Taveuni was our 3rd and last stop on our honeymoon in Fiji after the Yasawas and Denarau. Unfortunately we must be one of the few who did not have the best experience.

I got an email from Ronna the week before our wedding that my final balance had not been paid in full and we would not have accomodations when we got there. I sent her a copy of the cancelled check from my bank's website and she backed down. However, she asked about it AGAIN when we arrived. We had paid everything months in advance - make sure you have evidence of such with you if you go here.

Coconut Grove is a nice place with pretty landscaping, but other than the small beach, there is not much to do on site. You can kayak out about 20 minutes to snorkel, and the snorkelling is very good (lots of fish and coral). But beware of low tide - we tried swimming and got stuck in a mucky seaweedy mess. We went to the 180 meridian, did the Lavena Coast Walk, and Bouma Falls to fill up the days. They were all worth doing. Take the bus - it is cheap ($3 USD or so). Taxi ride back from Lavena is $45 FJD (the bus doesn't run that late).

We came home from the Lavena Coastal walk (a full day of kayaking and hiking) only to find there was no water in our shower. Apparently a water main had broken and the backup didn't work in our bure. We were really displeased and offered a "what can I tell you" and a bucket of water! Luckily the water came back on within a few hours. But the morning we left, we also ran out of hot water while showering. We would be more forgiving of the issues with water if we were paying $30 a night for backpacker accomodations, but we were payiing $200 a night. This had an impact on our overall impression of the resort and our enjoyment.

This place is rustic - if you want modern with reliable water, stay on Denarau. We woke up with bug bites every morning. There was not an in-room safe. They do have an in-room fridge with beer and water (but no bottle opener!)

The bures are very close to each other and to the main building where the restaurant is located. Not an ideal setting for honeymooners!

The food was always great and the staff was friendly and nice, especially Serah. Even the landscapers were nice and talked with us. We enjoyed all our meals (had the meal plan). Pass on the steak though.

We had a rough start to our trip home to the USA - the Pacific Sun gate agent at the Taveuni airstrip screamed at us that we were late (at 3:30 for a 4pm flight), and then told us our bags wouldn't be going on the plane b/c it was already too heavy! The plane took off at 3:40pm (20 minutes EARLY!). Luckily our bags showed up in Nadi on the next Air Fiji flight and made our connection to LAX.

On our honeymoon to New Zealand, the least expensive flight stopped over in Fiji, so we decided to add on a few days before hitting the Southern winter. After an extensive search of where to stay and what to do in Fiji we found Coconut Grove and our Fiji stopover turned into a separate vacation in paradise. Firstly, the people on Taveuni and at the resort are absolutely wonderful. Everyone was as friendly and accomodating as could be and smiles are certainly a permanent part of the Fijian wardrobe. Ronna, the owner runs a tight ship and every detail is covered and taken care of. You know that you're going to a unique, home-like setting when she sees if you have room for any items from the states for the staff! The facility is very well taken care of and although it is not a ultra-super-mega resort by any means, thats not what you would come here for anyways and we both thought would have ruined the location and the vacation. By all means, take the Lavena Coastal Walk by bus, and Simone, the guide is a real treat! There is a plentiful amount of things to do and see on this relatively small island so plan accordingly. Both my wife and I thought the food was to die for! Amazing dishes come out of that kitchen and the island flavors combined with other ingredients are well composed. I could write for ages and being back home for a little, both my wife and I find our minds drifting back here! We will certainly have to make our way back and hopefully the bridge to Wairiki will be back in, and the bus won't break down on the way to Lavena, (at Bouma Waterfalls nonetheless) but these experiences are part of the "island life" and we wouldn't have traded anything for it! Thanks Ronna and everyone! -Paul and Britni from CA

My sister and I stayed at Coconut Grove for a week and LOVED IT. Ronna treats her guests just the way you would want to be treated while on vacation. She serves the best of everything; this includes accommodations, FOOD and service! She expects the same of every service or day trips she recommends. If she said "do it"; we did. Each and every day (and day trip) was a wonderful experience. Her rates were SOOOOO low, it amazed us! Thank you Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages for such a charming introduction to Fiji and "The Garden Of Eden Isle" Taveuni.
www.coconutgrovefiji.com

This is a great place to stay in Taveuni and Fiji for that matter. The food is top notch and the staff is awesome. Serah, Kata, Rosie, Bimla, Vina and everyone really...all are great and eager to help! And to top it off, all we had to do to snorkel was walk twenty yards to the ocean. Great lovo and local musicians too and very easy to set up day trips to bird watch or get to the water falls. Chris D