“For the first time in my life I was able to switch off” – review from my fiance!

This trip was so special for us and everything was perfect! We went to Matamanoa as a combination of completing our renovations and for a baby moon…it also turned into a proposal as well! Of course I said yes!

Completely suitable for a 7 and a half month pregnant visitor. We visited in January and were lucky with perfect weather. We didn’t find it too hot or humid (though we do come from north Queendland, so maybe cooler regions may find it humid). When arriving, a boat will drop you on the beach, so wear footwear suitable for a wet landing, but the staff will help and were great with my limited mobility.

The island is just beautiful and the resort was very clean, as were the rooms. The staff did everything possible to make our stay memorable. It is just the most perfect place on earth to switch off, and with daily snorkelling right outside your bure it is so easy to relax. There were daily activities available which we didn’t end up doing but don’t let the island’s size put you off staying as there is always plenty to do…including nothing sometimes! The beach is perfect – exactly what you see on the Fiji postcards.

And the room was great – very clean, great shower and facilities, air con worked well and with our own private plunge pool and sun deck it was just paradise. Of course, with tourism taking a back seat over the last few years, the island didn’t have visitors and there are definitely signs that it was closed for a while, but the staff are doing a great job bringing everything back to life and it certainly didn’t disrupt our visit in any way! I had seen reviews about wifi only available in the rooms at an added cost – this is not a problem if you are looking for somewhere to switch off anyway! We certainly loved the disconnect and didn’t need the wifi. It is available in the main area if needed so no problem at all for us.

The dining room is open for each meal and changes daily. Some days the selection suited and others not as much, but there was always something great and the staff really do try to cater to any request. Highly recommend the tuna sandwich for lunch, lightly toasted – so fresh and perfect after a swim! Remembering that the purpose of our trip was to switch off and spend some time together before our new arrival, so we were not fussed about the food and were really happy, although other reviews had said they weren’t as pleased with the limited selection and changing menu. Honestly it was no problem and I think it was perfectly fine. If I were looking for a gastronomic experience I wouldn’t go to a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean where supplies are dependent on seasonal deliveries via boats!

I recommend taking two sets of bathers (togs/swimmers). They dry real quick between use but you will want to swim a couple of times a day or relax in the plunge pool in an afternoon. We also took our own snorkelling gear just for the convenience of not needing to borrow sets each time.

I would love to stay again, though unfortunately we no longer fall into the “child-free” demographic of tourists. So sadly for some time we cannot head back, but look forward to an anniversary in years to come when we can visit again! In the meantime, please enjoy this little piece of paradise and soak up every second of relaxation in a really beautiful place on earth!