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First, A Bit About Us
Fiji is an amazingly beautiful island nation in the South Pacific which is made up of over 333 islands. While many of these are uninhabited, some are remote and are home to small villages with local populations. Some may be home to a single, privately-owned luxury resort as well which is what makes them worth the journey to get to them!
Here at Cerulean Bay, our focus is on personal well-being in genuine tropical style. This means immersing yourself in the most authentic experience possible which is unique and specific to the local area you are visiting. We focus on tropical escapes which are smaller and more intimate because they offer not only the best in personal service but also that cultural authenticity which is such a critical part of vacation experiences which restore and renew. That is what allows guests to take home truly life-changing memories of tropical beauty and personal rejuvenation.
Photo Credit: Ultimate Dive Travel
This is why we don’t address the large, global hotel chains which are located primarily in Denarau and on the Coral Coast of the main island of Viti Levu. While those places certainly can provide travelers with what they are looking for if that is their preferred environment, we have found that the experiences global chains provide is simply more generic and can be found at most of their locations around the world.
It is so important to do your research before booking anything because when you are spending your hard-earned vacation time and your hard-earned money, you definitely want to have things lined up for that preferred experience as much as possible before stepping onto that plane!
Photo Credit: Google Maps
We also find that knowing something about each country’s history and the locations you plan to visit makes so much of a difference in your vacation experience. It gives you an idea not only of what to expect but also of how to interact with those hosting you so you can create the best possible human connections and show your hosts how much you respect them and their culture. As you have your own expectations when guests stay with you, so is it the same when visiting a foreign country and staying at a resort where you will have such close and regular interaction with largely the same people each day.
Now, A Bit About Fiji!
Fiji is absolutely wonderful and the people there are so warm and genuinely inviting. So here is your brief history update about this magnificent getaway!
Photo Credit: The Flag Shop
It is believed that the Fiji Islands were settled by its first inhabitants about 3,500 years ago. It wasn’t until 1643 that Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator, discovered the islands which make up the northern part of the country, which includes Matangi Island. By the time another explorer came across these islands, it was the mid-1700’s which is when Fiji, which has a cannibal past, was known as the "Cannibal Isles."
It was also during this time that Fiji was experiencing many conflicts as indigenous tribes battled with warriors from neighboring island nations, including the Tongans who tried to claim parts of the eastern island groups as their own. There were other conflicts as well as early settlers began to arrive. These settlers included missionaries, whalers, traders, and shipwrecked sailors.
Then, after the British explored the country in the 1800’s, Fijian chiefs offered to have their islands become a British possession in 1874. Under British rule, Fiji developed an agricultural economy which was focused on sugar cane and coconut production. Indentured laborers from India, which was also part of the British Empire, were brought to the islands over the next 40 years to work on the plantations.
Finally in 1970, Fiji gained its independence from Britain. Its people, who come from many backgrounds, have contributed to its rich cultural heritage ever since. Then in 2020, Fiji celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence!
Why Matangi Island?
We had never been to Fiji but were invited to go to with some friends. We bought our airline tickets and were going to meet our friends there when something came up and our friends were unable to go. We thought we would postpone the trip but when we discovered we could not get a refund and getting a credit for a future flight had too many restrictions, we decided to go on by ourselves. We didn’t want to stay at a Marriott or Hilton because you can stay at one of those anywhere and we didn’t want the crowds and party atmosphere that is typical of large hotels. We wanted something quiet, laid back and preferably as authentically Fijian as possible.
So after researching a number of sites online, we found a small, adults only, all-inclusive resort that was off the beaten path. Matangi Island has been owned for four generations by an Australian family. The 240-acre island was originally a coconut plantation until the 1980s-1990s. By that time, the family had developed a luxury resort which has since been beautifully upgraded and is continually maintained. It is now an adults-only (18+) retreat which is simply breathtaking.
We chose a 7-night package through Costco Travel with the Honeymoon addition (we were celebrating an anniversary at the time). This trip was the perfect choice for us. Simply put, it ended up being the inspiration for us to start our business, Cerulean Bay.
