Matava Resort in Fiji survives Cyclone

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Matava is fully operational after Cyclone MICK
Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort is 100% fully open
after the cyclone passed on Monday 14th December 2009

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 17 December 2009 – On Monday 14th December 2009 Fiji was hit by a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone, TC Mick. The cyclone passed straight over the main island and just to the East of Kadavu Island.

Although the resort experienced high winds and heavy rain, no damage was done to the resort at all, apart from the loss of some thatch from the corner of the roof of the dive centre.

The guests and staff spent the whole day playing cards, board games and reading books safely in the Main Bure while Maggie served breakfast, lunch and dinner as normal. Richard at the resort has said that the biggest thing he is upset about is that most of the mangoes came down out the big mango tree! No mango jam this year!

By Tuesday 15th December we were once again fishing, diving and trekking as normal, in glorious sunshine albeit with a stiff breeze!

The cyclone passed quickly and was over in less than a day, however Kadavu Island, like the main island, did experiences high winds. Kadavu’s main Telecom Fiji tower in Vunisea sustained damage and at the moment, all communication (including mobile services) are down on Kadavu.

Unfortunately this means that we are currently unable to communicate directly with our reservations system at the resort. A communications issue such as this would normally be repaired quickly however with the other wind damage to many systems on the main island, it may be a few days before normal communications with the resort is re-established. Please bear with us.

Furthermore, Airports Fiji Ltd was also engaged in an upgrade to Kadavu Airport last week. Although no interruptions to services were expected, the works (now delayed by the cyclone) have now caused short term interruptions to flight services. All flights to and from Kadavu from Nadi International Airport and Suva Airport are currently suspended and we have been advised that the airport will re-open on the 18th December 2009.

We appreciate your patience in these matters, and rest assured that we are all fine and 100% fully operational at Matava – Fiji’s premier Eco Adventure Resort.

May we take this opportunity to wish you and your family all the best for this festive season

Richard, Adrian, Jeanie & The Team @ Matava

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views. For more information about Matava: Matava

Annual census of the 27 bird populations native to the Dominican Republic

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For the holiday season, we have just announced a new ‘voluntourism’ package – the ultimate eco-chic getaway. Guests of Tortuga Bay and The Puntacana Hotel will be able to participate in the annual census of the 27 bird populations native to the Dominican Republic – staying in beautiful luxury but also helping us take care of the islands beautiful flora and fauna. This count is crucial, as it helps monitor and protect the health of the island’s birdlife and the package was created as so many of our guests asked what they could do to help preserve the beauty of the local area. Puntacana Resort & Club was founded on the principals of sustainable tourism back in 1969 so this is the latest way in which we are extending this principal to our guests

To find out about this package, please go to: www.puntacana.com

Chaa Creek, One of the Best Environmentally Friendly Hotels in the World

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Cayo District, Belize, November 27th 2009 – The Lodge at Chaa Creek has been selected as one of the best environmentally friendly hotels in the world by CNN Traveler Magazine. According to the CNN press release, Chaa Creek was listed 2nd amongst 6 other internationally recognized hotels.

The preferred environmentally friendly hotels were located in Kenya, Australia, Philippines, Ecuador, Switzerland and of course Belize. The Lodge at Chaa Creek was the only Central American hotel to be included in this distinguished directory.

CNN Traveler is published in two editions, one for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA edition) and the other for Asia Pacific (AP edition) to ensure greater relevance to readers.

The Magazine has a readership of approximately 308,000 per issue and has received many accolades for its award-winning writing and world renowned photography.

Belize’s first Green Globe certified resort, the Lodge at Chaa Creek caters to eco-adventure families , friends & honeymooners and hosts an internationally recognized Natural History Museum, Butterfly Farm, Rainforest Medicine Trail and full service spa.

The lodge’s 365 acre private reserve also accommodates the Macal River Camp and provides miles of trails for walking, birding, mountain biking, horseback riding, a fleet of canoes, and a new eco-friendly swimming pool. The on-site organic farm supplies farm fresh food daily for delicious regional fare while elegant accommodations create an ambiance of peace and serenity.

Staffed by 130 professional individuals and with only 23 distinctive spaces, this romantic little lodge blessed with understated Belizean charm and a spectacular jungle setting guarantees a unique and truly intimate experience.

Reef and Rainforest combination packages are also offered with Chaa Creek’s Caribbean partners.

For more information about The Lodge at Chaa Creek, toll free USA 877-709-8708, UK 0-207-096-0329, Belize 501-824-2037 reservations[at]chaacreek.com or visit the web site: The Lodge at Chaa Creek.