Suva, Fiji, February 23, 2016. Cyclone Winston made landfall in Fiji on Saturday, February 20, after being declared a category 5 system. The winds experienced in the north of Fiji, including the Lau Group, Taveuni, Vanua Levu, and Koro Island, were in excess of 300 kmph. This is the first time a cyclone of this magnitude has come through Fiji; it has since been confirmed as the second strongest cyclone in the world in recorded history.
Vatuvara Private Islands is located in the Northern Lau Group. We were in the direct path of the cyclone.
We are thankful there was no loss of life on the resort, nor on our islands of Kanacea and Adavaci, where our secondary organic farm is situated. The resort villas did not sustain any structural damage, however our gardens and grounds bore the brunt of the cyclone’s ferocity.
The immediate focus is the clearing of the debris, mainly broken branches and fallen trees, and rejuvenating our gardens and grounds to full capacity.
Our neighboring island of Yacata, with whom we share a lagoon, is the village were the majority of our staff reside. Yacata Village was inundated with sea surges, in addition to the ferocious winds, and sustained severe damage to homes and property. Thankfully, there were no deaths and only minor injuries were sustained.
Vatuvara Private Islands evacuated over 30 people, mainly women, children, and the injured, on Monday, February 22, and have continued to provide supplies and transport on our plane and barge, for relief supplies, so that our staff and their families can begin rebuilding their homes and lives.
Vatuvara Private Islands is pleased to extend our Opening Special Rate to the end of December 2016. This rate was originally valid until March 31, 2016.
We are a resilient and extremely hospitable people and look forward to welcoming guests and sharing our Fiji with them. Your visit helps us rebuild communities.
AVAILABILITY
June 15–December 31, 2016. Enquiries can be directed to Krystel at Vatuvara.
RATES
Villa Delana: US $4,895 plus taxes
Villa Vatu: US $3,550 plus taxes
Villa Saku: US $3,480 plus taxes
Island Buyout: US $15,000 plus taxes
DETAILS
There are a total of four villas available during Island Buyout only.
Rates quoted are per villa, per night. Minimum stay of 3 nights.
Rates quoted are subject to 25% Fiji Government Taxes.
Vatuvara Private Islands comprises Kaibu and Vatuvara Islands and is located in the remote Northern Lau group of Fiji. Vatuvara Private Islands is only accessible by the resort’s private airplane.
Vatuvara Private Islands offers all-inclusive bespoke itineraries and is available for whole island occupancy or as one of the three villas.
Developed and managed by Rob and Lynda Miller, who each have over 30 years’ experience in the Fiji tourism industry, Vatuvara Private Islands offer clients authentic Fiji experiences delivered with impeccable discreet service.