“…there seemed to be something deep and spiritual about Fijians; perhaps this came from their closeness to earth, to water…”
S. Dobey, St. Columban’s Mission Society
The name Matava is derived from a famous battle that took place on this land back in the 17th century. Warriors from the then powerful Rewa district on Viti Levu came down to make war with Kadavu village – our neighboring and historically most powerful village on the island. On hearing this the Ratu “chief” sent his messenger “matanivanua” to challenge the Rewa warriors to war. Three times the matanivanua returned to the village with no reply. It was not until the fourth “va” challenge that a bloody battle ensued on the beachfront.
The Kadavu warriors proved too powerful and won the battle naming the site of the battle Matava after the messenger who was sent four times before the battle took place.
In a world that’s constantly eing developed, exploited and urbanized, fortunately Kadavu has been left behind: the land and its people remain pure and relatively unaffected by the changes occurring around them.
It’s a place where preservation of the Fijian culture is vitally important – and at Matava Resort you’ll have a unique insight into traditional practices and rituals that still play a part in everyday life.