Getting There
Our journey began with a flight from Houston to Los Angeles. After a 5 hour layover at LAX (and a few visits to some really great wine bars there), we boarded the 10.5 hour flight to Nadi which is the international gateway to Fiji. From there, we caught a 90 minute flight with Fiji Link from Nadi to Matei on the northern tip of Taveuni. It was so cool to see a resort staff member waiting for us when we landed! He took our bags, put them into the back of a late model pickup and took us on a 25 minute scenic but bumpy car ride on a dirt road along the coast. Our driver said we would be at the “boat dock” shortly. Well, there really isn’t a dock but rather it’s an outcropping of large rocks. The resort staff in the boat took over and we had such an awesome and refreshing 20 minute boat ride over to Matangi.
Video Credit: Matangi Private Island Resort
As we approached the island, we could see the resort staff gathered on the beach, clapping along as they sang a welcome song. It was truly touching. What a wonderful way to welcome their guests! The boat pulled up and turned around, just close enough to the beach so we could step out and wade up to the shore. We were handed 2 tasty coconut drinks as we sat down to take a break and realized we had just arrived in paradise!
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
Truly Unique Rooms – We Love Them!
Our bungalow or “bure” as they are called in Fiji, was a beachfront one. There a 13 bures with some having a beach view, others being beachfront, and still others being treehouses. All are constructed from local timber, palm, bamboo and stone. There is an air-conditioning unit located above the super comfortable beds. These will keep your room cooler at night. During the day, it is hot and the AC will only cool the room slightly. It’s the tropics and this isn’t a giant hotel! So while they are luxurious, there are a few things you will not find here such as ice-cold AC. There are also no phones, no TVs and no Wi-Fi in the bures. For those who do need to connect to the internet, Wi-Fi is available in the dining room and out by the pool. The office will provide the access password.
Here is our bure, it was literally only steps to the water:
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
The interiors of each bure are truly that of a 5-star hotel. The amenities are simply fantastic. The furnishings are traditional and authentic. The bed is probably one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in.
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
Each bures has a private outdoor rock shower with some also having a nice indoor shower as well. Ours did not have an indoor shower and we did not mind at all. The outdoor ones are truly amazing as the weather is always perfect for showering while surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, even if it happens to be raining!
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
For those who prefer to be higher up, among the trees and rainforest foliage, the treehouses are perfect! These are larger and have an outdoor deck with a separate covered cabana for relaxing outside. Each one has a long staircase to reach the front door so take that into consideration when booking if mobility is an issue!
Photo Credits: Cerulean Bay
Get Outside, It Is Beautiful!
The pool area is wonderful and many times you can have it all to yourself. Since the maximum number of guests on the island is around 30, only a few people are in the same place at the same time. Some were out diving or snorkeling and others were on a hike or on an island tour. Some were just hanging out at their bures while one or two others were with us at the pool. Sometimes, no one else was there. The lounge chairs are brought in every night and the staff were just starting to put them out when we got there.
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
Since there are no gym facilities on the island, walking the coastal trail or taking the more strenuous island interior hike are popular things to do. We walked the trail and it was awesome. Walking sticks are provided as some parts are steeper than others. It can take 90 minutes or more but of course you can turn around at anytime. It’s a great walk for some exercise but it is often hot and humid in Fiji so take note of that. We were fine as we took water with us and we were not in a hurry. The pool was a great place to cool off afterwards!
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
The ocean views from the trail are simply stunning, breathtaking, and every other word like that which you can fit into a sentence. We took a lot of pictures and you will too. We are not professional photographers and have little to no idea about how to alter photos. This is completely unaltered, it really looks like this. It was heaven for us.
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
At the end of the trail, we came across an old coconut plantation at the top of the ridge. Again, there are amazing views of the ocean with coconut palms all around. We could have stayed up there for hours, it was such a calming place to be. But it was getting hot so we headed back down.
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
The Beach
If you want to hang out at the beach, you can. There is more beach in the morning when the tide is out. Since there are no noisy watersports, you can truly enjoy solitude. There is the occasional sound of an outboard motor from the boat either dropping off or picking up guests. Sometimes they are only transporting supplies. Those are the only sounds of a motor that you will hear. It is so amazing to just stare out at neighboring Qamea Island.
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
It is a small beach with sand that is more golden. Matangi Island does not have the miles of sugar white beaches which are found in other areas of the country like the Yasawa Islands or in other countries like Tahiti or the Maldives. But here, you can really have the beach all to yourself.
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
Matangi Resort Honeymoon Package Includes This!
