Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages

Set directly on one of Taveuni's few stretches of soft golden sand, Coconut Grove Beachfront Resort occupies a quiet corner of Matei, on the island's northern shore. It opened in 1993 and has stayed small: three bures, each walled in woven native reed and fitted with a ceiling fan, a mini fridge and its own bathroom. The Banana Bure sits lowest, closest to the water, with ocean views from three sides and fifteen steps down to the beach. The Mango Bure stands slightly uphill, gaining height and a wider view; its outdoor shower is built from local lava rock, with a mango tree spilling over the wall. The Papaya Bure is smaller, at 192 square feet inside, but faces the sunrise and three offshore islands from the bed. A house reef lies just off the beach, close enough to reach by an easy swim, kayak or paddleboard, and boat trips run out to Honeymoon Island and the wider Rainbow Reef beyond. You can hear the waves through the window at night, and a hammock stands in front of each bure for the hours in between. The restaurant serves Fijian dishes made from local fish and garden produce, on the verandah or down on the sand. Staff run village visits, waterfall trips and a bird-watching outing with a local guide. Check-in details and transfers are arranged directly with the resort.