Yoga Fiji

International Day of Yoga - Suva, Fiji on 24 June 2018

2020-01-17T15:27:00.001+12:00

Fiji Airways and Matava Adventure Resort & Spa join forces to promote the New Fiji Link

2014-05-27T05:46:00.000+12:00

To celebrate the re-branding of Pacific Sun to Fiji Link, Fiji Airways is giving everyone the chance to win a fantastic prize:
Win a return trip for two to Kadavu Island staying at Matava, Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort.

Prize includes domestic flights, 2 nights Resort accommodation in an Oceanview Bure, all meals and return Kadavu Island Airport – Resort boat transfers.

To Enter, simply visit the Fiji Airways Promotion Page

Yoga & Qigong by the Beach at Ranadi Plantation

2013-04-15T15:05:00.001+12:00

If you’re new to yoga and qigong (pronounced chi-gung) why not join us for our new 6-week beginners’ workshop starting on Sunday 31st March?

Yoga & Qigong by the Beach

Yoga & Qigong by the Beach at Ranadi Plantation

WORLD YOGA DAY - June, 21, 2012

2012-07-14T12:57:00.001+12:00

WORLD YOGA DAY - June, 21 - Solstic

1000 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED

on the WORLD YOGA DAY – 2012 - BEJA

Organized by the YOGA PORTUGUESE CONFEDERATION, with the support of the

CITY HALL OF BEJA, INATEL FOUNDATION and the PORTUGUESE OLYMPICAL COMMITTEE

More than 1000 practitioners on the World Yoga Day – 2012 in BEJA / PAX JULIA,

The Mega Yoga Class - Purusha Namaskára

The city of Beja / Pax Julia – a name which emerged from the Peace treaty signed between the Lusitanian, of Viriato, and the Romans, of Julius Caesar – 2000 years later, was once more a center of International Pax with the Celebration of the World Yoga Day (WYD), which counted with the support of Beja’s City Hall.

In association with this First World Day - Inter Ethnical, Inter Cultural and Inter Religious, a Day of Light, where we celebrate the Human DNA - were present Teresa Salgueiro, Maria do Céu Guerra, Janita Salomé, the brothers Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff – world renowned international scientists, the representative of the Bishop of Beja, the president of the City Hall of Beja, and the principal Imam of all the mosques in India.

The Celebration of this World Yoga Day, a candidate at the UNESCO / UN to become the FIRST GLOBAL DAY, has gathered, on the last 24^th of June, more than 1000 practitioners, Yoga Teachers and Masters and one hundred children, on this international initiative organized by the Yoga Portuguese Confederation.

Teresa Salgueiro performed at the Opening Ceremony a theme from her latest album “O Mistério”, Janita Salomé – performed a Kírtana of Yoga with the Choir Orchestra OMKÁRA of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation, and actress Maria do Céu Guerra received the Career Achievement Award 2012. Among other personalities, were also present the President of the City Hall of Beja - Dr. Jorge Pulido Valente, the representative of the Bishop of Beja - Canon António Domingos Pereira, and the representative of India´s Embassy – First Secretary Mr. Nandkishor Pamwar, besides other national personalities who marked their presence on this Day for World Peace. These Celebrations also counted with the participation and support of the main Yoga Masters from India, USA, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia, Greece Argentina, Norway, Nepal and Dubai and Portugal, as well as the representatives of the main World Religions, amongst other individualities.

The Sport´s Complex Fernando Mamede, in Beja, was stage for the World Yoga Day, an initiative promoted by the Yoga Portuguese Confederation which, gathered this year more than 1000 adults, Yoga Masters, Professors, and Practitioners, and one hundred children, coming from North to South of Portugal and from the entire World. This Day is candidate on the UNESCO / UN to officially become the FIRST GLOBAL DAY OF HUMANITY– on the SOLSTICE, JUNE 21^st, (always celebrated on the Sunday). It is a Day for Human Fraternity, Inter Ethnic, Inter Cultural and Inter Religious, the Day of Light and Intelligence, and Tolerance, a Day without any bloodshed for 24 hours. Initiated in 2001 and celebrated since 2002, it gathers every year the main National Political Parties, the most important Religions in the World, and the most dignified Schools of the World.

This Day has already been officially proclaimed in India, in 2011 – December 4^th and 5^th – in a Summit that joined the Main Lineages of Traditional Yoga from India, with the co-organization of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation (the only Institution from outside India which joined this Summit). Since then the number of Countries and Yoga Institutions that have joined this movement has exponentially grown, and on this year of 2012, the World Yoga Day was celebrated in more than 30 Cities all over the World.

This year the Career Achievement Award was given to the actress Maria do Céu Guerra

THE CITY HALL OF BEJA was hostess to this Grand Celebration, being a structural partner of this Global Project, contributing together with the INATEL FOUNDATION and the OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF PORTUGAL to its valorization and spreading. Also the High Commissary for the Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue, Pró-Dignitate Foundation, Youth Foundation, Portuguese Youth Institute, Poliytechnical Institute of Beja, and all the Hindu Community of Portugal support this initiative.

PASHUPATI and OMKÁRA on Stage

The Advanced Yoga of PASHUPATI

The presence of the official Entities (from right to left): Dr. Jorge Pulido Valente – President of the City Hall of Beja, Mr. Nandkishor Pamwar – First Secretary of India´s Embassy in Portugal, D.R. Kárthikayan – Counselor for the Human Rights and Responsibilities and President of the Foundation for Peace, Harmony and Good Governance from India, Dr. Mario Simões Deputy of Social Democratic Party (PSD) and representing the Parliamentary Group, Dr. Liontina Bastos – Regional Delegate of the Inatel Foundation of Alentejo, and Teresa Salgueiro – Singer.

The Main World Religions together

Bless the World Yoga Day and the Planet

The main religions and Philosophies of the World on stage – and their powerful vows

The representatives of the Main religions and Philosophies joined hands in the name of peace, and blessed the Planet together, on the firm goal to appeal their leaders to stop the bloodshed in Humanity (in the name of a creative Principle), emphasizing the richness of diversity, tolerance and making the appeal that we highlight what we have in common, in the name of Human Fraternity (from right to left): Canon António Domingos Pereira – General Vigar of Beja’s Diocese – in representation of the Bishop of Beja and the Catholic Church; Father Robin – representing India’s Catholic Church; Dr. Nagendra – President of the Vivekánanda Yoga University of Bengaluru - India and NASA scientist, representing India; Jagat Guru Amrta Súryánanda Mahá Rája – President of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation; Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of India and President of the All India Organization of Imams and Mosques; Abd Al-Latîf representative of the Sufi Order Naqshbandi; Dr. Mary Nelson – representative of the Parliament of the World Religions, of USA; Minister Miriam Lopes – Evangelic Presbyterian Church of Portugal; Rietske van Rey – representative of the Portuguese Buddhist Union; Palmira Bastos Ferreira –Bahá’I Faith Community.

International and National Yoga Schools

All the Yoga Schools on stage – India, Americas, Europe, with Portugal included

International and National Yoga Schools fully present at the World Yoga Day (from right to left): Brahma Kumaris Catarina Palma representative of the International and Portuguese Brahma Kumaris, Dr. Nagendra – President of the Vivekánanda Yoga University from Bengaluru - India and NASA scientist, Dr. Sharma representing the Keivalyadhama Yoga Institute from India, Svámin Parabhakti Dasa representing ISKCON – Hare Krshna movement from India, Sai Biria (France) and Patxi Lizardi (Spain) in representation of Master BKS Iyengar from India, Dr. Gopal Ji – President of the Global Yoga Alliance from India, Svámin Gopálánanda from India, Sat Bir Kalsa neuroscientist and Kundaliní Yoga teacher from the USA, Dr. Dilip Sarkar medical doctor from the USA, H.H. Sadguru Yogiraj Shrí Shrí Mangeshda - founder of Kriyá Yoga Foundation from India, Mahamandaleshvar Yogacharini Pandit Gayatri Devi - Emy Blesio (Italy) – President of the International Yoga Confederation from India, Mahamandaleshvar Svámin Suryananda - Amandio Bianchi – President of the World Movement for Yoga and the European Yoga Federation from Italy, Maestro Madhava Director of YOGA SANATANA DHARMA from Spain, Master Surabhi - President of FEYS – Spanish Yoga Federation Satsanga, H.H. Shrí Svámin Shankaratilakánanda Paramahamsa from Spain, Chandra M. Bhandari – Former Ambassador of India, Ramón Ruedas - Director and Founder the Center for Integral Yoga - Seville– Spain, Guru Ji K.B. Madhavan – Director and Founder of the Friends of Yoga from Dubai, Aischwarya Devi - Mary Soukoulis – Founder of the Rája Yoga Center of Art from Atenas – Greece, Master Sandra Xavier – President of the Yoga Lusa Federation, Master Catarina Ferreira – representating the Yoga Portuguese Regional Associations, who were present not only on the 24^th of June on the Sport’s Complex Fernando Mamede, but also on the previous day, at the World Conference of Darshana / Philosophy and Science.

We also highlight the presence of Dr. Bishal Sitaula, Ph.D. – Professor of the Department of International Environment and Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences of Norway, and Dr. Alfredo H. Lauría - Medical Doctor, Co-director of the Medicina Ayurveda Universidad Maimónides – Argentine.

(from the left to the right) The Scientists Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff; representatives of the Italy Yoga Schools, Mahamandalesvar Yoga Acharya Svámin Shivánanda Sarasvatí – Founder of the Súrya Chandra Yoga Ashram of Rome and General Secretary of the Global Yoga Alliance of India; Singh Sahib Bhai Shaib Hari Singh Khalsa - President of the Sikh Italian Union, with the Gr. Master Jorge Veiga e Castro.

Yoga for Children – for the Defense of the Future– for self-responsibility

and the preservation of the ecosystems and for Fraternity

The Opening of the World Yoga Day for Children was made on stage with a Yoga Demonstration for Children, followed by a Class specially dedicated to one hundred children, which were present at the Stadium.

Advanced Ásana Demonstration and Traditional Indian Dance by the Global Yoga Alliance

Through the day there were several celebration activities, among them, a Mega Yoga Class for Everyone – Purusha Namaskára, Kírtana presentations by the Choir Orchestra – OMKÁRA, Yoga Demonstrations by the PASHUPATI – Advanced Traditional Yoga Demonstration Group for Adults and Children, Hindu Dance by the Group Shiva Rája – Group of Classical Dance from India - Bharatnáthyam, all from the Yoga Portuguese Confederation. There were also Advanced Ásana Demonstrations and Hindu Dance by the Global Yoga Alliance from India, Yoga Presentations, Ásana, and Kírtana by the several International and National Yoga Schools, such as ISKCON – Hare Krshna Movement, Brahma Kumaris, amongst others.

Roopa Ravindran – Dancer and Choreographer from India The intervention from the invited Yoga School – ISKCON

Hare Krshna Internacional Movement

Bhárata Nathá Yama Presentation by the Group Shiva Rája

Dr. António Cangueiro - Recital of a Text in Mirandês ALMARGEM

The Celebrations also emphasize the devoted work of UNICEF and of ALMARGEM, and homage the second Official Portuguese Language - the Mirandês, with a recital of a text, by the guest Dr. António Cangueiro. Highlight to the morning, when the Yoga Portuguese Confederation gave the Award Gandhi / Sérgio Vieira de Mello, which every year rewards the work made towards a Just Globality, Inter Ethnical Equality and Fraternity and Social Contribution, attributed to the athlete Fernando Mamede.

The Promoter of the World Yoga day – President of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation – Gr. Master Jorge Veiga e Castro/

Jagat Guru Amrta Súryánanda Mahá Rája making his speech

The Gr. Yoga Master Jorge Veiga e Castro / H.H. Jagat Guru Amrta Súryánanda Ji Mahá Rája – President of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation, spoke that “the human race needs be aware that it was born from a common DNA, that it has a Planet to take care of, and that the diplomatic solutions should overlap the conflicts – for us, for our descendants, so that our Planet has a Future and so that Global Human Fraternity is fulfilled” that is the reason why “every year we practice a Mega Yoga Class, which, among other goals, aims for the expansion of consciousness, which throughout these years has been attracting the grand Yoga Masters from India and from all the World to Portugal” adding still that “Yoga transmutes the DNA of each practitioner through decades of practice” and reminding that “this is the largest gathering of Yoga Masters, outside of India”.

Catarina Eufémia The Mantra / Kírtana from the Choir Orchestra OMKÁRA of Yoga Portuguese Confederation

At the end of the Day (with the music from Zeca Afonso) a simple Homage to Catarina Eufémia was made, who, near Beja in Baleizão, gave her life for her democratic ideals, with her immense courage to fight for the most elementary rights of Citizenship, from which we all benefit today.

WORLD CONFERENCE OF DARSHANA / PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE

June, 23^rd (Saturday)

The Pax Júlia and the Omkára at the opening of the Darshana Day

Dr. Nagendra – President of the Vivekánanda Yoga University of Bengaluru - India and NASA Scientist

One of the Speakers of the World Conference of the Darshana and the Sámkhya Night – Practical Philosophy

As always on the previous Day – Saturday, 23^rd of June – beginning from 9:00h was held the WORLD CONFERENCE OF THE DARSHANA / PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE, this time on the MUNICIPAL THEATRE PAX JULIA. This cycle of Conferences counted with the participation of the Grand Yoga Masters from the World and International and National Yoga Schools (among them Dr. Nagendra – President of the Vivekánanda Yoga University of Bengaluru - India and NASA Scientist, Dr. Sharma representing the Keivalyadhama Yoga Institute from India, D.R. Karthikayan – Counselor of the Human Rights and Responsibilities and President of the Foundation for Peace, Harmony and Good Governance from India), among many others.

Speakers of the Sámkhya Night– Igor e Grishka Bogdanov – about the Origin of the Universe

The Scientists Igor and Grichka Bogdanov exposed their more recent studies, and launched in Portugal their new book, “The Mind of God” – a reflection about the origin of the Universe, from the instant zero, passing through the moments of 10 ^{– 45}s, e 10 ^{– 33}s, and also the Plank’s Era, and the Plank’s Wall.

The Magic of the PASHUPATI’s Presentation– OM GURU OM

The night ended with a show of beauty and harmony, performed by the Pashupati – Traditional Advanced Yoga Demonstrators Group, in a presentation focusing on the role of all the true Grand Yoga Masters of the Planet, and their importance for personal Evolution, self-demand, Tolerance and the construction of a true Human World Fraternity.

MÁYÁ – Amateur Theatre Group of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation

This Day also counted with a presentation of the MÁYÁ – Amateur Theatre Group from the Yoga Portuguese Confederation which brought to stage the Letters of Mariana Alcoforado.

On Friday, June 22^nd, the celebrations of the World Yoga Day began with a Cultural Night with a concert from the Singer Teresa Salgueiro who presented her latest album “O Mistério”.

On that same evening there was also a visit to the Museum of Sembrano in Beja, guided by the archeologist Dr. Rui Aldegalega, where on the underground of Beja / the Roman Pax Julia, in an area estimated to be around 2.500 years-old, an amazing discovery, at a world scale, was made – a being in an unusual position, which in Yoga is called “lotus position” (or Siddhásana). This means that someone (a grand Master?) “departed” in Meditation / Enlightenment! Something extremely rare, if not inedited at this time, in the so called “West” which makes Lusitania / Portugal (apparently) a unique place – outside of the Great India – concerning Yoga / Meditation.

What is the World Yoga Day

The World Yoga Day is a precursor Candidate at the UN / UNESCO to become the FIRST GLOBAL DAY, it is celebrated at a Cosmic Auspice – Supra Cultural – a Solstice – June, 21^st – (celebrated always on the following Sunday when not coincident).

The opening of the World Yoga Day, the Teachers of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation,

The children, the World, and the Future

It is a Day for Human DNA, for Global Awareness - Inter Ethnical, Inter Cultural, and for Inter Religious Ecumenism. For a fair Globalism and for the fading of the global inequalities, Day of Light and the intelligence associated to it, for a Culture of Diplomacy, against war, for the Cult of Life, World Fraternity, and for Humanity - 24 hours without any bloodshed in the entire Planet. The high importance of what the human Beings and the Nations have in common is celebrated, for the respect of the richness of Diversity - ethnic, cultural, and the Ecosystems. For the importance of personal development and self-demand and self-responsibility - and the human / Cosmic connection.

It is also the Day when Portugal attracts the highest Yoga personalities from India and the World, the most prestigious International and National Yoga Schools, and brings together the major World Religions, and International and National Scientists, as well as the representatives of the main National Political Parties.

CONTACTS:

YOGA PORTUGUESE CONFEDERATION

Susana Freitas – Directora do Projecto

Tel. + 351 217 802 810 | Tm. + 351 910 507 904

Email: info@yogaworldsday.com

SITE: www.DiaMundialDoYoga.com

SITE: www.Yoga-Samkhya.pt

www.ConfederacaoPortuguesaDoYoga.pt

www.FACEBOOK.COM/WORLDYOGADAY

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Resort earns 2012 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

2012-05-27T18:27:00.001+12:00

Honoured as a Highly Rated Resort as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site

KADAVU, FIJI – 24th May 2012 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Lees than 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

“Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort is delighted to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Stuart Gow, Director at Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable eco-resort experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.”

“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.”

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive 5 Star Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

About TripAdvisor®

is the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor’s millions of monthly visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 19 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 69 million unique monthly visitors**. TripAdvisor’s travel media brands include www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com,

www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

mediarelationsta@tripadvisor.com

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, January 2012

**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Inc. and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, January 2012

SOURCE TripAdvisor
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Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava Resort 2012 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

The Bamboo Spa - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu | Matava

2012-05-12T12:40:00.001+12:00

Matava - Fiji's Premier eco Adventure Resort is proud to have opened the first full service Pure Fiji Spa on the island of Kadavu.

The Bamboo Spa is the first and only full service Spa facility on Kadavu. We decided to partner with Pure Fijias our environmental policies and missions are so much in line.

We are proud to have Ms Channel Joy join our management team as our Spa Manager and Senior Beauty Therapist since opening. Chanel has been a professional in the spa industry in Fiji since the 1990's and was one of the designers and managers of the Pure Fiji Spa at Pure fiji;s headquarters in Fiji.

Matava Resort is proud to have installed this Spa purely using the alternative power already available at the resort. All water heating and lighting is supplied by purely solar systems.

The Bamboo Spa

- a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu

Step lightly over the gateway to relaxation - a symbolic beginning to your journey through this oasis - leaving behind cares and the outside world as if on a far distant shore. Each guest's journey is unique...

Chanel and client in the Frangipani Room

As part of our full body rituals, your path begins with another soothing experience rich with symbolic meaning - a warm foot soak in fragrant coconut milk bath... a welcoming and cleansing gesture which will leave you feeling serene.

Choose your path through this sanctuary, with a promising selection of natural treatments lovingly made with uniquely Fijian plant extracts - heavenly massages and wraps, miraculous facials, and the most luxurious of spa pedicures and manicures.

Indulge your body with one of our unique signature treatments; experience all of our world-class facilities for a total spa escape and ritual.

With flowers freshly picked from the Resort's gardens and the exotic fragrances emanating from the spa’s entrance and hidden gardens you realise you’re in for a truly unique experience. The tranquil surroundings and discreet staff lend a sense of peace and harmony in balance with nature.

Not only will skin and body be refreshed and revived - but every choice on this journey will leave your heart a little lighter, your spirit a little brighter until we at the Bamboo Spa welcome you once again.

The Bamboo Spa features the nourishing products of Pure Fiji.

Pure Fiji is committed to quality and embodies a passion for the beautiful people, traditions, and environments of Fiji.

Pure Fiji employs nearly 500 people from seven rural villages, a human network that produces cold pressed nut oils and natural packaging materials. Hand-made paper made from natural fibers, traditional masi bark cloth, woven baskets, and nut oil production provide these communities with sustainable income while perpetuating honored traditions and unique skills.

Pure coconut oil, the base ingredient for all of Pure Fiji's products, has been used for hair care, skin care, and massage for generations. Pure Fiji's natural bath and beauty products include luxurious body butter, hydrating body lotion, coconut sugar rub, shampoo and conditioner, coconut milk bath soak, and nourishing body oil.

Pure Fiji

discover the south pacific secret for beautiful skin and hair

For centuries South Pacific and Fiji islanders have used pure coconut oil and flower extracts to nourish, moisturize and beautify both skin and hair. Pure Fiji brings you the best of these traditional blends for today's natural bath and body care. Discover intensive hydrating body oils, creamy coconut lotions, nourishing hand made soaps and fresh sugar scrubs that will get your skin glowing.

Protecting the Environment & Reducing our Carbon Footprint

Pure Fiji is committed to sustainable manufacturing and reducing its carbon footprint. Botanical ingredients such as the blend of nut oils are wild-harvested

This reduces our requirement for energy dependent irrigation and fertilization methods thus limiting our carbon impact. Bottles used in packaging are PET which are an environmentally responsible choice as they require 24% less energy to produce and generate 40% less solid waste than glass bottles. Gift packaging is made by hand using natural fibers such as handmade paper or in delightful woven baskets.

What are we doing right now to improve conservation?

Eco-smart production

Sustainable Raw Materials

Botanical ingredients produced in Fiji are harvested sustainably without impact on the plants themselves or the surrounding environment.

Processing of several of the ingredients used in formulations rely on hand-operated cold pressing of nuts into oil. This limits the carbon impact on the environment while creating employment opportunities for rural communities.

Some of the methods employed in processing the ingredients use a natural source of energy such as passive solar dryers. This eliminates the need to use bio-mass, electric resistance, or liquid fuel-fired heaters.

By-products from coconut husks and the shell material from oil bearing nuts are recycled as mulch and fertiliser.

The structures which support these enterprises are often made of local, environmentally low-impact materials such as plaited sago palm roofing. Such buildings are bright, airy, and cool, eliminating the need for artificial lighting or ventilating. Some suppliers of the processed botanicals minimise any environmental impact by running generators etc on natural, unrefined coconut oil.

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava - Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive 5 Star Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

www.Matava.com

Pure Fiji is a natural bath and body products manufacturer which caters to the exclusive spa and salon industry. Founded 12 years ago by Gaëtane Austin and her daughter Andrée, Pure Fiji began research, development, and production of their uniquely Fijian products around the family kitchen table. Organics and natural products are popular now, but Pure Fiji has always appreciated the numerous benefits of coconut oil and the myriad of botanical and herbal curatives and remedies that have been utilized by the Fijian people for hundreds of years. Having pioneered the use of local nuts and botanical extracts into true South Pacific therapies, their spa located within the grounds of the factory premises serves as a invaluable research and development tool for both the products and the uniquely Pacific spa therapies which complement them.

www.PureFiji.com

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The Bamboo Spa - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

The Bamboo Spa - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu

The Best Yoga View Ever ?

2011-12-11T14:51:00.003+13:00

How's this for a view from your early morning Yoga matt ?

The front deck at Matava Eco-Adventure Resort on Kadavu Island, Fiji Islands.

Asia Pacific’s first PADI Green Star Award awarded to Matava

2011-12-06T17:20:00.000+13:00

We’re pleased to announce that Matava – Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort has received the first PADI Green Star award in the Asia Pacific region in November 2011 for our sustainable and eco-conscious environmental activities and business practices.

The program helps PADI Dive Centers and Resorts identify practical actions they can take to protect and preserve the environment. Because they choose which conservation actions they would like to implement, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can completely customize the program for their businesses.

“There’s more to going green than simply jumping on the eco bandwagon,” says Bob Coleman, Vice President of Sales, Retailer and Resort Association, PADI Americas, Latin America and Canada. “Well-organized conservation initiatives can reduce costs while strengthening your brand, especially when you strategically introduce them into your overall business plan.

Earning the PADI Green Star Award shows customers that you care about the environment and are taking action to protect it. With today’s environmentally-conscious divers, going green can be an important competitive advantage.”

Richard Akhtar of Matava and Mike Holme of PADI Asia Pacific

The PADI Green Star award requires dive operators and resorts to conduct an objective audit of their facility and business practices and assesses performance in water and energy use, transportation, waste management and conservation leadership.

“We hope other dive operations and tourism providers in the Asia Pacific region follow our example and help to protect their local environment and achieve sustainable business practises in a green and clean manner!” said Mr Stuart Gow, one of Matava’s Directors.

“We are extremely proud to win this award. We have been lucky to win overseas and global awards for our environmental policy in the past year, but it is especially gratifying to be recognised at home by our colleagues in Fiji.” he continued .

Richard Akhtar, Managing Director of Matava -- Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said “At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding environmental efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially.”

PADI Green Star Award presented to Stuart Gow of Matava by Drew Richardson, President of PADI at DEMA 2012 (Danny Dwyer, Drew Richardson, Stuart Gow, Hendrick Nimb, Mike Holme)

“At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious global award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding similar efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially in our our region of the South Pacific.”

Mr Akhtar finished by saying “Matava -- Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has again proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment”

The Green Star award was presented to us during DEMA week in November 2011 by PADI’s Project Aware and PADI President Mr Drew Richardson.

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Notes to editors

About Matava -- Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava -- Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava -- Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

For interviews, images or further information please contact Stuart Gow, Stuart@Matava.com, t: 679-997-5416

About PADI Green Star Awards:

PADI Dive Centers and Resorts have a powerful new tool to help organize and implement environmental conservation programs -- and be recognized for their efforts -- with the PADI Green Star Award. The program helps PADI Dive Centers and Resorts identify practical actions they can take to protect and preserve the environment. Because they choose which conservation actions they would like to implement, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can completely customize the program for their businesses. For additional information, contact Roger Josselyn at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234 ext. 2519.

Asia Pacific’s first PADI Green Star Award awarded to Matava, Fiji | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air! | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

2011-12-01T09:29:00.000+13:00

Matava Summer Special

2nd Person 50% off

Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the ***Second Person* stays *Half Price*** !

Valid for travel between 1st December 2011 – 29th February 2012

Details:

valid for double / twin share
ANY Matava Dive, Romance or Adventure Package
5 nights stay or longer
All meals and airport transfers included
Complimentary Snorkelling on Critter Junction
Waterfall hike and village afternoon
Lovo feast and kava ceremony

Additions:

Extra night – 2nd person half price (based on double occupancy)
Extra days diving – 2nd person half price
Single Supplement – Waived
Based on published package and add on rates
Excludes gamefishing and kayaking packages
Travel through 29th February 2011 subject to availability
Blackout period: travel Between 23rd December 2011 and 29th December 2011 excluded

Air Pacific Special

Take a Friend to Fiji for Half Price Air special.

Discover the wonders of Matava in Fiji and save money on the second person.

For a limited time, 2nd passenger gets 50 % off airfare from Los Angeles on Air Pacific.

From now until March 31, 2012 travel to fabulous Fiji and the second passenger travels for 50% off airfare!

TRAVEL DATES: valid 1 Oct 2011 through 31 March 2012
Sale ends Dec. 31

(No travel on the special airfare permitted during the blackout of 15-Dec-11 to 15-Jan-12)

—

Book your Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the Second Person stays Half Price !

Click here to book your private haven in a Honeymoon Bure today and see the panoramas and vista for yourself from your own private deck in Kadavu, Fiji!!

Book Now by Contacting Us!

Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air!

Anusara Yoga Retreat @ Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort with Susan Wiens

2011-08-10T15:15:00.000+12:00

The turquoise waters of the South Pacific in The Fiji Islands are your backdrop for a week of yoga, play, and relaxation. Susan Wiens, one of California's most loved and respected teachers, guides you into a magical, healing, and life-changing retreat.

Journey deeper into alignment, pranayama, and meditation while enjoying the company of like-minded hearts.

You will emerge refreshed, rejuvenated, and primed ready for the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas season ahead!

Enjoy two yoga sessions daily, long walks on the beach and in the pristine rainforest, waterfalls, traditional Fijian culture, and the Pure Fiji spa experience.

Savor delicious, organic (and healthy!) cuisine as you share laughter and life stories with your fellow yogis, even as you drop more easily into your true self.

We welcome yogis from everywhere and all levels to join us as we return to this extraordinary paradise.

Date

Saturday Oct 22^nd to Saturday Oct 29^th, 2011

We leave Los Angeles on Thursday 20^th October for an overnight flight to Nadi in Fiji, crossing the date line and landing on Saturday morning. Then a short flight across to the island of Kadavu.

Investment

US$ 1,650 dbl occ
US$ 500 single supplement
Includes 7 nights and 6 days of yoga, adventure, and nourishing cuisine

Daily Schedule

Remember ALL activities are optional—this is your retreat!

7:00am: coffee, tea, yogurt, granola, delicious fresh tropical fruit.
- Morning meditation on the deck or in the Main Bure
9:00-11:00am: Yoga
11:00am: Incredible brunch/lunch with fresh organic salad from the Retreat's gardens.
12:00-5:00pm: Free Time! The beautiful ocean and amazing waterfall treks beckon.
- Scuba Dive on the Great Astrolabe Reef,
- snorkel in the marine reserve
- trek to see the native parrots and bird life and more
- or pamper yourself with a spa treatment!
5:00-6:30pm Yoga
7pm- Dinner featuring local specialities, including fresh local fish and produce and the tastiest Matava Mojitos in the South Pacific!
10:00ish - fall asleep to the sound of the ocean right outside your door….

Susan Wiens

Professional Background

I stepped into my first yoga class twelve years ago and fell in love with the playfulness of it. I had no idea what I was doing. I continued to practice, found an Anusara class and everything changed. I was so inspired six years ago I took my immersion and teachers' training with Noah Maze and Naime Jezzeny. The rest is history. I am hooked on teaching, watching yogis of all ages find the same happiness I did. I continue to study with Noah and now Dr. Douglas Brooks who has opened my eyes to the philosophy side and has helped me become a better practitioner and teacher.

Yoga Background

I have been an Anusara Inspired teacher since 2006. I enjoy teaching in the Pasadena area. I have met so many wonder yogis along the way. Everyone in some way has contributed to my teachings. What a great job I have.

Matava – The Retreat

Matava is the genuine eco-adventure lodge, beautifully set off the beaten track, minutes from the Great Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu Island.
Our intimate Retreat has beautiful, comfortable bures, outstanding cuisine and offers a full range of adventure and cultural activities.
Dive or take a course with our PADI dive professionals. Experience fantastic fish, pristine corals, Mantas and sharks. Try fishing, snorkeling, sailing, sea kayaking, trekking, and join in authentic cultural and village events!
No roads, solar power, low carbon footprint make Matava the ideal and environmentally responsible location to host this Yoga Retreat with Susan.

The Island

Fiji’s fourth largest island, Kadavu is situated 60 miles south of the main island Viti Levu and is one of the few remaining undeveloped islands in Fiji today.
Having maintained its strong cultural values the general population leads fairly subsistent lifestyles in sleepy coastal villages dwarfed by mountainous jungles and waterfalls plummeting from the hilltops. The islands deeply indented bays, fringed by coral reefs and mangrove forest provide habitat to a host of birds including the endemic Kadavu musk parrot. Forest openings reveal lizards basking on rocks, and butterflies spiraling skyward in a lazy dance.
The striking Astrolabe Reef and the Kadavu group of islands have both been created by past volcanic activity and tectonic movements. Matava is right on the doorstep of this magnificent living organism, home to an abundance of marine life unequalled in Fiji. Divers and snorkellers can expect a diversity of fish life and corals of every conceivable colour and hue.

Anusara Yoga

Anusara Yoga® is a powerful method of hatha yoga which integrates biomechanical principles of alignment with the celebration of the heart and spirit.
Developed by John Friend in 1996, Anusara Yoga® offers a dynamic synthesis of asana technique, yoga philosophy, and the celebration of good company.
Anusara Yoga invites students to explore all aspects of themselves: their bodies, their minds, and their hearts. By tapping into the best in ourselves, we simultaneously open the pathways to connect to others and to the world around us.
Restoring hatha yoga to its roots in Tantric philosophy, Anusara teaches that we need not turn our backs on our worldly existence in our search for Spirit. Indeed, this life is the ground of any spiritual journey. Human life is a gift of Grace, an opportunity to discover the divine within us and around us.
As we cultivate our bodies through yoga postures, our breath through pranayama, and our minds through meditation, we grow our ability to see the good and to celebrate. This “yoga from the inside out” begins with an intention to open one’s heart and allow Grace to flow in. Anusara Yoga’s Universal Principles of Alignment, the result of years of study of modern biomechanics and kinesiology, restore health and prevent injuries.
This fusion of heart and body distinguishes Anusara Yoga from all other styles, and explains why Anusara has attracted thousands of students worldwide since its creation in 1997.
For more on Anusara Yoga, please visit the following website:

www.Anusara.com: information on Anusara Yoga worldwide

THE DEAL

This life-changing retreat comes in 3 sizes—you choose the one that’s right for you!
All 3 programs include:

7 nights accommodations
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/coffee)
Traditional Fijian lovo feast and kava ceremony
snorkelling and kayaking
guided waterfall hike
1 spa treatment
airport transfers
all taxes and service fees

Round-trip airfare to Fiji and Kadavu not included but easily booked through our own travel agent.

YOGA VACATION

Includes 12 yoga classes, practice and study of Anusara Yoga ideas, breathwork and meditation.

Double US$ 1,650 per person for 7 nights

Single Supplement US$ 500

The Ultimate Guide to Yoga Travel: 100 Essential Tips

2011-05-05T12:53:00.000+12:00

While you might think a vacation means seeing tourist sites and sipping drinks on the beach, adding yoga into the mix can make it a life-changing and spiritual experience you'll never forget. There are many ways to engage in travel yoga from structured retreats to scenic trips with a little yoga thrown in and just as many resources online to help make sure you plan a trip that suits your needs and desires. Here are a few great tips and resources to help you get well on your way to embracing a healthy, yoga-filled vacation in a destination that engages your body and spirit.

The Ultimate Guide to Yoga Travel: 100 Essential Tips, Tools, & Links

Absolutely Brilliant Adventure - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

2011-03-19T09:07:00.000+12:00

"Everything was just perfect & the experience exactly what we were after. The eco-retreat is definitely in a wilderness part of Fiji. The accommodation very comfortable with unbelievable views over an Island. Definitely pay a little more for the Honeymoon Burres. All the staff are brilliant, friendly, warm & helpful. I can’t praise Maggie high enough for looking after us so well & being so entertaining. Food was excellent every day/night, tasty & abundant.

Most guests were divers but we scheduled an activity every day. Medicine man walk, village visit, snorkel trips, remote picnic on deserted beach & an exciting adventure kayaking from Ono Island across the channel back to Matava. In fact the adventure starts as soon as you leave Nadi. Small plane flight, truck across Island & then 1 hr open boat trip to the retreat.

Thank you so much guys for everything. We will definitely be returning & have such fond happy memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. "

Absolutely Brilliant Adventure - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010

2011-02-26T19:33:00.000+13:00

Matava wins AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award 2011

Matava has been awarded the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 26th February 2011 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to be announced as the winner of the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010 for its policies on environmental sustainability and the environment.

The annual Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards night sponsored by AON was held at the The Warwick Resort and Spa on the Coral Coast on Friday 26th February 2011, and attended by Matava Director, Stuart Gow. Many local tourism operators and business people attended the evening presentations. This year there were over a thousand nominees in the 12 categories. This glamourous event was Red Sea Rig & Cocktail theme, welcoming guests with a 3 course dinner, an awards ceremony & fantastic live entertainment with a turn out of over 400 guests.

The Environment/Local Sustainability Award recognises efforts to preserve the environment & local communities for the benefits of locals & visitors alike in developing & fostering both environmental & national conservation. It also assesses efforts to support cultural initiatives and promote public awareness and education in support of “Fiji Made” products by reducing their carbon footprint.

Matava was proud to be nominated in 3 categories, and was chosen as a finalist in all nominated categories at this year’s AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards. Bite Me Gamefishing Charters and Mad Fish Dive Centre were recognised as finalist in the Fiji Experience Award, and Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort was a finalist in the Quality Accommodation Award as well as winning the Environment/Local Sustainability Award.

Richard Akhtar, Managing Director of Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said “At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding environmental efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially.”

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 14 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

About AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards:

The awards which have been in existence for 14 years, honour those who have made a significant input to Fiji’s most important industry. The prestigious awards are given to individuals, groups and companies in a broad range of categories; covering accommodation, restaurant and dining, tours and transportation, environmental and local sustainability. Winners were chosen as part of a nomination process which began late last year and closed in January. Recipients of the various awards have proven dedication, active participation and innovation in their fields of speciality, and have thus merited the esteem of the industry. Over the years, the AON Excellence in Tourism Awards has grown in prestige and now not only bestows recognition but serves as an incentive for individuals and companies to aspire to greatness in the sector.

www.Matava.com

# # #

Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010

Yoga in Fiji

2011-02-19T12:05:00.000+13:00

Practice Yoga in Fiji!

Below you can find a list of Yoga Holidays, Instructors and Schools, and popular Retreat and Yoga Centers in Fiji.

You can use the map of Fiji given on the right to zoom in on your destination province or state. Find and compare the services you are looking for or get your own services listed:

Yoga in Fiji

Unexpected paradise!! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

2011-02-18T10:19:00.000+13:00

My boyfriend and I, admitted city slickers, were looking for an off the beaten path experience when you stopped in FIji for a week last summer on our way to Australia. A friend recommended Matava and we couldn't be happier with our experience.

Unlike most people who visit Matava, we arrived as non-divers. We were thrilled with all the non-dive options, like the waterfall hike, beach picnic, kayaking and just general relaxing! We did decide to try our hand at diving one day and had expert instruction and a fantastic time.

The staff at Matava is so genuine, friendly and competent. While the activities offered at Matava are a great draw, by far our favorite take-away from the experience was the people. We loved to gather with the other guests each evening and talk and laugh about the day by candle/lantern light.

We can't wait to come back!!

Date of stay: June 2010
Visit was for: Leisure
Traveled with: With Spouse/Partner
Member since: February 15, 2011

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes!

Unexpected paradise!! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Help Pack For A Purpose make a difference in the lives of children in Fiji | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

2011-01-27T10:16:00.000+13:00

Matava has committed to being part of the Pack For A Purpose initiative. Click here to find our exact requests…

Help Pack For A Purpose make a difference in the lives of children around the world. Use available space in your luggage to provide supplies to the communities you visit. If just 500 individuals pack 5 lbs (2.27 kgs) each, we can provide 1.25 tons of Supplies!

The genesis of the idea:

During our first trip to Africa, my husband Scott and I learned that while we were limited to 40 pounds (18.14 kgs) of luggage on safari, the airline had an allowance of 100 pounds (45 kgs) of checked luggage plus a 40 pound (18.14 kg) carry-on. In making plans for a second trip, we looked into visiting a school near the lodge we would visit in Botswana. We contacted our safari company, Wilderness Safaris, to see if we could determine any specific needs of that school. Armed with that information, we were able to deliver 140 pounds (64 kgs) of school supplies, including soccer balls, to the school. It was enormously rewarding to be able to help the people in the community that had given us such a life-changing experience. Since then, we and a few of our fellow-travelers have made several trips to other countries in Africa and have been able to deliver an estimated 1,000 pounds (453 kgs) in donations of clothing, school and medical supplies. I asked a travel agent why other travelers did not use their luggage allowances this way. “Because nobody thinks about it,” he said. That was our “aha” moment.

Scott and I knew from our experiences that taking large amounts of supplies required a great deal of time and close logistical cooperation with the touring company. We felt we needed to come up with a simpler and more direct way for travelers to take supplies where they were going.

By asking travelers to pack 5 lbs (2.27 kgs) of supplies, we felt we would be able to involve everyone who wanted to add value to his or her trip by participating. By delivering the supplies directly to the traveler’s accommodation, it would be possible for every traveler to contribute and require no logistical support. That amount would take only a small space, require little effort and still make a big impact.

I realized that to make my idea a reality, I would need the assistance and skills of many other talented people. It is with gratitude that I would like to acknowledge and thank the people below as well as those who have agreed to serve on our Board. They have given generously and freely of their time and expertise.

Ann Cramer, Keith Dokho, Dinda Elliot, Jenny Knott Gilbert, Debbie Goldberg, Eric Goldberg, Sharon Goldberg, Hazel Gooding, Mona Hall, Marcia Harris, Angela Bendorf Jamison, Rob Karn, Kilara Little, Robert Mungo, Bert Du Plessis, Michelle Pudu, Benji Rabhan, Sid Strauss, Laura Thompson, Dianna Upton, Michael Vidal and Cindy Wittmer.

Extra special thanks go to Erik Macenas who designed our Logo and our Website with unending patience and an amazing ability to work with a team.

Rebecca Rothney

Who We Are

The Members of the Board are experienced travelers and active members of their communities. Collectively they have travelled to all 7 continents and have a cumulative life experience of 346 years. The Members of the Board are actively involved with many other non-profits and committed to enhancing the global community in which they live. Additionally, the Board Members are entrepreneurs and work in corporate America.

Click here to find Matava’s requests for the villages in Kadavu…

Help Pack For A Purpose make a difference in the lives of children in Fiji | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Fiji Yoga Retreat - Retreats and Holidays Byron Bay Yoga

2011-01-06T19:56:00.000+13:00

We will practice yoga, meditation, pranayama, yoga nidra daily in an open pavilion just a few meters from the ocean. What is unique here is that the beautiful sounds of the sea make people so relaxed it's a perfect environment for retreating into your own space and focusing on your practice. There will be plenty of free time to take in the beauty of the island and various activities if you wish. All equipment is supplied but if you prefer your own mat then bring it with you. The retreat will be suitable for beginners to general levels.

In addition to the yoga activities, there are beautiful coral reefs all around for diving and snorkelling, Fijian massage to rejuvenate and replenish, plus an excellent range of tropical, cultural and nature activities ie. fishing, sea kayaking, hiking, waterfall trip and Karva party! Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or simply relax and unwind on the beach. This is the perfect way to replenish and enjoy your time in paradise!

Fiji Yoga Retreat

FREE UPGRADE ON ALL 10 DAY PACKAGES AT MATAVA

2010-12-14T14:31:00.000+13:00

FREE HONEYMOON BURE UPGRADE ON ALL 10 DAY PACKAGES!

Book any of our packages to go trekking, relaxing, bird watching, or indeed just hanging out at Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort during the whole month of January and get upgraded to our exclusive Honeymoon Bure free!

Email us and ask for the
“10 DAY
HONEYMOON UPGRADE!”

Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

2010-12-03T14:26:00.000+13:00

MEDIA RELEASE: 29^th November 2010

Recognition for Matava at the
Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010

Matava has won in the Best in the Marine Environment category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 organised by responsibletravel.com.

The Judges said “Matava is a beacon for responsible tourism and an example to other dive sites. They maintain a strong commitment to both the conservation of the marine environment and the development of the local Fijian community. All staff and dive guides are from local villages, they have signed an agreement with local villages designating 3 established marine reserves as 100% no-take zones, across large geographic areas, and even succeeded in assisted in getting marine conservation on to the Fijian National Curriculum.”

At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM), Docklands, London, on Wednesday 10^thresponsibletravel.com, organisers and founders of the Awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards.

November, the Awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of

Justin Francis, founder of The Responsible Tourism Awards and managing director, responsibletravel.com, organisers of the Awards said:

“This year I have been heartened by the depth of commitment and connection our winners have shown to the local communities in their destinations. Their successes and pioneering spirits are remarkable and the very real and authentic experiences they have created, set responsible tourism apart. They also remind us that holidays can be both luxurious for visitor and enhancing for local people – helping build schools, water pumps, clinics and conserving cultural and natural heritage.”

Lorna Young accepting Matava’s Award at WTM 2010

Richard Akhtar, Director of Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said:

Amanda Wills, managing director, Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards said:

“I’m once again humbled by the commitment, drive and ingenuity of today’s winners. They have shown us all what can be achieved by the people and places seeking to benefit from tourism, even when the economic climate continues to challenge us all. Their’s is truly an example for the rest of the industry to follow, and I’m delighted that Virgin Holidays is again able to be a part of this celebration.”

Launched in 2004, the Awards are run in association with partners World Travel Market, Metro Newspaper and Geographical

Over the years the Awards have celebrated the best in responsible tourism, and attracted some of the best celebrity supporters, including Michael Palin and Paul Theroux!

In 2010 Simon Reeve, best-selling author, presenter and broadcaster launched the Awards with an exclusive interview in Metro Newspaper:

“The Responsible Tourism Awards focus attention on travel firms that are providing us all with amazing trips that make a difference to a local community while still protecting the environment and our planet. And they remind us that responsible travel is not only better for our world, it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel.”

Liz Bonin, Wild Animal biologist, biochemist and presenter of ‘Bang Goes the Theory’ on BBC1 also lent her support to the Awards with an exclusive interview on wildlife and responsible tourism in Metro Newspaper:

“If we make the effort to respect our holiday destinations and contribute responsibly to the local economy by staying in local farms or homestays and exploring the local wildlife through eco-tourism, we benefit by getting a real sense of local culture and discovering hidden treasures we could never get from a faceless resort holiday, all the while knowing that we have our done our bit to keep this planet happy and healthy. The Responsible Tourism Awards are doing a fantastic job at reminding us of our duty to travel in this responsible way.”

For a full list of finalists, see www.responsibletourismawards.com

- Ends -

Notes to editors

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 14 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

For interviews, images or further information please contact Stuart Gow, Stuart@Matava.com, t: 679-997-5416

About The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards

The Awards are the most prestigious and competitive of their kind in the world and are a collaboration between online travel directory responsibletravel.com; UK media partners Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine and World Travel Market who host the ceremony. The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.

About responsibletravel.com:

responsibletravel.com is the world’s leading travel agent for responsible holidays. The site offers over 3,500 richer, deeper and more locally distinctive travel experiences that are better for destinations and local communities.

Whether you’re after an action-packed adventure, a relaxing beach escape or a charming countryside getaway closer to home, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Co-founder, Justin Francis had the original idea for the website on his travels through Africa having completed his MSc in Responsible Tourism. He launched the site with backing from Dame Anita Roddick in 2001 and since then has been included in Courvoisier’s The Future 500, Thames and Hudson’s 60 Innovators Shaping Our Creative Future and taken his place on the Advisory Board of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University. Based in Brighton, England responsibletravel.com also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.

Contact:

Stuart Gow
Stuart@Matava.com
+679 603 0685

Alex Lyons
press@responsibletravel.com
+44 (0)1273 648 519

Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

New telephone numbers for Matava!

2010-08-26T16:09:00.000+12:00

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort has installed a new Satellite Communications System with new telephone numbers. We have new methods of contacting Matava in the Fiji Islands including new telephone and fax numbers and a new Skype name! All running off the in-house solar power!

Our new permanent contact numbers are:

TELEPHONE: +679 603 0685

FAX: +679 603 0684

SKYPE: MatavaFiji

"And so what does this mean to you?" I hear you ask? Well one of the big step forwards is that we now have a 24 hour contact via Skype technology and voice-mail there-in on site at the resort. This will revolutionise our online reservations and booking system.

Matava Resort is proud to install this communications solution purely using the alternative power already available at the resort.

We will maintain our current CDMA/Easytel phone (+679 368 0080) until the end of August 2010, at which point they it be disconnected.

The new system runs on the Gilat SkyEdge System which supports telephony, broadband data and video communications via satellite. It is optimized for transaction-oriented applications, business continuity needs, legacy protocols, rural telephony deployments and multi-topology networks with mesh, star and multi-star topologies.

The system has an uplink speed of 64kbps where the service and support are provided by Connect Fiji.

Not only does the new service out perform its predecessors, the satellite network is designed to perform even under the heavy tropical rain.

The equipment installed at Matava is called a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal). It consists of a 1.8m dish (situated hidden away behind the resort office) and outdoor electronics for communicating with the satellite and an indoor unit to which our standard telephone /fax lines and laptops are connected. The intelligence within the indoor unit processes the calls and distributes them to assigned telephone lines.

Power for the terminal is purely 12V DC and is supplied by our own in-house solar panels and batteries in our Main Bure complex.

Watch this space for the next phase in the program which is to make WiFi available directly to guests laptops in the Main Bure (shhhhh... this is currently top secret info!)

Once again, here are our new permanent contact numbers:

TELEPHONE: +679 603 0685

FAX: +679 603 0684

SKYPE: MatavaFiji

New telephone numbers for Matava!

