Matangi Island, Fiji
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Matangi Private Island Resort is a privately owned Fiji island, 240-acres in
size, with a collapsed volcanic caldera shape like a horseshoe. We are located
an hour and 15 minutes flight from Nadi International Airport in Fiji’s
breathtaking Northern group of islands in the heart of the South Pacific.
Matangi Private Island Resort is owned and operated by the Douglas
family. Their ancestors were among the first Europeans to settle in Fiji
and from the 1870s, lived on Matangi Island working the land as a
coconut and cattle plantation. Their family members were all born and
brought up in the islands and enjoy an inherent connection to the land,
culture and people. In 1987, they decided to share Matangi Island with
the rest of the world, and since then, have welcomed up to 1000 guests
per year, many of which return year after year, making it their own home
away from home in paradise.
Matangi Private Island Resort offers a total of eleven beachfront Bures and
three Tree House Bures, all boasting gorgeous views across the Tasman Strait,
towards neighbouring islands. A ‘bure’ is the Fijian word for bungalow. All
accommodations are handcrafted to traditional design, using local timbers,
bamboo and coconut palm thatch to blend into the tropical environment and
harmonise with the climate. The high ceilings and large louvre windows ensure
the bures are kept cool without the use of air-conditioning. While traditional
in design, all bures feature modern amenities. The central restaurant, with a
large wooden deck over the water, likewise offers a cuisine combining both
contemporary and traditional tastes.
Ten of the island’s 240-acres is dedicated to the resort and has been
carefully landscaped around the existing large trees using exotic and colourful
plants to attract tropical birds including the orange dove and parakeet. The
rest of the island is lush tropical jungle with a high volcanic rim enclosing a
gorgeous Horseshoe Bay fringed by a secluded white sand beach.
The island is surrounded by thriving coral reefs and aquamarine waters which
await your exploration. If you are looking for your own private Fiji island, an
exclusive resort, the romance of the South Seas, a small number of guests, a
great number of staff, private beaches, spa services, excellent scuba diving,
snorkelling, fishing, local village interaction, hiking and a multitude of other
things to do, then Matangi is for you. We look forward to welcoming you as a
guest at Matangi Private Island Resort, Fiji.
Accommodations
Matangi Private Island Resort features some of the most unique
accommodation in Fiji. Inspired by the authentic Fijian and South Pacific style
of home, our eleven Beachfront Bures and three Tree House Bures are all built
from natural local materials including bamboo, coconut palm thatch and local
hardwoods.
With high ceilings acting as a natural air-conditioner and cool tiled floors,
our bures have been designed for absolute comfort to cope with our tropical
climate. While visually appealing in design, all bures feature modern day
luxuries including 24-hour electricity, hot water, ample 240-volt power outlets
and high quality beds and linen. We do not offer televisions, telephones or
air-conditioning in order to retain an uncluttered atmosphere free of modern
distractions. Telephone and email services are available from our office. Fresh
drinking water (not FIJI bottled water) is provided free of charge at all times,
and your bure is stocked daily. Please do not drink our tap water as it is not
of drinking quality.
Each bure is unique and located approximately 20-metres from our beach’s high
water mark. All bures are generously spaced ensuring ample privacy, within lush
tropical gardens, but all the resort's facilities are in easy walking distance.
You won't be bothered by any motorised vehicles other than a small tractor which
is used occasionally by our garden keepers. Matangi offers a truly relaxing and
peaceful atmosphere.
All bures feature spacious sleeping and living areas, king size bed, day bed,
ceiling fans, mini bar, ensuite bathroom facilities and private verandah. We
strive to provide an impeccable service so you can unwind and be pampered - your
maid will service your bure daily, launder your clothes, replenish your towel
supply and turn down your sheets at night.
Matangi offers three types of accommodation: Standard Bure, Deluxe Bure, Tree
House Bure
Tree House Bures
The most luxurious of our accommodation styles are our three unique
Tree House Bures, which were the first of their kind in Fiji. These gorgeous
dwellings, built around trees on the steep cliffs overlooking the beach, were
the idea of a past guest who visited Matangi many years ago. He saw a large
Pacific Almond tree close to the beach that was ideal for a tree house and so
one was built.
