Rates, Frequently Asked Questions
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Thank you for your interest in our vacation rental home, Vale Cadra Ni Vula.
We realize that you probably have a number of questions and we our eager for you to learn more about our house on the island of Taveuni, in the Fiji Islands, so we have provided some useful information and the answers to a number of frequently asked questions. RATES |
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOUSE, LOCATION AND STAFF |
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| Why should we stay at Vale Cadra Ni Vula? Simply stated, because we are the most comfortable and luxurious vacation rental house, in on the most peaceful and relaxing places in the world, and with the help of our attentive and accommodating staff, we are certain that you will have one of the best vacations of your life. | ||||||||||
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| What is the style of the house? The house was built in 1998 using all natural local woods as well as imported Italian tiles and slate. The house consists of 3 hexagon-shaped rooms all with 20 foot high ceilings and fixed-glass dome tops. It is beautifully furnished and contains artwork from around the world. The large sitting room/kitchen separates the two master suites, with a large, private veranda connecting all three sections and overlooking the ocean. All the rooms, including the veranda, have ceiling fans to keep you cool. Perhaps the main highlight of the house, the deck is 50 feet (about 15 meters) long by 20 feet wide (about 6 meters) and offers spectacular vistas of the beautiful blue ocean waters, as well as an ideal place to barbecue, socialize or just relax and enjoy this little slice of paradise. There is also a wonderful circular lava rock shower to cool off during the day or wash off after a swim. Click here to see pictures of the house | ||||||||||
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| Does the house have electricity 24 hours a day? What is the voltage? Do I need converters? Since Taveuni doesn't have a utility company, we generate our own electricity and our power system is a combination of diesel generator, batteries, solar and an inverter. All this means absolutely nothing to you except that the outlets in the house are all 110 volts (the same as in North America) and to ensure your comfort, there is power 24 hours a day. You will only need converters or adapters if you are using devices that work on 220 volts or use plugs different than those in North America. | ||||||||||
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| What appliances / amenities does the house have? The house and kitchen are fully equipped with all modern amenities and appliances that one would expect to find in a luxury home including: refrigerator / freezer with ice-maker, gas stove and oven, propane barbeque grill, coffee maker, coffee grinder, blender, juicer and full kitchen wares. There is also a high quality stereo system with a CD player and 2 ocean kayaks available for the exclusive and unlimited use of our guests. | ||||||||||
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| How many bedrooms are there? How many can it sleep? The recommended maximum number of guests is four. There is a queen size bed in one of the bedrooms, as well as 2 twins beds (that can be combined to make one king size) in the 2nd bedroom. The living room sofa is not a sofa bed but is quite long and wide and, depending on the size of the person, could be large enough to sleep on. | ||||||||||
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| Is the house air-conditioned? The house stays comfortable all of the time. While there is no air conditioning, there are 8 ceiling fans throughout, and the design of the house forces the heat to rise. There are also winds coming off the sea, providing lovely ocean breezes. | ||||||||||
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| Is there a staff? What do they do? Do they speak English? We do have an English speaking staff that will provide you with all of the services that you require, including cooking, housekeeping and laundry. They will also help you plan any excursions you may choose. The salaries of the staff are included in the rental, and you can choose to utilize these services as much or as little as you like. | ||||||||||
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| Do I have to pay the staff? What about gratuities? The salaries of all staff are included in the price of the rental. Gratuities are always appreciated, but are completely at the discretion of the guests. | ||||||||||
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| Where is the house located? The house is located in Matei, the northern part of Taveuni island, where the airstrip is located. This is the most desirable location on the island and is located nearby to the local shop and a few restaurants. | ||||||||||