Part of the Honeymoon package includes a 4 hour visit to Horseshoe Bay. There is a morning timeslot and an afternoon one. We recommend the morning time because again, the tide is out and you will have a wider beach. You will notice how much the tide has come back in when your time is up! The boat will take you there along with a wonderful picnic lunch and bottle of champagne if you prefer. This is a place of complete privacy and solitude. There is a private outdoor bure with a swinging daybed, lounge chairs, and paddleboards.
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
The bay is absolutely beautiful, this place is magical. We didn’t want to leave.
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
The Spa
We love a good spa and Matangi’s Ocean Spa is no exception. From different types of massages including hot stone and deep tissue to facials, full body exfoliations and wraps, this spa delivers. They use traditional Fijian massage techniques and authentically crafted treatments made from Fijian herbs and medicinal plants which create a truly unique Fijian spa experience.
The Fine Dining Is Exceptional
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the "Vale-ni-Kana” open air dining room. The food is amazing, we did not have a single bad meal while we were there. Everything for 7 days was 5 stars and above for us. They truly do serve exceptional dishes which include fresh, locally grown produce.
At breakfast, they will ask you to also place your orders for lunch and dinner. Then when you show up during the lunch and dinner hours, you can enjoy some drinks beforehand and simply have them bring your order whenever you are ready since the staff will have already gotten to know you and what you ordered. This also allows the kitchen to plan for their pantry needs and helps them to eliminate food waste. We love how they focus on things like that!
Photo Credit: Cerulean Bay
Private romantic dinners are available at the water’s edge. This is really something to do because the experience is truly one of a kind. This deck is set back from the walking path so no one will disturb you.
Photo credit: Cerulean Bay
When booking your trip (whether you are using Costco Travel or not) ask about the meal-inclusive packages. They have different ones depending on what you prefer and how long you plan to stay and this can really affect pricing. All meals can be included, it is only cocktails and other beverages which are not included.
They do have a full bar and if you like to enjoy a strong one now and then, order a Hurricane Flora. It is fruity but not overly sweet and it is potent. So be forewarned! But we love them! This is John, one of their bartenders. He will take very good care of you as will Bibi and the others!
Photo Credit: Matangi Private Island Resort
Final Thoughts About our Trip to Matangi, Fiji
We hope you have enjoyed this virtual trip to Matangi Island. There is so much more we could have included, such as our visit to Togo Village. The resort offers optional trips to the village on Qamea Island where many of the resort’s workers live. The boat ride is very short, the village is only minutes away. But it is so worth it if you want a truly authentic cultural experience. Guests are invited to partake in a kava ceremony with some of the local villagers and which is presided over by the village chief. A guide will give guests a tour of the village, including a visit to the local school. The tour ends with a visit to the local community center where guests can purchase any number of beautifully hand-crafted woodcarvings and painted tapa barkcloth before returning to the resort. What we saw is truly art and was a big part of the inspiration behind Cerulean Bay!
Since we have mentioned the school in Togo Village, it is important to know that guests of Matangi Island do have the option to help the school and the local children. Per the resort’s website:
“All educational materials are greatly appreciated; however, it can be challenging to bring items because of the airlines' weight restrictions. Small, lightweight items, including pens, pencils, and erasers, are always a good option. If you want to donate to the village school fund financially, you can do so at our office. Monetary donations from guests have assisted with purchasing desks, chairs, books, computers, and other educational materials and equipment, including sporting equipment, for the school.”
As we mentioned at the top of this post, Matangi Island is an excellent choice for those travelers who are looking for real peace and quiet and who want to be immersed in the sights and sounds of nature in true tropical beauty. It is a place where you can meet others, including the resort’s owners, and form bonds that can last for years, if not lifetimes. It truly is a special place for people with warm hearts, a love for others, and a love of nature. It is for people who don’t mind the extra bit of a journey to get away from the airport area and large resorts that are so common at so many global destinations.
Also, if you are a COSTCO member, check them out. Not only do they have excellent packages in Fiji, they partner with Fijian ground operator Rosie Holidays who will handle all of your inter-island transfer details. They will also give you access to the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge prior to your flight home. The lounge features complimentary hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi access, and full shower facilities.
For a wonderful preview of Matangi Island, you can watch this short video: Resort Preview
Bula Vinaka!!
