Kadavu (pronounced Kandavoo) is the fourth largest and one of the least developed islands in Fiji and is location of one of the most famous reefs in the world, the Great Astrolabe Reef. This wonderful reef system hugs the south coast of Kadavu, heading north before turning back to meet the north coast of Kadavu and the wide and deep Ono Channel, between Kadavu and Ono Island. Stretching for some 65 miles the reef encloses a lagoon dotted with islands, sand cays, patch reefs and deep water channels.

On the eastern tip of Kadavu, near Kadavu village, can be found Matava Resort, overlooking Waya Island. The resort is set in such a stunning locationn that it is a 40 minute boat ride from the airstrip at Vunisea! The main bure is set against a backdrop of lush green mountains, the beach and reefs of SE Kadavu directly in front. The main bure houses the reception, bar and restaurant. The dive shop and jetty are located to the side of the main bure, and accommodation is scattered through lush gardens along the shore front and up the hill.

The resort offers a range of accommodation for a maximum of just 22 guests. Rooms vary from simple bungalows with shared facilities for those on a budget and found close to the main bure and dive shop, to oceanview and waterfront bures with en suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the beach and reef beyond. The oceanview and waterfront bures are built in local Fijian style with thatched roofs, polished hardwood floors, four poster beds, and louvered windows that allow in the breeze and light. Each bure is tucked in amongst the forest and offers privacy and comfort in a Robinson Crusoe locale.

The atmosphere at Matava is second to none. Within minutes every member of staff knows you in person, despite the fact that they may have not actually met you yet! While you may be alomst as far away from home as is possible, you are invited into a familylike atmosphere at Matava,where your enjoyment and relaxation is of the utmost important. While Matava may not be a 5 star resort you are made to feel like Royalty!

The diving on the east coast of Kadavu is different to that of the majority of Fiji. The Great Atrolabe Reef is dominated by hard coral formations and sea fans, and not soft corals, as can be found in the north of the country. Huge cabbage coral formations, serried ranks of plate corals and rolling fields of staghorn hold sway here. On the walls and in the passes can be found swirling schools of barracuda and jacks, snapper and fuseliers. And to the South West of Matava can be found Manta Reef, were regular sightings of these gentle giants at a cleaning station are a must-see opportunity!

Directly out from the resort vast expanses of turtle grass are home to seahorses and other weed-a-likes, and beyond them a narrow coral isthmus runs all the way to Waya Island with its fabulous snorkelling and a great beach.

For non-divers there are treks through rainforest which afford spectacular views of the coastline and the Great Astrolabe Reef beyond; en route you can visit small villages where a traditional way of life is still very much in view. Sea kayaking to uninhabited islands and bays, amongst mangrove forests and coral reefs are also available, and overnight kayaking tours can be arranged in advance. Bird watchers are well catered for in Kadavu, including 3 species endemic to Kadavu; the Kadavu musk parrot can be found roosting in the resort grounds! Guides are available on request.

Matava offers exceptional value for money in unspoilt surroundings; for those who wish to get away from it all, and want to be out of contact with the office, this is the ideal place!