THE Namosi Eco Retreat is fast becoming a favourite spot for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the authentic Fijian lifestyle.
Families with children of all ages are enjoying the escape to the Namosi Eco Retreat.
Even large school groups of more than 40 students visit the “unplugged” retreat, away from electronics and enjoying outdoor activities. Visitors have included students from The Learning Centre (TLC) and the International School Suva (ISS).
This Christmas all families have the chance to escape to the Namosi Eco Retreat with the retreat owners giving away two family weekends.
“It was a great weekend away from the busy lifestyle of Suva, and great to see the kids outdoors and getting back to nature,” said Wendy Robertson, who visited the retreat with her husband and four children, along with two other Suva-based families.
“We loved playing in the river, catching tadpoles, walking up the hill, afternoon naps, kids playing with village kids, kids having space to run free (while still being contained by that bamboo fence),” Mrs Robertson said.
Richard Walker, who visited the retreat with his wife and two young daughters, said his family really enjoyed the short trip to Namosi that was “far from our home in Suva and from the usual Fiji beach holiday”.
“The days were unhurried, meal times were flexible, and the activities on offer were ‘life’.
“We went hiking and swimming. One afternoon we joined a volleyball game in the river which was heaps of fun. We were even invited to watch a rugby game in the village while my sister-in-law learnt how to make roti, Fijian style.
“It was a perfect escape from life in Suva, and definitely something different,” he said.
Laura Holbeck, who visited with her husband and two young daughters, said: “The retreat provides a wonderful atmosphere for families to relax and have fun while also learning a little bit about Fijian culture and way of life.
“It also provides a different experience to your average Fiji holiday — in the beautiful hills and valleys and by the river,” Ms Holbeck said.
Owner of Namosi Eco Retreat, Daniel Jason, said the retreat was a great place for kids to get “unplugged” and away from the television, gaming and the internet and hang-out with the local village kids who spend their days playing outside and learning farm skills to live off the land.
“Families wanting a free Christmas getaway can enter our competition by telling us in 25 words or less why your family or group of friends deserve an escape to Namosi Eco Retreat,” he said, adding that entries are best via Facebook (www.facebook.com/namosieco or @namosieco) or can be submitted via the website: www.trusupfiji.com/namosieco or PO Box 666 Sigatoka.
The new Namosi Eco Retreat sits on the Luva River beside Navunikabi Village, about two hours drive from Suva along the Queen’s Rd then turn-off onto Namosi Rd (at the Kila Eco Park signs).
It features 10 authentic-style Fijian bure (huts), valenikana (dining hall), valenikuro (kitchen) plus bathroom (showers and flush toilets), handcrafted items by local villagers using traditional Fijian materials.