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| What are the surroundings like? The house is situated on beautifully landscaped grounds that contain flower and vegetable gardens as well as banana and papaya trees. | ||||||||||
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| How far is the house from the beach? The house is located on a 400 foot stretch of white sand beach that offers great swimming. (Picture of our beach) There are numerous other beaches that are easily accessible by taxi, kayak or boat. In fact, there is a small, uninhabited island a short kayak ride off our beach where you will not see another soul. It is great for a day trip and snorkeling! Just tell our staff to pack your lunch!!! | ||||||||||
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIJI ISLANDS |  |
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| Where is Fiji located? Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands located in the South Pacific between latitude: 12°-21°S and Longitude: 176°E-178°W. Click here to see map | ||||||||||
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| How big is Fiji? Over 300 islands make the Fiji archipelago, with a total land area of just 7126 square miles (18,272 square kilometers). Of the 300 islands, only a 100 or so islands are inhabited by humans and the rest are left as nature reserves. The total population of Fiji is about 780,000 with 80% of that population living on the two largest islands: Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Taveuni is the third largest island in size and has a population of about 10,000. | ||||||||||
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| What language do they speak in Fiji? English is the official language of Fiji. The natives also speak Fijian and the Indian population speaks Hindustani. | ||||||||||
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| Do I need a visa? Visitors from most countries including the United States and Canada do not need any special visas to go to Fiji. The following information is offered by the Fiji Visitor's Bureau: Fiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of 4 months for nationals of:
Nationals of other countries require prearranged visas, which can be applied for at the nearest Fiji High Commission in their respective country. Visas may be extended for up to six months on application to the Department of Immigration in Suva, Lautoka or Nadi. It is necessary to have an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds. Those wishing to stay more than six months should consult the Department of Immigration. | ||||||||||
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| What is the currency in Fiji? The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of currency, available in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1. There is no limit to the amount of money to be brought in. Visitors are allowed to take out currency up to the amount imported. | ||||||||||
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| What are some of the distinctive features of the Fijian people and culture? The Fijian people are one of the warmest and friendliest in the world. They have a very deep seeded and fascinating culture that is unique to this wonderful land. Our staff will be happy to explain to you some of the many aspects of Fijian culture and even help you to experience such rituals as Kava drinking. | ||||||||||
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| Where can I learn more about Fiji? All of the following are excellent resources on Fiji:Fiji GovernmentRob Kay's Guide To Fiji
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INFORMATION ABOUT TAVEUNI |  | ||||||||
| Where is Taveuni located? How big is it? Click here to see a map of Fiji Taveuni is the third-largest island after Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Taveuni is about 42 km long and an average of 10 or 11 km wide, and covers 435 sq km. Interestingly, Uluigalau, the highest point in Taveuni, is also located directly on the 180th meridian (the International Date Line). The date line used to run right down the middle of Taveuni allowing you to have one foot in today and one in tomorrow, or one in yesterday depending on your perspective. The marker can still be seen on the beach near Waiyevo. | ||||||||||
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When is the best time to go? What is the weather like? The rainier and more humid summer months in Fiji tend to be January,
February and begin to taper off in March. As you know in the tropics, the weather is hard to predict. Even during these months, however, there is still plenty of sunshine followed by periods of rain showers.
