Matangi Private Island Resort

In the North-East part of the Fiji Group, Matangi is a privately owned 240-acre horseshoe shaped island paradise. This pristine island boasts virgin tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches and is surrounded by crystal clear waters and fringing coral reefs. This is pure essence of Fiji and the perfect South Pacific destination for those seeking an exclusive Fiji private island hideaway in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.

The resort’s beachfront and oceanfront bures are hand-crafted by local Fijian craftsmen using wood, bamboo, lava rock and coconut palm thatch and have been carefully designed to achieve a harmonious balance between nature and contemporary elegance. There are even three split-level treehouses surrounded by lush tropical foliage offering ultimate privacy. All accommodations offer 5-star amenities and are purely Fijian.

Matangi is the most centrally located of the northern island resorts to the exceptional scuba diving sites that Fiji is famous for. Within a 20-mile radius of Matangi Island are countless dive sites including the world famous Great White Wall and Noel’s Wall. To ensure the best diving experience, dive sites are chosen according to daily tidal movements and prevailing weather conditions. Matangi’s dive boat departs daily around 8:30 am and returns to the island for lunch. Day trips to the more remote sites in the Somosomo Strait can be arranged with a minimum of four divers. The diving here is both diverse and exciting with umerous off-shore reefs, spectacular coral formations including multitudes of hard and soft corals and plummeting walls which are home to a unique habitat for a rich and vibrant marine life.

The cuisine is largely influenced by Matangi’s tropical surroundings, Fijian heritage and the unique flavors of the South Pacific. Local chefs infuse tropical Fijian foods including tapioca, taro, breadfruit, Fijian spinach, coconut, fresh fish, and seafood with international cuise. A traditional Fijian ‘Lovo’ feast, where food is cooked underground in a earth-oven, is offered once a week, weather permitting. Matangi’s Ocean Spa treatments intertwine traditional Fijian massage and authentically crafted Fijian therapeutic rituals with today’s purest products and proven techniques to offer you a unique Fijian spa experience. Other activities include snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, cultural village tours, and excursions to waterfalls and a pearl farm on neighboring islands. A highlight of any stay on Matangi is picnic lunch on your very own private island; this is truly paradise found.

Oceanview Bures

Traditional Fijian in design with bamboo walls and coconut palm thatched roofs, our three Oceanview Bures provide simplistic island flavour with all the modern luxuries that Matangi Private Island Resort Fiji has to offer.

Beachfront Bures

Beachfront accommodation in Fiji. Hand-crafted by local Fijian craftsmen using wood, bamboo, lava rock and coconut palm thatch, our five Beachfront Bures have been carefully designed to achieve a harmonious balance between nature and contemporary elegance – located only steps from the beach.

Treehouses

Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, offering ultimate privacy, and yet only steps from the beach, our three split-level Treehouses are unique to Matangi Island.

Two Bedroom Bure

Sitting on its own private point only steps from the ocean, our Two Bedroom Bure is the largest of our accommodation. Built in the same style as our spacious Beachfront Bures, it is ideal for a family, couples traveling together and groups.

Amenities

• Air conditioning
• Private verandah
• Pure Fiji bath amenities
• Four poster king size bed
• Ceiling fans
• Mini bar – on request
• French press coffee and tea making facilities
• Daily supply of freshly baked cookies
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Hair Dryer
• In room safe
• Beach towels
• Beach hammock
• Sun lounges
• iPod docking station with clock

Complimentary Activities

Snorkeling

The fringing reefs that surround Matangi are truly pristine and teeming with marine life. To ensure that you experience the best snorkeling available, we offer guided complimentary snorkeling excursions daily to these fringing reefs taking into account the day’s tidal movements and prevailing weather conditions. Experience exceptional seascapes filled with varied examples of tropical marine life, including hard and soft corals, butterfly fish, angelfish, damselfish, anthias, moray eels, parrotfish, wrasses, sea turtles, sharks and stingrays.

Kayaking

Slice through our warm turquoise waters with an easy stroke from your paddle as you glide over untouched fringing reef, abundant marine life and take in the rugged volcanic beauty of Matangi’s landscape. Single and double kayaks are available for your use during your stay.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding is not only a great way to stay in shape while on your vacation, it is also a fun way to explore Matangi’s stunning coastline. Stand-up paddle boards are available for your use during your stay.

Matangi Bush Hike & Coastal Walk

With lowland rain forest and beaches right at your doorstep, Matangi island’s natural splendour is breathtaking. The island’s verdant vegetation is home to many native bird species, including the Orange Dove (Chrysoenas victor) and Fiji Parrot Finch (Erythrura pealii). A natural path will take you up to a classic view of Horseshoe Bay; this trek takes approximately one hour. You can also take a morning saunter along the coast route to watch the sun spill over the ocean at dawn. Both trails afford extraordinary views of vegetation and fauna found on Matangi island.

