Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
is 15m high, with limestone pillars and natural sunlight streaming in from above. Boys from
nearby Nabukeru Village usually climb to the very top and jump into the crystal-clear
pool
here; the other challenge is to swim underwater for ten seconds to a series of smaller darker
chambers where
petroglyphs
can be seen incised on the walls.
Yasawa Island
The long thin
Yasawa Island
has impressive
cliffs
and pristine powdery white sand beaches
along the west coast, several of which are leased to one of the two
cruise
companies which
visit almost daily. The island is synonymous with the luxury
Yasawa Island Resort
, which is
beautifully positioned on a secluded stretch of beach on the northeast coast.
Six traditional villages are found on the east coast. The fishing village of
Teci
is one of the
most authentic in Fiji, with over half its homes being traditional thatch-roof bures. At the
northern tip of the island is the chiefly village of
Yasawa-i-Rara
; you can stay nearby at
small budget retreat
Hideout Fiji
,
close to Vulawalu Beach.
KAYAKING IN THE NORTHERN YASAWAS
A fantastic way of seeing the remote side of the northern Yasawas is to join one of
the
kayaking trips
run by South Sea Ventures ( 02 8901 3287 in Australia,
south-
ernseaventures.com
;
7 nights for A$2130). Group trips run between May and October, and
involve between three and four hours of paddling a day in either single or twin sea-kayaks.
On the eight-day trip, five days are spent paddling between Matacawalevu and Sawa-i-Lau,
camping on beaches in two-man tents. Trips are equally suitable for novice or experienced
kayakers, although a reasonable level of fitness is expected.
ACCOMMODATION: THE NORTHERN YASAWAS
YAQETA
Navutu Stars Resort
664 0553,
navutustarsfiji.com
.
Run by a young Italian couple,
the food here is superb, using herbs and fruits grown in the organic gardens. There are little
corners of solitude everywhere, including a treehouse-style yoga platform and a simple spa
hut. The contemporary whitewashed villas have a Balinese feel and the grand b
ures o
n the
hill have beautiful sunken spa baths and wonderful views of the bay. Closed Feb.
F$700
MATACAWALEVU
Bay of Plenty Resort
967 3696,
bayofplenty-yasawa.com
.
A small and modest resort
for budget travellers, offering a nice slice of Fiji life with village trips including school visits.
The hillside bures h
ave l
lovely
views,
and the fruit and local dishes are abundant. Rates in-
clude meals. Dorms
F$90
; bures
F$170
Long Beach Resort
666 0198,
longbeachfiji.com
.
This small, laid-back retreat, loc-
ated along a beautiful 1km stretch of powdery white sand, is run by welcoming hosts from the
