Paradise Taveuni was the third and final resort we stayed at on a recent trip to Fiji.
On arrival at the airport we were met by a local driver. He informed us that the drive would take about an hour due not to the distance, but the road. The latter part was full of large pot holes which had been worse by recent heavy rains. However, the upside was the number of waterfalls we saw on the way, and the sense of remoteness.
We were met at Paradise Taveuni by staff who quickly whisked away our luggage and others who escorted us through the wonderful grounds to the main building. This housed the bar, reception point and dining room. The latter being open at the front and sides and, as such, offering great views out over the ocean. We were offered cold flannels to wash away the grime of the journey and coconut water, both most welcome and very refreshing. After a quick orientation, we were taken to our Bure and had the first of two complimentary massages. The first was a foot massage, which proved an ideal way to relax after our journey. The second was a 30 minute back and neck massage which we took advantage of the following afternoon.
The other parts of our welcome package were a fruit plate and complimentary sarongs which were laid out on the bed.
The Bure had an ocean view and was large and comfortable. It consisted of three rooms: the bedroom, a sitting room and bathroom, with double sinks and a bath with an overhead shower. In addition, we had an outside shower.
Additional facilities included a fridge with mini bar, kettle and tea/coffee making facilities.
It was great.
We quickly settled in and sorted out our dive equipment ready for collection by the dive centre staff. After filling out the usual information and disclaimer forms, we were ready to start diving the following day having pre-booked a four day (2 dives per day) package.
That evening we enjoyed the first cooked meal of our stay. We had pre-booked a meal package which consisted of breakfast, a one course lunch and a two course evening meal.
The menus changed daily and the food was excellent, as was the service. All the staff from those serving meals, to the dive masters and gardeners were friendly, courteous and quick to offer help.
Over the course of our six night stay, we undertake 10 dives, 8 boat and two shore dives. The shore dive was a real bonus. We saw blue ribbon eels, garden eels, moray, lionfish and lone barracuda to name the highlights.
The boat dives offered us the chance to see wonderful soft corals, turtle, shark and octopus amongst the usual array of aquatic life. Unfortunately, due to the weather, we did not get to dive the famous White Wall, so named because of the prolific soft coral, but that is the unpredictability of diving.
Paradise Taveuni offered a range of other activities and we chose to go on a rainforest walk and a half-day tour. Both proved well worthwhile. The former involved a very wet walk in the company of an amateur wildlife enthusiast. We learned a great deal. On finishing the walk his wife brought out tea, cold drinks and a plate of papaya. We were then invited to join our hosts for a home cooked hot lunch. Wonderful hospitality.
The second trip was undertaken in the company of one of the Paradise Taveuni staff. It included a visit to a blow hole on a rugged bit of coastline, information on the plants and trees we drove past and a walk round the local village where many of the staff, including our guide, lived. We quickly obtained a little entourage of children who wanted to show us things. We also got to meet the village chief.
On our final morning we learned how to weave a basket under the expert tutelage of our guide from our half-day tour. It was an interesting and pleasant way to spend the time before we had to leave for the airport.
Our lasting memories of Fiji will be its people, their warmth and humour, and the spectacular scenery.
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