Tiliva Resort

Micah the caretaker is the reason this gets three stars. With the scuba compressors broken, he couldn’t fill the tanks, so he drove me to Oneta, waited while I did both dives, and brought me back. He also took me by boat to town when I needed water. Like many Fijians, he’s a really nice guy who’ll do anything to make a guest happy. Be sure to tip him. The rooms are run down, there was no hot water, and all the scuba air compressors were broken. The food was decent, but only one unit had an ocean view.

The people at Tiliva Resort treated us like royalty. Maika and Mere and Mere hosted my partner and me, and our bure was spotless, comfortable, and had a beautiful view of the ocean and the grounds, including Ono Island. After four months travelling around Fiji, Tiliva was one of my favorite places. Kadavu is Fiji at its best, with pristine beaches and the untouched Great Astrolabe Reef, and the resort is a lovely base for enjoying it. Every meal was a treat, from Mere’s fresh pastries to the hearty, delicious Fijian dishes. She was happy to accommodate my vegetarian diet. We also went scuba diving with Maika. He’s kind, relaxed, and positive, and a great instructor. All the sites were spectacular, one of my partner’s favorites in more than 10 years of diving. Maika was patient with my beginner skills and careful to tell me what to do in currents. The resort is closely involved with the nearby village, which is a big plus. We volunteered, and it was nice to support the local community that way, though simply staying at Tiliva supports it too. We miss this little slice of paradise and hope to come back.

The resort is simple and rustic, with a lot of character. Rooms are adequately furnished, though don’t expect hotel-quality standards. The grounds are nicely maintained and almost everything works, with a few small inconveniences that come with the rustic feel. If you’re after good diving, I’d recommend it. Our dive guide, resort manager, guide, boatman, porter, and maintenance person were all the same guy. I really respect how much he does. He’s incredibly friendly, very funny, and has a flamboyant personality. If you mainly want to chill, find somewhere else.

The spot is lovely and feels secluded, with plenty on the activity list, from diving and snorkeling with manta rays to waterfalls. The home-cooked meals were especially good, with the catch of the day. Thanks to Maika, Marie, and all the team, including Lei, for looking after us like family. It was a quality resort and an unforgettable, truly Fijian experience.