Our Fiji home is situated about 3km from the town of Savusavu (known as the hidden paradise) on the island of Vanua Levu. The house features 200sq meters of living space and 40 sq meters of covered deck. It's layout and furniture compliment the unique island location and wooden floors run throughout. The gardens have an abundance of tropical flowers and fruits such as, papaya, mango, pineapple, banana's, coconuts and many more. Fresh fruit for every breakfast!!

As far as being looked after during your stay, we employ a caretaker and a house-girl (2 days a week). Our caretaker Andrea and his daughter Sisi, are from the local village of Nukubulavu, and a fountain of knowledge about Fijian history and customs. They will arrange village visits and tours at your request.

Our property is approximately 200 meters from the lagoon and local beach. The diving and snorkeling in Fiji are frequently described as "world beating" and it is well worth the effort to make a dive with a local dive operator. Take our two man kayak into the lagoon and explore the reef; you never know what you will see.

In the immediate area we have several expatriate neighbors as well as local Fijians. The settlement of Rava is next door and Sunday mornings bring the sounds of the local church choir wafting towards the veranda of the house.

In history, Savusavu was a port for sailing ships trading in copra, sandalwood and beche-de-mer (sea cucumber). Today, there is still a copra mill at the bottom of the bay, but the town is now known as port-of-call and anchorage for yachts sailing the Pacific. There are two up-market boutique resorts close to town, Cousteau and Namale. Guests are welcome at the Cousteau Resort and as the name would suggest, there is a diving operation at the hotel. Savusavu township has grown-up next to one of the most beautiful bays in the South Pacific and for those wanting to experience the real Fij, this is a wonderful adventure......

As this is our second home we do not require a simultaneous exchange and are more than willing to bank time that can be used at a future date. We are experienced exchangers and have made many good friends through the "cult" of homeexchange.com. You can be sure that we will take good care of your property.

This makes for a great opportunity to experience life on a Pacific Island and the world-renowned friendliness of the Fijian people. There is nothing better than a Fijian smile and the greeting of "Bula" that accompanies it.

As far as weather in Fiji, it is always warm, after all this is the tropics! The Cyclone season runs from November through March and although we have regularly spent time in Savusavu during this period the weather can be changeable. Personally, I love the weather in November and December. Savusavu Bay is known in maritime circles as a "hurricane hole" and yachts are left in the harbor all year round. Do research on the web before making a decision.....

If you like party resorts, this is not for you. However, if you want to interact with locals and enjoy a different kind of vacation, then do your research and give Fiji a go!

Getting there! You can catch a small plane from Nadi, this takes approximately 50 minutes and costs approx FJD $300 each way. An alternate option is to take a ferry from Suva or Lautoka, it takes around 12 hours and the ferries run at 6pm on Tuesday and Friday. The cost is approximately FJD $80 each way. The Lomaviti Princess has a first class lounge, aeroplane seating and is fairly comfortable. However, this is only an option if you are staying for 3-4 weeks. If you have the time, then this is definitely an adventure and a great way to meet people along the way.

Open to any dates

This year, 2013 we are going to the US, however we would like to go to Argentina in the future (bring on the tango lessons). Plus, there is always France, we love the country and the people.

Other destinations, if you would like to spend time in Fiji, then please submit your request, providing we have the option to use your house at a future date.

View Feedback About My Exchanges

I, Kevin, am a sixty two year old retired IT Manager and my wife Caroline, is an ex hotel controller. We live in Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. In 1984 we spent a year living in the Cook Islands, followed by twenty years living and working in Los Angeles. Our year in Polynesia prompted us to buy our Fijian property and build our home in 1999. We have a daughter aged thirty six and a twenty three year old son who attends university in Auckland, New Zealand.

We enjoy reading, walking, travel, history, art, eating out, music and scuba.

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