Natadola Beach, Fiji
Mar 24 - 26, 2001
More Photos
|
|
Our Travel Experience
We agree with Lonely Planet - Natadola Beach is a good beach! We were also
very happy with the only accommodation choice available: The Natadola Beach
Resort, a small 10 room hotel. If one day this beach is developed into
"the Waikiki of Fiji" it will be fun to say that we watched sunsets here
when it was only the two of us on the beach!
Sunset
watching is one of our favorite pastimes when we're at a tropical destination
and the sunsets were beautiful two out of the three nights we were on Natadola
Beach. The first night was neat since there was a storm off in the distance
over the ocean and we could see lightening in the dark clouds. However,
where we were, there was no rain and we enjoyed the far off storm as part
of the scenery while standing in the water. Waves were lapping up against
our legs and occasionally a big wave would come along and soak our shorts.
It was fun.
 The
second night didn't make for a good sunset since it was raining. The third
night was a bit rainy, but the rain didn't detract from another beautifully
colored sunset as the sun set straight out over the ocean. The colors in
these sunsets were so magnificent that the ocean water reflected an array
of different colors as the sun set. We were very sad when we had to leave
at 6:30pm because our ride to the airport was awaiting. Seth kept taking
photos. Even as we were pulling away from the beach, he asked the driver
to stop because he got out and took a final photo. It was especially beautiful
since we realized it would be our last tropical sunset for a while. |
 We
also very much enjoyed the swimming pool at the Natadola Beach Resort.
Seth actually unexpectedly got to enjoy the pool one morning after breakfast.
He should know better than to go close to the edge and lean out over the
pool. Seth was looking to see if a frog was sitting in the same spot as
the day before when Tara pushed him in. Just to be a sport, she then jumped
in after him. We also chose to go swimming many times since it was just
so peaceful and nice to the be only ones out in the hotel yard. We liked
the design of the pool. The rock steps leading down into it and the arched
bridge arching over it really appealed to us. We took lots of photos so
that one day if we have our own pool, we can remember some of the features
we liked about this pool. |
 |
 |
 |
 Another
aspect of Natadola Beach Resort that we enjoyed was the abundance of wildlife.
We spotted a shy mongoose periodically darting in and out of the vegetation.
We came to expect that geckos and frogs would join us for dinner. We opened
our door one morning to find a snail clinging to the outside. We hunted
for a big green lizard who lived in a particular tree. We never spotted
the big green lizard, but we saw at least six smaller green lizards. Tara
was also surprised one morning when she handed Seth a bath towel and a
small skink jumped onto to her head. Seth rushed to get the camera and
was able to just snap a picture as the skink was running down Tara's leg.
We are happy to report that Natadola Beach in Fiji is home to approximately
1,000,000,000 less mosquitos than Fafa
Island in Tonga. So, even though we did get a few mosquito bites, it
was nothing compared to Fafa. |
|
Finally,
we just felt comfortable staying in our room and relaxing. The room was
large, nicely decorated with local coconut furnishings, and more luxurious
than any place since Waikiki. We had a little enclosed garden in the middle
of the room, a large sitting area, a king sized bed and an outdoor enclosed
patio. Especially the second day, we were happy to stay in our room. The
weather was rainy and Tara had a headache. Thus, we took turns reading,
playing on the computer and napping throughout the day. It was a very enjoyable
day.
Our most adventurous undertaking was to go snorkeling for an hour. The
reef was OK. Seth actually had the keenest eyes and spotted a big green
clam and a really, really kool looking lion fish ducked back within the
coral. The best part about going snorkeling was that "King Joe" accompanied
us.
Joe
lived in the nearby village and worked in the resort. We'd been saying
hi to him our whole stay and really liked how everyone at the resort introduced
themselves to us when we first met them. Joe came along snorkeling with
us to show us where the reef was. We would never have found it without
his help. Joe's friends from his village who were fishing also had fun
with us "teaching" Seth phrases in Fijian. Tara was sure that Seth was
NOT getting the correct translations based upon how everyone would laugh
and laugh after Seth spoke. We also were treated to a fun authentic historical
re-enactment of the discovery of King Joe's island. As we approached land,
Joe ran up the beach away from us, dropped to the sand and rolled around.
When we walked up to him, he greeted us and started pantomiming how this
was his island and we were the first visitors! He had "royal" goats, royal
coconuts and royal shells on his island. Tara especially liked the royal
shells and collected many of them.
 We
would recommend Natadola Beach Resort to anyone who wants a do-nothing,
get-away-from-it-all vacation! With an internet connection even in the
resort office!
www.natadola.com |
| Category |
Rating |
Comments |
| Overall Experience |
|
|
| Ease of Journey |
|
|
| Accommodation |
|
Natadola Beach Resort was a good pick! |
| Activities |
|
|
| Coolness |
|
|
Tourist Info
Natadola Beach Resort, Natadola Beach, Fiji
http://www.natadola.com
F$220 per night including continental breakfast
F$50 each way for a car transfer between the airport and the resort
- you do drive on an unpaved road for 30 minutes. The ride is rough, but
exciting as well - especially when you cross the one wide wooden bridge
on either side of the railway line!
