Solar Powered Resort in Fiji: Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort

Solar Panels power Matava Fiji's Premier Eco-Resort

I am just home from an amazing week in Fiji!  Tourism Fiji asked me and several other bloggers to travel to the islands to stay in and experience some of the greenest hotels and resorts that the nation has to offer!

My trip began with 2 nights at Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort.  The resort is located on Kadavu, which is a 45 minute plane ride from Nadi International Airport – plus a 1-hour boat ride.  Although relatively large in size, Kadavu is wild and somewhat primitive; its a place you can experience the “real Fiji.”

Matava is 100% off-grid, with electricity primarily coming from solar panels installed on the roof and ground-mounted at the property.  One of its owners, Adrian Weeks, explained to me that, even with periods of clouds and rain, the solar panels usually provide all the power needed for the resort.  After about 4 days of rain (like we had when I arrived), Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort will need to run a diesel generator for only about 1 hour to fully recharge the system’s batteries.

One of the Solar Panels at Matava Fiji's Premier Eco-Resort

Solar power is very important to this island in the Republic of Fiji.  Kadavu is largely undeveloped from an infrastructure standpoint.  Although numerous Fijian villages support three high schools, there is not a unified road system across the islands.  Transportation is mostly by foot and by boat.  In fact, to get to Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort, you need to take a 1-hour fishing boat ride from a location near the airport.

Most of the islands’ population live in villages that are completely self-sustained.  They grow, harvest and fish their own food, handwash and hang clothing to dry, and generally support each other in raising children and household duties.  Lighting is either by kerosene lamps or solar powered lights.

And the Fijians are extremely happy!

Matava Fiji's Premier Eco Resort

At Matava, you can focus more on your vacation and less on the “rest of the world,” if you will.  No wireless and limited cell service means you need to simply un-plug and enjoy the surrounding beauty and activities.

The solar powered resort has simple, yet clean burés for your enjoyment.  Queen-sized beds in the main room are flanked by 2 side tables, an open closet and a sitting area.  In the bathroom, natural light streams in through ample sky lights.  There are no electrical outlets – so forget about hairdryers or shavers!  In fact, electrical lighting is very limited; you will probably just use kerosene lamps after your community dinner to head back to your room.

Have a computer, camera or cell phone that needs re-charging?  The main lodge includes electrical outlets fed with solar power from the resort’s solar panels.  Wireless service – not so much!

But what is a vacation about anyway?

For more information on Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort, see their website, or become a fan on Facebook.

Tags: green travel, kadavu fiji, matava fiji premier eco resort, off-grid resort, Solar Panels, solar power, solar power fiji, solar powered resort, tourism fiji