Check-In Information

Bula Bula and Hello,  

We want to say thank you for booking your Fiji vacation with us at Vale Sekoula.  We are looking forward to your stay here on Taveuni Island.  You probably have already learned so much about our place and the island of Taveuni from the websites, but we want to remind you to check out our FAQ page. If you have any questions that are not answered there, feel free to message us in the apps, email us, or text my wife and I at 1.714.313.4449.  As a new visitor to our home and the island, we are including the following check-in instructions to provide helpful pointers for your comfort and safety:  

1) UPON ARRIVAL by plane, our caretakers Vinna and Robert will meet you at the Matei airport.  The house is just a 2-3 minute walk down the road, directly across the street from the airport.  If you have a lot of luggage or scuba gear, we can arrange for a taxi to take care of that for you just give us a notice before arriving.  We should already have your flight date and times. If there is anything our caretaker has missed or you need anything at all, please reach out so we can help solve any issues that might arise.  We are here to help make your vacation the best possible.  

2) COVID TESTING? If your airline is requesting a prebooked Covid test, you can book it online here at this website. https://www.entrytestfiji.gov.fj/vakanananu-retreat-2/

Vakanananu Retreat just down the road from us does all the tests for our guests.

Grant is the owner of Vakanananu Retreat and he comes to the house. Once you pre-book your test online, and have selected the day and time, Grant will reach out to you. If you need a second test to fly back to your homeland, Vakanananu Retreat can help do the tests again, please schedule this with them. Grants email. bula@vakanananuretreat.com

3) CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT times can vary based on your flight times. We are very flexible if we don't have guests on the same day. We can help accommodate your schedule to keep you comfortable and stress free!  Normal checkin time is 4pm, and normal checkout time is 11am. Please let me know your flight arrival and departure.

4) HOUSE ELECTRICAL POWER is 240volts (the same as Australia and New Zealand).  If you are visiting from the USA, we should have enough converters to meet your needs.  The power for our home is supplied by solar with batteries and a backup generator.  If you leave the house during the day, please turn off all lights and fans to help us to conserve resources.  And while at the house, please only operate fans and lights in rooms that are occupied.  There are also bedside fans for you to use at night if you like. Here is a link to get familiar with fiji outlets. https://www.worldtravelplugadapter.com/fiji/

5) KAYAKS and Paddleboards are available at the house and free to use. Please be careful launching the kayaks from the cement launch, if its wet, it is slippery!!!!! Do not drag kayaks.

Only launch them into the ocean during higher tides and do not use them 1.5 hours before or after low tide. It is best to paddle out on a rising high tide to avoid getting stuck out on the shallow reef. The water is shallow in many places on low tide and there is risk damaging the bottom of the kayaks on rocks and hurting the coral, the reefs or your feet.  Do not paddle out on windy days, it can be hard to get back to the house. Please take a life jacket and use it.  There are a few islands to visit offshore, and the 3rd island has a small beach on the right side with amazing snorkeling on both sides of this island. (20 min paddle) Please keep an eye on the weather and the currents!  You can check wind and tide times on website links in the guest book located on the kitchen counter. Please be aware of the high and low tide times for each day. The paddleboards are inflatable and should be used by those who have experience. Do not ride the paddleboards on low tides, they could pop if you hit coral or rocks. One of my favorite things to do early morning is to paddle the kayaks to The Dives Cafe for breakfast or lunch -25 minute paddle. Pull up on their beach! Only go if the tides higher and is still rising! If the tide is going out, you wont be able to make it home! (don't go if it's windy)  Let Robert and Vinna know your plans and they will watch out for you from their house.

6) SNORKEL GEAR is available at the house and free to use. Located in the large cabinet next to the tv. When finished using them, please rinse the snorkel, masks and fins in the fresh-water outdoor shower by the pool and allow them to air-dry before putting them away.  Our favorite spot to snorkel is the 3rd island. Takes 20-25 minutes. Pull kayaks high up on the beach at island number 3! Be careful not to let your kayak drift away. Snorkel the entire island, but keep an eye on the currents and wind. Reef Shoes are nice to have, but old sneakers can work good for hiking to waterfalls or around rocky shorelines. Swimming in the ocean from our backyard is good on high tide, but snorkel visibility is not great from the beach, snorkel is best further out for clear waters. 

7) VINNA AND ROBERT, your caretakers, live just down the road, they are at your service to help with anything you need. Upon arrival, they will show you the house.

They will give you their contact info when you arrive.

 8) LOCAL TRANSPORTATION is best using a taxi.  It is convenient and inexpensive.  Most likely, Aggie or Samir will be your dedicated driver and guide.  They know everything to do and everywhere to go, and they will assist in getting you out to all the waterfalls and sites, as well as shopping and restaurants.  By the way, Taxi rides to local restaurants are inexpensive.

9) FOOD AND BEVERAGE  Our kitchen does have a drip coffee pot and an small expresso machine. If you are a coffee lover, we suggest bringing your own coffee!  The locals don't drink it and the stores have none.  There are things available for purchase at a nearby convenience stores.  Satish convenience store is very small but a 5 minute walk.  There is the Sun City grocery store just a little further down the road, has most items to meet your needs. Sun City is a 12-15 minute walk. (make a left when exiting our gate) Larger grocery stores are 25 minute taxi drive into the main town. 

10) MONEY- Taveuni takes Fiji dollars. Some place will take credit card but may charge a fee. Don't rely on credit cards. We recommend exchanging money into fiji dollars at Nadi airport. You can get Fiji dollars at our Bank in Somosomo on Taveuni, 25 minute taxi ride. Check bank hours.

