Garden Island Resort Questions/Taveuni

[wader]

I am almost ready to sign the dotted line for 8 days at Garden Island Resort. They have a special of 7 nights, 12 dives, breakfast for $888 pp.

I have read all about Great White Wall, Rainbow, etc and am really stoked for it. Another lodging raised some questions about GIR. Not sure if it is true or if they are just not playing nice with their neighbors.
This is what they wrote, please chime in if you have an opinion or some thoughts regarding...


1.GIR was originally built around 1976 as a Travelodge Hotel. Rooms are just your basic remodeled hotel room.
Nice but nothing special.

Absolutely no beach as a very rocky shore.

Dive boats do a morning 2-tank dive and return to the hotel for a late lunch. So what do you do for the rest of the day?

If you wish to get to any of the islands magnificent eco attractions then be advised that you will spend about an extra $40 a day on taxis because of the GIR location.

Dinners at GIR cost USD$31 excluding beverages. And there are absolutely no other nearby restaurants without taking taxis.

 

[OnTheSpot]

Hi Wader,

You have a great deal for seven nights at Garden Island Resort - I would check that it does include the 17.5% taxes.

I think you will have an enjoyable stay at Garden Island Resort. The rooms are well equiped and have recently been renovated. They are not the traditional Fijian bures but a two story brick building - all rooms have ocean views.

There is lots to do after your morning dives - snorkelling, kayaking, tennis, hikes to stunning waterfalls, village visits, golf and of course hanging out in a hamock with a cocktail or two.

The food at the resort is consitently good and plentiful. All but one Chinese restaurant are a taxi ride away so it is usually easier to eat in the resort with all your new friends. I would purchase the meal plan.

 

[fiji_diver]

Bula!

The diving is great and not just the sites you listed although they are probably the highlights. The resort has been refurbished and is fine but not luxury. The staff will be great and the food usually good. Check what your deal includes. Taxes are 17.5% and food may or may not be in the price. It is true that you are really limited to the resort for food, but this is true of most island destinations in Fiji with the exception of those around Savusavu.

I operate a dive services company in Fiji but am in no way associated with the resort.
Happy diving
Cheers
Greg

 

[wader]

The price does not include taxes nor lunch or supper, just breakfast.

 

[1erCRU]

I can't speak to the current qualities of the GIR, since I was there pre remodel & new owners. I'm sure the diving is still world class and Tavenui is still one of my fav Fiji islands.

GIR was built as Travelodge MOTEL, and looks it, although I'll bet you a beer it's in a better location than any other one ever built. The rooms were all ocean front. It was really built for divers and back packers, so not orginally too fancy. It's certainly not built like the new Fiji out-island standard: Individual Bures.

Most divers did not have any complaints about the rooms/hotel/food. Non-divers got a little bored, no beach, no town, no shopping, one bar etc etc. There are some good hikes, and a waterfall nearby. We hired a car & driver for a few days, did some exploring.

We did stop on the way to GIR to buy Fiji Bitter and some snacks (at small market) and bought hard alcohol at the LAX & NAN duty frees. Local currency is advised before you leave NAN.

 

[farsidefan1]

Also a short walk to the international date line. Great photo op! Only place in the world it crosses land. Meals were fine (got the meal plan). We enjoyed it! We got married there, unbelievably scenic. The diving was excellent as well.

 

[wader]

For those of you that stayed there, how did you book? I have been in e-mail contact, and they reply with, "When you are ready, we will provide you with confirmation." WTH does that mean? I reply with, "I am ready". I don't get it???

Should I be doing something else, maybe call them???

 

[jbjclj]

Go to a site like
Garden Island Resort - Caradonna Dive Adventures

We stayed there before the renovation and had a great time. Try to plan not going during a full moon. Currents seemed to be much stronger.

We have gone to Wananavu ( Bligh Waters) twice and loved it. Booked through Caradonna when they had a special.

 

[1erCRU]

I booked right off their web site, without problems....BUT...they were tied to Aqua Trek in the US then. I'm not sure that relationship is still solid. Likely there are lots of US dive-travel agents who would be happy to make your arrangements.

Calling direct and asking for the "best" rate never hurts with any hotel/resort.

I always book Air Pacific direct too, they have "specials" which just might fit into your plans.