Makaira Resort

We had the pleasure of staying at Makaira, Oct 26 to Nov 3, 2024 in the Marlin Bure. As with all resorts, there are pros and cons. What we loved: Mere's cooking and massage - she even made a gluten free vegan birthday cake that was delicious. So special. If we went out early during high tide, the staff would kindly put our breakfast in our bure so we didn't miss out on the delicious meal. There are 3 restaurants at the end of the driveway - 1 to the left and 2 to the right. The snorkeling was truly amazing - 5 minute walk down the hill across the road and straight off the beach - Roberta's coral garden was impressive and so many tropical fish. We did it daily and loved every minute of it. It was the highly of Makaira. Our bure was very quiet. The staff ALL were so happy and pleasant at all time. The large bathroom had wonderful views of nature and lots of windows. Great water pressure and safe to drink. The view is all ocean, sunsets, and trees that have amazing fragrance from the flowers. Since there is no air conditioning, take advantage of the large day bed in the shade when it is breezy. So peaceful. The two gas burners were great to cook on and we enjoyed having a large fridge. I love to walk so take advantage of the road beside the resort going up the hill for a ocean view or walk 30 minutes 1 way, pass the airport to the little corner store. There is a nice 2nd beach 15 minutes away towards the coconut farm. Cons: You will have to use taxis to get to town or exploring as the bus doesn't run often. The bure is rustic so you will have critters in your bure; however, use the coils in the room to minimize them and bring bug spray. You are in the tropics so expect a musty smell and warm nights. The bure has a slight tilt so the floors are a bit uneven. Download shows to watch on your device or books to read before you come due to the limitations of the WIFI for downloading. We should have asked the staff to drain the soaking pool a few days in as it did get pretty slimy. We stayed at 4 resorts in Fiji and this one was our 2nd highest nightly cost, with the least amenities. The toy room needs to be overhauled due to the condition of the items which is normal in the tropics due to the high humidity. Overall - this was a GREAT spot for snorkeling and just relaxing, with the best dinners by Mere as she customizes to your allergies so they are worth the $60 or $65 FJD. Very large portions.

5 - 12, August 2024 This was our first trip to Fiji. Choosing the Taveuni Island and Makaira Resort was our good fortune and serendipitous. How so? We started our trip in Suva, the capital of Fiji. My husband enjoys exploring cities with a mix of history and grit. And because it rained a lot during our short visit, it was a perfect soft landing to acclimate to a new time zone. We’d crossed the international date line and lost a day as a result. We were pooped. While in Suva we explored the Fiji Museum (price increased from 5 to 20 FJD while we were there). I wandered through the museum and discovered a video playing and a woman was talking about Taveuni Island and her passion, “coral gardening.” Her spirit resonated. I prefer making travel arrangements when I’m on the ground. Live in the moment. Free to be inspired. I would learn her name, Roberta Davis and that she owned a resort on the island. Decision made. Taveuni and the Makaira Resort would be our next destination. Makaira Resort: Bula! It’s time to adjust your mindset to “Fiji Time.” Minutes from the TVU-Matei airport. We stayed in the Ocean View Villa for 1-week. There are four private bures (cottages) perched on a hillside overlooking the ocean. The views from the property are stellar. The ocean, sunsets, abundant stars and fresh air are all there, just for you. There is a beach and inshore reefs to explore below. Snorkel gear is provided. Breakfast is included. A delicious start to your day. This is where you’ll meet fellow guests, get acquainted and interact. The dining room overlooks the sea. Dinner is offered for an additional fee. The best bananas I’ve ever eaten. Fresh fish for dinner. Mere’s kindness, beautiful smile, knowledgeable guidance and traditional Fijian massages set the tone. You will be well taken care of by everyone. We thank you Mere (Mary), Nadtha, Laisa, Maina, Naca and Neumi as well as Pio and all of those who’s names we didn’t know. Your attentive kindnesses comforted us. Thank you Roberta. It’s clear that your home is our home. The warmth was felt at every turn and we thank you. The Island: Every characteristic of Fijian scenery is found on Taveuni, lush with tropical trees and fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Island people have a special affinity with the sea. It’s the best region in Fiji for diving, snorkeling and fishing. The Rainbow Reef is filled with colorful soft coral. It’s breathtaking and rated one of the top 5 in the world. Abundant plant life and birds which includes several species found only on the island. Waterfalls, rainforests & hiking. It’s all here depending on your interests. It’s far from civilization and remains unspoiled. The combination of friendly locals and incredible beauty make Taveuni a must-see. You know how you get an idea in your head? Mine was to one day visit Fiji and stay in an overwater bungalow. The travel sites are quite seductive but is that the authentic Fiji experience? I quickly realized that the islands that

I live in Hawaii and love coming to Fiji for many reasons. The weather is perfect sun, quick showers and panoramas of indescribable beauty. The people we have met here are extremely friendly and relaxed in happy attitudes. The Bures are all strategically placed to provide for privacy and views. Simply decorated and immaculately clean. The staff magically appears for daily cleaning, linen exchanges, emptying trash, replenishing floral arrangements and so much more. Always remembering our names and genuinely asking if everything is ok, and can they do anything more. The restraunts in Fiji are not known for gourmet dining. Makaira is much better than gourmet and cannot be described any other way. Polynesian delicacies are a wonderful surprise with many meals. Fruits, vegetables, seafood are all immaculately prepared by Mere and her assistant chef Vika. All locally sourced including fish that I have caught on the charters arranged by Roberta and Mere with Makaira Sportfishing Charters. No doubt about “fresh”.lol The beaches at the end of the driveway are true South Pacific quality to enjoy. Clear water. Great snorkeling. Good enough for Prince Charles…(soon the King of England..lol) My wife and I will return again next year. Duh! Bill and Susan, Maui