Page 46 - Fiji Traveller Issue 2

DIY AT By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti

When you have lived in Viti Levu your entire life, it's easy
DEEP RIVER to think that all travel in the islands is the same: short and
easy. In Vanua Levu, it is a totally different story. Vanua
Levu locals are prepared to travel for hours from Macuata
to Labasa, and because transportation like buses is a
PRIVATE LODGE luxury—they do not run as frequently—they sometimes
have to hitch rides on trucks to get to their villages. So
it is nice to know there is an accommodation in between
Labasa and Macuata to break up the journey.
The Dreketi Lodge, also known as Deep River Private
Lodge, is located along the Nabouwalu Highway in
Dreketi, Nakanacagi, just past the Taiwan Timber Factory.
The lodge surprises you in a good way; it appears to be
like a motel or an Airbnb at first glance, but when the gate
opens, it appears like a cabin in the woods that instantly
melts the stress away and demands that you take notice
of its beautiful setting.
The wooden villas are all self-contained and come filled
with everything you need to cook your own meals. It has a
beautiful pool that you can take a dip in to cool down and
a playground to entertain the kids.
The charming wooden villas also have air-conditioned
rooms, hot and cold showers, kitchen utensils, a television
unit, a mini fridge, a kettle, and tea supplies. However,
there are a few things you need to bring with you if you
plan to stay.
For instance, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not
provided on site, so you need to buy your groceries and
cook your meals. Another option is to ask the caretakers if
they are willing to cook for you, and pay them separately.
If you run out of supplies, there is a shop a 10-minute
walk from the lodge where you can purchase basic items,
but note that it is not a supermarket, so you won’t find
everything you want there.
If you want to enjoy the enchanting view outside at
night, bring mosquito coils or mosquito repellent. And if
you are one of those people who want to be connected
to the internet 24/7, Vodafone is the only network that
catches in this part of the island, and even then, you still
need to find a better spot to get full bars.
Rates range from $170 for a sleeper with a king size,
double and single bed, to $100 for a cabin to sleep one
adult and one child.
This hidden gem is unknown even to some locals
in the area; others travel all the way to Labasa for
accommodation. However, if you ever find yourself in
need of accommodation in this part of Vanua Levu, we
recommend a stay at the Dreketi Deep River Lodge.

+679 9123924 [also on Viber]
@Deep River private lodge

46