We were bumped from our flight from Nadi and arrived one day late in Suvasuva. This caused us to miss our traditional earth oven Lovo dinner at the Bula Re cafe in Savasavu. Bettina and I did make it to the Bula Re the following day for a coffee where we met the cafe owner, Tanda, who happened to be an ex-patriot from Wasserburg, Germany, near Bettina's hometown. We also met Tanda's Swiss ex-pat friend Beat who, incidentally, is the owner of the Naveria Heights Resort. This was one of the resorts Bettina and I were considering staying at. Beat took us up the hill to his little hill top paradise, accessible by 4-wheel drive only. The two guest rooms are in a separate wing of his home, and were very private, clean, stylish, modern and quiet. The ocean view from his hill top terrace is just unbelievable. Beat, his two adorable boys and the Fijian housemaid made us really feel at home.
On November 9th, Beat invited us to his friend Arvind Kumar's humble home in the middle of the tropical forest for an authentic Hindu Diwali celebration. We had a good selection of Indian food and saw lots of fireworks. Diwali is a national celebration in Fiji like our New Years.
The following day we visited the posh Cousteau Resort (rooms starting at $900.00 per night !!), to watch the local musicians perform in the annual music festival. At the end of the night we hopped on the bus with the student musicians who gave us a lift to our hotel (Hot Springs Hotel - modest hotel with a great view of Savusavu).
We enjoyed Savusavu just as much as the Yasawa Islands. Although the beaches and snorkeling were not as nice in Savusavu , we felt at home in this cozy village. Despite having many European and American ex-pats the small town of Savusavu does not feel as touristy as the Yasawas.
Despite missing our flight and not having a Lonely Planet guide with us we'd say things worked out quite nice. Off to Sydney via Auckland !
Tony and Tini Travel Tips (T^4). 1) Leave yourself plenty of time when taking the domestic air carriers in Fiji. 2) Take lots of mosquito spray, 3) Avoid spending too much time in Nadi and Suva, 4) Do not waste time Island hopping in the Yasawas, go directly to the Octopus Resort using their direct boat transfer from Denerau - instead of buying the expensive Awesome Adventures "Bula" pass, 5) Visit Savusavu and Naema Island (for snorkeling) off Vanau Levu
Tony and Tini Travel Tips (T^4). 1) Leave yourself plenty of time when taking the domestic air carriers in Fiji. 2) Take lots of mosquito spray, 3) Avoid spending too much time in Nadi and Suva, 4) Do not waste time Island hopping in the Yasawas, go directly to the Octopus Resort using their direct boat transfer from Denerau - instead of buying the expensive Awesome Adventures "Bula" pass, 5) Visit Savusavu and Naema Island (for snorkeling) off Vanau Levu
Fiji, Yasawa Islands, Octopus Resort (make your PADI certificate here and stay a whole week, also great house reef for snorkeling, swimming pool and great healthy food - try the roasted pumkin salad)