April through December is always very nice with lower temperatures and less rain. Below is a tool that will give you the current conditions in Fiji as well as all you could ever want to know about the weather there: | ||||||||||
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| What is there to do on Taveuni? Well, apart from great swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing, hiking, there is always my favorite: just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view and sounds of the ocean. One of the sights that we highly recommend are Bouma Falls, and much more information can be found here. | ||||||||||
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| How far is Taveuni from Nadi International Airport? Taveuni is approximately a 55 minute flight from Nadi International airport. | ||||||||||
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| How do we get to Taveuni? To the house? From Nadi, you would take a flight to Taveuni on either Sun Air or Air Fiji. Your local travel agent can book those flights for you. If you need any assistance with your travel arrangements, we can recommend a travel agent that specializes in discount airfare to Fiji! A member of our staff will meet you at the airport and bring you to the house. | ||||||||||
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| Is there a bank on Taveuni? Where can we change money? There is an ANZ bank at the Nadi airport, and that's where we recommend you initially change your money. The bank window is open to meet all international flights and there's an ATM at the airport. There is also a bank on Taveuni that can do currency exchange or cash traveler's checks if needed.. There is no ATM on Taveuni at this time but some of the local merchants now accept credit cards. | ||||||||||
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| How do we get around Taveuni? Do we need to rent a car? Taveuni is quite easy to get around. There is a store and several restaurants within easy walking distance. For excursions farther afoot, just let our staff know when and where you want to go and they will arrange a taxi for you. Taxis are easily arranged by our staff and quite reasonably priced. | ||||||||||
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INFORMATION ABOUT FOOD / BEVERAGES / RESTAURANTS |  |
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| Is there a charge to have our staff prepare you meals? The cost of food preparation is included in the rental price - you are only responsible for the cost of your groceries. The staff is happy to do your grocery shopping as well. | ||||||||||
| What kind of food is available? Usually, the little shop down the road does have fresh fish, chicken, lamb and vegetables such as carrots, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, peppers etc. depending on what's in season. There is another, larger market about 20
minutes by taxi away. Papaya, bananas, and cassava grow on our property all without the use of pesticides. Just tell our staff what you want! One of the unique dishes to Fiji is a lovo feast, similar to the Hawaiian Luau, and consists of a variety of meats, fish and vegetables that are packed together and cooked in an open pit with certain leaves laid over them. The various meats are lifted out of the pit and carried to where they can be shared. Our staff will be happy to help you prepare and enjoy these traditional foods. Other typical fare includes curry and wonderful fresh fish and seafood. | ||||||||||
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| Are there restaurants nearby? The house comes with a cook and all of our guests always say the same thing after their stay - our staff cooks better than any restaurant on the island!! (Sample Menus) However, there are some that we do recommend and our caretaker will point you in the right direction, depending on your culinary desires. | ||||||||||
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| Can I buy alcohol in Taveuni? Fiji? If you drink alcohol (other than beer), you should purchase it at the duty free at Nadi Airport upon your arrival. There are some spirits available for purchase on Taveuni, however the selection is limited and the prices are much higher. Local beer is available and quite tasty | ||||||||||
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| Can I drink the water? Yes. The water on Taveuni is very good. Actually there are a number of famous brands of bottled water that are drawn from Fiji's water supply. | ||||||||||
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| Where can I get food? Is there a grocery store on Taveuni? There is a general store within walking distance of the house, and a larger market, bakery and other shops about a 20 minute car ride away. You can do the shopping yourself or our staff will be happy to do it for you. Expect to pay roughly what you would pay at home for groceries depending on the type of food you desire. Locally produced foods, as well as tropical fruits and fresh fish will be considerably less while other imported items may cost you slightly more. | ||||||||||
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OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: |
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| How do I check availability and make a reservation? Click here and send us an e-mail to check availability. For more information on making a reservation please see our rates and reservation form. | ||||||||||
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| What should I pack? What do I need to bring? Do I need to bring beach towels? Pack light! The dress is very casual, with cotton clothing being the most comfortable. Your laundry will be done for you as needed. Long pants are not required in a restaurant however, respectable dress should be worn if visiting a village. Snorkel gear and your favorite CD's are a must! If you're a coffee drinker, as a precaution, I advise bringing your own. Even though the coffee is good on Taveuni, from time to time, it's not available. There is a coffee grinder and coffee maker at the house. The house is fully furnished with all towels and linens, including large beach towels. | ||||||||||
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| Can we get married in Fiji? Fiji is a favorite destination for honeymooners, as well as those wishing to be married there. If you are interested in getting married during your visit, a full Fijian wedding, including local singing and dancing (Meke) can be arranged right on our beach! Just ask - we can arrange it all! | ||||||||||
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| Are mosquitoes / bugs a problem? The house is located on a lush, tropical island, which means other life forms live there too, but there is usually no mosquito or insect problems to worry about. The house is fully screened with ceiling fans throughout to maximize your comfort. We do, however, recommend mosquito repellent for outdoor use in the evening. | ||||||||||
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