Divers and Dental Professionals Combine Work and Passion for Scuba Diving Through Fiji Project

2010-07-26T16:29:00.000+12:00

Returning from that trip I decided to pioneer a Dental Mission. I partnered with Coach Ramey Stroud, a Mill City diver, and Stuart Gow, Director of the Matava Eco-Resort on the island of Kadavu. Together we identified dates for our trip, solicited the cooperation of Air Pacific, the national airline of Fiji, the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association and the Fiji Ministry of Health. Salem Hospital generously shared information about our trip with their staff.

I traveled with Dr. Mike and Mrs. Carrie Litchfield and Dr. Sean Hanson of Salem and Jim and Gina Jepsen from Ione, Oregon. Dave Beard from Tasmania met us at Matava and joined our team.

Air Pacific allowed us each to bring an extra 50 pounds of medical gear. Mike and Sean had received hundreds of toothbrushes, toothpaste samples and dental supplies from their suppliers. Mike brought a portable dental station as well.

Our arrival at Matava was met with excitement. Maggie, the Fijian concierge, let us know that he had shared the news of the American dentists arriving three weeks earlier with the village council. He had made arrangements for us to visit the village the next day to meet with the Chief, the Director of the School (whose classroom’s we planned to use for the clinic) and the village nurse (representative of the Ministry of Health). We took an open boat to the village, walked past sleeping dogs, feeding chickens, children playing, men unloading cinderblocks and women washing clothes.

Our plan was pretty simple; breakfast, a two tank dive then lunch. We opened the clinic at 1:30 and treated patients until dark. Power in the classroom was limited to a single neon lamp powered by a new generator. We had come equipped with flashlights for diving and lighting up teeth.

Each afternoon the number of patients grew as word of our clinic spread. The third day we planned to hold an instructional clinic for the village children to share toothbrushes and toothpaste. Carrie Litchfield, an elementary school librarian in Salem was our point person. Using humor, laughter and smiles, Carrie warmed up the kids, taught basic oral hygiene and brushing technique and passed out over 200 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste.

We knew that dental care in the village was extremely limited. We learned that a boat ride to Vunisea, location of the regional hospital an hour away, has a cost of nearly a week's wages each way.

During our stay we had the opportunity to serve nearly 200 villagers from Kadavu Koro. Carrie taught 75 children how to brush their teeth. Numerous rotted, damaged and decayed teeth were removed, mostly from adults, a few from children.

We met many wonderful people during our visit to Kadavu Koro and our stay at the Matava Eco-Resort. We dove the Great Astrolabe Reef most mornings and provided dental care in the afternoon. Our Mission provided an opportunity to provide care for those in need and an education about preserving one's teeth to the children of the village.

Divers and Dental Professionals Combine Work and Passion for Scuba Diving Through Fiji Project - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava - August Special

2010-07-20T16:55:00.000+12:00

August Special

Don't miss your chance to extend your relaxing stay at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort during the whole month of August.

Pay 4: Stay 6
or
Pay 6: Stay 8

Use this great deal to do even more of your favorite activities like yoga.

Book your August-Pay-Stay Special Now!

Click here to book your August-Pay-Stay Special to the Fiji Islands today on Kadavu!

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Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Yoga Courses

2010-07-12T12:07:00.001+12:00

The practice of yoga offers you a holistic health system that blends ancient teachings with contemporary perspectives in mind-body medicine. Mindful movement synchronized with deep breathing forms a bridge to deeper states of self awareness, relaxation and inner peace. Yoga practice cultivates a quality of being characterized by a deep sense of wellness.

Each programme differs according to the teacher, but all of them combine yoga sessions with free time for excursions, having a spa massage, going snorkelling on the reef or just lazing by the ocean at Matava – Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort.

It’s the perfect place to come and relax with a week of yoga. By the end of the retreat you will feel refreshed, invigorated and at peace with the world.

Courses

Viniyoga style

2010-07-12T12:07:00.000+12:00

Viniyoga is not so much a style as it is a methodology for developing practices for individual conditions and purposes.

This is the approach developed by Sri. T. Krishnamacharya, teacher of well-known contemporary masters B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois and Indra Devi, and continued by his son, T.K

Viniyoga

Teachers: Susan Wiens

2010-07-12T11:46:00.000+12:00

I stepped into my first yoga class ten years ago and fell in love with the playfulness of it. I had no idea what I was doing. I continued to practice, found an Anusara class and everything changed. I was so inspired four years ago I took my immersion and teachers' training with Noah Maze and Naime Jezzeny. The rest is history. I am hooked on teaching, watching yogis of all ages find the same happiness I did. I continue to study with Noah and now Dr.Douglas Brooks who has opened my eyes to the philosophy side and has helped me become a better practitioner and teacher."

Susan Wiens

Teachers: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Yoga Fiji

International Day of Yoga - Suva, Fiji on 24 June 2018

Fiji Airways and Matava Adventure Resort & Spa join forces to promote the New Fiji Link

To Enter, simply visit the Fiji Airways Promotion Page

Yoga & Qigong by the Beach at Ranadi Plantation

Yoga & Qigong by the Beach

WORLD YOGA DAY - June, 21, 2012

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Resort earns 2012 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

Honoured as a Highly Rated Resort as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

About TripAdvisor®

The Bamboo Spa - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu | Matava

Pure Fiji

discover the south pacific secret for beautiful skin and hair

Protecting the Environment & Reducing our Carbon Footprint

Eco-smart production

Sustainable Raw Materials

The Best Yoga View Ever ?

Asia Pacific’s first PADI Green Star Award awarded to Matava

Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air! | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava Summer Special

2nd Person 50% off

Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the Second Person stays Half Price !

Valid for travel between 1st December 2011 – 29th February 2012

Additions:

Air Pacific Special

Take a Friend to Fiji for Half Price Air special.

TRAVEL DATES: valid 1 Oct 2011 through 31 March 2012Sale ends Dec. 31

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Anusara Yoga Retreat @ Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort with Susan Wiens

Date

Investment

Daily Schedule

Susan Wiens

Professional Background

Yoga Background

Matava – The Retreat

The Island

Anusara Yoga

THE DEAL

YOGA VACATION

The Ultimate Guide to Yoga Travel: 100 Essential Tips

Absolutely Brilliant Adventure - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010

Matava wins AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award 2011

Matava has been awarded the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

About AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards:

www.Matava.com

Yoga in Fiji

Unexpected paradise!! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Help Pack For A Purpose make a difference in the lives of children in Fiji | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

The genesis of the idea:

Who We Are

Fiji Yoga Retreat - Retreats and Holidays Byron Bay Yoga

FREE UPGRADE ON ALL 10 DAY PACKAGES AT MATAVA

Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

New telephone numbers for Matava!

Divers and Dental Professionals Combine Work and Passion for Scuba Diving Through Fiji Project

Matava - August Special

August Special

Book your August-Pay-Stay Special Now!

Yoga Courses

Viniyoga style

Teachers: Susan Wiens

Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the ***Second Person* stays *Half Price*** !

TRAVEL DATES: valid 1 Oct 2011 through 31 March 2012
Sale ends Dec. 31