It was the vacation of a lifetime.Visited: October 2007
Posted by kmc1234
My partner and I travel around the world and alternate vacations between a go-getting trip like Paris or Madrid where there is a lot to do and see. The other trips we try to go to are the most relaxing, enjoyable place we can find.
We have been to the south of France, Croatia, Mexico, Costa Rica and Hawaii looking for the perfect spot. But, we didn't quite find it until we took a trip to Ronna's Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages in Fiji on the advice of a good friend.
We had the trip of a lifetime, and hesitated to go back a second time because we did not think we could match it. However, it was more fun the second time. And now, this year, we will be back for our fourth vacation.
We love the cottages, the private beach, and the flowers. The food is fresh and healthy, and is cooked right there and served on the veranda with a view that is second to none.
The owner, Ronna, is the funniest person we have ever met on vacation. Her staff is polite, helpful and lovely.
The cottages are sweet, and decorated so that it feels welcoming with pretty local Fijian art displayed.
We wanted for nothing! If we wanted to rest, we hung out on the lawn in the hammock. If we wanted to go to another island or scuba the arrangements were made by the staff easily and it was taken care of inexpensively.
Snorkeling right off the private beach was beautiful. We also loved to walk down to the general store. Don't miss this place! Bula!
2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Looking for paradise? We found ours here!Visited: August 2007
Posted by heliconia13
We just came back from a four-week vacation in Fiji, and we cannot believe how incredible it is to holiday in this country - especially on Taveuni Island.
If you want to escape from crowded places and hide on a luxurious spot in the midst of a fascinating tropical garden scenery, Maravu is the place where dreams come true.
Here, you have your own individual bure (house) with a huge veranda furnished with sun-loungers and an inviting hammock. The inside offers great convenience with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, mini-bar, wonderful four-post king-size beds and tasteful furnishings. It all makes you feel at home - or in heaven.
The bathroom offers everything you dream of as well. You want to have a shower or a bath outside under the stars? No problem, you can do so any time in your own private outdoor bathroom!
The food is incredible, so fresh and tasty. The meals are diverse - also for vegetarians. We enjoyed every morning our breakfast from an extensive buffet in the generous restaurant and lounge. There you can also find the bar for inviting drinks and cocktails in the afternoon or a simple Fiji bitter.
Various trips introduce you to the beauty of the island no matter whether you want to go for a swim at the Bouma waterfalls or hike along the Lavena coast or in the bush.
Do you feel like snorkeling or diving? Or perhaps a simple relaxing time on the fascinating beach? Or is your body longing for a massage never heard of? There is only one answer to all these demands: Maravu Resort on Taveuni Island!
8 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This is the closest you can get to paradise!Visited: August 2007
Posted by yaziquex
We have been to Fiji four times in the past 2 1/2 years, and in six different resorts; Maravu is our favorite by far!
Above all, the staff is wonderful. We have fallen in love with each bright smile. Everyone has been very warm and friendly, and their hearts are very genuine. All staff behave like welcoming hosts.
We also think you receive best value for money of all resorts we know. The accommodations are spacious, and you have lots of privacy. We loved our deck with a hammock and sea views and especially the patio with the big Jacuzzi. We even had sea views from the Jacuzzi, and we could adjust the water temperature to our liking (it takes a bit long though).
The activities staff is always doing a great job in helping us plan and accompany our activities. There are so many activities you cannot do all in a week. We actually couldn't do all during three stays of one week each!
The coconut demonstrations, cooking lessons, Fijian medicine sessions, etc. are always very nicely done. These afternoon cultural demonstrations at Maravu are a very nice idea.
The food is extraordinary, and on a par with best restaurants anywhere. Not only are the ingredients skillfully handled, but the menu is innovative and exciting!
The rooms are very well kept, clean, comfortable and tasteful. One day, I think we stayed around the room too much and were a little confused about whether we kept our cleaning lady away. I spoke to the reception and when we returned from lunch, all was arranged. Also, the service in the restaurant is delightful, they are doing everything so well.
The massages at Maravu are another outstanding thing. The spa couldn't do any better for relaxation after a long day hiking in Bouma National Park.
The prices in the bar - cocktails, beers, wines - are reasonable if not cheap though. The boutique has a very good choice of Fiji handicrafts and spa products, and they will even sent our piece of art safe and nicely packed back home.
Maravu is not just a business, it is a piece of art! Taveuni Island is not just a beautiful, magnificent island, it is the closest you can get to paradise!
9 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
We weren't impressed with Amunuca Island Resort.Visited: June 2007
Posted by jacquelineknight
Amunuca has recently been heavily promoted by travel agents in New Zealand and Australia as the newest and best thing to have happened in Fiji.
I thought the web site totally misrepresented the quality of the establishment. Amanuca might be a three-star concept, but it has been finished with two Star quality.
Amanuca opened eralier this year. However, the rooms alreay look about a decade old. The bathroom you see on the web site is the bathroom of the honeymoon suite that is yet to be built.
Our bathroom only had a shower with a poorly painted wooden door, and the room itslef was also poorly designed and finished.
The developers of the Amanuca Island Resort seems to have bought the cheapest possible furniture. It is already falling apart four months after opening.
The kitchen is currently operating with much of the equipent broken. The food was good despite this, but the staff seemed poorly trained.
After six nights there, we had only one dinner that came as we had ordered. However, we did wait three hours for it to arrive! That was exceptional though, once we got a meal in about an hour and a half and that was after three power cuts that they had to cope with. Mostly, the wait was arround the one hour mark.
The beach was not very nice, but the snorkeling was great. The equipment and the sports activities were operated independently by an Australian company who demanded payment immediately for all water sports.
If you are reasonably active and like to experience the cat sailing, snorkeling, fishing etc. it is probably cheaper to go to a five-star resort like Yasawa Island Lodge or Vomo where all the water activities are incorporated in your room rate.
The staff did not seem to betreated well. Five female staff sleep in one room and share three beds. They are rotated 16 days on the island and four days off, or 20 days on the island and 6 days off. They are paid $3.00 per hour - as long as there is work for them to do.
I also had some items stolen from my room.
Our teenaged children had a great time in the pool, and made good friends with the other teenagers.
37 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful.
We experienced Fiji's "Fawlty Towers" here.Visited: August 2006
Posted by creinapenfold
The site was magnificent, with wonderful beaches, terrific snorkeling, peace and quiet, and spacious accommodation. We loved all that.
If only they would get a new chef, and keep up on the maintenance, they would be competition for the big boys. We thought the food was very overpriced.
We would go back, but be even more self catering than we were this time around.
7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
South Pacific 
It was the vacation of a lifetime. 
We weren't impressed with Amunuca Island Resort. 
We experienced Fiji's "Fawlty Towers" here. 