Matangi Fiji Travel Review

Jules Stabback, one of our most experienced travel specialist, has just returned from a Fiji insight tour as a guest of Tourism Fiji and a range of beautiful resorts in the spectacular Northern Region. We hope you enjoy her review below of  Matangi Private Island Resort – a luxury, adults-only destination.

Discover the Fiji you don’t know!

Discover the Fiji you don’t know – that’s the motto here at Fiji Island Holidays.  I have been travelling to Fiji for over 40 years, discovered many places, but with over 333 islands to explore, there’s always something new to find.

Just last week I was fortunate enough to spend a week visiting places I had never been and trust me, you won’t be disappointed if you follow my journey yourselves – you will discover jungles, waterfalls of icy cold water, and people with a Fijian heart so real you will never want to leave.

Our journey took us first to Taveuni where we flew into the tiny Matai airport.  Before boarding our 19 seater plane in Nadi we were weighed (and managed the 15-kilo luggage limit) and seated to carefully balance the plane.  Our flight path took us along the coast of Viti Levu and across the Bligh Waters, we skimmed the coast of Vanua Levu. The difference in the topography of Fiji’s third largest island is incredible. Taveuni is often called the Garden Island and you can see why.  A third of the island itself is made up of the Bouma National Heritage Park so picture rainforests, waterfalls and lush jungles.

Horseshoe Bay has been listed as one of the 1000 places to see before you die.

Taveuni Island itself boasts accommodation that ranges from luxury to diving and backpacking resorts.  We headed out to the islands just off the mainland.   A short car and boat ride from Matai Airport is Matangi Private Island Resort.   Matangi is an adults-only, 240-acre island of pure beauty.  Horseshoe-shaped with volcanic rock faces, snorkelling right around the island and crystal clear waters, Matangi is diverse and beautiful.  The resort is situated on one side of the island, with Horseshoe Bay a short boat ride on the opposite side.  Travel writer Patricia Shultz lists Horseshoe Bay as one of the “1000 Places to see before you die”.  Having had a wonderful afternoon at Horseshoe Bay I can support that claim.   It’s beautiful.  Deep blue water, white sand beach, a lovely beach hut for lunching and sipping champagne.  You can book a private day visit to Horseshoe Bay and with access by boat only you will not be disturbed.   Imagine that?

Matangi Private Island Resort is a five star, adults-only haven.

The resort itself is relaxed and casual yet offers all the things you imagine in a five star, adults-only haven.  With just 12 bures – 3 of them nestled into the trees, Matangi won’t ever feel crowded, and in fact, has a feel of serenity throughout.   The Resort is currently refurbishing the bures for a more modern feel and the finished bures are absolutely stunning.   The Treehouse bures are great fun – with views across to neighbouring islands. From the lovely decks you can watch the sunset and feel that you are the only people on the island. These bures will be refurbished in the new year and the spa baths at the rear of the outdoor bathroom replaced with plunge pools with large and comfortable day beds.

There is one two bedroom bure on the island set at the end of the resort.  For two couples travelling together, or adults with adult children this bure is a wonderful space with two bathrooms, living and kitchen area.  We enjoyed cocktails at sunset from our day beds in front of this wonderful two bedroom bure.  It’s hard to put into words how wonderfully relaxing and peaceful this evening was.    It’s a beautiful space.

Being a little more remote you may think that the food will be a bit hit and miss.  This is not the case.   All meals are influenced by what is fresh, in season and available.  That means locally (and very recently) caught seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and some of the best home baked breads I have ever enjoyed.   Meats are imported from the best suppliers available.  Dinner for our group was lobster – straight from the ocean and so very, well prepared by the Matangi chefs.    Matangi includes all meals in their accommodation rates.  Add the Romance Package and you will be able to include a picnic for two at Horseshoe Bay, a couples 30 minute Bobo massage in the Ocean Spa and a private candlelit dinner for two including a special menu and bottle of wine.

Matangi’s Ocean Spa was a highlight of my visit.  Resting on the edge of the sea this space is heavenly – if you don’t book the full romance package, make sure you at least visit the Spa once and enjoy the space, traditional treatments and even a Vichy tropical rain shower.  After, sit on the deck and sip a healing tea.

Matangi is close to the most incredible dive sites in the world.

If you feel like being active, then you can also package up your visit with dive packages – up to 5 days worth of diving, or 10 tanks, in this remarkable area.  Within a 32 kilometre radius you will find some of the most incredible dive sites in the world.  The world famous Great White Wall and Noels Wall will blow you away, or you can go further to the Somosomo Straights and see the world famous Rainbow Reef.   Day trips can take you over to Taveuni – “the mainland” and you can visit Bouma  National Park and hike up to the famous waterfalls there – take the easy route and visit just the first waterfall or walk all the way to the top and see the lake on the top of the hill from where the water flows through all three waterfalls.    Unique and amazing.

If you think you have visited Fiji and there’s nothing new to discover – this area should be on your list.     If you haven’t been to Fiji but want to experience authentic and real Fiji then this is certainly a place you should discover.  Fiji is not about five-star hotels all in a row, it’s about all of the 333 islands spread across the ocean – we can help you discover what’s out there – the areas that others don’t know.

Matangi Private Island Resort might be out of the way, but it’s worth the short trip – and we have exclusive specials for visits that include free nights and meals.   We can build your package up with dive rates, a romance special, honeymoon bonus or birthday celebration.  We can even arrange an intimate and wonderful Fiji wedding at Matangi.

Next time : Jules will be reviewing Qamea Resort and Spa, another breathtakingly beautiful, luxury adults-only Fiji resort located Northern Fiji.

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