Village Tour

Qamea island Visit a Fijian village on the neighbouring island of Qamea and slip into our Fijian way of life. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and observe everyday village life. During the school terms, we also visit the village school. Though sometimes shy; the school children are always curious and are happy to chat with you. Our village tour is offered once a week. A small contribution from you of FJ$10 per person is required to go towards the village community fund.

Island tour

Explore Matangi’s stunning coastline with an easy and relaxing tour via boat. Your guide will point out interesting features along the way, including beautiful Horseshoe Bay which featured in the book ‘1,000 Places To See Before You Die’ by Patricia Schultz. You may also see some mountain goats resting on the island’s rugged volcanic rock faces warming themselves in the sun.

Calypso Catamaran sailing

The south-East trade-winds, which prevail during our winter months (May to November) make sailing a great delight. Feel the warm tropical sun on your face and the wind in your hair; let the prevailing South East trade-winds fill your sail and embark on your private nautical adventure.

Volleyball

Join the Activities Crew in the afternoons for a fun game of volleyball ‘island-style’. Our fun afternoon volleyball games offer you the opportunity to interact with our staff and other guests. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or sideline fan, you are sure to have a “net” gain of fun!

Coconut Show

Once a week our Activities Crew hosts a unique Coconut Show. For at least 4,000 years, the Coconut Tree and its Fronds have been a useful and important staple for Pacific Cultures. This special tree is known to have many uses, from it roots to its tips (leaves), from culinary to non-culinary. In fact, in the South Pacific, it is considered as the “Tree of Life”!

Kava Session

Once a week our Activities Crew hosts a yaqona session. Kava, also known as yaqona, is an infusion prepared from the root of Piper methysticum, a type of pepper plant. It is extremely important in Fijian culture and in the old days was used ceremonially by chiefs and priests only. Today, kava is a part of daily life; not only in Fijian villages but across the many races in Fiji. It is used for welcoming, bonding and for traditional story-telling sessions.

Sunday Church Service

Qamea island The Christin religion was established in Fiji in 1838. Along with the Fijian chiefly system, the Church forms a key part of Fiji’s social structure. Fijian church services are renowned for their harmonious song. Interested guests are invited to Togo Village on the neighbouring island of Qamea, for either their Catholic or Methodist Services, which are held in the Fijian language.

Qamea Island Guided Trek

Once a week our Activities Crew offer a guided trek on the neighboring island of Qamea. This exciting trek combined with breathtaking scenery offers a fascinating insight into the culture of the Fijian people. Your guide will point out areas of interest and explain many aspects of the Fijian culture. You will trek through the lush rainforest, working plantations and local settlements, where you can view indigenous flora, bird life, enjoy scenic lookouts and stunning natural scenery. While this is not a hazardous hike, some level of fitness is required to enjoy this quest.

Hand-line Fishing

Hand-line fishing is the most common form of fishing in the islands. A small hand real with 30lb line is used for fish up to 5lbs. Coral Trout, Trevally, Barracuda and Reef Snapper are the most commonly fish caught with hand-lines. Handle-line fishing is confined within the parameters of the island.

Non Complimentary Activities

Scuba Diving

Matangi is the most centrally located of all Fiji’s northern island resorts to the exceptional scuba diving Fiji sites that Fiji is famous for. Within a 20-mile radius of Matangi Island are countless dive sites including the world famous Great White Wall and Noel’s Wall. To ensure the best diving experience, dive sites are chosen according to daily tidal movements and prevailing weather conditions. The daily dive program includes two morning tanks. We also offer prepaid 3 day/6 tank and 5 day/10 tank dive packages. The  dive boat departs Matangi Island daily around 8:30 am and returns to the island for lunch. Day trips to the more remote sites in the Somosomo Strait can be arranged with a minimum of four divers. A fuel surcharge applies due to the distance of the dive sites from Matangi island. However, to ensure the best dive experience at these sites, the trip is dictated by daily tidal movements, prevailing weather conditions and your diving skills. Scuba diving at Matangi is both diverse and exciting. Numerous off-shore reefs, spectacular coral formations including multitudes of hard and soft corals and plummeting walls provide a unique habitat for a rich and vibrant marine life. Photo Credit: Louise Murray

Horseshoe Bay Picnic

There isn’t anything quite like a romantic picnic in the breathtaking Horseshoe Bay. Listed in ‘1,000 Places To See Before You Die’ by Patricia Schultz, Horseshoe Bay is situated on the untouched western coast of Matangi island and is only accessible by boat. Picnic in your waterfront beach Bure, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and the most picturesque turquoise ocean views.

Light Tackle Sport Fishing

Owing to the topography of the seabed off Matangi and neighboring islands; remarkable fighting fish like Giant Trevally, Yellowfin, Dogtooth, Skipjack and Wahoo are plentiful. Light tackle sport fishing boat charters are available. Deep sea game fishing is not available at Matangi island. Saltwater fly fishing is available but anglers are required to bring their own gear.

