Matava

Matava Review

Divers and snorkelers, game-fishers, and kayakers not married to "the finer things" will find this ecofriendly resort a worthy base camp. The resort dives nearly 30 sites on the famed Astrolabe Reef, including one known for its enormous manta rays. A nice sand beach within view is a long swim or one-minute boat ride away. Remodeled in mid-2008, the studio-style bures are well-spaced on a steep hillside and have simple, white-tiled bathrooms and excellent, unobstructed views of the ocean. Honeymoon bures, commanding even better views from near the top, are a bit roomier with king-size beds. A new waterfront deck with wood-fire oven and daybeds is due by 2009. The included meals are very good though not exceptional and feature vegetables from an extensive organic garden and the occasional yellowfin tuna caught that day.