Photos: © Melissa McCoy 2001

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Oct 24, 2001
Bula from beautiful Moody's Namena.

We arrived at Moody's yesterday by seaplane about 2pm. When we left Nadi area it was cloudy and windy. About 40 minutes into our flight, as we entered the Koro Sea toward Moody's, the skies cleared and the whole Lomaiviti group of islands started coming into view against a powder blue sky and puffy white clouds. Ovalau, Wakaya, Koro and Gau Islands shown like jewels. I have always known that Moody's had better than average weather due to the fact that it sits away from the main islands and is not affected by their weather patterns. As we approached Moody's, the island stood out in the calm sea, palm trees glistening, a perfect white sand beach calling... and Sue and I found ourselves anxious to get wet! The pristine reef stood out in the turquoise waters of Namena Reef and looked as inviting as it ever has.

Arriving at Moody's is like stepping back in time. Nothing has really changed except all the buildings look refurbished with clean varnished woods. The basic design is the same, wonderful! Moody's is about as natural as you will get in the Fiji Islands, without giving up basic creature comforts. The jungled paths, spectacular ocean views and spacious Bures are as delightful as ever. Moody's has other unique qualities. One is no electricity. Our Bure is set up with gas lights that are easy to use and cast a soft yellow glow upon the dark natural wood walls. The hot water for our showers and sink comes from an on-demand Paloma type water heater. Our toilet has salt water pumped from the sea to conserve water. Water catchment is how Moody's collects fresh water and our
Bure had a great system rigged.

Tom Moody is a genius in his creation of a very enjoyable and livable environment on an island that he was told, in 1983, was impossible to be inhabited. There are over 100 catchment tanks on this small, 1 mile long island. The water is boiled for drinking water. My traveling companion, Susan, loves bottled water but gave the thumbs up on Moody's water!

We are in Beach Bure, #4. We are set in palm trees with an ocean breeze wafting through our open doors. One of the sweetest beaches in Fiji (in my opinion) is located only a few minute walk from our Bure. The other 5 Bures on Moody's are set along the cliff area with unobstructed oceanviews beyond compare. Blue footed Gannet birds and a multitude of other birds with sweet chirps and songs, surround us. Moody's is not for those who cannot stand just a little walking on slight hills. . Along the path is the Dining Bure with a spectacular view looking out toward Vanua Levu. Dinner is set up on two communal tables and is served family style. The food has been excellent in our less than 24 hours here. Joan and Tom served baked potatoes with butter and sour cream, steak (which some said was excellent), specially prepared chicken for Susan and I, fresh broccoli and salad. For desert we had Key Lime Pie!. We were fortunate enough to have Tom sit at our table who shared many of his unique stories. We found out that Tom just turned 75 on Susan's birthday, Sept 20!

The resort is full and many of the people who are here have been back several times. One couple is visiting for their 12th time. Most are casual divers or only snorkelers. When asked why they keep coming back.... The environment, the serenity, the snorkeling, the diving and ..... Tom and Joan Moody!

Who are the perfect clients for Moody's Namena? Those who love nature, don't mind a few bugs and a little walking, want the best snorkeling in Fiji, love a little adventure, remoteness and a very unique experience. For the price of only $378 per night, per couple, meals included, this is a great value. It takes a little extra effort to get here. Susan and I chartered a sea plane to accommodate our gear, computer, dive gear etc and it cost over $800USD one way. You can also make arrangements to share a seaplane with others. When we leave we will go by boat to Savu Savu and then by Air Fiji from Savu Savu. This comes out to about 50%-60% of a charter. We look forward to hearing from you to learn more about Moody's from our Fiji and Moody's experts! 1-800-588-3454 in Hawaii.

Today we will go snorkeling, work on our suntans, and read. The next update on Moody's will be after my dives tomorrow.

Until then, Ni Sa Moce....
Melissa

Bula for Moody's Namena - Day #3

It is unbelievable that we leave here tomorrow!

Last evening we had a "green flash" sunset and lots of wonderful conversation with the other guests. One of the topics are the large amount of bird life here. Just another reason for those who love a natural environment to consider a stay here. Moody's is a soft adventure holiday with the sound of wind in the trees, bird songs and a total pristine experience.

Today has been another perfect day, weather and in all ways. Susan and I are wishing that they would stop making such good baked goods - for every meal. Breakfast was served as... eggs our way, more delightful fresh fruit and fresh baked biscuits. Susan's morning consisted of a nap in our Bure. She described her "experience" as - perfect!!!! Susan brought up a good point. When you are considering your holiday in Fiji and in such a remote place as Moody's (or Cousteau on our last trip), you think you might not have enough to do for a week. She has decided that doing nothing is doing alot! Susan doesn't dive but she has had hammock time, nap time, reading time (she just finished her first book of the trip) and more.

I went on a dive to Chimneys today. I had a private small boat take me out since today was my last day and I had a special request... lots of soft coral! Cecil, my dive guide, was incredible. In fact, I hear over and over how wonderful the dive staff is here and I agree. Chimney's is a 4 Bombie dive (4 coral heads). It offered an unbelievable amount of soft corals, fans, a zillion orange anthias fish (I felt like I was diving in a fish bowl), and a host of other critters!. Octopus, a nurse shark (not high on my list of things to see but lots of people like sharks), a huge clown trigger fish that floated in front of my face for a few minutes, 2 purple leaf scorpion (a real find - Cecil pointed them out), a cute little black nudibranch with blue lines, large amounts of bubble anenome and anenome fish and colors of the rainbow that burn themselves in ones memory for life. Purples, magentas, yellows, pinks, oranges - moving and blending and creating magic. Moody's offers divers the best that can be expected here in Fiji. Moody's offers snorkelers an experience of a lifetime when they go out on the dive boat to snorkel on the top of Bombies (coral heads).

How do I sum up Moody's? Soft adventure at its finest - far from any normal resort experience that is available here. Peace and quiet and harmony with nature. We will be trying to post some pictures in the next day or two. Keep an eye out.

We will be at Namale tomorrow and then Wakaya for 4 nights and Vatulele for 3 nights. Even if we can't get pictures up, we will be reviewing almost daily.

Moce and have a perfect day!
Melissa

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Click here for Namale Review
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