Lindsey

Thank you to those who have answered my posts. I am now perplexed as to the categorizations of resorts I read in <BR>brochures. I have looked at Castaway as one option due to a reasonable package deal I found. It is listed as 'deluxe' as opposed to Matagi which is rated as a 'standard ', yet all postings seem to suggest this order <BR>should be reversed. Are you familiar with any of the Mid -range resorts such as Tokoriki, Nataisi, Mana, Plantation... I am really looking to compare these with Matagi. We enjoy snorkelling, nice accomodation/good <BR>food, and a few beach activities. As I am Canadian, I am struggling to find <BR>the best bargain for our poor dollar! <BR>Any further information you could offer would be very helpful. <BR>Thank you, <BR>L.Crozier <BR>

Louis

No matter where you go in Fiji you get fair value for your Canadian dollar. Pick the place that fits your budget; that comes the closest of offering what you enjoy. While we have only cruised through the Mananucas where places such as the Castaway and Tokoriki are located, they appear to be nice sandy volcanic islands. The food is good throughout Fiji. This is the drier side of Fiji with less vegetation and rain compare the the northern area and the other side of Viti Levu. The resorts like Tokoriki are somewhat different than places like Matagi. The are larger and cater more to group travel from tour companies. Places like Namale, Matagi, Turtle Island etc., are much smaller, tend more to be all inclusive since they can only handle 12 to 24 people. Thus they are more intimate. Also they have much less typical resort type activities such as volleyball, tennis, paddle boats, glass bottom boats, lessons in weaving etc. if any. Matagi specialized in guests that are interested in diving, or who are there for very personal special occasions. Also the resorts in the Mananucas tend to be less all inclusive. Make certain that you count the cost of transportation to them, meals/beverages and VAT in your cost comparisons. Diving is better than snorkeling in Fiji. The best snorkeling is off of the Phillipines I have been told by others who have been there. I have not found anyplace compared to 45 years ago. Our interests tend to very small places that might have some snorkeling in warm waters with a maximum isolation from people, so we would not select a place like Tokoriki because they are too large with perhaps 50 or more people there and they have too much typical resort type activities. We don't want to snorkel with boats around. We want the peace and quiet of nature. That you can find at Matagi with chickens running around at your doorstep. Also it nice to put your dirty clothes in a basket and have them come back clean the next day. I see you have chosen the Fiji spelling for the island.

Louis

I forgot to mention, before you spend too much time worrying about places like Matagi, call the representative listed on their web site and see if space is available. Due to their small size they tend to be fully booked all of the time. <BR>Their site is http://www.MatangiIsland.com

thomas stilinovich

matagi has better snorkelling, castaway a better beach, matagi good quality accom, castaway nice 'sand under your feet' bures, matagi good food, castaway very good food, matagi intimate and friendly, castaway slightly bigger but no less friendly. <BR>it's a tough call and depends on which areas get highest priority. <BR>If I remember correctly though matagi has a variety of accom so maybe that where it was listed as 'standard' because I know it goes up to deluxe treehouse rooms. <BR>try www.bulafiji.com for another view on it. <BR>ps the other islands you mentioned don't begin to compare.

Lindsey

I am very happy to announce I have finally booked! 4 days at the newly refurbished Malolo which has been getting very good reviews lately and 4 at Castaway. I tried Matagi and they were full for beg. of August. I am a little concerned about accomodation at Castaway as I could only get the 'island'bure. I remember someone saying don't get a certain bure because of the fishermen docking nearby. Anybody know what number not to get? <BR>Thank you for the excellent information to date.