Two subsequent Tree House Bures were built further into the cliff side and
feature outdoor lava rock showers as well as conventional indoor showers. The
Tree House Bures feature separate living and sleeping areas with king size bed,
ceiling fans and a large timber deck with breath-taking views across the Tasman
Strait.
These Tree House Bures are perfect for honeymooners and couples wanting a
romantic getaway with greater privacy. The Tree House Bures can accommodate a
maximum of two adults (double occupancy only). A mini-bar stocked with bottled
FIJI water, soft drinks and local beer is replenished daily. Tea and coffee
making facilities are also available for your convenience.
Deluxe Bures
Seven of our eleven Bures are Deluxe. In true South Pacific island
style, they are round in shape and feature indoor and outdoor showers
constructed of lava rocks with coral inlay designs. Each Deluxe Bure is
furnished with a king size bed, day bed, ceiling fans and private verandah only
steps away from the beach. Deluxe Bures can accommodate a maximum of three
adults or two adults and two children plus one infant in a crib. A mini-bar
stocked with bottled FIJI water, soft drinks and local beer is replenished
daily. Tea and coffee making facilities are also available for your convenience.
Standard Bures
Four of our eleven Bures are Standard. Each Standard Bure features a
separate living and sleeping area with king size bed, day bed, ceiling fans and
private verandah. Standard Bures can accommodate a maximum of three adults or
two adults and two children plus one infant in a crib. A mini-bar stocked with
bottled FIJI water, soft drinks and local beer is replenished daily. Tea and
coffee making facilities are also available for your convenience.
Weddings
• Before the Day
Matangi’s intimate setting and relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect
location for a memorable Fiji wedding. Every wedding at Matangi is a unique
occasion - all you need to do is obtain your marriage licence, choose when and
where you would like your wedding, who you would like as witnesses and the
resort will do the rest.
• Wedding Formalities
Marriage Licence Registration
A marriage licence must be obtained from the local District Officer on the
island of Taveuni prior to your wedding. Birth certificates and passports must
be produced as well as a Single Status Certificate or a Statutory Declaration
witnessed by two people. Divorce papers are essential, if applicable. A death
certificate is required in the case of a widow/widower re-marrying. Fiji
marriage licences are accepted worldwide.
All arrangements for your transport to the District Officer on Taveuni will
be made by the resort and all transportation costs are included in our package
price. The District Office is located at the Waiyevo Government Station, a
15-minute car ride from Taveuni’s Matei airport. If possible, registration will
be coordinated with your arrival into Taveuni. (Registration cannot be done on
weekends or public holidays.
Other Wedding Formalities
Guests can choose from the beach, the deck over the ocean, the lawn or the
open bure on our beach front. Most weddings take place during the afternoons but
are available at anytime. Staff members often serve as witnesses, if required.
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding ceremonies are performed by a minister of religion from either the
Methodist or Catholic denominations, or a marriage celebrant. The wedding
ceremony is a very simple one. Add some personal touches to make it an even more
memorable occasion.
Wedding Photography
Both digital and standard photography in 36-exp film can be arranged. Our
digital photographer, Ian Osborn, is a writer and photographer who has written
and published several books on the islands. Ian will post 6 images on the
internet the day after your wedding for all your family and friends back home to
view.
Chrys Ayley takes standard photography with 36-exp film. Chrys will have your
photos developed and delivered to you in a tapa covered photo album.
All photography packages include round-trip Nadi/Taveuni/Nadi flights,
round-trip Taveuni/Matangi/ Taveuni car and boat transfers, accommodation, all
meals and photography services.
- Island Wedding Fiji $1,300.00
- Renewal of Vows Fiji $1,100.00
Activities
Matangi Island Resort offers a wonderful variety of activities
including snorkellling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing,
water-skiing, light tackle sport fishing, hiking, private beach excursions, a
half day trip to the Bouma Waterfalls on the island of Taveuni (weekly) and a
village tour on the island of Qamea (weekly). Our staff maintain a daily
activities board - just write in your name on the board at the activities centre
indicating the day, time and activity you want and our staff will have
everything in place for you.
All activities (except for scuba diving, water skiing, light tackle sport
fishing and day excursions) are free of charge with all the required gear
provided. For more information on scuba diving, fishing, village visits and our
weekly tours, please ask a member of the dive crew or our activities staff.
Snorkelling equipment is provided free of charge and can be done right off
the resort's beach which is also a popular scuba diving spot. Horseshoe Bay at
the back end of our island offers exceptional snorkelling in calm turquoise
waters. We can also arrange snorkelling trips to nearby reefs.
Matangi Island is protected within a large reef system making kayaking around
the island easy and safe. We have sea-kayaks on the island which are yours to
use at your leisure. Matangi boasts stunning sea cliffs which are part of the
collapsed volcanic crater, spectacular when viewed close up. At the back end of
the island is tranquil Horseshoe Bay where calm clear waters allow you to
explore coral reefs and observe the spectacular marine life.
Horseshoe Bay also boasts a secluded picture-perfect white sand beach backed
by tropical forest and steep cliffs offering the most romantic stopover. It
takes just 1 hour to kayak all the way around Matangi and less than half an hour
to Horseshoe Bay. Qamea Island, which lies just a mile off our resort, is
another exceptional kayaking trip. Qamea has lots of small coves, large bays and
sandy beaches to explore and takes about half an hour to reach If you want to
explore these areas but are not comfortable on a kayak, one of our activities
staff will take you there in an outboard powered skiff.
Windsurfing and sailing are also available at no extra charge and can be used
to explore the island or ride the winds that channel through the Tasman Straits
between our island and adjacent Qamea island. Water-skiing is available at an
additional charge.
Matangi offers two exceptional hiking trails. A steep climb from the resort
takes you to the summit of Matangi where you can look down into spectacular
Horseshoe Bay. You can then walk through light tropical rain forest along the
crater rim for great views across the sea and towards the islands of Qamea and
Laucala. Large volcanic rocks line this rim with steep drops either side to give
you a unique perspective of how an extinct crater looks like.
Take time to listen to the birds and if you are patient, you'll spot orange
doves, honeyeaters and other tropical birds. This trail leads down to our
coastal walk around the south eastern side of the island, through our old
coconut plantations where cows, goats, pigs and horses remain. The coastal walk
passes alongside several sand beaches and offers lovely coastal views.
Full/Half Day Excursions
Taveuni Island is the third largest island in Fiji and is known as the
Garden Island for its lush tropical rain forest, endemic bird life and beautiful
National Parks. The most breathtaking scenery on Taveuni is along its east
coast, which Matangi lies off, and the boat ride from our island takes just
30-minutes. Our weekly trip to Tavoro Falls in the Bouma National Heritage Park
is complimentary, but there is an entrance fee payable to the Park
Administration of FJ$8.00 per adult and FJ$4.00 per child with funds going to
the up-keep and continued protection of the islands valuable natural resources.
Tavoro Falls is a series of three large waterfalls hidden in tropical forest.
The first waterfall is a 10-minute walk from the park entrance and offers
swimming and great photographic opportunities.
The second waterfall is a 30-minute hike along a maintained trail with
spectacular views of the coast and offshore islands. The final waterfall is
another 40-minute hike, although this trail is more strenuous and rugged, not on
our standard itinerary. Matangi staff members will accompany you to serve lunch
and afternoon tea. Take good walking shoes and plenty of film.
On the northeast coast of Taveuni is the stunning Lavena Coastal Walk, also
within the Bouma National Heritage Park. The hike starts at picturesque Lavena
Village with its sweeping white sand beach and continues along a maintained
trail for 3-miles along a secluded uninhabited coastline passing small cove
beaches, waterfalls, river crossings and wonderful coastal scenery. A guide at
Lavena is available for hire and it’s possible to kayak in one direction and
walk back the other. Our staff at Matangi will arrange for boat transfers to
Taveuni and taxi transfers to Lavena at our standard rates.
