Introduction:
Your host at Solevu is Matasi Druadrua who speaks excellent English and is a well respected member of the village. Plantation Island was first inhabited many centuries ago by Fijians who initially lived across the small bay from the Plantation Island Resort. About 50 years ago they moved to this new location on the other side of the island.
Image right: Matasi with village in background
When you arrive at the village each guest will be presented with a beautiful, large shell found on the beaches near the village.
The village of Solevu is on the west side of Plantation Island in the region known as Malolo or the Leeward Islands (see map). The village boasts miles of shell laden sandy beaches. For someone who loves shell collecting the village's remoteness from the main tourist trade guarantees that you will discover many beautiful shells. Plantation Island is a large island dominating the Malolo Islands - home of the film "Castaway" (Castaway Island is about an hour by boat from Solevu).
Before
fijibure.com the only form of income was employment at the local Muscat Cove and Plantation Island Resorts.
Image right: Tara holding the beautiful shell guests get on arrival
There are over 1,000 people living in Solevu. Your first impressions of Solevu are a village sprawling along the coastline. For tourists visiting Solevu there are proper beds on offer with your Fijian hosts.
There are some fantastic traditional activities that are unique to Solevu including sunset picnics on the beautiful beach, shell collecting, mat making, visiting the school, fishing, snorkelling etc. Your host, Matasi, will take you on various activities. Other activities include lovely relaxing walks around Plantation Island - or participating in deep sea diving, island hopping in canoes, even golf at the nearby resort. (Matasi works at Plantation Island Resort). As you will see on the activities page the fascinating island is normally off-limits to tourists.
There are no frogs, nor mongoose (which are everywhere on the mainland Viti Levu). There are no snakes on the island and only a few bird varieties. With the long beaches it is a shell collector's heaven.
While there are flies I never had any hovering around my Fijian meals!
Water
directly from an island stream and is purer than the water you find bottled
in stores.
Fijian villagers are very healthy and believe that cleanliness is next to Godliness.
Image right: Beauty is everywhere
It is important to note that Fijian villagers are offended by bikinis or scant clothing worn in the village area - be safe and wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Do NOT wear hats in the village.
However, if you go to the beach away from the village treat it like any other - and get a great suntan in a bikini!
Telephones:
There is a public telephone available at the nearby resort.. (about ten minutes by boat)
Image right: Matasi's home at Solevu
You will enjoy the most incredible and memorable holiday adventures whether
walking along the secluded beaches, collecting shells, snorkelling or enjoying
some
of the unique activities on offer. At Solevu
you will, from the moment you step into the village, be accepted into the
community. You will, in true Fiji-time, be able to participate in traditional
ceremonies, like Kava drinking in the "vale ni so qo" (or large community
hall), 
dancing and singing as well as swimming in the sea, snorkeling in
a beautiful location, relaxing. Alternatively you can just lie under the
moon and watch the sea break gently at your feet.
Image right: Matasi's family greet you
It is important to note that the "man is boss" in the traditional Fijian community so you will find the village women doing all the household work, cooking, etc. Tourists to the village are welcome to participate in the kitchen, washing etc... but this is entirely optional although you will enjoy chatting to the women about their experiences at Solevu. All food, washing etc.. is done for you by the women in the village - and these costs are included in the cost of accommodation. Once again you are not expected to do anything but relax and do what you wish, but for those who want to take a step back in time this is an unforgettable experience well worth considering.
Children:
If you have children this will be a holiday and experience of a lifetime as they are immediately welcomed into the fold by Fijian kids of all ages - about 300 of them! (Bring a small rugby ball with you and your kids will be kept occupied for your entire stay! Simple things like balloons and sweets are a firm favourite.)
While the local Fijian dialect may be spoken by villagers English is understood by the villagers. (Fijian translation of common greetings can be seen at this link).
Solevu is the ultimate backpacker adventure. You are in a safe environment, welcomed into a friendly community from the moment you arrive - and you have the island and beautiful beaches of Solevu to explore.
Please note no drinking of alcohol, rowdy or inappropriate behaviour will be tolerated.
When you arrive at Solevu there is a very simple traditional ceremony that you can participate in. When the villagers gather in their community hall they welcome guests at a Kava ceremony known as a "sevu sevu". An elder from the village will welcome you and the man or male spokesman for your group, at this time, is expected to make a short speech and provide a small gift to the village (such as 1kg of powdered Kava - which cost about F$20 or US$10). Once these formalities are over your host Matasi will keep you informed of future Kava celebrations, entertainment or other activities taking place during your stay. (A big wooden drum is often beaten to alert villagers of celebrations, church services and other community activities).
Payments:
The transport costs and transport options are detailed at this link.
Please do not tender credit cards to the village as they do not have those sort of banking facilities - cash is king. There are plenty of ATM machines at Nadi and Lautoka.
Image right: On the way to Solevu from Plantation Island resort
Gifts and Village Funds:
If you are thinking of bringing gifts consider bringing practical things like books, notepads, pencils, rubbers and sharpeners that can be used in the school. If you have children consider bringing a gift of a rugby ball, tennis balls, cricket gear, balloons etc for the village... a great ice breaker and your kids will have a great time. This option is entirely up to you and is not expected.
There is also a village fund which has been set up at the request of past
guests. The village fund is contributed to by guests, but it is important
to know that donations are voluntary and you are NOT expected to donate to
the funds. The funds are administered by the village mataqali (or elders)
without any outside
influence.
The two village funds are:
a building fund which is used in identified projects that help the entire community; and
micro-financing - a fund which is used to finance small enterprises that individuals or groups of villagers in each village want to set up. The money is loaned interest free and with no strings attached. The recipient is morally bound to return the money once he has started earning an income from his enterprise so that the money can be used again to help someone else in the village.
There will be a poster in your guest room in the village which tells you more about the village funds, alternatively you can discuss them with your host.