11) HOME COOKED MEALS by our caretaker are amazing! Just reserve in advance with Vinna, she will tell you what's on the menu and current pricing in Fiji Dollars

12) LOCAL RESTAURANTS are available nearby.  The Dive Café and Coconut Grove have great food, as well as Tramontos which has an amazing sunset view! (Go at Sunset)

 We recommend you make reservations for your meals out at Tramontos and Coconut Grove. Use our phone in the kitchen to call local places.  One of my favorite things to do if you like to walk in the early mornings, is to head out the front gate, turn right. walk 15-20 minutes to The Dive Cafe for Coffee or Latte, Get a taxi back if you like! The views are the best!

The Dive Cafe is a 15-20 minute walk.

Coconut Grove is a 2 minute walk 3 doors down, make a left when you leave our gate.

Tramontos is a 25 minute walk.  or call the taxi!

13) FIJI DANCERS AND MUSIC can be arranged to perform at the house! Reservations are a must! Vinna will help you get this scheduled.  Ask her about the price, which is very reasonable.  

14) LOVO DINNERS for families are a fun way to enjoy an authentic Fijian style feast.  Vinna can arrange this for you.  Check with her on pricing.  

15) SWIMMING POOL is open 24 hours a day!  Use caution and supervise your children at all times because the pool has no safety gate. Additionally, use caution on the pool steps.  The last step down is a longer drop than the others and it will catch you by surprise!  We also have a great outdoor shower next to the pool.  Don't forget to ask Vinna about booking a pool side massage, you will love it. The tile can be slippery when wet. 

16) LAUNDRY & HOUSE KEEPING is available with the washing machine in the laundry room. Vinna can help or will do your laundry as needed. We do not use dryers, so everything must be dried on the clothesline.  Vinna stops by usually when you are on an adventure and will cleanup and make your beds. She will wash anything you like. 

17) HEAT AND SUN- Yes you are on a tropical island, please drink lots of water and wear sunscreen.  Ceiling fans and floor fans work well at night when there is no breeze.  Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room or leave the house.  Reminder most homes on Taveuni do not have air conditioning. We have a refreshing pool and an ocean breeze. 

18) BUGS?- Matei does not have too many, depending on the time of year, but really only a few. A recent guest said there were less bugs than in the summer in Maine!  However, insect repellent can be helpful for evenings/mornings or hiking in the jungle waterfall areas.  We like to spray below the knees and our ankles in the mornings and evenings. To avoid bugs indoors, please close all doors just before the sun goes down. Vinna can also give you coils to burn on the back deck if sitting out in the evenings. Shut all doors at sunset time to avoid a bug in the house. Vinna does keep bug spray in the house, but if you run low or run out, ask Vinna for more. 

19) LIZARDS AND OTHER CRITTERS are local residents in this tropical environment.  You may encounter some of them in and around the house.  It is possible you could see a spider or a mouse. They are no harm, but we ask to store all your food away (sealed) in the upper kitchen cabinets or refrigerator to not attract them into the house.  Don’t leave any open food items out on the patio or anywhere in the house.  If food is left out, the ants will come marching. Ask Vinna to spray if you see ants. 

20) RAINFALL is usually a daily occurrence.  Sometimes there are sudden and short-lived cloudbursts and frequently have steady rain showers.  We have umbrellas available near the front entry for your convenience, to take with you on your adventure.  We also provide walking sticks for your trip to The Lavena Coastal Walk! Please return them when finished.

21) DOMESTICATED ANIMALS are “free range” in Fiji, so you may encounter a friendly dog, a cat, and even a chicken.  Some animals just wander around.  Our home does not have any animals, but one might show up!  The neighbor dog from Coconut Grove, Tanzie, could pay a visit. She is friendly and is trained to not go inside the house.  If you want her to stick around, keep petting her! (do not feed them)

22) SAFETY PRECAUTIONS for you to be aware of: The bathroom and laundry room floor are 1½ inches lower than the main house floor.  Many floors are done like this for draining reasons. So, as you walk into the bathroom or laundry room be prepared for the dip, and when exiting these rooms be careful not to stub your toes or trip!  

Fire extinguisher and first aid kit are by the front door entrance.  BBQ is in the front of the house. Please roll it out away from the house before cooking.

23) INTERNET AND TV are available.  There is a smart TV in the great room and another tv in the master bedroom, both with DVD players.  There are a variety of movies in the great room cabinet by the back door.  Extra power converters are located in the cabinet.  Vinna will share the internet password with you and will show you the TV remote.  We are in a rural setting, so be patient if the internet or even your phone signal drops. It is a normal occurrence on Taveuni.  I recommend calling your cell phone provider and telling them you will be in Fiji and would like to know the plan they have so you don't have unexpected charges.

24) Must do during your stay if you like adventure- Rock water slides, 30 minute Drive.

Lavena Coastal walk. 1 hour drive, then hike 1.5 hours on the coast to a swim up amazing waterfall! Bring hiking stick! Request a boat ride back, or hike another 1.5 hours back! 

Bouma Falls, 35 minute drive, plan on swimming in the falls! First falls is an easy 10 minute beautiful hike. 2nd and 3rd waterfalls if your in good shape! Bouma falls and Lavena Coastal Walk cost money to visit, all money supports their local village.  Snorkel or scuba dive rainbow reef and the white wall. 

25) RELAX and enjoy the views and the people!  Vinna and your tour guides will ensure that you get the most out of your visit.  If you want to do all the best and see all the best in Taveuni, just let them know and they will do their best to fulfill that desire.  

My wife and I want to welcome you to Fiji and our home, Vale Sekoula! (www.walkingonwaterfiji.com)  Vinaka, Thank you,  

Tony and Katie  1.714.313.4449 cell#