Need to know
Rooms
Two exclusive-hire pool villas, each with two suites.
Check–Out
10am, but flexible subject to availability and a half-day rate. Check-in, 2pm (for guaranteed early check-in, you'll need to book the night before).
Rates
Double rooms from $1500.00, excluding tax at 9 per cent.
More details
Rates cover welcome champagne and post-flight massage, all meals (including a five-course dinner), select non-alcoholic drinks, private dining, seven staff, hotel activities (guided snorkelling, kayaks, cooking lessons) and return Matei Airport transfers.
Also
Spa treatments come to you, with therapists setting up massage tables on your open-air terrace (there’s no standalone spa). Drift off to the sounds of the sea and birdsong, as the long, sweeping Fijian stroke technique soothes away stress.
At the hotel
Private beach, bikes, boat, kayaks, gardens, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV, DVD/CD player, iPod loaded with 500 songs, library of books, CDs, DVDs and board games, computer, fully stocked maxibar and kitchen, Pure Fiji toiletries, deck, hammock.
Our favourite rooms
Both of the two-bedroom, two-bathroom villas is wow-worthy, but the Lower Beach Villa is handiest for beach access; the Upper Horizon Villa, between the two, works a more Balinese style. All come with romantic outdoor double showers; the top two villas also sport white stone baths in courtyards. Your villa staff includes a manager, two chefs, waiter, barman, housemaid and nanny, housed in separate quarters.
Poolside
Each villa has its own private plunge pool, flanked by shaded day-beds and dining areas with panoramic Pacific views. Spot live-aboard diving yachts sailing past while you lap and laze, or dolphins frolicking in the waves.
Packing tips
Binoculars for scanning the azure horizon wouldn’t go amiss, but Taveuni’s savvy Brit/Kiwi owners have pretty much thought of everything, so just bring convivial companions to help you appreciate this peaceful paradise.
Also
Alcohol, spa treatments, diving and excursions cost extra, as do golf and tennis (available nearby). There's a three per cent surcharge for all credit card payments. Smoking is allowed outdoors only.
Children
Welcome, with intimate family time assured in Taveuni Palms' private villas. Baby cots and extra beds for children under six can be supplied for free. Free babysitting with a nanny and a kids' menu are also available.
Overview
Children are welcome at Taveuni Palms, where the spacious villas, switched-on staff and total privacy make a family stay a pleasure. Don't expect kids' club action; this is more about mellowing out in style in a boutique home-away-from-home.
Best for
Any age, although the steep headland setting, including stone stairs down to the beach, and tempting plunge pools might not suit curious toddlers.
Recommended rooms
All villas are family-friendly – just nab the master bedroom, and let the smalls settle into the second room with their own ensuite. The Grand Villa also has an upper-floor TV den with banquette seats that convert into comfy kids' beds, a shower and loo.
Crèche
There's isn't a formal one, but co-owner Kelley sometimes invites children over to play with her kids at her house nearby, where there's a children's trampoline.
Activities
Many of the adult activities here work well for children, especially older ones, including walks to waterfalls, a visit to a pearl farm, or kayaking, boat trips and private island picnics. Taveuni also entertains the smalls with snorkelling, Fijian weaving lessons and coconut experiences. Babysitting is available with a staff nanny, free of charge.
Swimming pool
There’s no dedicated children’s pool, but kids can play in your private outdoor villa pool, and floats are available.
Meals
Your personal chefs can whip up tasty dishes to appeal to junior appetites or picky eaters, and can even involve children in a cooking class to inspire them. Kids can eat with you or the nanny anytime, anywhere, with plenty of airy outdoor dining spots for relaxed gatherings.
Babysitting
Available with a staff nanny, free of charge.
No need to pack
Baby cots, provided for free. If you require any other child-friendly equipment for your stay, just request it upon reservation, and the hotel will try to oblige.
Also
Extra beds for older children aged under six are also gratis.
Eco‐friendly
The delicious food ticks the three eco trends du jour – organic, seasonal and locally sourced – drawing on Fijian produce such as cassava, papaya and coconut, with homegrown vegetables, herbs and rainforest aromatics (think feisty ginger and vanilla). The self-sufficient Taveuni team catch fish, too.