We left our hearts in...Tavarua.
- nicole madison
- Jan 27, 2018
- 4 min read
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Tavarua, Fiji. It's not an easy journey - a 10-hour plus flight from LAX to the capital of Nadi. Then there are a few hours spent at a holding hotel before the hour or so bus ride partly down a dirt track. But by this point, the anticipation is growing and when you reach the shore, the pangas are waiting to bring you and your fellow island mates to the tiny heart-shaped island. Sometimes the skies are blue and the seas are calm. Other times, not so much. But upon your approach, the Fijian people are singing their welcoming melody and you’re home. At least for one week.
Tavarua is a surf destination known for its world-famous Cloudbreak – the legendary big wave that challenges the most experienced surfers. My husband isn't a professional surfer, but surfing is his passion, and for one week out of the year, he gets to indulge it. Lucky for us, we get to go, too. That’s also the case for most of the other families who go, although the kids are quickly joining in on the action. There are many other waves to ride - even for the youngest beginner. But I will speak for myself when I say I’m just happy to not be at the grocery store thinking about the next meal I have to cook.
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Tavarua Resort has a total of 16 bures or bungalows, all furnished simply with native materials and no tvs. Our family of five fits in one comfortably and we share the one bathroom with one sink and one shower. We eat communally with other families, some couples and a few singles in the same open-air dining room for each meal. Our kids rarely shower. Or get out of their swimsuits. The surfers amongst us usually end up with some nasty reef cuts, bruised ribs or worse. And unanimously, it’s hands-down our favorite vacation. We will be returning this summer for the fourth time with the same families. Our Tavi family.
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Although this is a place that caters to surfers, what I love about it is the unbound freedom my children get to experience on an island with no cars and no strangers. My 15 year-old can stay out until midnight because there is no where to go! My 13 year old can roam the resort with the squadron of kids. My 9 year old can collect hermit crabs, get ice creams from the gift shop and ride Kiddieland while us parents watch from the deck. And the best part is they aren't on their phones! Yes, there is wi-fi, but they are so busy outside being kids that they don't even seem to miss their games and social media.
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
What do you do all day on a tiny island if you don’t surf? The days go by surprisingly quick, and you settle into a routine of sorts. The surfers get up at 5 AM each morning to stretch, eat and get ready for the morning surf session. It's also my favorite time to enjoy a cup of coffee while trying to capture the morning sunrise.
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
I will then work out (no excuses as I have ALL day to do nothing) and walk the island a couple times (so that I don't feel guilty about enjoying the bounty of delicious food at each meal). The rest of the island starts to wake and kids straggle in for a bowl of cereal before breakfast is served - always fresh, hot and hearty. The surfers return, and Tavarua is alive with people finding their happy places - whether it's on a paddle board, on a deep-sea fishing adventure or enjoying a phychological thriller under an umbrella. Before you know it, it's lunch and more surfing or more relaxing ensues (with the addition of a few Fijian beers).
Everyone’s day looks a little different, but each person wears the same blissful expression. By 5pm you can find us at the Kula bar where the Vonus are flowing and the pupus are being passed.
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Before you know it, the conch is blown and it's dinner. Every night is a feast with enough variety whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, whole-30, paleo, whatever!
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the people who are sharing their home, their culture and their happiness with us. Although the resort is owned and operated by two American partners, it is the Fijian people who work at the resort who complete the Tavi family picture. Tavarua was an uninhabited island back in the 1980s when Dave Clark, its founder, first surfed Cloudbreak. And with that the dream was born to develop Tavarua into a surf camp. A deal was made with the Fijian family who owned the island, and a legacy was ignited with Chief Druku becoming the welcoming ambassador for the island for over 30 years. Chief Druku, who sadly passed away in 2015 at the age of 63, was one of the very first Fijians to surf.
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
This July we will return for our fourth trip to Tavarua. The kids have grown taller, the adults wiser and our hearts more full with the memories we take home each trip.
Photo courtesy of Scott Winer
All opinions expressed are those of the writer and not anyone else. The writer was not compensated in any way by this company for this review. All photos are property of the writer unless otherwise cited. These photos may not be reproduced or used elsewhere without permission.
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