Written By : Sun Fiji Newsroom. In Suva, the rain buckets down. Clouds cling to the hills.
“Don’t worry,” the Pacific Sun Twin Otter pilot says at Nausori Airport as the big wet pours on the runway. “It’s fine up in Taveuni.”
Forty-five minutes from Suva’s gloom, the Twin Otter circles and descends above Somosomo Strait.
It’s a different world up here. Taveuni Island sparkles out to the right in bright sunshine. Matei Airport is fine and clear for landing.
Fewer than five minutes from the airport is Ric and Do Cammick’s award-winning Taveuni Island Resort and Spa.
This has been rated “the most beautiful small resort in the world” by a writer for the famous English newspaper The Times.
There have been many similar accolades.
They are deserved, for this is a special place in a country where there are many special places.
But how have the Cammicks and their famous little resort fared after Cyclone Tomas?
Four Canadians have just checked in.
They sit on the wide verandah of the resort’s dining area above the cliff. The view sweeps spectacularly across Somosomo Strait to nearby Vanua Levu, and Kioa and Rabi islands.
The Canadians are the first guests since Tomas battered Taveuni and nearby islands two weeks earlier.
The grounds are pristine.
The infinity pool on the clifftop is ready to use. Down below the sandy beach is warm and welcoming.
The Canadians drink welcoming champagne. They are happy already. They came to “chill out”. Taveuni Island Resort, they have already decided, is just perfect.
By the next day more guests will have arrived. An Australian couple are flying in to marry at the resort.
They had wondered whether they should go elsewhere in the wake of the cyclone.
No need to worry. There are now few signs Tomas blasted by.
The Cammicks, their family and 35 staff have worked dawn to dark daily to get their resort back to as it was.
The only obvious tell-tale signs nearby now are trees inland stripped of their foliage.
The recovery effort typifies the hands-on effort and attention to detail which make this resort, well, so perfect. This attention has helped build Taveuni Island Resort a reputation attracting guests from around the world.
Ric and Do Cammick – and other resort and tourism operators on Taveuni – want you to know they are very much back in business.
No matter whether you are one of those from Suva who come up to explore and enjoy Fiji’s Garden Island.
Or from the other side of the world, like the guests who come from as far away as Russia. You’re welcome.
Why do so many people from so many places find their way to Taveuni Island Resort?
On the Internet you find answers. Guests write glowingly about the experience.
On tripadvisor.com TravelToLiveToday, from Chicago, USA, sums it up well, after a recent visit. TravelToLiveToday gives a fair indication of what to expect, in writing:
“Taveuni Island Resort is a dream destination.
“Extremely well thought out design by a couple who personally developed the property over many years.
“They built all the waterfront residences to exploit both views and privacy.
“Near impossible to find a design like this.
“The residences are very large. Ours had a private bedroom, a separate and huge great room along with a spa inspired bathroom.
“The fixtures are luxurious and modern to include dual sinks.
“Plenty of outlets for hair dryers, shavers, etc (not always the case in many resorts in Fiji).
“The bedroom is wonderful. Canopy bed, air conditioned, huge windows/doors if desired…. More than I can describe.
“The great room has huge doors throughout that can be opened for a huge breeze if desired.
“A stocked fridge with beer and other drinks is in each room and the prices were more than fair. Another nice feature is each residence has its own French press coffee maker.
“Not some little one cup press, but a four cup press (the owners’ overlook nothing). Fresh cream is also included with the coffee condiments.
“No pre-packed coffee here- it was so nice to enjoy premium coffee every morning sitting outside on the chase lounges.
“In closing about the residences- large, very private, luxurious and overall breathtaking.
“Dining was wonderful.
“You have the choice of eating inside, on the waterview veranda or even in a private waterfront dining room.
“Nothing is rushed, everything is relaxing and easy. Large variety of items, we spent a week and never had the same item twice nor grew tired of the food.
“TIR has a nice lounge to have a cocktail before dinner. Casual yet very classy.
“The owners’ may be in the lounge beautifully saying hello to guests before dinner. It is a very special experience.
“Do and Rick, the owners have that very special something and visiting with them is a treat.
“TIR has a saltwater infinity pool. So beautiful, overlooking the ocean. First time I ever swam in a saltwater pool and it was great.
“TIR took us out on their modern boat snorkeling. Simply wonderful.
“Modern boat, competent captain, knew the area extremely well.
“TIR also arranged a few day trips for us and they were great.
“TIR does not nickel and dime for activities (many are free) and the external ones that are not included at the resort are hosted by the best on the island and they charge no premium for this.
“If you want a destination of a lifetime find a way to stay at TIR.”
Guests from all over the world agree. Just ask those Canadians. Or the Australian wedding couple.
Or travelrite, from Denver, USA, who said on traveladvisor.com:
“Taveuni Island Resort is a truly magnificent place to stay! The rooms are immaculate, the views are incredible, and the activities are plentiful! We had the vacation of our dreams.
“The staff were incredibly warm and helpful with every request.
The food was very good, a wide variety of local dishes, traditional Fijian food, excellent fish dishes, fresh fruit every morning for breakfast!
“And always, always served with a smile!
”We loved the privacy and the stunning views from our bure. The outdoor shower is also amazing!
“And though we lucked out and had nearly perfect weather, it was nice to go into the air conditioned room after a day of hiking and swimming! ‘
“The scuba diving was world class!
“The waterfall tour was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.
“The entire experience was one that will be hard to top.
“And Taveuni Island Resort was such an amazing place to stay. We look forward to our NEXT trip!”