By Kalinga Seneviratne
Toberua is a unique resort just off the coast of Fiji’s capital, Suva. Occupying a four-acre privately-owned island, it features tall coconut trees, lush tropical gardens, a swimming pool, slivers of sandy beach, and 15 small bures, plus a three-bedroom villa.
Fiji’s first private island resort, Toberua’s bures face the sea. Each has a hammock tied between coconut trees. With calm waters and a sandy beach with kayaks, surfboards and other water sport equipment available, it is an ideal location to wind down for a weekend or a few days.
There are no outside distractions as the resort occupies the whole island. But the uniqueness of this resort lies in how it is evolving into a carbon-neutral destination.
Its new hybrid power system provides all the electricity needed, with the aid of 232 solar panels and 18 lithium batteries. Much of the water used is rain harvested or salt water that is purified through a reverse osmosis desalination plant. All wastewater is treated on the island and recycled for use through cisterns. All beer cans and glass bottles used at Toberua are also recycled.
Toberua is owned and managed by New Zealanders, Pip and Nick Goodhew, who have a combined 40 years’ experience in the hospitality industry in New Zealand and the South Pacific. They are proud of the progress they are making towards sustainability.
“Our newly installed Hybrid Solar System supplies the whole island, and we no longer burn 150 litres of diesel every day,” says Pip. A standby generator is on hand in case of emergencies, but Pip says it is rarely used.
“We also recently replaced our gas hot water cylinders with electric cylinders, which are powered by renewable energy, another carbon footprint reduction,” she added.
“We are small, intimate and personal,” say the Goodhews. “We initially planned to upgrade and modernise the resort but realised it would lose the special Toberua charm that guests enjoy, and continue to return to experience year after year. Many guests comment on how special the Toberua cuisine is, thanks to our experienced and long-serving team of chefs”.
The resort’s menu focuses on local produce, with the evening buffet a particular highlight.
Toberua’s return visitors include international tourists, who take the short boat ride after their domestic flight from Nadi to Nausori, and Suva-based families and expatriates.
The resort is about a 40-minute drive from Suva (or about 10 minutes from Nausori airport) to Nakelo landing. From there, a resort boat takes you on a scenic 30-minute boat trip, along the Navaloa River and across the Bau waters to the island. For much of the boat ride you are flanked by mangroves. You also pass two communities near the mouth of the river, from where the resort draws its staff.
Those staff are amongst Toberua’s biggest assets, welcoming you with warmth and friendliness, and providing entertainment and kava ceremonies in the evening.
“Most of our staff are from the nearby villages on Kaba peninsula, Nakelo Landing and nearby islands with some also coming from Beqa and other areas around Viti Levu,” explains Pip. “Kaba Point, Dromuna and Vatani villages have many generations of villagers who have worked at Toberua Island Resort”.
Larger groups can also book the whole island for special occasions such as weddings or company retreats. The Goodhews say their resort “attracts those who are seeking a more intimate, traditional, small Fiji island experience, a little off the beaten track”.
There are three room categories depending on budget and different meal package options, as well as many paid and complimentary activities, note the Goodhews. Now that recovery from the pandemic is well underway, they say: “Our desire is to be sustainable, protecting our precious environment and being more efficient in our operation and more cost-effective.”
- The author spent a weekend at Toberau Island Resort in June 2023.