Civa Pearl Farm & Tavoro Waterfall Tour

Taveuni island Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour that will acquaint you with Taveuni’s abundant natural environment. Civa Pearl Farm located in beautiful Vurevure Bay, on the eastern side of Taveuni island, offers visitors a unique glimpse into aqaculture. On the guided two-hour tour you are able to snorkel around the pearl beds, where the oysters are hung from line growing to their desired size. Loose black pearls are available for sale at the farm. As the spectacular Tavoro Waterlls are in the same vicinity, our tour to the Civa Pearl Farm is combined with the waterfall tour. Situated in the 15,000 hectare Bouma National Heritage Park, the guided 3-hour return hike starts out with a ten minute walk to the first waterfall and then continues to a series of switchbacks past gorgeous panoramic views to the second falls. Occasionally you must cross over a creek but there is a rope to help navigate the rocks. The trek up to the second falls entails some serious grades but it is not strenuous and an individual in good health will have no problem. Swimming in these pristine surroundings is simply epic! After your hike enjoy a packed lunch beneath an open canyon amid different species of Fijian flora and fauna. Minimum four persons required.

Lavena Coastal Walk

Taveuni island If you are looking for a bit of adventure that’s definitely off the beaten track, then look no further!  This tour is a 4-hour return walk down the scenic Lavena coastline, along a well maintained trail, several rest stops with benches and picnic table strategically placed in the shade; ending with two incredible waterfalls. Along the way you can enjoy the various coastal habitats, sand beaches, rocky shores, and estuarine mangroves. There are no roads that go to where the coastal trail leads; in fact the only other way to explore the far south-eastern side of Taveuni is by boat!

Waitabu Marine Park

Taveuni island Located on Taveuni island, Waitabu Marine Reserve was established by seven Taveuni village communities in 1998. This was done to protect their coral reefs for future generations; a ‘tabu’ or no-take reserve was set up to replenish marine life and fish stocks, as well as introduce snorkel tourism and environmental education. The Park offers two 2-hour guided tours; the Cultural Experience Tour which is a guided snorkeling excursion on a ‘bilibili’ or traditional bamboo raft, with refreshments and local entertainment or the Backpackers Tour, which is a guided snorkeling trip on a powered skiff.

180 degree Meridian & Waitavala Waterslide Tour

Taveuni island One of Taveuni island’s most unique and long standing attractions is that it is dissected by the 180 Meridian, because of this Taveuni is one of only five places in the world where you live your two days in one! The international Dateline was adapted to keep the isles within one time zone. On the same coastline is the Waitavala Water slide, a cascading series of small natural water-slides that the Taveuni locals like to use. The Waitavala water-slide is a natural slippery dip ride over large polished rocks, where the lava has been smoothed by the water and with a slight covering of moss, which allows you to slalom down quite easily. The water-slide is located in a rainforest setting that is as picturesque as well as thrilling.

Location Matangi Island

The Fiji Islands is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, situated on the 180˚ Meridian, in the Tropic of Capricorn, 18˚ South of the Equator; Fiji is part of the Oceanic group of islands, which are mostly volcanic in origin with large fringing tropical coral reef systems. Fiji is on the airline route from the USA to Australia and New Zealand. 

Approximate distance between Fiji and:

• Auckland 1316 miles or 2117 kilometres
• Brisbane 1737 miles or 2795 kilometres
• Frankfurt 10148 miles or 16332 kilometres
• London 10123 miles or 16292 kilometres
• Los Angeles 5502 miles or 8855 kilometres
• Melbourne 2429 miles or 3909 kilometres
• New York 7932 miles or 12765 kilometres
• Paris 10295 miles or 16568 kilometres
• Rome 10593 miles or 17048 kilometres
• Sydney 1998 miles or 3215 kilometres
• Tokyo 4494 miles or 7232 kilometres
• Vancouver 5867 miles or  9442 kilometres

Fiji’s international carrier, Air Pacific, offers regular flights between Fiji and Los Angeles as well as Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Christchurch. Virgin Australia also offers regular flights between Fiji and all major cities in Australia and New Zealand. Korean Airlines offers a direct service from Incheon.

Fiji’s international airport is situated in the town of Nadi, on the Western Coast of Viti Levu. Access to outer islands like Matangi require additional but short transfers by air and sea. Matangi Island’s neighbour, Taveuni Island, is serviced by Pacific Sun, with regularly scheduled flights from Nadi and Suva; the two major international airports in Fiji. There are daily services with a flight time of approximately 90-minutes from Nadi or 60-minutes from Suva.

Domestic flights are a grand opportunity to view the majestic islands of Fiji, and the extensive coral reef systems that surround them. You may want to have your camera handy for a few aerial photos.

A mini-bus will meet you at Taveuni Island’s Matei Airport, and will take you on a scenic 20-minute drive to the boat landing, where our transfer boat will meet you. This is a wet landing, so please be prepared to wade to the boat. The water taxi takes about 20-minutes to get to Matangi Private Island Resort.