Calling all eco-conscious couples – how would you like a honeymoon in a certified eco-resort in stunning Fiji?

By making your wedding shark-free, you can  show respect to both your guests and our oceans as well as earning the opportunity to win a fabulous prize!

Enter the Happy Hearts Love Sharks – Hong Kong wedding contest now.…

Courtesy of our fabulous grand prize sponsors, Air Pacific and Matava, we are thrilled to offer a grand prize which includes

• Return international flights, for 2 people, from Hong Kong to Fiji’s Nadi airport*
• Return domestic flight transfers, for 2 people, from Nadi to Kadavu island*
• Return boat transfers from Kadavu airport to Matava, Fiji’s premier eco-adventure resort*
• 6 night’s accommodation in an oceanview bure at Matava
• 8 dives (4 x 2-tank morning dives) for two with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Matava’s on site PADI 5 Star Dive Centre and unlimited all day shore diving at The Critter Junction (NB. For non-divers, scuba diving package can be exchanged for other resort activities)
• Traditional Lovo Feast and Kava ceremony
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/coffee)
• All taxes for food/accommodation at Matava*

*Winners must pay taxes and surcharges for flights. Availability for the grand prize flights and accommodation package will be subject to blackout dates to be confirmed in the winner’s Grand Diamond Prize confirmation letter.

Enter contest now!

The Happy Hearts Love Sharks Wedding Contest

The Happy Hearts Love Sharks wedding contest was originally created in 2009 by Canadian shark conservation group Shark Truth.

Originally run purely as a Facebook competition to reward couples who had already held a shark fin free wedding, Shark Truth had 16 couples making their pledge public in the first year and 27 couples in the second – with a combined total of 10,000 bowls of shark fin soup prevented from being served.

In 2011, Shark Truth gave HK Shark Foundation exclusive rights to launch a Hong Kong version of the contest.

Along with partners EcoVision Asia, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Humane Society International, HKSF developed a new vision for the contest, which included extending its reach beyond purely the Facebook community, to include interested couples in China, and also targetting couples in the planning stages of their weddings so that we might influence those who had not previously considered having a shark-free wedding.

When our vision attracted the support of the sophisticated high society magazine Hong Kong Tatler and of the popular bridal publication Darizi, as well as a sea of awesome prize sponsorships, we knew we had something special to offer. And so the Hong Kong edition of Happy Hearts Love Sharks was born…

Pledge to make your wedding shark-free and enter the contest now!

The Cause

By making your wedding shark-free, you can help keep our oceans in harmony.

Humans need healthy oceans

Our oceans are a precious natural resource that should be conserved for future generations. They are a valuable source of food and livelihoods and play an important role in regulating our climate (about half of the oxygen we breathe every day is generated through the photosynthesis of tiny oceanic organisms called marine phytoplanktons!).

Healthy oceans need healthy shark populations

Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems. As apex predators, sharks sit at the top of the marine food chain and help regulate the abundance and diversity of the marine life beneath them. Declining shark populations have a direct impact on the health of our oceans.

Sharks need people to say NO to shark fin!

Unsustainable demand for the Chinese delicacy Shark Fin Soup is causing a crisis in our oceans. The fins of up to 73 million sharks are thought to be traded each year – that’s 200,000 sharks per day! Along with habitat destruction, such massive overfishing has caused the dramatic decline of many shark populations, with some dwindling by up to 90%. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around one third of all shark species are now threatened or near threatened with extinction. Extinction is forever so, please, make your wedding shark-free now.

Enter the competition now.

For more information, please visit the FAQs on the HK Shark Foundation’s website.

Shark-free weddings are sophisticated and environmentally conscious and, by serving a suitable alternative to shark fin soup, you can both respect your guests and our oceans.

Enter contest now!

Calling all sophisticated bridal couples! By making your wedding shark-free, you can  show respect to both your guests and our oceans as well as earning the opportunity to win a fabulous prize! Enter the Happy Hearts Love Sharks – Hong Kong wedding contest now.…

Links

Richard Akhtar of Matava and Mike Holme of PADI Asia Pacific

The PADI Green Star award requires dive operators and resorts to conduct an objective audit of their facility and business practices and assesses performance in water and energy use, transportation, waste management and conservation leadership.

“We hope other dive operations and tourism providers in the Asia Pacific region follow our example and help to protect their local environment and achieve sustainable business practises in a green and clean manner!” said Mr Stuart Gow, one of Matava’s Directors.

“We are extremely proud to win this award. We have been lucky to win overseas and global awards for our environmental policy in the past year, but it is especially gratifying to be recognised at home by our colleagues in Fiji.” he continued .

Richard Akhtar, Managing Director of Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said “At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding environmental efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially.”

PADI Green Star Award presented to Stuart Gow of Matava by Drew Richardson, President of PADI at DEMA 2012 (Danny Dwyer, Drew Richardson, Stuart Gow, Hendrick Nimb, Mike Holme)

“At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious global award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding similar efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially in our our region of the South Pacific.”

