Diving in Fiji: DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre

DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre
Originally uploaded by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort.

Diving in Fiji: DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre

Diving in Fiji: Bryde’s Whales seen the other day off Solo, north of Kadavu

A pod of at least 8 Bryde’s Whales seen the other day off Solo, north of Kadavu...

Diving in Fiji: Bryde’s Whales seen the other day off Solo, north of Kadavu

3-day Super Sale Across Asia Pacific

http://www.accorhotelsasia.com/supersale

• One million hotel rooms at amazing rate across Asia Pacific
  Travelers will be able to take advantage of savings when they book on-line between 27 - 30 October 2009. Over one million room nights will be on sale, with rates starting as low as US$30 per night.
  
  Book your travel & holidays now for stays between December 09 to April 10
  
  The country list include Thailand, Korea, China, Japan, HK, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, Bali.
  
  Different rates apply for Accor's various brands, with Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis hotels participating, providing a vast range of affordable options.
  
  The Accor '3-day Super Sale' coincides with record-low air fares across the Asia Pacific region, allowing travelers to enjoy some of the world's most exciting cities at bargain rates.
  
  
• About Accor:
  Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:
  
  - Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre;
  
  - Services, with 30 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in employee and public benefits, rewards and loyalty, and expense management

Country Name	Price	Currency	SGD	USD	EURO
Australia	99	AUD	123	87	60
Bali	75	USD	106	75	51
China	399	CNY	82	58	40
Ibis China	248	CNY	51	36	25
Fiji	99	FJD	72	51	35
Hong Kong	650	HKD	118	84	57
India	3,360	INR	99	70	48
Indonesia	490,000	IDR	72	51	35
Japan	9,990	JPY	157	112	76
Laos	48	USD	68	48	33
Malaysia	175	MYR	71	51	35
New Zealand	99	NZD	101	71	49
Singapore	98	SGD	98	69	47
South Korea	97,000	KRW	116	82	56
Taiwan	1,999	TWD	88	62	43
Thailand	1,700	THB	72	51	35
Ibis Thailand	1,000	THB	42	30	20
Vietnam	50	USD	71	50	34

SOFITEL FIJI RESORT & SPA

Subtle sophistication and laidback luxury awaits you at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.

Infusing Sofitel’s French influences with exotic Fijian customs, the resort blends tradition with the most modern technologies for a tropical retreat that really does offer it all.

A private waterfront location and the Pacific’s largest lagoon-style pool are a prelude to the sanctuary that is Sofitel Fiji’s stylish range of rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace.

World class dining, a sublime International Day Spa, and an unsurpassed range of adrenalin pumping activities make for an unforgettable experience. The resort’s premier event and conference facilities, including a stunning ballroom and beachfront chapel, set Sofitel apart in a league of its own.

Click here for offer!

Diving couple find Fiji facinating - Fiji Times Online

A FINNISH couple travelled halfway around the world to spend their honeymoon in New Zealand but plummeting temperatures brought them to Fiji instead.

Jani Latinen, 28, and Eeva-Maria Rituanen, 27, landed in Fiji last Friday and boarded the Captain Cook Cruises boat Reef Escape for a three-day cruise around the southern Yasawa islands.

"We had a fabulous time despite the overcast weather and intermittent showers.

"The scuba diving and snorkelling was phenomenal.

"We have never seen anything like it anywhere else in the world," they said.

Before coming to Fiji, the couple who now reside in Luxembourg, said they did not know anything about Fiji apart from Fiji Water.

"New Zealand was nice but too cold. Someone suggested Fiji and, acting on a whim, we booked our flight and came.

"It was the best decision we have made by far.

"We still can't get over the friendliness of the people and the relatively untouched beauty of the islands," said wide-eyed Jani.

The newly-wed couple were so impressed that they have promised to return to our shores in the near future.

"We will definitely be visiting Fiji again.There is so much culture and more interesting places to see and places to dive here," they said.

Diving couple find Fiji facinating - Fiji Times Online

Matava named as Ultimate Eco Escape

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 22 September 2009 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to be named as one of the world’s Ultimate Eco Escapes by SPORT DIVER Magazine, the official publication of PADI Diving Society’s in September 2009 issue.

