Located on Fiji’s Coral Coast, Matanivusi is a small, family operated eco-resort that both surfer’s and non surfer’s will enjoy. Expect to savour empty surf, world class waves, broad ranging activities and an authentic Fijian experience. This is a well priced, four-star experience suiting those looking to enjoy a smaller, family-style resort.
Designed by award winning architect, Paul Uhlmann, Matanivusi is an eco resort for surfers. The eight contemporary bures are tucked between a creek, coconut palms, exotic flowers and the beach. Designed to integrate living areas with the natural landscape, there are large amounts of glass and louvres that allow the cool sea breezes to ventilate the units. Each bure is divided into 2 separate accommodation areas with their own ensuite. Rooms are tastefully furnished with a king size bed (or 2 king singles), fans, mosquito net, coffee table and chairs. All rooms are screened. The large deck and vast expanses of glass gives each unit picturesque views of the beach and rainforest.
This is a location that non-surfers will enjoy as much as the surfers. Relax by the pool, have a massage, try a new cocktail, go beachcombing, relax, read, kayak, snorkel, fish, go shopping (Suva or Sigatoka), visit the Kula Eco Park, visit the village or waterfall… you certainly will have plenty of options. Matanivusi staff are from the local village and the opportunity to absorb Fijian culture and way of life is always available. Try Kava with the locals or hear the beautiful singing at the church service. This is your opportunity to experience the real Fiji!
Matanivusi is the only resort to be granted access to several breaks by the resource owners. This guarantees uncrowded conditions! In addition, you can also access other breaks including Frigates Passage. All breaks are accessed by boat. There is surf year round in Fiji, but like anywhere not always perfect. April to October enjoys larger, consistent groundswells up to 8 to 10’. During this time SE trade winds (offshore at Frigates) can blow strongly (20-25 knots) for up to a week at a time. The cyclone season from December to April offers smaller, shorter swells with glassier surf and light winds. This is the best time for the local breaks. It’s all coral reef breaks and once overhead can be challenging for inexperienced surfers. Surfers should be competent. Recommended boards would be a ‘hotdog’ short board and a larger semi-gun for bigger days. Boardshorts can be worn year round. Long sleeve rashie, sunscreen and booties are a good idea.
Only a short boat ride from the resort are three right hand reef breaks that, depending on the wind, tide and swell, can offer the experience of a life time, while 20kms offshore is the world famous Frigate Pass.
J’s is a hollow, fast wave that breaks from 2’ to 6’. It’s best around the high tide with winds from NE to W. It needs some west in the swell to run down the reef.
SHIFTIES has a deep water take off making the break ‘not too threatening’. However it can get powerful and thick. When everywhere else is flat you can almost guarantee a 4 foot wave at Shifties. Also it can be surfed at all tides. North winds are needed.
VUNANIU is a short wedging right with an end bowl section. It’s usually smaller than other breaks, making it a better option for kids or less experienced surfers. It can get very good and is best at high tide.
FRIGATES is a world class left that can rival Cloudbreak for power, size and consistency. SE trades are offshore, so when the inside resort waves get blown out, Frigates can be on! Lying 20 kilometers out to sea from Matanivusi, it picks up maximum swell but is also accessed by other resorts. To surf Frigates an additional charge of FJ$80 per person applies. (Minimum 3 guests / all day excursion / lunch provided).
“What can I say – nothing but fantastic.” John Cauty.
“Spectacular – beyond my wildest expectations.” Geoff Old.
“Good food, good staff, great waves, cold beer…yee haaa.” Neil & Rita.
“Great hospitality, good surf. No more to say. I’ll be back again.” Makita.
“Thank you Brian, Donna and locals for making us feel so welcome and showing us the Fiji lifestyle. We got good waves and ate great food amongst friendly people. Vinaka.” Nick.
