Taveuni The Modern Day Utopia
Umaid Akhtar, is a Graduate from University of the South Pacific, a Fijianised Pakistani. Avid fan of anything sports related. Jack of all trades. He recently visited Taveuni Island with his family.
There’s a magically intoxicating island located not too far from the eastern coast of Vanua Levu.
Surrounded by clear, luminescent waters and blanketed with lush, luxurious marvels of nature. The Garden Island of Fiji, Taveuni, is a modern day utopia that serves as a reminder of the unparalleled beauty of this country. Energised by the “Love our Locals” campaign, this writer decided to use our current situation as an opportunity to explore the various landmark locations scattered across the vibrant Island nation of Fiji. This time around the destination was Taveuni.
When asked to describe what this precious Island is like, certain key phrases seem to reappear.
“It is such a beautiful place”, “I am so jealous that you’re going”, “My goodness, Taveuni is marvellous”.
These words are just a fraction of the superlatives that seem to be associated with the island.
So with such high expectations, it wasn’t unfair to say that the bar was set almost impossibly high. “How can one place attract such dashing reviews?”
Upon reflection, there are two clear aspects of Taveuni that stick out; hospitality and simplicity. Speaking first on hospitality, this aspect of the island was clear right upon arrival.
Tricked into thinking by the van driver to prepare for a 45 minute drive, it was a welcome surprise when two minutes later we were driving into the majestic resort known as the “Taveuni Palms”. Greeted so pleasantly by the owners Barry and his wife Coleen, this piece if paradise and its tranquil nature would leave any visitor in awe.
It was here, through the service of the workers that one can really experience the Fijian touch in hospitality.
Take for example Sia and Veronica, who attended to every need, ensuring that no request was too frivolous.
Through the warm and nurturing nature of these two very nice ladies, one did not feel like they were on vacation but rather, enjoying a carefree retreat in a home away from home.
Still can taste the local fish / chicken Tacos and eyes are wondering where is that nice dining table set for four course mouthwatering dinner.
And then there was Duncan, the always smiling and bubbly tour guide. His infectious personality and gentle demeanour made him feel like more of a cousin brother rather than an ordinary tour guide. This brings us to the second aspect of Taveuni, its simplicity. More specifically the beauty in its simplicity. In a world that infested with technology, social media and gadgets, it is a welcome
reprieve from the headaches of the modern world to witness an island with such stunning natural landmarks.
Another great example would be the astounding Tavoro Waterfalls located in the dense Bouma Natural Heritage Park.
A simple 10-minute walk led to the most pristine sight on perhaps the whole island.
Right in the middle of the jungle hid an Atlantis–blue waterfall, it was gushing over the rocks and at its widest point it was surging and plunging down the mountain. There was a beautiful serenity pool at the bottom which was veneer clear, the waterfall flowed as smoothly as syrup and when entering the water, its chilling welcome left you blissfully refreshed.
As if such sights were not enough of a marvel already, the beautiful Island of Taveuni offers the most vibrant corals and reefs.
A diver’s paradise and home to schools of unique fish and scintillating ocean fauna.
It is this exact serenity that so clearly highlights the simple delights available in Fiji if only you choose to explore it.
However, ultimately, the experience was dazzling purely down to the gracious hospitality of those
who welcome the guests onto this glorious island.
It is appropriate that when “loving our locals”, we focus on exactly that, our locals.
For it was their kindness sense of vibrancy that made expedition such a unique one.
It is a shame that during this current climate Fiji is unable to share its wonders with the world, yet how lucky are we that all we need for an adventure of a lifetime is located only a short plane ride, boat trip or stone throw’s away.
May God keep us all safe and God bless Fiji…… and this