Receive a formal sevusevu welcome into a Paramount Chief's highland village, partake in an authentic kava ceremony, and enjoy a private high tea laid with local delicacies — a cultural immersion money rarely buys.
What to expect
A private vehicle collects guests from the pier and winds up into Viti Levu's lush highlands to a village untouched by resort development. Guests are formally introduced with the traditional gift of yaqona root before the Chief's herald opens the kava ceremony with chanting. Guests participate in the mixing and drinking of grog in strict order of seniority, learning the clapping rituals and the philosophy of vanua (land and belonging). A spread of lovo-cooked taro, kokoda ceviche, and tropical fruits is laid for high tea under a bure veranda. A village weaver teaches guests to plait a pandanus bracelet to take home.
Good to know
Guests must dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered; sarongs provided). No shoes inside the bure. The kava is mild but mildly numbing — entirely safe. Transfer is approximately 45 minutes each way. Full experience 4.5 hours; departs 9:00 am. Pre-book 4+ weeks ahead.