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Welcome to Tavarua
Tavarua Island is approximately 29 acres in area,
depending on the tide, and is surrounded by an elaborate coral reef. It
is approximately a 30-minute boat ride from the Fijian main island of
Viti Levu, and is situated on the southwestern edge of Fiji’s vast
barrier reef system.
 Climate
The weather is South Pacific tropical with a dryer period from
April-October. November through March is a wetter, warmer time, but can
also offer lighter winds and cleaner conditions. The surf is most
consistent in the winter months (May-September) but can be excellent
year-round, with the summer period offering the occasional hurricane
swell along with the more consistent ground swells.
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The Resort
 Tavarua
Island Resort offers a unique experience for surfers and non-surfers
alike. A typical day might include a healthy breakfast of our own island
papayas amongst other items, some surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving on
the beautiful coral reefs and delicious freshly-caught fish for lunch.
Then onto more surfing or fishing excursions and maybe some sashimi if
you get lucky. If there is any energy left, volleyball or a set of
tennis on the championship-size tennis court. Finally, cocktails by the
pool or in the spa to wind down and enjoy a magnificent South Pacific
sunset before dinner. |
 Accommodations
On Tavarua there are thirteen beachfront bures that have one bedroom,
bathroom and private verandah. There are also two deluxe two-bedroom
suites. All have magnificent views and ambience. |
 Facilities:
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Bar/Restaurant
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Pool/Spa
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Office/Lounge
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Business Center
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Boutique
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Medical Infirmary
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Championship Tennis Court
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Amenities:
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Phone/Fax
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Computers/High-Speed Internet
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Massage Service
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Laundry Service
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The Tavarua Legend
Tavarua is a tiny heart-shaped jewel of an island
among the hundreds that comprise the Fijian Chain. This island paradise,
however, was not spared from the territorial battles that were common in
the South Pacific.
 The
Tale of Tavarua took place early in the 19th century. Ratu (Chief) Kini
Vosailagi was the powerful Ka Levu (Paramount Chief) of the entire
Southwestern region of Fiji. Upon visiting the outer island of Malolo,
Ratu Kini was tricked, possibly by family members, separating him from
the safety of his tribal warriors and following an ambush he was
mortally wounded. Fleeing his attackers, Ratu Kini used his remaining
strength to swim several miles to Tavarua Island, where he died wounded
and exhausted. The owners of Tavarua Island, although blameless in the
death of the Ka Levu, feared they would be seen as co-conspirators and
would face brutal revenge. So they gave Tavarua to Ratu Kini’s family to
insure their own safety. Today, the current Ka Levu and community
members have allowed Tavarua to be modestly developed into a small
vacation resort where you can find beautiful and colorful sealife and
world-class surfing waves. You may also find Druku, the great-great
grandson of Ratu Kini, fishing, surfing or laughing with the guests. As
for Ratu Kini buried on the island, his spirit and legacy lives on
through anyone who visits Tavarua.
 History
Originally discovered in 1979 by David and Jeannie
Clark, Tavarua has held its allure to big wave surfers from all over the
world in large part due to its "perfect" wave, Cloudbreak. Tavarua, one
of the tiny islands in a chain that is situated near one of the largest
disturbance centers on earth – the Tasman Sea, is a direct beneficiary
of the waves generated because of it. The Clarks envisioned a low-key
resort that would neither exploit nor conflict with the environment or
the Fijian culture but harmoniously blend into the tropical paradise.
Working with the traditional chiefly owners,
Tavarua has grown from "surf camp" to a cozy island resort for everyone.
It maintains the aura of Fijian culture, perpetuating ceremonial Kava
rituals, Fijian friendliness and folklore, and traditional dance
ceremonies. Recent upgrades have added to the island's lodging and
amenities, broadening the appeal of surfers and non-surfers alike. The
resort is one of the only such establishments in its area that
generously gives aid to the surrounding villages in which it operates.
This aid includes various infrastructure projects, scholarship programs
and medical education and assistance. |
 Island Hopping
Island Hopping/Cultural Tours
Island excursions, by boat around
the island group or car around the main island, are available. Scenic
helicopter and seaplane tours are also available. |
 Land Sports
Tennis, Volleyball, Pingpong
A championship tennis court was
constructed in 2002, and is one of the most beautiful in the South
Pacific. Rackets are available and balls can be purchased in the
boutique. There is a beach volleyball court adjacent to the water and a
games bure with darts, pool table and ping pong. |
| Water Sports |
Fishing
World-class fishing can be found right off
the reefs surrounding Tavarua. Schools of Tuna, Wahoo, Trevally,
Mahi Mahi and different varieties of reef fish are waiting in
abundance. The fishing is “panga style”, and all poles and
equipment are supplied.
Scuba diving
The Fijian water is some of
the clearest in the world, and the scubadiving is arguably the best
around. From shipwreck to shark diving, there is
plenty of variety for even the most avid divers. Tavarua contracts
the company Subsurface for its diving needs, and advance
reservations are recommended.
Snorkeling/Kayaking
The reefs surrounding the
island offer beautiful snorkeling and kayaking, with many varieties
of colorful reef structure and fish. Snorkeling tours are also
available, with many sites in close proximity. Tavarua provides all
snorkeling equipment and has several kinds of ocean kayaks to choose
from.
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 The
SurfCloudbreak
"Cloudbreak" is the most
consistent of the three surfing spots and is a lefthander that can be
rideable from 2-20’ with various swell directions and conditions being
favorable. A short ride out from the island, Cloudbreak can offer
day-to-day variety of perfect, spitting tubes or playful, long lines.
Can also be good on any tide.
Restaurants
"Restaurants" - another
left- is located in front of the resort. It is characterized as a long,
fast, hollow wave breaking over very shallow reef. As such it is a
medium to high tide spot only. On a good day, it can peel so perfectly
that a section will never break in front of itself. Likes light winds or
trades.
Rights
"Rights" - a fun, playful
righthander, can be challenging on bigger days. While it is deeper than
both Cloudbreak or Restaurants, it is a high tide spot only as the wave
loses definition at lower tide. It also favors light and variable wind
conditions as it blows onshore during trades.
Kiddieland
"Kiddieland" - not really a
break (it's the far inside of "Restaurants") is a fun playground for
both long boarders and beginners. |
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