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Makaira is an affordable getaway 3 accommodations only on a 4 acre property overlooking panoramic ocean views and white sandy beaches. The Grander is two bedroom two bath. The Villa is the ultimate in romance or can accommodate a group of 4 friends and the Marlin is a cottage built for two. We specialize in privacy, romance, serenity, adventure and a kicked back island life style. Makaira is the best of both worlds with self contained cottages or our guests can choose to have meals prepared for them complimented with organic produce at our private restaurant upon dinner reservations. . Aside from a stunning location, we offer lots of free included amenities, airport transfers, WiFi, breakfast, snorkel gear, King size beds, linen, towels, shampoo, conditioner, snorkel tours, reef gardening lessons, kayaks, private phone, DVD movies, a fabulous full time Fijian staff to look after our guests needs. We also offer Fishing charters for all types of deep sea fishermen, boat snorkel tours
We had the pleasure of staying at Makaira, Oct 26 to Nov 3, 2024 in the Marlin Bure. As with all resorts, there are pros and cons. What we loved: Mere's cooking and massage - she even made a gluten free vegan birthday cake that was delicious. So special. If we went out early during high tide, the staff would kindly put our breakfast in our bure so we didn't miss out on the delicious meal. There are 3 restaurants at the end of the driveway - 1 to the left and 2 to the right. The snorkeling was truly amazing - 5 minute walk down the hill across the road and straight off the beach - Roberta's coral garden was impressive and so many tropical fish. We did it daily and loved every minute of it. It was the highly of Makaira. Our bure was very quiet. The staff ALL were so happy and pleasant at all time. The large bathroom had wonderful views of nature and lots of windows. Great water pressure and safe to drink. The view is all ocean, sunsets, and trees that have amazing fragrance from the flowers. Since there is no air conditioning, take advantage of the large day bed in the shade when it is breezy. So peaceful. The two gas burners were great to cook on and we enjoyed having a large fridge. I love to walk so take advantage of the road beside the resort going up the hill for a ocean view or walk 30 minutes 1 way, pass the airport to the little corner store. There is a nice 2nd beach 15 minutes away towards the coconut farm. Cons: You will have to use taxis to get to town or exploring as the bus doesn't run often. The bure is rustic so you will have critters in your bure; however, use the coils in the room to minimize them and bring bug spray. You are in the tropics so expect a musty smell and warm nights. The bure has a slight tilt so the floors are a bit uneven. Download shows to watch on your device or books to read before you come due to the limitations of the WIFI for downloading. We should have asked the staff to drain the soaking pool a few days in as it did get pretty slimy. We stayed at 4 resorts in Fiji and this one was our 2nd highest nightly cost, with the least amenities. The toy room needs to be overhauled due to the condition of the items which is normal in the tropics due to the high humidity. Overall - this was a GREAT spot for snorkeling and just relaxing, with the best dinners by Mere as she customizes to your allergies so they are worth the $60 or $65 FJD. Very large portions.
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Date of stay: October 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded Nov 17, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an in-depth review. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Makaira. Thanks for giving other readers a heads up that they might encounter some tropical insects. WIth the exception of mosquitoes, none of them are harmful. Aside from coils we have mosquito nets and there should be bug spray in the room. We do love the reef out front and I enjoyed taking you on a little free tour. I never tire of it and it was a great excuse to get out there. It is heartwarming for me to see the evolution of a reef and to check on our coral plantings. Also, we do have portable A/Cs for rental. I think between your snorkeling and the dipping pool you were able to stay relatively cool most of the time. Yes, Mere is a very good cook and not afraid to give large portions often with a Pacific Rim twist of what is available. All of our guests say that her dinners are the best that had on the island. I have to agree we have a fabulous, friendly staff whose main objective is our guest's happiness. Once again thank you so much for the great rating and suggestions that inspires us all. We hope to see you again.
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The hospitality is unlike anything we have experienced. Mere, Laisa, Myra & Sipi are 5 star hosts. Mere is the manager, chef, travel agent, pharmacist, town tour guide, the best masseur and like a mum! Her team were warm, friendly and gentle. They made us a fresh cooked breakfast every morning, always with organic fruits from Makaira’s garden and while we ate they reset and cleaned the room daily - check the view in the photos. Dinner here at night is magic, all local produce. Request the avocado salad dressing! Passionfruit syrup and pineapple jam too.
We had a request to try lobster, as we can’t get it where we are from. It was served to us on the garden swing at sunset. Just divine!!!
Seepi and the crew let experience kava at night and it was just so lovely exchanging stories from Fiji in contrast to our life in the desert.
Makaria has literally the best view on the island and the restaurant overlooks it Rooms are very clean, stocked with clean bathroom & beach towels and linen, daily Each bungalow has a private dipping pool and deck chairs BYO alcohol, on the deck chairs, so good! Comfy bed Close to other places for lunch and a great bar just a 5 minute walk away - so is the beach Supermarket near the airport is under $10 FJD return, all the things you need for a holiday Mary helped us with any request e.g she organised hire & snorkelling. Car hire was $100 FJD (approx $70au a day) The Rainbow Reef snorkelling or dive is a MUST. Mind blown, one of the best things to ever be experienced. The little gecko and lizards that visited our kitchen were so entertaining. I realised they eat crumbs of biscuits which was such a treat to sit quietly and watch in the morning.
Note: we travelled through the villages in the hire car to the waterfalls (recommended!). The money for entry goes towards the school and resources. If you can spare more cash when you get there, it might be a nice way to add some additional help to the community.
Also recommend you consider how the owners of the accommodation treat their staff, spend your dollars ethically where you can :)
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â December is very humid in Fiji, so make sure you take this into consideration as it can get very...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded Dec 30, 2022
Thank you so much for that wonderful review. I must agree with you Mere, Laisa, Maina and Sipi are fabulous. Reviews like yours inspires them and gave them big smiles to know they were appreciated. Thank you on behalf of all of them. Your description of Makaira and what Taveuni has to offer was spot on. I also personally like the geckos, did you notice how polite they are:) We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us and took the time to write a review. We hope to see you both again.
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We cannot say enough good things about Makaira Resort.
Immediately upon arrival, you realize that the views from the resort are hard to beat anywhere on Taveuni. It is a short walk down to the beach for snorkeling where you can see first hand both the effects of Mother Nature (a 2016 cyclone took it's toll on the reef) and Roberta's coral restoration efforts. Mere was the most gracious host and took all the work out of plotting our island itinerary and coordinating guides and transportation. The breakfast and dinner served at the restaurant on the premises were consistently EXCELLENT.
We were traveling for the occasion of a long delayed honeymoon (thanks COVID!) and Makaira assisted us in planning a special event to renew our vows and celebrate our anniversary. We requested something simple but special and the Makaira team came together to give us an evening that we'll never forget, complete with a beautifully decorated cabana and dining area, kava ceremony, live music from the community, and a delightful meal. They went out of their way to bake a cake that accomodated my wife's dietary restrictions.
Taveuni is a gem of a destination and I would not think twice about staying at Makaira again when we return. Vinaka vakalevu!
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Date of stay: November 2024
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded Nov 28, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us this wonderful review. Thank you also for giving us the opportunity to create and share your romantic event. Our fabulous staff is wonderful and they enjoyed having their creative juices flowing to make your night special It was our pleasure. We are so glad Makaira met all of your expectations. We all look forward to seeing you both again.
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There are 4 accommodation options, each is pretty far from another one, thus it is very quite, unless it is a party at the beach restaurant. There are 3 minutes walk downhill to the beach and a pretty good reef for snorkeling, but only at high and mid- tide. The breakfast was great with many options. Don't miss the dinners cooked by Mary- it was the best food we tasted on Taveuni island. Both land trips and water activities were easily booked by Mary. However, the nearby diving centre was pretty booked out (book in advance) and it is a bit of a way to Rainbow reef. I was glad that I did diving with Taveuni Dive Resort before coming to Makaira. However, Makaira is better for the night life and closer for land tours. We enjoyed our 4-nights there very much.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded Aug 20, 2024
I must apologize for not responding sooner, I somehow missed this review. Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a lovely review. Your advice was very sound about booking boat snorkeling and dives early. If one enjoys the beauty and mystery of the sea, then Taveuni is a must. There is so much to do here for nature lovers not only in the sea but also hiking, birdwatching, trail rides and fishing.. We could not be more pleased that you enjoyed your time at Makaira and on Taveuni. We strive to set the Makaira stage in our best effort to make our guests time with us as enjoyable as a relatively remote island will allow. We hope you will visit us again.
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Makaira is a lovely set of individual lodgings on a hill above a perfect bay for snorkeling. The staff is outstanding and very friendly. Choose to have dinner there - it is the best! Two dive shops are nearby. One in walking distance and the other one will pick you up.
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Date of stay: October 2024
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded Oct 24, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and rate us. We really appreciate it. We enjoyed having you as a guest. We hope to see you again.
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We spent a fabulous week at Roberta and John's Makaira - Taveuni this trip all about fishing, we had 4 six hour trips with John and I must say it was our dream fishing trip in Fiji. The 4 days were dedicated to Marlin Fishing and we were not disappointed, the first 2 days had a strike each day, the 3rd day we hooked a 180kg Blue Marlin which was safely released the 4th day we caught a yellow fin tuna I cooked for dinner than a 280kg Blue Marlin released. Having fished all around Fiji since 1987 we found John's knowledge of the waters and fishing grounds unquestionable his catch cry was Go big or go home. We dropped a huge Marlin John estimated at 500/600kgs on our last day. The boat had everything you could wish for speed equipment toilet esky with ice and cold drinks We stayed in the Ocean view villa which I loved, the decor was beautiful it has a full sized fridge along with plates pot and pans so you can self cater if you wish using the gas cooker. For supplies the local supermarket 5 minutes drive away and only a few dollars each way, the Supermarket had just about anything you could want. The on site Restaurant is locally owned and operated, this is where you have your breakfast that is included in your rate, you need to pay and arrange your own lunch and dinner, the view is breath taking from the Restaurant. Our villa did not have air-conditioning so I spent a good deal of time in the plunge pool when we were not out on the boat fishing. A truly wonderful fishing trip but it's not cheap, as they say, you get what you pay for. Aloha Roberta and John.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded May 6, 2020
Thank you for that wonderful review. Not being entirely bias, I have to say John is a good fishermen and fun to fish with and he tries his guts out to make anglers happy. We love the new boat, more expensive to run, but well worth it for the design and comfort, which we got to design ourselves for the ultimate Taveuni fishing boat. One day maybe we will get electricity on this side of the island, which is the reason for lack of A/C that would require larger generators and a higher rate. Hence the reason for the private dipping pools for guests to be able to bring down their core temperature. We want to maintain our mid rates. During the summer months while you were here it does get hot. Then for 8 months out of the year it cools down so A/C is not really necessary. On the flip side while you both were here was the best time for Marlin fishing. There is not very many places in the world where the Marlin are hanging out from Jan through March. For a more cost effective accommodation you might want to try the Marlin Cottage, if you return. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us. We hope to see you both again one day we enjoyed having you here and John enjoyed fishing with you.
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Makaira is one of those places you can’t believe you have found. It is beautiful peaceful and had everything we were looking for. The accommodation was comfortable and charming. If you are looking for air con and slick modern, this is not the place for you. If you want to experience an amazing coral reef, wonderful food, great beds and personal attention, you will find it here. We are not commercial resort travelers. We want to meet locals, eat local food and be a bit away from it all. Makaira was perfect for all of that. Highly recommend any tours or trips from here- waterfall walks, snorkeling or diving trips all amazing. Good for couples and families. Would be great for small groups but there are only four accommodations on the property- which is perfect. A short walk down the driveway to the beach with activities accessible using the reliable taxi service. We loved it.
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Date of stay: January 2025
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Makaira it's kind of a hidden gem in Taveuni, located on top of a beautiful beach from which you can get to see the most amazing coral reef, which the lovely owner Roberta has revived over the course of many years - the snorkelling there it's worth the trip to Taveuni :)
The property it's stunning, overlooking the ocean at 180 degrees - the bures/villas are spacious and they have a lovely "homie touch", not the standard rooms you'll find anywhere in Fiji. They all have lovely decks and a small dipping pool which guarantees the best relaxation and privacy and a basic kitchenette which allows you extra freedom during your stay.
Roberta and John are lovely, helpful and kind hosts, who'll make you feel at home, rather than in a resort. Can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: June 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded Jul 6, 2020
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. Your description was exactly the vision we had as we created Makaira. WE couldn't be more pleased that you appreciated it. We look forward to seeing you again. We appreciate lovely guests.
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I flew from Suva to Taveuni (only one hour!) with my husband and two sons for a long weekend at Makaira. It was one of our best family holidays. Makaira is well located, close to the airport, the supermarket and a couple of food places. The staff at Makaira were very accommodating and booked our airport transfer and a rental car. The views are stunning and our self contained villa was comfortable. We ate most of our meals at the on site restaurant which is run by the chef and his wife- the food was great and they also were very accommodating. It was a rejuvenating trip. I highly recommend this resort- especially for Fiji citizens/residents, who should make the most while we have the chance. We were able to use Fiji Airways credits from international flights towards these domestic flights.
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Date of stay: September 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded Oct 8, 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. We are so happy that you and your family enjoyed your holiday at Makaira.
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Our first trip to Taveuni was in 2007. We were only the second couple to stay in the Grander Bure (which they upgraded us to as a surprise!) and it was delightful. We never thought we'd be able to make a return trip but 13 years later we finally did and there was no question that we would be staying at Makaira once again. We love it's beautiful grounds and the fact that it's such a great value. We opted for the very romantic Ocean View Villa this time. Amazing views and such a comfortable accommodation. The staff was attentive and courteous but never bothersome and always respected your privacy. They were happy to help with any request and so kind. We ate at Rosie's Restaurant on the property every single night as it was just that good. Breakfast each morning was also a nice treat. Mary gives the best massages on the island and is excellent at setting up day excursions and any kind of tour you might want. We happened to have the resort to ourselves but with the way it's set up it could be full and you'd still feel like you had the place to yourself. We've traveled the world and it's the most unique and lovely boutique property we've ever been to. If you choose Makaira you won't regret it. Roberta, John, and the entire staff can't do enough for you. If you want a relaxing vacation at the most beautiful spot on the island than Makaira is where you want to be.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Makaira Resort
Responded May 3, 2020
Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful review. We love and appreciate our returnee guests so much even if 13 years has passed. It was great to catch up with both of you and all the changes in your life and at the resort from when you first came at its humble beginnings. You are such a lovely couple and a pleasure to have as guests. We couldn't ask for nicer guests. In a way I wish you both had got stuck here because Taveuni is virus free. Please stay healthy and safe..
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Bula,
Thank you for your interest in Makaira and Taveuni Island. To get to the island from Nadi, you would need to take one of our interisland carriers either Fiji Link or Northern Air. Taveuni is the most beautiful tropical island in Fiji with so much to do, especially if you like water activities like snorkeling, diving, kayak and there are a couple of beautiful waterfall hikes on the island. . If you really want to experience the real Fiji with the friendliest people on Earth, Taveuni is well worth a visit.
Sure can and thanks for asking. Breakfast is included in our rates, Dinners range from 20-35 USD. If you eat dinner at Makaira you will know why we don't serve lunch because most guests have enough leftovers for their lunch or are saving their appetite for the Hawaiian sized portion dinners. . Each accommodation has a kitchenette for simple meal preparation, like for lunch.
Sorry no air con...but each accommodation has its own private dipping pool and a floor fan to put wherever you want. We have tried to design the bures to not only capture our incredible views but to also capture the tropical breezes. If you have any another questions, please ask away as I am more than happy to answer them for you
Aloha,
Roberta
I don't know on the fishing kayaks, but no problem with the fishing charter with John. I believe the rates are on their website, but from memory a full day was US850. I assume priority is given to Makaira guests so I guess it could be a late confirmation.
Sure there is, we can put you together with a local diver operator that will pick you up right here at Makaira in the morning and drop you off at the end of your dive day.
There are more places to choose from in the Matei area.
PRICE RANGE
$156 - $166 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
makaira by the sea hotel taveuni island
LOCATION
FijiTaveuni IslandMatei
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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