Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taveuni Palms
West Matei 888 0032,
taveunipalms.com
.
This is one of the most ex-
pensive resorts in Fiji, and at this price you may be left wondering why the two-bedroom
villas are located smack opposite the airstrip. However, each comes with
its own
swimming
pool, seven personal staff and a private cove beach. Rates include meals.
US$1500
Tovu Tovu Resort
East Matei 888 0560,
tovutovu.com
.
This locally owned budget re-
treat with an excellent-value restaurant and dive operation is just beyond the supermarket at
the eastern end of Matei. The five bamboo cottages come with old-fashioned furniture and
tiny bathrooms but are clean a
nd co
mfortable. There's no beach, although the lagoon across
the road is good for kayaking.
F$114
HOLIDAY HOMES, COTTAGES AND CAMPING
Beverley Camping
West Matei 888 0326.
The cheapest and best located place to stay
in Matei, right beside the beach: simple but idyllic sums it up. There's a basic kitchen with
cooking facilities and fridge, two flush toilets, 24hr electricity and also a simple thatch bure
with two tiny rooms and private cold-water shower.
The
warm-hearted owner shares
frui
t
from t
he su
rrounding trees. Camping (with own tent)
F$15
; camping (with hired tent)
F$17
;
rooms
F$50
Bibi Hideaway
West Matei 888 0443.
Five cottages, very reasonably priced and delight-
fully rustic, set in a large hillside plantation full of flo
werin
g shrubs and fruit trees (the fruit
is free to guests). The beach is just a 3min walk away.
F$100
Coconut Grove
East Matei 888 0000,
coconutgrovefiji.com
.
Three well-kept cot-
tages set on a hillside overlooking Matei Beach, with exceptional views over the lagoon. The
restaurant serves some of the
best f
food on Taveuni and the staff are very welcoming. Rates
include continental breakfast.
F$360
Karin's Garden
West Matei 888 0511,
karinsgardenfiji.com
.
Owned by German couple
Karin and Peter, this two-bedroom wooden cottage makes an affordable base for exploring.
If you don't feel like cooking in the small kitchen, Karin will
knoc
k up mostly organic meals
on the covered gazebo at the cliff's edge for an extra charge.
F$270
Makaira Resort
Matei 888 0680,
fijibeachfrontatmakaira.com
.
Owned by a lovely
Hawaiian couple with a passion for deep-sea fishing, this two-acre hilltop property has two
bungalows with stunning sea views plus access to Beverley Beach across the road. Both cot-
tages have quality furnishings with decorative art work. There's a mass
age bu
re and sundeck,
and Roberta, the owner, puts on a delicious seafood buffet every Tues.
F$335
EATING AND DRINKING
There are several
grocery stores
along the roadside in East Matei, the most comprehensive
being on the main seafront strip, but none sells alcohol. There are a couple of good independ-
ent
restaurants
, which on the outer islands is something of a rarity.
