Toberua Island Fiji Islands

TOBERUA ISLAND-RESORT FOR TOTAL RELAXATION IN THE FIJI ISLANDS
Story & Photos by Cynthia Scarborough

Between the Pacific Ocean and the Koro Sea lie the 300+ islands and islets of the Fijian archipelago.
Only about one third of the islands are inhabited. Two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu contain
most of the population. Off the east coast of Viti Levu is a small private resort called Toberua (say
Tom-be-rua) Island .

This tiny little island is only 4 acres in size when the tide is high. When the tide goes out, the island
grows to about 15± acres. Toberua Island is devoted to being a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. It
is a place to slow down and unwind. The mood is casual, laid back.

Accommodations for visitors consist of 15 individual bures (bur-rays). With thatched roofs, ceiling fans
(no air-conditioning), and unscreened windows, they are very rustic looking. Trade winds in the late
afternoon and evening help to cool the interiors of the bures. Beds are typically one double plus two
singles. There are ensuite bathrooms which are quite large and have access from the back porch as
well as the interior of the bures. Rooms are cleaned each day and flowers (usually hibiscus or
frangipani) are placed on the bed covers.

Activities include sightseeing at a typical Fijian village, bird-watching, snorkeling, diving, swimming in
the pool, sunbathing, fishing, darts, shooting pool and reading. A schedule is placed in each bure daily
detailing what scheduled activities are available. An on-site dive shop with a PADI certified instructor
can arrange (at a charge) lessons, diving or fishing excursions as well as provide ideas for other water
related activities.

You can work up quite an appetite if you elect to kayak, sail or fish. The kitchen staff provides meals
that are quite delicious and beautifully presented. Breakfast is generally buffet-style. Lunch and
dinner are 3-4 course meals. A staff member comes around each day with a menu for you to select
from. The chefs are willing to prepare special meals for vegetarians and others with dietary
restrictions. There is a full bar which is open every day from 8AM.

Although there are fax services, email and telephone service available at the office, there are no
televisions, radios or telephones in the guest bures. Some people may not enjoy being so isolated.
That would especially hold true for people who are electronically dependent or who have mall-hopping
teenagers. They will probably be bored to tears in such an atmosphere. Everything is low key. Leave
your work at home, on Toberua the idea is relaxation.

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The guests on Toberua Island tend to be an eclectic group. The island is a popular destination for many people
including retirees, families, business people, those on their honeymoons and even those planning to marry on the
island. Many of the visitors come from neighboring Suva , Australia , New Zealand and Japan . Still others come
from as far away as Europe and the USA . Conversations tend to be light-hearted and engaging. Gathering
around the bar and restaurant at night to regale the other guests with your activities is usually the highlight of the
day. If you're into an active nightlife, then this may not be the place for you. For everyone who would like to get
away from a rushed lifestyle it's the perfect setting.

Getting There:
There are a number of airlines that provide regularly scheduled service to Nadi (Nandy) Fiji . These include:

Air Pacific                    http://airpacific.com
Air New Zealand          http://airnz.com
Qantas                         http://qantas.com

From Nadi, you need to go to Suva , Fiji . You can fly to Suva ( Nausori Airport ) on Air Fiji or Fiji Sun or alternatively
take a taxi, rent a car or hop a bus. I recommend the flight. It only takes about half an hour. From Nausori Airport
a taxi will take you to Nufolo Landing in about 15 minutes. From the Landing, a waiting boat will take you to
Toberua Island Resort. It's approximately 30 minutes from the Landing.

Arrangements can be made directly through the resort by phoning: 679-3472-777 or fax: 679-3472-888. They can
be contacted at either toberua@connect.com.fj or http://www.toberua.com/. For visitors from the USA ) use
toberuaresort@yahoo.com or call toll free 1 866 593 9266.

Special notes: this is a tropical island. It is not uncommon for ants or gnats to be noticeable. You might want to
carry some bug repellent. Another item of note is that banded sea snakes, also known as kraits, sometimes make
their way along the sand and waters of the island. They are quite beautiful with their black and white scales.
However, if you are afraid of reptiles, you might be apprehensive about staying on the island. The snakes don't
pose any danger, but it can be disconcerting when one makes its way into the restaurant at night. Bring a little
torch or small LED light with you to light the way.

The resort is not really set up for disabled travelers. Pathways are sand and there are no ramps to the bures, thus
making it difficult to navigate if you are wheelchair bound.

All of the bures have hair dryers available. Also, coffee makers, tea-making supplies and a small refrigerator are in
all units. Laundry can be cleaned or ironed by staff members for a charge.

Additional Services: For people with small children, the island offers (at a charge) babysitting services or nannies.
They are usually available from 8AM until early evening.

Best Time to Visit: The winter season which is less humid and hot is from May-November. Summer, which is the
low season, ranges between December and April. It is hotter and wetter at this time but usually that's when you
will find better deals.

Cynthia Scarborough's Bio:
I'm a native Floridian with saltwater in my veins and sand in my sandals. When I travel, I prefer to explore coastal
regions. I have been privileged to journey to Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other parts of Oceania as well
as Europe and throughout North America. My octogenarian mother has accompanied me on several ventures which
has given me a new appreciation for patience, planning and perseverance.