Vacation Rentals by Owner

Heavensdoor, a truly relaxing holiday

Guest: David and Margo C.
Date of Stay: 01/02/12 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

We choose Heavensdoor to have our family stay together whilst we all were in Fiji to attend the wedding of our youngest daughter. Heavansdoor is just perfectly situated on top of a hill (need a 4-wheel drive to get up during the rainy season) with sweeping ocean views from the garden, verandah and upstairs rooms. Fantastic to fall asleep with the sound of the rolling waves and to wake up to mostly blue skies, waving palms and that ocean view and breathing in oxygen rich unpolluted air. The lay-out of the house is just gourgeous and so practicle. The garden is immaculate. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere with our children and grandchildren. For the grandchildren it was paradise to explore including finding little creepy-crawleys and they enjoyed the unexpected visit of a couple of horses on a few occasions. Food shopping nearby was a joyful search and find (like potatoes and onions in a hardware store), although there is a very-well stocked supermarket in Sigatoka town. Fresh fruits are best bought along the roadside from the many fruit/vegetable stalls that one can find when driving around. If you don't want to cook then the nearby Outrigger and other 5 star hotels offer beautiful meals at very good prices. We became regulars at the Outrigger (also for the grandchildren's swimming pool time) and the entrance attendants got to know us. We always received a special 'Bula'. On other occasion Scott and Christina prepared authentic Fijian meals for us to enjoy. Many evenings were spent outside on the verandah playing games. There is plenty to do in Fiji and as Heavensdoor is situated right between Nadi and Suva you could choose to go either way without the drive being too long... although, as there is only one main road, the traffic is a lot slower than one would expect. All in all we were sad to have to leave; we could have easily stayed on longer. It's a beautiful place and we highly recommend a stay at Heavensdoor; we are contemplating returning there again. It was great meeting Scott and Christina who have a very relaxed attitude. Many thanks! David and Margo Combe (Kalamunda - Perth W.A. - Australia)

Recommended for:

"Everything we wanted in a family vacation"

Guest: Kathryn
Date of Stay: 11/23/11 Review Submitted: 02/04/12

The house accommodating our group of 16 at a stretch but we where all comfortable.The Lovo feast gave us the night off from cooking & was enjoyed by all thoroughly, on the other nights we ate like kings.This side of the island has beautiful ocean breezes which we liked because the bugs are not so much of an issue and the house remains cool at all times.Our thanks to Scott & Cristina for making our Fiji gathering of family & friends from around the globe everything we wished for.

Recommended for:

"Great Honeymoon!"

Guest: Rob & Mariko
Date of Stay: 11/09/11 Review Submitted: 02/04/12

Can't say anything but, praises for Heaven's Door! From the beautiful views to the relaxing bedroooms, we couldn't have asked for anything more! Scott and Cristina are gracious hosts and treated us like family, we really can't thank them enough for their hospitality. Thank you for everything.

Recommended for:

"A Step Closer to Heaven"

Guest: Greg
Date of Stay: 10/20/11 Review Submitted: 02/04/12

Wow! That really sums it up.The pictures you see in the ad are exactly what you see on arrival.The next morning we woke up to the most incredible views of the Pacific.The house is huge.Get the owners to make you at least one local cuisine meal and you'll be glad that you did, delicious!Watch the sunrise and sunset and get lost in the beauty.The beach, channel are only 200 yards away.Go at low tide with snorkel gear & you'll be swimming in an aquarium!I can still hear the ocean waves. Incredible!

Recommended for:

"Awesome family holiday"

Guest: Robyn & Chris
Date of Stay: 09/26/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/12

Dear Scotty and Cristina, Thank you so much for a fabulous week. We had a great and relaxing time. We love you guys! xxxx

Recommended for:

HEAVENSDOOR IS TRULY SPECTACULAR

Guest: Karen G.
Date of Stay: 08/14/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

BULA SCOTT & CHRISTINA, THANK YOU AGAIN FOR A REALLY GREAT STAY ON OUR FIRST TRIP TO FIJI. CHRISTINA YOUR HOME COOKED CURRY DINNER WAS DELICIOUS. WE WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND STAYING AT HEAVENSDOOR WHEN IN FIJI. THE VIEW FROM THE HOUSE WAS SPECTACULAR. IT WAS A 180 DEGREE VIEW OF THE FIJI COAST. THERE WERE NO MOSQUITOES. THE HOUSE WAS WELL EQUIPPED AND WE LACKED NOTHING. IT WAS FUN BEING AT THE BEACH WHEN SCOTT & CHRISTINA WALKED THE HORSES DOWN TO BATHE THEM. SCOTT KNOWS ALL THE INS AND OUTS OF FIJI AND IS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE. HE CAN TELL YOU WHERE TO FIND GREAT FOOD, TAXI DRIVER AND CAR RENTAL. WE LOOK FORWARD TO OUR NEXT STAY AT HEAVENSDOOR. VINAKA ~~~ DON & KAREN

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Heaven on Earth!

Guest: Becky (Boston - USA)
Date of Stay: 07/24/11 Review Submitted: 08/16/11

Bula Scott and Christina! We thank you once again for allowing us to make Heavensdoor our home for two glorious weeks! Your house is wonderfully bright and airy; is tastefully decorated with Fijian art; and affords a magnificent view of which we never tired. Thank you also for preparing a special birthday dinner. The memories will last a lifetime! Also, the girls had much fun washing the horses in the ocean and grooming them. It made them feel less homesick for the horses they ride every week. You were kind to include us. For those of you considering Heavendsdoor as your holiday destination - "just do it!" You will not regret your decision! Scott will promptly attend to any issue you may experience and will help you in planning day trips and excursions. (We highly recommend the zip line!!!) Although the trip to Fiji was very long, we plan to visit Heavensdoor at some time in the future!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

"Forever grateful"

Guest: Brittany
Date of Stay: 07/10/11 Review Submitted: 02/05/12

BULA :) Scott and Christina, Thank you for having us at HEAVENSDOOR! We had an amazing time in Fiji! The waterfalls, the resorts and Natadola Beach were great! We enjoyed at boat trip and the Sigatoka Market! Here is a token from us to you! Once again, Thanks! Oh! Your dinner last night = Amazing. Hope to visit again in the future! Forever grateful. PS. So glad Sydney is enjoying his toy :)

Recommended for:

2 families from Perth, AU and Calgary, Canada

Guest: Mare (Perth, AU)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/26/11

