
My wife and I were at Matangi in November 2003. I only dived for two days, since I had just spent a week on the Fiji Aggressor and my wife doesn't dive.
Quick summary - diving is very good. No coral bleaching where we went. Typical two tank AM dives - leave just after breakfast, return for lunch. No Nitrox. Longer trip to SomoSomo strait typically done 1 or 2 times per week (3 diver minimum) - they went once during the week we were there - will go more often if there is demand.
Resort - lots to do non-diving. Good snorkeling right off beach, or they will take you to a offshore snorkeling spot. Kayaks, sailboats, hiking. "Private beach picnic" on Horseshoe Bay. Trip to Taveuni to go to waterfall. Trip to villiage for dance/kava ceremony. Lavo dinner (like hawaiin emu oven). All above at no charge. Sport Fishing is extra - I don't know rates. Extremely casual - barefoot dining, etc. Free laundry service every day - PACK LIGHT.
Food is unbelievable. Tables for 6 to 8 people - you get to know your fellow guests. Standard choices for breakfast. At breakfast, you choose your lunch and dinner (two choices per day for each.) Afternoon tea. We were there over American Thanksgiving. Feast consisted of turkey (God knows where they got it), Beef Wellington, Lamb Roast, Shrimp curry. Those were just the main dishes - lots of sides. Typically fish at least once per day if you choose it. Noel (the owner) went fishing, caught an ahi tuna, and served us 2 hour old shashimi! Chef was native Fijian, but classically trained. Local ingredients, with varied preparation.
Noel and Flo are great people. You will meet Jonathan (her per fruit bat) - he may even land on you. Staff is helpful without being intrusive. If you want to ask Noel any direct questions, I can send you his direct email address.
The price is the most reasonable that we could find. The next Island over is Qamea, which was asking for more than double. My wife and I are definitely planning to return, combining the trip with a trip to New Zealand, all via Air New Zealand (since Nadi is a stopover on the LA- Nadi- Auckland flight.)
Reply or send private message for more specific questions.