“DOING THE RIGHT thing isn’t always easy. But as destinations across the globe continue to adopt innovative ways to conserve resources and protect the reefs and animals we love, choosing to help the planet becomes less chore-like and more pleasurable. Get active by swimming alongside whale sharks to help collect data, or help remove the killer that’s slowly claiming Micronesian reefs. Or, simply relax, retreating to eco-minded sanctuaries where solar-heating and local gardens help reduce global impacts. Whether heading to Utila, Vieques, Dominica, Fiji, Kangaroo Island or Yap, doing the right thing just got easier. ”

“We are extremely honoured that Sport Diver Magazine has selected us to feature in their front page cover story for the September 2009 issue” said Matava Director and PADI Instructor Development Staff instructor Stuart Gow. “After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognised by such a large and influentioal dive publication ”

Sport Diver Magazine is the official publication of the PADI Diving Society and is one of the largest dive publications in the world.

Mr Gow finished by saying “Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has again proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmental education worldwide, and this latest article further solidifies our position as an example of “how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment.”

Sport Diver Magazine is the official publication of the PADI Diving Society in the Americas, published by Bonnier Corporation.

PADI Diving Society is a lifestyle organization for people who love the water. Whether you’re a dedicated snorkeler or avid diver, beginner or pro, the PADI Diving Society will help you get the most from your active aquatic lifestyle.

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

Mad Fish Dive Centre is our on-site PADI Dive Centre offering the best of diving in the South Pacific.

www.Matava.com www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com

www.eco-tropicalresorts.com

Diving in Fiji: DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre 7 Oct 2009

DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre 7 Oct 2009
Originally uploaded by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort.

DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre 7 Oct 2009

DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre 7 Oct 2009

A unique experience - TripAdvisor

This place makes you forget about the rest of the world. The staff & management are so friendly, the views are amazing, but you have to put in mind that an enviornment friendly resort means its running on solar energy power, so dont expect ACs or fans, just clean pure air !

I'll be visiting Matava Resort again in the upcoming fishing season for sure.

A unique experience - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Two Free Group Comps to Fiji WITH AIR offered by Scuba Travel Ventures

DEMA Booth #1754
Four different Fiji Dive Resort Options to choose from – don’t be left out!

Scuba Travel Ventures has announced an incredible program for dive travel professionals offering dive trips to Fiji. According to Ernie Arellano, this offer includes TWO free spots INCLUDING AIRFARE for every 10 booked.

“It’s never been offered before – not one but TWO free spot that includes air. We know times are tough and this is an unmatched value for dive travel professionals. Through our partnership with Air Pacific, we believe this is a Fiji opportunity that has NEVER been offered in the past.”

The participating resorts include:

· Garden Island Resort

· Paradise Taveuni Resort

· Waidroka Beach Resort

· Matava Resort on Kadavu

Package prices begin at just $850 and are available exclusively through the Scuba Travel Ventures group desk. Arellano adds that dive retailers wanting to book smaller packages could consider the book 5, one free option at select resorts.

For more details, contact Scuba Travel Ventures at 800-298-9009 or via email at Info@scubatravelventures.com

Divenewswire Two Free Group Comps to Fiji WITH AIR offered by Scuba Travel Ventures

Australia or Fiji? October 2010 - ScubaBoard

I have been to Fiji and absolutely loved it. I compare Fiji to the Caribbean as diving in color vs. black and white. We stayed at Beqa Lagoon Resort and had a great time.

The diving was great, there was a great shark dive, and there are above water activites in the afternoon or you could dive the house reef from shore. If you click on my "photos" link to the left you can see some of my photos. In fact we have booked a return trip to Beqa Lagoon Resort in 2010.

Here is a link to traveler reviews of the resort on tripadvisor.com: Beqa Lagoon Resort (Beqa Island, Fiji) - Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor.

Regards,

Bill

Australia or Fiji? October 2010 - ScubaBoard

Fiji,_al_otro_lado_del_mundo

(21-09-09) Todo el exotismo soñado de los Mares del Sur, se concentra en las lejanas islas de Fiji. Naturaleza exuberante, cálidos lugareños y un mundo submarino espectacular.

Una típica pregunta de colegio era dónde estaban las antípodas de España. ¿Anti… que? Podía ser la respuesta clásica de muchos niños. Con este término nos referimos a la parte del planeta que se sitúa justo en el extremo contrario de donde estamos, pues bien, en el caso de la península ibérica las antípodas se localizarían en las proximidades de las islas Fiji, situadas en medio del Pacífico.

