As a travel agent for many years, I had the fortune to stay at many different resorts in the Pacific but there was none that took my imagination and dreams into reality, like Namale Plantation.
Arriving on a small plane into Savu Savu on the island of Vanua Levu , we had already left the comparative civilization of Viti Levu , the more populated island. A short drive, bouncing over a metal road, bought us to Namale.
Bures
Rooms in resorts in Fiji are given the name of the local houses, ‘bures'. Here there were only 16 spacious, secluded rooms, set apart from each other amongst swaying coconut palms. The floors are polished local wood and wooden shutters surround the rounded bure. Everything is luxurious, from the beautiful bathroom to the canopied bed that is embellished with a tropical flower each night.
Guests can dine romantically in pairs, there are no children here. If it is dry weather, the tables are set up outside for meals during the day and at night, there is the option of dining in groups. By the time a guest has enjoyed some of the activities with others staying at the resort, they become good friends.
While we were there, we had such a great group of people with us that we were like old friends within a short time. The atmosphere was so relaxed, that one of our group who was a chef, convinced the kitchen that he could cook us a meal one evening, and he did.
Activities
The more active tossed about on a ‘banana' raft in the day or went scuba diving. I at least tried the horse ride. My husband remarked with amusement, that I reminded him of Billy Crystal in the movie, ‘City Slickers' since I nervously talked to the horse until it finally ended up going around in circles in confusion. I managed to compose myself and the horse long enough to ride to the top of a hill, through a local village, to admire the view across the turquoise sea.
Another day, we joined some of the others and took a guided trek to a waterfall. We passed some young New Zealanders training with the Fijian army. One told me of his horrendous night on this dreadful, sticky hot island as he had been nearly devoured alive by mosquitoes as he lay in his dirt trench. Somehow, his experience of Vanua Levu and mine were worlds apart.
The trek was fun and informative. Our guide pointed out local flora and how each had healing properties. When we reached the waterfall it was fresh and cool and inviting.
Simply wandering the gardens or dipping in the ocean, either at low tide or high was exhilarating. At low tide, it meant a walk out to the end of the reef, to plunge down into clear warm water to see deeper water coral and sea life. At high tide, the reef was covered and was deep enough for a snorkel to see the tiny forming fish, bright and colourful, that darted in and out of the rocks around the sandy bottomed pools.
The resort has acres of beautiful gardens and is set inside a coconut plantation. It is fascinating to wander to the working part to see how coconuts are processed and the myriad of uses the coconut can be put to. Someone will always be happy to oblige with a demonstration of cutting a coconut to give you a taste of the fresh young milk and white flesh inside. They may even climb the tree with incredible skill to show how these fruit are collected.
Rates
The rate was not cheap, and maybe if I had been able to compare with other resorts of similar price, I might change my mind about Namale taking the prize. But I doubt it. At around US$1000 per night, this is not a budget holiday. But the rate does include all food from morning to night and nearly all activities. For a top rate holiday that can't disappoint, I would highly recommend Namale Plantation.
How To Get There
Fly to Nadi on the island of Viti Levu and take a small plane from here to Savu Savu, or take the hydrofoil. It is best to spend a night in Nadi and if you have longer, there are many day trips and experiences to be enjoyed on this main island. Your travel agent will know the best way for you to get here and the rest is a true rest!
