Included is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Matei Pointe, Taveuni and Fiji in general:

THE TRIP OVER

Q -- How do I get to Taveuni?
A -- From the U.S. we can handle all ticket reservations for you if you like. We get wholesale tickets which can save you good money. Typical cost is about $975 to Nadi, Fiji and then about $200 to Taveuni (round-trip). Los Angeles non-stop to Nadi (pronounce Nandi) Fiji 6 times a week and takes 9.5 hrs, all at night. Once there you catch a commuter over to Taveuni which takes 1.2 hours and is one of the most beautiful flights you’ll ever take. From elsewhere check with your travel agent.

Q -- When is the best time to go to Fiji?
A -- The difference between summer and winter is about 7 degrees Fahreinheit 82-89F. The “wet” months of Fiji are January - March where there is a bit more rain though Matei is on the dry side of the island. It is more humid during this season and if there was to be a tropical storm it would probably come at this time. May, June, July and August are Fiji’s busiest as is the Christmas season.

Q -- What Airlines will get me there?
A -- Air Pacific IS non-stop from Los Angeles, CA., Aukland, Nz., Sydney, Au. Fiji Air and PacificSun Air from Nadi-Taveuni.

Q -- How do I get To Matei Pointe?
A -- Pita will meet and greet you at the airport

Big Hint -- If your plane is not full on the way over be the last person on and walk straight to the back. If there are empty rows they will be back here. Grab them and set up camp. Naturally if I’m on the plane this tip becomes void.

MATEI POINTE

Q -- How big is Matei Pointe?
A -- We have one 2.5 bedroom/2bath Villa and also two 1 bedroom houses (SomoSomo1 and 2) and a large studio, Sunset(bure). We have over 1000’ of beachfront and all four units have unobstructed views of the SomoSomo Straits. As we are on the tip of Taveuni we have the sun rising on our East beach and setting on our West beach. For larger groups we have access to neighboring villas.

Q -- Can you snorkel and swim close to Matei Pointe?
A -- Yes, Taveuni is on a very large yet shallow body of water that is relatively calm. The snorkeling is excellent as we have a live coral reef in front of us.

Q -- How close is Matei Pointe to restaurants?
A -- We are within walking distance to 4 small restaurants as well as a market. A short drive brings you to more choices even a pizza place. Nightlife consists of you, the stars, the sound of the water, laughter and a lot of sighing. Not a disco in sight.

Q -- Are there cooking facilities?
A -- Yes all of our units have stove/oven/refrigerator/ and sink. The Bures havefull kitchens. Don’t want to cook and don’t want to go to a restaurant? Talk to Dan, a professionally trained chef who is excellent and cooks wonderful local and western dishes. Also arrangements can be made with Pita for a traditional Lovo. A feast cooked in a pit over hot rocks that takes all day. Pita will also have the Kava bowl out and his 4 member “band” that plays wonderful Fijian music for a truly memorable night.

Q -- Is there full time electricity?
A -- Yes, we have 2 generators, solar and wind power. Electricity is 240v. but we have 110v. invertors for North American appliances.

Q -- How about Housekeeping?
A -- Unless other arrangements are made there is daily service as well as personal laundry service.

Q -- How about baby sitting?
A -- Pita and Lo have raised 3 of the most wonderful children you’ll ever be around and would be happy helping you take care of yours.

Q -- How about tipping?
A -- In Fiji tipping is not expected though welcome. We do have a Christmas fund box that Pita and Lo will use for the kids.

Q -- Are there bugs?
A -- You are in the tropics and there is always the chance of seeing a creepy crawler though rarely in any of the units. We do spray as needed and there are no poisonous species to worry about. We also have mosquito netting for the beds but I have yet to find any reason to use it. You might want to bring your own mosquito repellant if you are worried.

Q -- What other amenities does Matei Pointe have?
A -- 2 kayaks, Fishing Boat, volleyball, badminton, croquet, phone and laptop in the Main House, and most importantly, Pita and Lo, the most wonderful people you could every meet.

TAVEUNI

Q -- What is the diving like?
A -- Taveuni is considered one of the top dive sites in the world. Michael Cousteau has dubbed it “the soft coral capital of the world”. You will need certification to dive these reefs. Snorkeling is also wonderful around Matei. Just in front of the house is a live reef with beautiful colors. Because we are on the Straits, not the ocean, our waters a generally calm and shallow. During low tide you can walk 1000’s of yards out.

Q -- What is the fishing like?
A -- Don’t ask me as I have caught nothing in more places than most people will ever see. They say I can’t walk out of the market with a fish. Pita on the other hand will show you pictures of tuna, wahoo and other game fish he has caught. Our first guest would fly fish but he kept losing his tackle to the large fish. When it gets hot in Jan,-Feb. the fish go deep but otherwise it is considered very good fishing. We do have 2 new Penn Reels and rods for your use and Pita can always take you on his boat for a day of trolling and island hopping.

Q -- How big is the island?
A -- Taveuni, the 3rd largest island of Fiji, is 33 miles by 7 miles and rises to 4000’ high. There are about 8,000 inhabitants, mostly living in independent villages. Most people in Taveuni make their own electricity with generators, solar and wind power and the voltage is 240v. The water is of good pressure and considered safe to drink.

Q -- Are there stores on Taveuni?
A -- Yes, there is a general store/market within walking distance and 2 “supermarkets” in SomoSomo 10 miles away. There is also a hardware, appliance, department and clothing store in town. A bank, without an ATM, a bakery and various restaurants round out the commerce. No one takes credit cards on the island. Get your cash in Nadi

Q -- Can I get alcohol in town?
A -- Yes, SomoSomo has a decent selection of Australian wines, very good FIJI beer and a very poor selection of over priced spirits. Best place to buy spirits is at the duty free shop when you get off the plane in Nadi.

Q -- Do I need a car on Taveuni?
A -- No, the taxis are readily available, much more fun and a lot cheaper. Your driver will gladly stay with the car as you hike, eat or whatever.

Q -- Can we get married in Fiji?
A -- Yes, whether it is a full Fijian wedding complete with music, dancing and a traditional “Lovo” or just a minister on the beach, Fiji is perfect for weddings and honeymoons. We can provide everything from Legal to music and food.

Q -- What should I pack?
A -- Keep it light. Maybe a wind-breaker with a hood for the occasional tropical rain but otherwise shorts and cotton tops. Modest dress should be worn in the villages. Women might want to bring a long skirt or wrap-around when visiting the village. We do have laundry facilities at the house.

Q -- How much money do I need?
A -- What you spend on airfare you’ll save everywhere else. It is hard to find an entrée at a restaurant for $14 U.S., food at the market is generally less than you’re used to and taxis are a bargain. There are very few souveniers to buy and except for diving little to spend much on. Remember, no ATM’s on the island, few places take credit cards and the best place to exchange money is the Nadi airport.