Este lejano y pequeño archipiélago se encuentra a 1.770 km al N de Nueva Zelanda, presenta todos los ingredientes clásicos de los mares del Sur, y por supuesto un buceo de primera, que lo convierte en un destino soñado por todos los submarinistas del mundo.

la isla de kadavu

En esta ocasión vamos a descubrir una de las zonas más remotas del archipiélago. Se trata de la isla de Kadavu que se encuentra a unos 90 km al sur de la isla principal, Viti Levu. Allí se viene realizando desde hace algunos años un interesante fenómeno de turismo ecológico, con la creación de una reserva de pesca “privada”, gestionada por las propias poblaciones locales y en la que el buceo adquiere especial importancia.

A cambio de una autorregulación de los pescadores, éstos cobran un pequeño impuesto a los buceadores que garantiza la buena conservación de los arrecifes. Aquí no son bienvenidas las grandes flotas asiáticas, que siembran de muerte los mares de la región.

El buceo en la zona se articula alrededor del Gran Arrecife Astrolabio que recorre durante más de 120 km toda la costa sur-suroeste de la isla. Grandes extensiones coralinas se alinean como una gran barrera que protege la exuberante costa de las tormentas y tempestades. A la vez que se abren varios pasajes y bajos, que son los más interesantes para la exploración submarina. La fauna es abundante y, sobre todo, espectacular.

Full article here: Fiji,_al_otro_lado_del_mundo

Ultimate Eco Escapes - Sport Diver Magazine Sept 2009 - FIJI SCUBA DIVING - Dive the best of Fiji Diving with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Kadavu, Fiji Islands

Matava named as an Ultimate Eco Escape in Sport Diver Magazine

Sport Diver Magazine - September 2009

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort is pround to be named as one of the world's Ultimate eco Escapes by PADI Diving Society's SPORT DIVER Magazine in September 2009.

Ultimate Eco Escapes - Sport Diver Magazine Sept 2009

We recommend Foxit Reader for pdf reading.

Ultimate Eco Escapes - Sport Diver Magazine Sept 2009 - FIJI SCUBA DIVING - Dive the best of Fiji Diving with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Kadavu, Fiji Islands

Matava is Fiji's first Resort member of The International Ecotourism Society - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava recognised as TIES first ever resort member in the Fiji Islands

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that we are Fiji's first Resort Business member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).

As the world's oldest and largest international ecotourism association, TIES seeks to be the global source of knowledge and advocacy uniting communities, conservation, and sustainable travel.

A common question asked is what EXACTLY is ecotourism? Ecotourism is: "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)

TIES promotes ecotourism, which is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people," by:

• Creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry;
• Educating tourists and tourism professionals; and

• Influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies.

• 
  

"Uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel, TIES promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."

To achieve and maintain membership of TIES Matava must abide by all the Principles of TIES and Ecotourism.

Principles of Ecotourism:

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

"At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to be a Resort member of TIES, the world's oldest and largest international ecotourism association." said Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar.

"We also see this as a great step forward and opportunity for all Fiji resorts, both on Kadavu and in the Fiji Islands, to move forward in their standards to achieve truly world class service and capabilities required for this membership level and to do it in the true spirit of ecotourism."

Mr Akhtar finished by saying "We would like to thank all friends and clients of Matava and Mad Fish Dive Centre past and present who have contributed to the success of our eco resort and we look forward to exciting times ahead."

The International Ecotourism Soceity (TIES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ecotourism. Founded in 1990, TIES has been in the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research and publications. TIES' global network of ecotourism professionals and travelers is leading the efforts to make tourism a viable tool for conservation, protection of bio-cultural diversity, and sustainable community development. Through membership services, industry outreach and educational programs, TIES is committed to helping organizations, communities and individuals promote and practice the principles of ecotourism. TIES currently has members in more than 90 countries, representing various professional fields and industry segments including: academics, consultants, conservation professionals and organizations, governments, architects, tour operators, lodge owners and managers, general development experts, and ecotourists.

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava - Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

Matava is Fiji's first Resort member of The International Ecotourism Society - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort