The perfect island spot

I agree on giving 'Uoleva a miss, lovely but very basic, especially with a little one.

I hope this information is still correct: have a look at the Matafanua Resort on the end of Foa Island.........although I guess it has both electricity and running water. Not sure what the food situation is like or if you can self- cater for the occasional meal - worth an ask. I think it has some connection with the upmarket Sandy Beach Resort which gets good reviews and has great food.

You could get back into Pangai for extra supplies (small supermarket and local fresh fruit/vegetable market/bakery) or a meal at always reliable Mariner's Cafe. The bus goes into Pangai each morning with the school children and back in the afternoon after school, only as far as Foa, about 3/4 hour walk along a quiet road, about $13 each way if you call a taxi.

Matafanua is a short walk through to the lovely non-coral beach that Sandy Beach fronts on to, there is some shade a sloping beach and nice sand, snorkelling just off shore. Ocean Blue dive operation there perhaps takes snorkellers out too.

Perhaps one of the regulars can suggest somewhere in Fiji.......Cooks............?

I would suggest the Cook Islands and staying somewhere along Muri Beach. This area is close to some shops and restaurants and the beach is soft sandy bottom and perfect for swimming and the little one. There are a wide variety of accomodations in Rarotonga and most have full kitchens. I suggest reading back a bit on this forum for more info on places to stay. The cost of bungalows runs the whole gambit from hostels to five star so it is difficult to recommend a place without knowing what you wish to pay for accomodation. Many a traveler also visit the island of Aitutaki and it's spectaular lagoon. It is well worth a few days spending time there or even a day trip out for a lagoon cruise. Day trips can be easily arranged and include the airfare/transfers/lagoon tour/bbq lunch and a lifetime memory. I would strongly suggest if you consider the Cook islands that you include a couple of days in Aitutaki....your quiet azure blue water experience awaits.

sunny regards,
shully

Solomon Islands, Westaern Province, Great: people, beaches,swimming, snorkeling, diving, relaxing, cultural activities, food, fishing, etc. Try the following web sites; www.fatboysgizo.com or www.visitsolomons.com.sb<BR>Enjoy, billh

I am sure Solomons are lovely, but I'm not sure it would be a great idea with a toddler - malaria is still quite a big problem and such young kids have little resistance to fighting it.

Rarotonga would be very easy with a toddler and it is such a friendly easy place to be, but it may not fit your idea of the perfect quiet island. Ha'api probably does come the closest to what you are looking for. Western Samoa also has some lovely quiet, beautiful spots and you can probably get more "rustic" than Rarotonga, but still get out and explore if you need a beach break.