Mr Akhtar finished by saying “Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has again proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment”

The Green Star award was presented to us during DEMA week in November 2011 by PADI’s Project Aware and PADI President Mr Drew Richardson.

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.  

For interviews, images or further information please contact Stuart Gow, Stuart@Matava.com, t: 679-997-5416

About PADI Green Star Awards:

PADI Dive Centers and Resorts have a powerful new tool to help organize and implement environmental conservation programs – and be recognized for their efforts – with the PADI Green Star Award. The program helps PADI Dive Centers and Resorts identify practical actions they can take to protect and preserve the environment. Because they choose which conservation actions they would like to implement, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can completely customize the program for their businesses. For additional information, contact Roger Josselyn at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234 ext. 2519.

2nd Person 50% off

Escape to Fiji  to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the Second Person stays Half Price !

Valid for travel between 1st December 2011 – 29th February 2012

Details:

• valid for double / twin share
• ANY Matava Dive, Romance or Adventure Package
• 5 nights stay or longer
• All meals and airport transfers included
• Complimentary Snorkelling on Critter Junction
• Waterfall hike and village afternoon
• Lovo feast and kava ceremony

Additions:

• Extra night – 2nd person half price (based on double occupancy)
•  Extra days diving – 2nd person half price
• Single Supplement – Waived
• Based on published package and add on rates
•  Excludes gamefishing and kayaking packages
•  Travel through 29th February 2011 subject to availability
• Blackout period: travel Between 23rd December 2011 and 29th December 2011 excluded

Air Pacific Special

Journey deeper into alignment, pranayama, and meditation while enjoying the company of like-minded hearts.

You will emerge refreshed, rejuvenated, and primed ready for the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas season ahead!

Enjoy two yoga sessions daily, long walks on the beach and in the pristine rainforest, waterfalls, traditional Fijian culture, and the Pure Fiji spa experience.

Savor delicious, organic (and healthy!) cuisine as you share laughter and life stories with your fellow yogis, even as you drop more easily into your true self.

We welcome yogis from everywhere and all levels to join us as we return to this extraordinary paradise.
Date
Saturday Oct 22nd to Saturday Oct 29th, 2011

We leave Los Angeles on Thursday 20th October for an overnight flight to Nadi in Fiji, crossing the date line and landing on Saturday morning. Then a short flight across to the island of Kadavu.
Investment
US$ 1,650 dbl occ
US$ 500 single supplement
Includes 7 nights and 6 days of yoga, adventure, and nourishing cuisine
Daily Schedule
Remember ALL activities are optional—this is your retreat!

7:00am: coffee, tea, yogurt, granola, delicious fresh tropical fruit.
Morning meditation on the deck or in the Main Bure
9:00-11:00am: Yoga
11:00am: Incredible brunch/lunch with fresh organic salad from the Retreat’s gardens.
12:00-5:00pm: Free Time! The beautiful ocean and amazing waterfall treks beckon.
Scuba Dive on the Great Astrolabe Reef,
snorkel in the marine reserve
trek to see the native parrots and bird life and more
or pamper yourself with a spa treatment!
5:00-6:30pm Yoga
7pm- Dinner featuring local specialities, including fresh local fish and produce and the tastiest Matava Mojitos in the South Pacific!
10:00ish – fall asleep to the sound of the ocean right outside your door….

Susan Wiens
Professional Background
I stepped into my first yoga class twelve years ago and fell in love with the playfulness of it. I had no idea what I was doing. I continued to practice, found an Anusara class and everything changed. I was so inspired six years ago I took my immersion and teachers’ training with Noah Maze and Naime Jezzeny. The rest is history. I am hooked on teaching, watching yogis of all ages find the same happiness I did. I continue to study with Noah and now Dr. Douglas Brooks who has opened my eyes to the philosophy side and has helped me become a better practitioner and teacher.
Yoga Background
I have been an Anusara Inspired teacher since 2006. I enjoy teaching in the Pasadena area. I have met so many wonder yogis along the way. Everyone in some way has contributed to my teachings. What a great job I have.
Matava – The Retreat
Matava is the genuine eco-adventure lodge, beautifully set off the beaten track, minutes from the Great Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu Island.
Our intimate Retreat has beautiful, comfortable bures, outstanding cuisine and offers a full range of adventure and cultural activities.
Dive or take a course with our PADI dive professionals. Experience fantastic fish, pristine corals, Mantas and sharks. Try fishing, snorkeling, sailing, sea kayaking, trekking, and join in authentic cultural and village events!
No roads, solar power, low carbon footprint make Matava the ideal and environmentally responsible location to host this Yoga Retreat with Susan.
The Island
Fiji’s fourth largest island, Kadavu is situated 60 miles south of the main island Viti Levu and is one of the few remaining undeveloped islands in Fiji today.
Having maintained its strong cultural values the general population leads fairly subsistent lifestyles in sleepy coastal villages dwarfed by mountainous jungles and waterfalls plummeting from the hilltops. The islands deeply indented bays, fringed by coral reefs and mangrove forest provide habitat to a host of birds including the endemic Kadavu musk parrot. Forest openings reveal lizards basking on rocks, and butterflies spiraling skyward in a lazy dance.
The striking Astrolabe Reef and the Kadavu group of islands have both been created by past volcanic activity and tectonic movements. Matava is right on the doorstep of this magnificent living organism, home to an abundance of marine life unequalled in Fiji. Divers and snorkellers can expect a diversity of fish life and corals of every conceivable colour and hue.
Anusara Yoga
Anusara Yoga® is a powerful method of hatha yoga which integrates biomechanical principles of alignment with the celebration of the heart and spirit.
Developed by John Friend in 1996, Anusara Yoga® offers a dynamic synthesis of asana technique, yoga philosophy, and the celebration of good company.
Anusara Yoga invites students to explore all aspects of themselves: their bodies, their minds, and their hearts. By tapping into the best in ourselves, we simultaneously open the pathways to connect to others and to the world around us.
Restoring hatha yoga to its roots in Tantric philosophy, Anusara teaches that we need not turn our backs on our worldly existence in our search for Spirit. Indeed, this life is the ground of any spiritual journey. Human life is a gift of Grace, an opportunity to discover the divine within us and around us.
As we cultivate our bodies through yoga postures, our breath through pranayama, and our minds through meditation, we grow our ability to see the good and to celebrate. This “yoga from the inside out” begins with an intention to open one’s heart and allow Grace to flow in. Anusara Yoga’s Universal Principles of Alignment, the result of years of study of modern biomechanics and kinesiology, restore health and prevent injuries.
This fusion of heart and body distinguishes Anusara Yoga from all other styles, and explains why Anusara has attracted thousands of students worldwide since its creation in 1997.
For more on Anusara Yoga, please visit the following website:

www.Anusara.com: information on Anusara Yoga worldwide

THE DEAL
This life-changing retreat comes in 3 sizes—you choose the one that’s right for you!
All 3 programs include:

7 nights accommodations
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/coffee)
Traditional Fijian lovo feast and kava ceremony
snorkelling and kayaking
guided waterfall hike
1 spa treatment
airport transfers
all taxes and service fees

Round-trip airfare to Fiji and Kadavu not included but easily booked through our own travel agent.
YOGA VACATION
Includes 12 yoga classes, practice and study of Anusara Yoga ideas, breathwork and meditation.

Double US$ 1,650 per person for 7 nights

Single Supplement US$ 500

Best Eco Lodges.

Best Eco Lodges features the top eco friendly hotels, eco resorts and green hotels in the world.

Best Eco Lodges‘ goal is to create awareness among eco travelers about genuine sustainable lodgings worldwide.

All hotels and lodges featured on the Best Eco Lodges website have been hand-picked to ensure that they meet the eco friendly requirements to be an ecological and environmentally friendly accommodation and offer fellow travelers an unforgettable experience.

How do they choose the best eco lodges and hotels?

Best Eco Lodges define Eco Lodges to have the following ECO FRIENDLY REQUIREMENTS:

• Be energy efficient
• Protect the environment – its flora, fauna and landscape
• Conserve natural resources
• Support, respect and benefit local culture and economy

What does it mean practically to the traveller?

You will find below a list of the most common examples of what Eco Friendly Lodges commit to. This list is NON exhaustive.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY:

• Use solar panels or other alternative energy to heat water.
• Use Alternative energy resources such as solar or wind energy.
• Use compact fluorescent lamps.
• All carbon dioxide emissions that are produced directly by the hotel are offset through the support of renewable energy projects in other parts of the world.

PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

• Wide recycling program. Reduce, Reuse & Recycle.
• Organic gardening practices (non-use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers).
• Organic vegetable garden and use of local food products.
• Organic kitchen waste is composted on site and used in the hotel gardens.
• Native plant species in the gardens and hotel grounds.
• Offering a sheet and towel reuse program whereby guests have their linens exchanged every three days instead of daily.
• All linens and towels are made of organic cotton, hemp or bamboo.
• Lead-free paints are used in the hotel’s interior and exterior painted surfaces.
• Absolutely no use of plastic and non reusable cutlery.
• Cleaning supplies are non-toxic and biodegradable.

CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES

• Use of rain water and recycled water.
• Installing low-flow toilets.
• Installing low-flow shower heads.

SUPPORT RESPECT AND BENEFIT LOCAL CULTURE & ECONOMY

• Share socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous people by having their informed consent and participation in the management of ecotourism enterprises.
• Promote sustainable use of bio diversity, by providing jobs to local or indigenous populations.
• Have clear, written information and ideas for travelers on how they might get involved with local people and conservation in a rewarding way for them and the destination.
• Participation in ecological projects off the hotel property.
• Hotel tour guides are hired from the local community.

Being committed to protect the environment does not mean leaving comfort behind.

All the Best Eco Lodges featured on the website provide exceptional service and will make your responsible vacation a guilt free and unforgettable experience!
If you are a fellow traveler and know a great eco lodge, Best Eco Lodges would be happy to consider a place you’ve heard about.

Contact Eve at info@best-ecolodges.com