Your Fiji holiday would not be complete without a visit to a traditional
Fijian village. Time and time again our guests come back from the village
praising this as their unique memory of Fiji. This trip takes you by boat to a
secluded village on the neighbouring island of Qamea. At the village beach you
are greeted by the local hosts for a stroll through the village and then taken
to the village hall to meet the chief and his people.
Join them for some kava (Fiji’s national drink) and enjoy songs and
traditional dances performed especially for you. This is a great opportunity to
share some stories with the locals and experience Fijian culture while taking
some wonderful photographs. As a return gesture, the Matangi Island Resort
office organises a token monetary contribution from guests to assist the village
in its community projects, such as maintenance to school buildings and church
affairs.
Dining
Matangi's chefs offer you a variety of cuisine from traditional Fijian
fare, to European, American and Pacific Rim favourites. They will happily cater
to special dietary needs. All meals are included in our nightly tariff and are
served from the resort’s dining bure with its large wooden deck sitting right
over the water. Alternatively, you can arrange a private dinner under the stars
on the beach. Room service is also available during normal meal times.
Matangi’s meals include an array of fresh fish and seafood caught by local
fishermen, imported meats, green salads, locally grown fresh vegetables,
tropical fruit from our gardens, freshly baked bread and sumptuous desserts. A
large selection of world class Australian and New Zealand wines and champagnes
are available to accompany any of our fine meals.
The rhythmic beating of the lali (traditional wooden drum) will announce the
commencement of all meals.
Breakfast consists of a variety of fresh tropical fruits, fruit juices,
cereals, freshly baked breads, pastries, banana loaf and muffins. This is
followed by a hot breakfast of your choice including eggs any way you like,
bacon, sausages, ham, pancakes, hash browns and omelettes.
Lunch is a more casual affair with a choice of fresh salads, fish, stir-fry,
sandwiches made with freshly baked breads, quiches or pizzas followed by
tropical fruits, fruit salad, mousse or ice cream.
Lunch is either a buffet or a set menu, taking into account the personal
tastes and preferences of each guest. Romantic picnic lunches can be arranged on
request at one of our secluded beach locations.
Dinner is usually a three-course meal or a buffet feast. An entrée / starter
of soups or cocktails is followed by a choice of meats or fish for your main.
This is complimented by a selection of fresh vegetables or salads and finished
with mouth-watering desserts.
Freshly baked cookies, tropical fruit, brewed coffee and tea are available
throughout the day. Afternoon tea is served between 3 and 4 pm, offering a
selection of freshly baked cakes and / or cookies.
Special dietary needs are catered for with advance notice. Children under the
age of 12 are required to have their evening meals earlier than the normal
dinner service. Inquire at the office for more information.
On the Deck
Our newly refurbished seaside ‘Deck’ houses our Dining Room and Bar.
Built from local hardwood over the water, you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor
dining with cool sea breezes and lovely views across to Qamea, Taveuni and Rabi
islands.
During the day, lounge at the Bar, or sunbathe on the Deck. At night, the Bar
is a great gathering place to enjoy a sunset cocktail with fellow guests, meet
your hosts, the Douglas family, and to enjoy the serenading and impromptu guitar
sessions of the local Fijian staff.
The Bar offers a full range of beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Local and imported beers are available, as are a fine selection of imported
wines and champagnes. Enjoy our exotic cocktails, made from our local Fijian rum
and fresh tropical fruits. Non-alcoholic drinks including fruit cocktails, FIJI
bottled water and soda pop is also available. The Bar is open throughout the day
and in the evenings.
Fijian Feast
A traditional Fijian feast is called a 'Lovo' and a must try during
your stay. Food is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on hot river rocks under
the ground.
Romantic Dinners
At Matangi we appreciate the romance of the South Seas and offer all
our guests the opportunity to have a romantic candle-light dinner by the sea. If
you are celebrating a special occasion please let us know so we can arrange a
special night for you. Private picnics can also be arranged. Ask our activities
staff to book Horseshoe Bay or any of our private beaches for your picnic.
Price: From $2770 FJD per week
Size: 240 Acres
Location: 1 hr 15 min. flight from Nadi,
Fiji
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