We really enjoyed our stay at Heavensdoor. We stayed 9 nights in July, 2011. The house was easily big enough for 8 people. The owner and caretakers were friendly and helpful. We did mostly land activities because we had just spent 8 nights on Mana Island doing water activities. There were lots of choices for activities. We went jungle hiking and saw waterfalls, went to the Sand Dunes National Park, the Eco Park Wildlife (across from the Outrigger Resort), Natadola Beach, and visited two Fiji villages. Our best day was the "Jewell of Fiji Tour" from Navua. I would highly recommend checking this out. We enjoyed all of the activities we did, focusing on nature and cultural adventures. The house itself was nice, in a rustic sort of way. We enjoyed ourselves because we knew what to expect. Check out the Heavensdoor blog to see more photos and get better descriptions. It is not a resort and does not have the same luxuries. Travelers who enjoy getting off the "beaten track" would enjoy this house more. We had enough water, but the hot water ran out very quickly. There were fans in the rooms but no AC. We were there in winter, so that wasn't a problem for us. I'm not sure how that would be in the summer months. The internet connection was great and there was a phone there for use if you wanted it. There was also a TV if you wanted (bring your own videos). The kitchen was well stocked and there was a fire BBQ that we could use. We ate most of our meals in the house, and on two occasions the owners/caretakers cooked for us. One night we had a lovo, a traditional Fiji meal. It was very good. We enjoyed just spending time at the house and relaxing. Between us we had 4 boys who enjoyed playing games outside on the lawn, and we sat and watched the ocean (sunrise through to sunset was beautiful). Parro came up to play rugby with the boys. He also got us all fresh coconuts so we could drink the milk. The best part of the house and our stay at Heavensdoor was the ambiance of the place, the staff, and the dog Sydney. We left very relaxed and refreshed. We rented cars and were very lucky it didn't rain. I would recommend a 4 wheel drive to get up the drive way. The road was narrow and very lumpy/rocky. Even without the rain it was a very slow drive and we "hit bottom" on the car many times. During our stay in July, we had very little rainfall, and there were very few mosquitos. The temperatures were around 28 C and the humidity low.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

Superb in every way!

Guest: Rob & Lin (Englewood, FL, US)
Date of Stay: 05/19/11 Review Submitted: 05/30/11

Bula, Scott & Cristina: The attached picture is our very favorite memory of our recent wonderful stay at Heavensdoor. Your lovely home was indeed the "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow"! We relaxed, reconnected with each other and Nuture, and soaked in the beauty of the 180 degree view from the terrace (as well as every window in the house). We were in Fiji to attend Rob's daughter's wedding at the Shangri-La Resort. We knew we didn't want the "resort" typical stay and were delighted to find Heavensdoor. As two "seniors", we wanted to stay away from the frenzied activites associated with resort life (as well as the noise). We found Heavensdoor to be just what we wanted - privacy, lovely surroundings, gracious hosts, and, other than the sounds of Nature and soft music from the stereo, completly quiet. Thanks again for giving us an oppurtunity to make memories that will last forever! Vinaka, Lin & Rob

Recommended for:People with disabilities, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Birthday celebrations

Guest: moira (New Zealand)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 06/05/11

We arrived at Heavensdoor on 12 May for Tom's 60th birthday. We spent 7 beautiful and memorable days at Heavensdoor with his sons Richard and Jimmy, Jimmy's girlfriend and 4 close friends. The house and location is truly delightful listening to the crashing of the waves as you fall asleep and wake up does wonders for ones wellbeing! The house is spacious and light with very comfy beds. We loved the traditional wall hangings. The gardens are well kept and full of lovely vibrant colours. Tom's birthday party was on the Saturday I tried to keep it a surprise up to then. On the day Scott and his team worked tirelessly decorating the veranda with beautiful flowers,cooking a superb Fijian supper enjoyed by all. At my request after much hard work Scott managed to book a 3 piece band they were awesome highly recommended. The birthday celebrations were awesome, great music, dancing, and delicious food what more could the birthday boy want!! Thank you Scott and his lovely team for a memorable experience.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Owner response:Thanks Moira & Tom! What can I say..............we all enjoyed ourselves as much as you did & were overwhelmed in the success of the evening. Yes the serendars definitely were the highlight of the night!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A welcome bonus after 3 months in a camper!

Guest: Michel o.
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

After having travelled through New Zealand for three months with our little boy (he turned one during the trip) we decided to take in some beach/island/cultural time in between our next stop in California and spend 6 nights in this beautiful spot. Having spend those three months in a really small camper, the house was a most welcome bonus. Although the house is big enough for 8 people, we used it for the three of us by using the upper floor (and off course using the master bedroom which has the best views :)). The house is located on a hill and the views are absolutely amazing! We really liked the fact that, although you're a bit uphill, you can still hear the waves rolling up the beach. An amazing feeling when you go to bed at night! We spend most of our days either going inland or visiting one of the nearby resorts. There are some really decent restaurants on the sunset strip and if you like to spend a bit more just visit one of the resorts :). We combined this trip with a three day trip to the smaller islands of Fiji, which is a totally different experience and is highly recommended as well. But visiting Heavensdoor has given us a taste of what the real Fiji is like, away from the crowds and the resorts!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a find!!!

Guest: Kate (Rimbey,Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/22/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

HeavensDoor! Wow, what a find! The whole experiance here was truly wonderful! The beautiful bright house with all the amenities you need is perched on an amazing piece of property with the most incredable views. The location on the Coral coast is perfect with anything you would want to do closely accessable. And you can still have your complete peace and quiet when you return to your very own piece of paradise! You even have your own beach! Thankyou Scott, Cristina, Jone & Para for our amazing Fiji experiance!

Owner response:Bula Kathy! It was so nice to see four very active seniors take advantage of the surroundings with walks to the beach, reef walking, hiking, snorkeling & a fantastic day at the waterfalls. I also know that you enjoyed many of the local restaurants & the Meke at the Hideaway. I must thank you for leaving our home very clean & making it your own :)

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Bula...Welcome to Paradise!!!

Guest: Jillian (Bahamas)
Date of Stay: 04/03/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

Duncan and I are not your typical tourists. We prefer the back roads, local dive bars and the quiet peace of an empty beach. Massive resorts, tour busses, nightclubs and pizza are not our thing. This being said, Heaven’s Door was the ideal spot for us to spend the first leg of Fiji adventure. We spend much of our life living out of suitcases, so the ample space made us feel quite luxurious. The house is cozy, decorated with local crafts and with all the amenities you would need. The driveway is rather steep, so during the rainy season we would definitely recommend a 4WD if you don’t have any off road experience. We rented an economy Toyota from Sharma’s and had a great experience. Please note you are on island time or “ Fiji Time,” they call it here. The drive in is littered with stray cattle, dogs and people, so be very cautious if driving at night. The roads have some potholes, but for the most part are pretty good. The best part about arriving at night is the view that you wake up to. We had no idea where we were, but we fell asleep to the waves crashing on the beach. As the sunlight broke through I made my way to the window. The view from Heaven’s Door is by far the most incredible in the area; even the 5 star resorts cannot top it! It is truly breathtaking. Grab your coffee and watch the world wake up every morning. Scott and his team (Maleka, Parro & Johnny) are an amazing group of people. Always smiling and ready to help in anyway they can! Parro arrived early on our first morning and shimmied up a massive palm tree to gather coconuts. He quickly cracked them and handed us fresh coconuts with the water spilling over the top. There we were, standing barefoot in the sunshine with coconut water dribbling down our chins. Good morning Fiji! Make sure you have Parro do this for you at least once and have your camera ready. Scott is an endless resource of local knowledge and adventures to so make sure you have a chat with him.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Donny

Guest: Donny (Boise, Idaho, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/27/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

The property at Heaven's Door was immaculate. The accomodations were perfect. We prefer to cook in, and we did each night with the the help of the Fijian caretaker and his family (lobster, chicken, pork ...). We had great barbecues and our son, who is 9, got to hang out with the caretaker's son who is 9 as well. They immediately became friends. They shared Fijian culture and U.S. culture. Although we only stayed 5 days, and traveled all the way from the U.S., it was worth every single second. The owner has done a fabulous job of keeping the place perfect for visitors. We also enjoyed meeting and eating with the caretaker, his wife, his kids, the owner, as well as other folks. Everyone was so nice. It beats staying in a resort by a million miles. The place is beautiful. We snorkeled, swam, ate, did a day excursion to an uninhabited isle for snokeling/suba, and partied to our heart's delight. I would go back in a heartbeat...even with the long travel time from the U.S. You need to check it out. It is absolutely killer...

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Absolutely Fantastic!

Guest: Canada (CA)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

Heavensdoor is the perfect place to stay! You have privacy with views you can't get at any resort. Abi and his beautiful family make you to feel the famous Fijian friendliness. Activities - A MUST DO is the Seaspray day trip. Go on a schooner through the islands, see where Castaway was filmed, visit a village.Beautiful scenery and snorkeling, delicious food, unlimited beer, what more can you ask for. (South Sea Island Tours,leaves from Port Denarau.Drive or have the transfer coach pick you up at The Outrigge). Not ideal for children - South Sea Island is a great day trip for everyone and kids. Amazing snorkeling, meikie singers and lunch. Get a beachfront massage(same company and schedule as above mentioned Seaspray) - Cave Tour (Adventures In Paradise, Sigatoka) an intense trip. Visit a village, then hike to the entrance of the cave. If you don't like enclosed spaces, don't do this tour. If you are adventurous you will love it. Guides are so friendly and you learn alot about local plants and medicine. - Scuba Diving - Call Diveaway at Hideaway Resort. Beautiful sites and great guides. You can also try scuba in the pool and then go out on a guided dive. - Natadola Beach - 30-40 min from Heavensdoor, gorgeous white sand beach, beautiful blue water. Worth the trip. Relax or take a horse back ride down the beach - Sigatoka Town - good place to get supplies, take a walk through the open market. Make sure to try the cream buns from the bakery beside the market. So good! - Port Denarau - fun shopping, cool restaurants. Spend an afternoon (1hr) If you get bored of eating at home, there are lots of eating options - Hideaway Resort - 7 min away, you can use the pool, waterslide. Try the spa.The restaurant is amazing (Try the phenomenal grilled lobster). Friday nights there are meike singers and prices are reasonable - Outrigger Resort - Food is a bit pricier, but delicious. Great kids pool. If you need toiletry items, new clothes or flip flops etc, there are a couple of great shops located in the resort. - Beddara Beach Inn - Beautiful restaurant, amazing food and very reasonable prices. And they do take away (2 minutes past Outrigger on Sunset Strip). - Le Cafe - just down the road from Beddara, great little evening place to get a drink, with nice views of the ocean Make sure to get a 4x4 (pay a bit more and use a reputable company!!!), bring bug spray and lots of sunscreen! Be prepared for relaxing and beautiful views!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Heaven's Door is a Wonderful Place!

Guest: Jack (British Columbia Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/27/11 Review Submitted: 02/13/11

Looking out at the view we are amazed and know immediately why this place is called Heaven's Door! We stayed for two, one week blocks with a week in between in Vanua Levu which was fantastic, and have had an absolutely amazing time here!!! It was so nice to come back to the views, location and comfort at Heavens Door! The house is large, comfortable and well appointed. Lying, in bed you can view the morning sunrise. Walk out on the lawn and you can see the sunset! The view is expansive, the breezes are nice and cooling & keep the bugs away. On site hosts/caretakers, Abbie and Mecci, John and Anna are very nice and super helpful local folks! We even went to see Abbie sing and play at the local church--a great experience even if you're not particularly religious. The vocals and music were incredible and the locals so friendly!! Staying at Heaven's Door is a breath of fresh air when so many people only experience the" Resort Vacation" in Fiji. You will need a car but a 4 wheel drive isn't necessary; with a vehicle, you can check out so many different beaches, restaurants and resorts, should you wish to partake in any of their offerings. The surf near the Sigatoka rivermouth and sand dunes, was great the second week I was there. There are no crowds and the endless dark sand beach and incredible dunes, are amazing!! I'd highly recommend John, who is the caretaker at Club Mesa (not presently open) and rents boards and he'll even go out surfing with you and show you the best breaks! We totally enjoyed our time in Fiji and Heaven's Door had a lot to do with it. Thanks Scott, Abie & Mecci and John & Anna and their families. This is a perfect Vacation Rental!

Owner response:Bula Jack & Candace! Yes it was a nice surprise to hear that you were returning to Heavensdoor after your trip to Vanua Levu...........actually this is the best way to have a perfect vacation when visiting Fiji for three weeks or more! On behalf of my staff, I like to thank you for your kind words & are happy to see that you & like many others before you, have enjoyed the comforts & unique hospitality of Heavensdoor. Vinaka vaka levu!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Contact Information

Guest: beressa (New Jersey USA)
Date of Stay: 01/11/11 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

How and who do I contact to stay at this amazing place? There is no contact information. Thank you

Owner response:Bula Beressa! Thank you for your inquiry............We appreciate all your feedback :) Please go to the homeaway web site & place our property ID number 163045 in "search for properties"...........once you have our property displayed..............please fill out all the necessary information in the "Contact Owner" form on the far right of the web page. Vinaka vaka levu! (Thank you very much) Scott.

Recommended for:

Coral Coast Cottage

Guest: Buladdiction (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

My family and I were pleasantly surprised with Heavensdoor. The location of the 2-story house was atop a hill with spectacular views of the Coast. Although you cannot swim comfortably along the beach nearby, a short drive will take you to a few resorts where you can enjoy all the same amenities as guests. My favorite was the Warwick because of the free snorkeling and sandy beach. Hitchhiking is not a big deal in Fiji and is quite common and inexpensive (only costs 1 Fijian dollar to Sigatoka town). But if you don't feel adventurous on your holiday, you should definitely rent a car. Abi is a great host and you shouldn't be afraid to ask him for help. Just remember to reward him at the end of his stay for his hospitality and kindness. He deserves it. Enjoy Fiji

Owner response:Vinaka Meraj! We do encourage our guests to give graciously...........as per our web site we do recommend FJD$5 per hour for extra services which include reef trips, fishing, cooking, lovo (food cooked in the ground in traditional Fijian style), entertaining your children with activities...........just to name a few! Abi & the staff, not forgetting all Fijian people, are very generous & will not ask for anything as this is the Fijian culture.........respect & appreciate :)

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heavens Door

Guest: Midnight (Ladysmith,British Columbia,Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/04/10 Review Submitted: 01/14/11

Heavens Door will always be the highlight of our 2010 trip. The adventure started on the drive from the airport, lonely planet guide book had warned us that the roads in Fiji were not like what we are used to in North America. They said we would find lots of potholes, animals roaming across the road and very aggressive drivers who spent a lot of the time on your side of the road heading towards you..... "All of it is true"!! That's the way it is in Fiji...but after 2 weeks of driving around Viti Levu, its amazing how accepting one gets and you start to feel right at home dodging the potholes, animals and even find yourself on the other side of the road more often because of doing just that. Never did get into passing on a double line on a blind bend though. Arriving at Heavens door we were met by Abi and family including Sidney who took us up to the property and showed us around the house; a lot of house for two people who spend most of their time outdoors and outdoors is were Heavens door surpasses itself...the view all around is spellbinding, ocean, mountain, sky and not forgetting the horses...truly a beautiful place. Though the location is fairly remote, you feel that you are in your own little paradise and very secure with caretaker Abi and Sidney just down the hill. Abi is always ready to answer any query's that you may have. If you are lucky like we were, you just might have Abe's son George and nephew's bring you fresh coconuts in the morning. Living at heavens door enabled us to enjoy our own cooking and shopping at the local markets gave us more of a "feel" of what it is like to actually live in Fiji. A special thanks to Abi & Methi for inviting us to their home and introducing us to their friends at a wonderful gathering & lova feast; a time we will never forget and feel very honored for being included. Would we visit Heavens door in the future? You bet we will!! Vanaka..........Dave & Sue

Owner response:Bula Dave & Sue! Over & over again our guests like yourself comment on their personal experience with our very helpful, informative & user friendly Fijian staff & managers Abi & Meci. You mentioned remote...........definitely the feeling you would experience at Heavensdoor as you are in your own little world with everything at your finger tips, particularily with the 5 star "Outrigger" less than 5 mins away & Sigatoka Town known as the "Salad bowl" of Fiji only 10 mins drive. Like many others before you, it sounds like you enjoyed the everyday living cultural experience of Heavensdoor which is something we are all very proud of...........keeping it real! And yes, the Lovo (food wraped in palm & banana leaves, cooked on hot rocks in the ground) is definitely a Fijian treat not to be missed :) Vinaka, Dave & Sue..........looking forward to seeing you again in our special piece of paradise! PS. A "Lovo" is available on request to all guests for a small fee which is listed on this web site under "Extra Services"

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Now this is Fiji Style

Guest: Gordon (California, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

We are a family from California, with four children ages 8-14. We have stayed in vacation homes in Italy, London and Australia. This Fiji home is our absolute favorite experience. The reason: the caretaker Abi and his family. My goodness, he took us spearfishing three nights out of six. Spearfishing involves walking to the coral reef across the road, putting on snorkeling gear and grabbing an underwater flashlight, and spearing sleeping fish. Then, to exit the ocean with lobster, crab, octupus, puffer fish, parrot fish, red snapper, and cooking them over a roaring bonfire, cooling them in the ocean, then eating chunks of lobster and fish, dipped in native lime and chile. My kids bolted out the door every evening Abi invited them. It was my 13 year old son's favorite experience, better than gameboy. For luxury, take a South Sea island tour out of Nadi: three hours on a beautiful sandy island, snorkeling, kayaking, all you can eat and drink, native dancing, then a cruise to six other islands, returning at 3 pm... For 30 DOLLARS American. Or drive twenty minutes to Nandola Beach. Wow, beautiful sand, clear waterr, gentle waves, $5 horse rides. And fire walking ten minutes away, $10. Abi took us to the colorful street market our first day, helped us but groceries and prepared delicious curry dishes. He also went with us deep in to the interior to purchase a pig, then butchered it and cooked it lovo style. Our children loved playing tag with Abi's kids, and retired exhausted at the end of each day. The house is gorgeous, spacious and well appointed. The beds are really comfortable. Everything lends to peace and comfort: the windows, ice, the ceiling fans, the Fiji masks and mats, the million dollar view, the sunsets, the quiet, the darkness, the stars, the dog... I simply cannot imagine a better Fiji experience. Americans, it's a 9 to 10 hour flight from LAX. No jetlag, Fiji 6 am is 10 am Pacific. While the flight is a bit more than going to Hawaii, the dollar is very strong. We only went to the ATM twice. It's a very easy place to learn to drive on the left, because there are so few cars and even less hurry. But our favorite part of Fiji is the people. They are so friendly. They will not tell you how to get to the beach; they will show you. Heaven's Door will change you forever, because you will see Abi's family living off wild yams and spearfishing. But they love ice cream if you want to share a bit of you

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

One to Remember

Guest: Seanne (Brisbane, Australlia)
Date of Stay: 10/11/10 Review Submitted: 03/23/11

Bula Fiji!! Thank you for making our stay at Heavensdoor one to remember!! The house was in immaculate condition and we were all impressed by the facilities. Looking over a lush paradise with stunning views and a beautiful sea breeze we really were in heaven. The house staff were excellent and assist where they can to make the stay very comfortable (we miss Abi already) As a group of 5 adults, when looking for a place to stay, we wanted to be able to freely explore Fiji and not live the typical “resort” life. We are into adventure and what an adventure we had. We went snorkeling constantly at the private beach and saw the most amazing marine life. Abi took the boys spear fishing (which was a fail on their part as they had to make dinner that night – Abi was the lucky one to cook dinner and also caught the fish) We played a game of volleyball with the local people, and hiked the mountains around Heavensdoor. Abi fired up the BBQ for us and we had the most amazing lamb for dinner we did this a couple of times as it was so so good!! We also did some shopping in Sigatoka and went to a traditional Kava ceremony. We went to Fiji for a friends wedding. Many of our other friends came to Fiji but stayed at the main resort where the wedding was being held. A lot of them said due to the rain they got bored and didn’t do much and they were jealous of the fun we had and also envied where we were staying. Heavensdoor is a beautiful place to stay and we will be definitely going back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Spain loves Fiji!!

Guest: crissie (spain )
Date of Stay: 09/15/10 Review Submitted: 09/23/10

Spain is far from Fiji, so far away that the thought of this wonderful place we imagine the idyllic postcard and we doubt if it exists in reality. We knew that our trip would be long but it was really comfortable. We had a layover in London and Seoul, all right. At the airport in Fiji a group of musicians Bulaaaa told us! Approaching our destination, Queens Road, suddenly appears on top of the mountain majestic, to and surrounded by palm trees as if it were an oasis ... is Heavensdoor, nothing to do with the typical impersonal resort ... We were speechless and writing these lines recalling the moment comes to us a pleasant feeling. All property respect nature at all times, the road to access for that reason is rustic but very comfortable. Siguendolo are discovered pastures where horses enjoy. The views are indescribable but we still expect a big surprise. Upon arriving home, the decor is exquisite and meticulous to detail, is the essence of its owner. It is very light and spacious and the distribution is studied in such a way that takes advantage of light breezes and every hour of the day, from sunrise to sunset, making the beauty of those moments hardly forget. once discovered throughout the house, I agree to the patio, I meet a typical barbecue stone that teens can enjoy ... and again we meet in paradise .... views leave us speechless, ocean on all sides and in front of us appears an extension of grass and palm trees surrounded by a garden that is so much .. This really is a dream, o we're thinking back, we need to repeat these moments of peace in this special place called Heavensdoor. Finally, we thank the owner, Scott. Their hospitality is indescribable, melts in compliments and make comfortable the stay of the guests taking into account the smallest detail, is respected by his charisma and kindness. And also thank all the people working in and for Heavensdoor, respect and kindness at all times. Indeed, Scott's pet, his dog Sidney, is the icing on the cake and the delight of the little ones; years.

Owner response:Thank you for your review :) It is nice to see guests like yourselves enjoying & appreciating the true natural beauty of Heavensdoor.........Heavensdoor is a very rural & cultural experience for all couples & families to explore with close & easy access to resorts, stores & activities. Vinaka vaka levu!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heavens Door is well know by the locals

Guest: Week in Heaven (San Diego, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/05/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

Rented the house for the week of September 5th-12th. The onsite property manager (Abi) is the best and made us feel right at home. Some early problems with hot water, but was handled promptly by Abi with a call to the plumber. The view from the house (both upstairs and down) are worth $1M (US)!!! The wind the first three days required us to change our plans (travel to the towns and shops) and one night without electricity, but the rest of the week was amazing! Bring your bathroom essentials and spices / oil if you don't want to run to the store the 1st day (less than 10 miles one way). Wife seen a few "palm-meadow" bugs (as they call them in Charleston SC) and we spayed which took care of the problem. Couple of furry visitors were seen around and about upstairs and Scott brought "medicine" to cure them once we left. The house is in the country and you have to expect visitors once in a while. Four wheel drive is only needed in the raining season to get up the hill. Grocery stores have the basics, but are very expensive. Locals sell fruit and veggies both in the farmers market (except Sunday) and on the side of the road (ensure you have small $1 bills). The beach across the road is fine and a walk on the coral edge at low tide is something else to see. Lots of structured adventure tours leaving from the Hideaway hotel and they can book at the tour desk. The Hideaway resort is about 10 mins down the road and there is a discount card (20%) off food and beverages at the front desk (just takes 5mins to sign up). The dive shop at the Hideaway is fine (Alex runs the place), but safety is sometimes not the highest priority (boat left during our safety stop and we floated for about 10mins). Right below the Outrigger Hotel, The restaurant at the Bedarra Beach Inn (Ocean Terrace) is cheap, good, and amazing presentations for dinner and lunch (also for breakfast). The Le Cafe is fine for fish or pizza, but the service was lacking and the environment crude.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place, great country, great people.

Guest: Nick (Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10 Review Submitted: 07/10/10

We just got back from our 10 day stay at Heavensdoor and what can I say? It was fantastic. Scotts communication and patience with our last minute booking was greatly appreciated and in the end everything came together so we could stay at Heavensdoor. The house is large and well appointed with everything you need. Sigatoka is only 15mins drive away and everything you need to cook your own meals is available in town from the 3 supermarkets and the market. Most nights we ate fish that we speared from the ocean. If this isn't your thing then the outrigger resort is only 2-3 minutes away by car and you can eat in any of their 4 restaurants. There are other eateries on the beach near the resort that are very reasonably priced. The beach at the bottom of the hill is very private and there is an abundance of sea life living in the reef. The snorkelling is great and it is only a 5 minute walk away down the hill. Back up the hill might take 10 mins but it really isn't that far and we went nearly everyday. Abraham (the caretaker) and his family live on the property as well although they will not bother you unless you want them to. We had Abraham come to town with us one day to show us where to buy food and then he cooked us a lovely meal that night, fiji style. On other days we joined him spearfishing and rode his horses on the beach. Abraham is a most genuine and accommodating person and really made our holiday special. If you are not staying in a resort then you will notice that Fiji is a poor country but the people are friendly and we felt safe at all times. We were never hassled for money and we never saw a single begger in the market. It is a completely relaxed country and a pleasure to drive in, unlike the hustle and bustle of Thailand. We had a great time staying at Heavensdoor and really want to return to Fiji as soon as possible.

Owner response:Bula Nick! Yes, Abi (Abraham) & his family (staff) have been with us for more than 10 years..............We are happy to hear you have enjoyed his many talents & gifts which are customary to the Fijian people as well as their very unique hospitality.

Recommended for:

Fabulous Getaway with Friends Abroad

Guest: Ross Ward (Charleston, SC, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/12/10

I spent a week at Heavensdoor with 13 friends. The view from the house alone makes the trip worth while. Even better, the house was perfectly accommodating for our large group. We agreed we could have even slept a few more in the house. Management was ready and willing to help us with everything from calling a cab to making the Fijian favorite, "kava." The kitchen was fully stocked with everything we needed. The house is in a great location near some of the local resorts. The Hideaway resort (aka Rydges) treated us like royalty when they found out we were staying at Heavensdoor. We spent some time enjoying their amenities, but we were always quick to head back to the house to enjoy the sunsets (not to mention we spent our nights on a blanket underneath the clearest sky you could ever imagine). The owner, Scott, is a joy to work with. He was extremely helpful and patient. Every aspect of the rental process was a breeze, and I would not hesitate to take the same exact trip year after year.

Owner response:Vinaka Ross! Yes, Heavensdoor is a fantastic destination for large groups, family get togethers , reunions & college summer vacations. Fijians are voted the most friendliest people in the world & as you can see, our staff & managers will do all they can to meet your needs. Look forward to seeing you all next summer :) Vinaka vaka Levu!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous Retreat

Guest: Caela (Gold Coast, Australia)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/20/10

This is a perfect place to stay whatever your reason for going to Fiji. The view from the property is absolutely stunning and will make you smile each day. We have both been to Fiji previously and love the way the rythmn of the people and the way they live has a strong impact in making you slow down and recognise what really is important in life. The best thing to do if staying at Heavens Door is to hire yourself a Suzuki Jimmy Jeep as they are easy to drive and you can do a bit of exploring with the 4WD! Then you have the freedom to go to the local food markets in Sigatoga to buy all your food (it is ridiculously cheap!) and is recommended even if just for the experience, the Fijians are wonderful people. If you would rather eat out, there are numerous resorts (pricey) or local restaurants (great value) just down the road. On our second day we were fortunate to enjoy a traditional Fijian Christening with the family who look after the property for Scotty. It was a real treat and honour to be invited to join them and I would highly recommend anyone who stays here to spend some time with the family and learn about their culture. Our primary reason for our holiday was to scuba dive and despite a big storm putting it on hold for 3 days we did manage to get six great dives in with the crew at Hideaway - a resort only 10 mins drive down the road from the property. If diving isn't your thing we highly recommend them for snorkelling, other water sports. The crew there was so much fun to hang out with and our dives had a lot of variety with swim throughs, drop offs, coral, different depths and more. Next year we intend to return but will also drive the hour south to do the shark dive from Pacific Harbour and try some other places. Overall this place is value for money, in a convenient place for both relaxation or adventure with privacy and a stunning view. The only thing that would top it off would be to have a couple of hammocks on the deck to swing in with my sunset glass of wine or two!

Owner response:Hammocks are definitely on the list :)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

breathtaking view; lovely accommodations

Guest: nandal (San Diego, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/06/10 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

Our first time to Fiji. With so many islands, we did not know where to go! We found Heavensdoor through VRBO site. Contact with owner (Scott) was efficient and comfortable from our first email. One hour+ drive from Nadi (international airport), Heavensdoor was perfect place for four Californians to meet two friends from Australia (plus their two children). The spaciousness and layout of the house gave us a family-environment, yet "quiet" bedrooms for privacy. The view is spectacular; tropical winds and ceiling fans kept us comfortable in the evening. The road up to Heavensdoor is unpaved, and part of the charm. Two resorts are minutes from Heavensdoor, so convenince to resort-like facilities (e.g., spa, restaurant, and dive center at Hideway Resort - ask for Alex). Having a car is preferred (use Budget car rental), but not necessary with bus stop at bottom of hill. The house has a TV/DVD, full kitchen (with coffee maker), internet and phone access. Anything we needed, was available to us with a quick call to Abi, the onsite caretaker. Abi also took the kids snorkeling at private beach across the road. We had a wonderful time and would return. The price for one week was great value for 5 BR house for 3 couples/2 kids. Excellent! We also had a great day on private catamaran to another island - suggest you work with Kessa at Coral Cats to book this day trip.

Owner response:Heavensdoor has the perfect layout for reunions of family & friends from a far in the most relaxed Fijian Cultural Lifestyle. Everything you need is available to you without going on those guided bus tours. If you wish to dive, this is the place to be as the dive operaters will pick you up right in front of Heavensdoor..........all tourist attractions are available to you direct. Abi, our manager will & can give you all the information you need to make your vacation in Fiji a home away from home experience............in the Fijian way. You may not know this but the Fijians are voted "The Most Friendliest People in the World :) PS. You're right Nanci............our private road is part of the charm of Heavensdoor............Vinaka Vaka Levu!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

American Family Loved Heavensdoor

Guest: JamesE (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 01/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/07/10

My wife and I, along with our four kids--ages 12, 11, 8, and 3--spent a week at Heavensdoor. We loved it. It is not a resort, and so you have to be a little adventurous to appreciate this place. But the freedom is worth the effort of shopping, cooking, etc. As the other reviewers have noted, Abi and his family are wonderful. We went snorkeling and reef walking with them. The views are spectacular, the house is huge and comfortable, and the breeze keeps it a perfect temperature. It's also a great base for exploring the main island. One thing to realize is that Fiji is a poor country, and not being in a resort means less distance between you and the poverty. It may take a little getting used to for some people, and you should at least be aware of this. Also, I would definitely get a 4WD. We couldn't because of the size of our group, and we got stuck on the driveway when it was wet. It is very steep. It's ok when not wet, but very hard without a 4WD after some rain. This is a place you will falll in love with, and the price is unbeatable. I strongly recommend it. Our kids loved it as well.

Owner response:We truly appreciate your warm and honest comments about Heavensdoor. Our villa is located ideally on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu and managed by our long term Fijian staff. We offer comfortable amenities and gracious hospitality. Our driveway is indeed a bumpy road as are many of the roads in Fiji and we always encourage renting a 4WD vehicle. We will be making some repairs to the road this spring...but we still recommend the 4WD too! We have a very informative website to view lots of photos and descriptions of our property. Heavensdoor allows you to have a very personal and memorable vacation in Fiji at an affordable price along with the experience of shopping in the local marketplace, visiting the miles of untouched beaches with amazing coral reefs and attending numereous Fijian cultural performances available at a number of resorts close by :)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous holiday - home away from home!

Guest: EmandDave (Brisbane, Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/06/09

We have just come back from 6 days at Heaven's Door and had a great time. The house is lovely and has amazing views and worked really well for us and our 18 month old. It was great to be just 1 hour away from Nadi and we hired a 4 x 4 from the airport. The Sigatoka area is a great location we spent time in the town, at a few of the resorts inc the Outrigger which we actually liked most anyway. The beach was great esp for kids although be careful of the sharp coral. We relaxed a lot at the house and our son had plenty of room to run around inside and out and it was great having a cot for him too. Cooking facilities etc were ideal and worked well for us instead of being reliant on a resort all the time (again esp with a child) Scott was v helpful before our trip and Abi and Meci were great while we were there and cooked for us a couple of nights which was brilliant (although far too much food!!). Altogether would well recommend staying here was an ideal break for us and offered us the flexibility and space we wanted, especially with a small child. Thanks!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

HEAVEN ON EARTH!

Guest: ex kaiviti (Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 03/18/09 Review Submitted: 10/07/09

If I were to wish for a holiday home of my dreams, Lomalagi is certainly it!! Perched high on a hillside, set amongst acres of swaying coconut trees and evergreen tropical vegetation, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the many small bays which make up the Coral Coast, Lomalagi really is 'Heaven on Earth'! Complete privacy awaits with no neighbours in sight! The delightful Fijian caretaker Abi, his wife Meci, their boys and not forgetting Sydney, the resident dog, make you feel most welcome in true Fiji Style. Abi is always nearby to offer advice and a helping hand. Lomalagi boasts all the comforts of home, tastefully decorated in tropical island style, very comfortable beds and fully equipped kitchen with everything you'll need. Be prepared for the high humidity of Fiji, however ceiling fans in every room certainly make you more comfortable. You can't help but want to spend time on the terrace with it's awesome views. The rocky coral beach and calm lagoons fronting the property are great to explore, fish, snorkel or cool off. Lots of small cafes and rustic restaurants along nearby Korotogo Beach offer a variety of cuisines and 'cheap eats'. For a little indulgence, 5 minutes drive from home, the beautiful 'Outrigger Resort' offers world class facilities - fabulous restaurants and bars, a spa retreat, swimming pools and lots of activities for kids. Within 30 minutes in either direction, numerous resorts and restaurants dot the coastline. For food supplies, don't go past Sigatoka markets (15 mins away) selling fresh local grown produce. Saturday is seafood day but you have to be early for the fast selling tropical fish caught by local fisherman. Don't go past the Indian sweets carts for a little sumptuous indulgence!! Meat (limited cuts), and groceries can be found at the many supermarkets surrounding the local market. For the best coffee in town visit 'Tapoo Cafe', (one of the town's Handicraft shops) and be entertained by the talented singer, Ofa Ali. Driving in Fiji is easy despite the somewhat neglected roads. A 4WD is highly recommended! Fijians are truly amongst the most hospitable, genuine and easy going people you will ever meet. Family is very important, especially children! If total and utter relaxation in true Fiji style is what you want, I highly, highly recommend 'Lomalagi'!! Do yourselves a favour!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

A Steal

Guest: Sinical Travellers (Sherwood Forest UK)
Date of Stay: 09/15/08 Review Submitted: 09/30/08

If your thinking of renting in Fiji Coral Coast LOOK NO FURTHER. This is everything it promises to be and more. I have rented all over the world and this easily makes my top 3 . Location/ Condition / Price are all excellent. The place has no air con BECAUSE it doesn't need it commanding breath taking views and screened windows with on shore breeze make this a wonderful place. I would recommend a 4WD as a must but compared to the other cars the price was cheap i booked through budget and picked up at the airport 1 weeks hire with full insurance and CDW F$550 The near by resort Out rigger welcomes you with open arms and the Bardari inn is excellent for eating out , we ate their every night F$ 60 for 2 people. Very secure with your own security down the hill 2 lovely dogs and the strapping Abraham will keep you safe :) Would be great for honey mooners on a budget who just wanted to get away from it all. We brought an ipod and speakers for music and used Sigatoka for shopping and grog. Snorkelling on the beach infront of the house is fantastic and at low tide rock pooling is great fun too.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Living the dream

Guest: Philipo88 (Brisbane Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/18/08 Review Submitted: 05/26/08

Linda and my May '08 visit to Heaven's Door was our second visit to this wonderful property. The house is being maintained to a very high standard for Fiji with little to disappoint most savvy nontraditional travellers. The house has all of the amenities that we require for a relaxed Fiji style holiday as we look for a unique experience in a special environment. OK, it isnt a fully catered tourist resort but that isnt what we look for in a holiday anyway. The views along the beautiful Coral Coast from many of the rooms and the grounds of the house are breathtaking. The sense of freedom that staying in a place like this gives you is worth the journey. Scott did a great job in dealing with the booking and preparing us for the stay. Scott's staff, Abi and Meci, at the property are wonderfully helpful and very committed to making all of the guests feel welcome and cared for without ever being intruding. Meci organised her friend Lei to cook a sumptuous feast for a group of 10 of us. She helped my wife with the shopping then took care of the whole evening right through to the clean up. Her cooking was really superb and better than could be found at the local resorts and restaurants. Linda and I amused ourselves with surfing, scuba diving and sightseeing and there are plenty of other things to do on and around the Coral Coast. The surfing in the area is first class and relatively easy to get to. The diving, while a little expensive by Asia standards, is also very good and well run. This time we hired a small 4WD as a 2WD car isnt a good idea due to the stepp driveway and the roads in Fiji in general.

Owner response:We are very thankful for our guests who return time and again to enjoy the beautiful, cultural, and endearing Fijian experience. It is our greatest joy to share the fullness of Fiji and cultivate true friendships along this path. Our Fijian staff has been our second family for many years. They are our finest resource. Our villa is a comfortable home for an intimate couple, family vacation or group event. We honor your requests and offer you a relaxed holiday away from the crowds and the formalities. We encourage you to explore the grounds, breathe in the views, and " Live the Dream ! " Thank you ~ Vanaka Vaka Levu !

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Private Haven

Guest: Shaun and Carol (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/10/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

I've been to Fiji many times but have always stayed at resorts. This time we wanted more of a true experience of Fiji life and culture. We arrived late and were still greeted by Abi who easily opened up the house and helped us settle in. Waking up at Heavensdoor, walking out onto the patio and breathing in that view! WOW! The house is set up with most everything. It's a good set up for two couples...you each have your own floor and meet on the patio for dining. Abi and Methi made a lobster feast for the four of us, better than any restaurant! And ask for some curried pumpkin. It is awesome! We went into town for shopping at the open market. Go early morning for the best veggies. We spent a good day in Suva, Thurston Gardens and the museum, lunch on the boat restaurant in the harbor was delicious. The drive along the coast is gorgeous. But snorkelling was the favorite. And you really can go right in front of the property...you have to walk across the reef into the channel...quite a ways out there...but so worth the trek! The coral is huge and we swam with two turtles and loads of fish. Really Amazing! The Biusevu Waterfall was really beautiful too and not far from Heavensdoor. We spent a great day swimming and relaxing there. This house is so affordable we wished we had planned a longer trip, there's so much more to see and do .

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best Place EVER!!!!

