After a day’s journey, nothing quite prepares you for the feeling you get as the native voices drift through the airport as they welcome you in song. Immediately the 11 ½ hour flight from Los Angeles becomes a distant memory, as you are transported back to a time where people acknowledge one another. Making your way to the domestic area of Nadi airport, the Bula greetings and smiling faces made the scale weighing a bit less uncomfortable, as we prepared for our short, 1 hour flight to Taveuni.
Often we tend to know it as ‘save the best for last’ but not here. One day at Matangi Private Island Resort, and I could return back to the states fully content. This 12 bure, bungalow haven is more of a residence than a resort. Family owned and operated for over 30 years, you feel as though you’ve finally arrived home.Breakfast is waiting as we step off the boat to our own slice of paradise. The menu items are delicious, most of the ingredients growing fresh, right there on property. We enjoy getting to know Christine, and her side kick ‘Rey Rey’ learning about her family and how they started this special island hideaway. The accommodations are a spacious bure with indoor and outdoor showers. You’ll also find unique tree house bures, where barefoot luxury continues with private balcony and separate bedroom area.
The island’s natural coastal path and ridge-top trails gave us an excellent hiking opportunity the following morning. Vantage points that allow you to see the whole island, and beautiful trees and plants native to the island surround you. Wild goats made their appearance as we hiked along, and the banana spiders were mildly creepy on the first encounter. The webs made for a beautiful display against the green forest and turquoise waters. One reason to be thankful I’m not tall enough accidently brushing my head against their massive abode.
Natures gym is my favorite-Exploring and seeing the beauty this island has to offer, is the best way to stay active, because it doesn’t feel like exercise.
Here you have the privilege of taking a short boat ride to the other side of the island to Horseshoe Bay. This is the perfect hideaway. A private picnic lunch is served, and then you’re at leisure to snorkel, kayak or walk along the shore and discover the most beautiful shells that come in with the tide.
All the amenities in the world could never match the heart this place has to offer. This is the disconnect you’ve been waiting for. No television, or phones, to distract from the nature that surrounds you. This place is like one big awaiting hug. It is a culture shock in the best way possible- Where genuine smiles, impeccable hospitality and lifelong friendships can be discovered. Matangi is Family.
Natures gym is my favorite-Exploring and seeing the beauty this island has to offer, is the best way to stay active, because it doesn’t feel like exercise.
Here you have the privilege of taking a short boat ride to the other side of the island to Horseshoe Bay. This is the perfect hideaway. A private picnic lunch is served, and then you’re at leisure to snorkel, kayak or walk along the shore and discover the most beautiful shells that come in with the tide.
All the amenities in the world could never match the heart this place has to offer. This is the disconnect you’ve been waiting for. No television, or phones, to distract from the nature that surrounds you. This place is like one big awaiting hug. It is a culture shock in the best way possible- Where genuine smiles, impeccable hospitality and lifelong friendships can be discovered. Matangi is Family.
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