Guest: Megs F (vancouver)
Date of Stay: 04/18/08 Review Submitted: 05/29/08

I have visited Fiji 6 times in the last 12 years, and I have to say, this is the absolute perfect place to stay. Sure, there's a cute dirt road to drive or walk up from the main road, but the cool breeze and stunning views from the house make it truely heavenly, and beyond being worth the effort... plus, it's simply a nice walk that I enjoyed. Whether you are on your own or a family, a couple or a group, this place should be at the top of your list for relaxed beauty, spacious serenity and pure comfort. I was greeted by the most hospitable of Fijians (Meci and Abe... lovely!) who took me up to the main house, where there were fresh flowers from the grounds and fruit from the garden plots waiting for me, and a clean beautiful spacious place for me to hang out for a few days and simply enjoy Fiji. Having stayed at a variety of places in Fiji from Backpackers to exclusive resorts, I can easily say that this is the place I will be returning to in the future. If you want a resort, this is not the place for you... however, if you want the luxury of a clean, comfortable, safe and BEAUTIFUL accommodation and large spacious property THIS is totally the place for you. Access to anything you may require, as it is a rental home not a resort, is easily accessed through the local shops only a few minutes down the road or back to Sigatoka, where the markets offer a large variety of fresh fruit (ask about what's available for you from the property first) and veg, the hot bread shop for baked goods (incl bread!) and of course the grocery store, chemist and liquor store for all other ammenities. AND, if you want to access a little resort time, there are several close by that anyone can use as long as you don't bring your own food or drinks... providing you the best of both worlds!~ I can't begin to express how lovely the caretakers are, and how helpful and knowledgable they both are. I enjoyed many interesting conversations with them, a lovely meal one Sunday afternoon, tea with them on several occassions, they took me horseback riding, and due to my lack of time was unable to go diving/snorkelling with them to hunt for lobsters... next time! Thank you Scott so very much for creating such a peaceful and beautiful place that certainly fits my image of a gateway to Heaven! I am so fortunate to have found a place of such beauty, tranquility and look forward to enjoying the views and space in the future! Vinaka! Megs

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place - Great Price! Family of 6

Guest: Nick and Nancy (Los Angeles, California)
Date of Stay: 02/10/08 Review Submitted: 04/20/08

Just wanted to say thanks for a great trip! The bugs weren't bad at all! We bought some citronella candles...the wife is sensitive to sprays...worked good. Kids loved the road to the beach, snorkelling and the stars at night. The house was very clean, well set up, no problem with propane or water at all. We went into town the first day and found all sorts of new foods to cook. The road was bumpy but we expected that so had the 4wd. Managers were super! The views are truly phenomenal. A great place to relax, lots of space for kids, and there are internet cafes in town.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Back Packers Delight

Guest: Holiday (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/02/08

This home is very clean and spacious and really does have a million dollar view. We we're able to use the beaches within walking distance as we had hoped because of the sharp coral sand. The rugged driveway destroyed the undercarriage of our rental vehicle. There were no laundry facilities besides a clothesline, or a back up back-up generator for when the power was off ( two days out of seven). So the water pump and heater were out also. There were few candles and no functioning flashlights. A working phone would have been a luxury.Thankfully there were some mosquito punks when we got there. For what we paid, it was simply too bare bones. Lovely, but not luxury.

Owner response:Thank you for your comments on Heavensdoor; they will surely assist our staff! In our guest information pages, which we send prior to all arrivals, we clearly inform all guests that we do not have laundry facilities available. We do provide fresh linens and towels for your stay. Our staff is on the property; always there to accomodate your needs and requests. Heavensdoor is located on the gorgeous Coral Coast between the 5 star Outrigger Hotel and the quaint Hideaway Resort. It is a fantastic location and we appreciate all of our guests!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners.

Heavensdoor, Fiji

Guest: Chuck (San Jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/18/07

The property is very nice and the location excellent. The property was not perpared for rental when we arrived. The bathrooms up stairs were loaded with dead and alive insects. Could have been cleaned up before arrival. The propane for the stove was empty. There is no generator, and the power was out more that 24 hours. Problem is that water is from cisterns which are below the level we were on (2nd floor) so we couldn't use the bathrooms. They opened the ground floor but that bathroom and it was in the same condition as the upper floor. The drive is steep, narrow and covered by gravel and grass. It was very slick in the rain. Fortunately we had rented a SUV for the week, It was not recommended but I recommend one. The view from the 2nd level is supreme and the resident manager easy to work with. It made for a good adventure. It was our first trip to Fiji in the rainy season so we were prepared for a bit of discomfort. Take away the above items and the facility would be very good. The property is lister to sleep 10, but due to water availability probably 4 to 6 is the maximum people in comfort.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heavens Door

Guest: Robbpc (Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/03/08

Visited Heavens Door in July 2007. 4 people who were on a kiteboarding trip. We did not want to stay in a large hotel and wanted to have a relaxing trip away from the hoards of people who holiday in Fiji. Heavens door allowed each of us to have seperate double beds and 3 bathrooms was a bonus especially for the female companions. The house is exceptionally located with magnificent views. The drive is a little difficult to negotiate when wet, but we had little trouble in our 2 wheel drive van. There were plenty of bugs, but that is the case all over fiji. With a little care to keep non screened doors closed at night we all slept beautifully and had no problems with anyform of insects. 80% of our time was spent on the balcony and grass area infront of the house enjoying the views. The house keepers were very pleasent and easy to talk to. They were always willing to help in anyway possible. I would recommend this place to a family or to people who do not want the hussle and bustle of the larger hotels. You will not get a better view in all of Fiji!!! The only downside to our trip was the wind, which was not as strong as we had hoped......BUT that is nature and in the end we snorkled and just relaxed which is what a holiday is for. Hot water was only a small tank, but this was OK as long as you didnt all shower one after the other. In the end with a little bit of common sense the place was very enjoyable and i have recommended it to many people and will definately be using heaven door on my next trip to the Coral Coast.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Gorgeous Spot and Charming House!

Guest: Sophia (Waihee, Maui)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/27/07

Hello Mr. Scott! Just wanted to say thank you so much for the fantastic vacation ! We had a wonderful time in your beautiful home! The views are truly incredible and your manager was so very helpful...he even showed us the baby chili plants that we began using in all of our cooking! We really enjoyed having all of the comforts of home in such a spectacular setting. It was our 2nd time to Fiji, and we were able to stay for 2 weeks and bring our 3 kids. We couldn't afford to bring the whole family without having a totally set up home...and childcare available too! Thank you! The kids loved the horses, the gardens and the snorkelling was beyond anything we have ever seen here on Maui! Absolutely incredible! I'm so glad you told us to bring reef shoes...we all walked out over the coral and starfish and sea critters almost every day. What a great trip! And the flight was the same time to Fiji as going to the mainland. We'll be coming back for sure!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.