I have visited Tufi Resort several times and all I can say is “It keeps getting better!” The beauty and peacefulness of Oro Province is unmatched. Along with the incredible food, service and accommodations of the resort, the culture is fantastic. I have filmed the village experiences, shared many touching moments and learned a vast amount about life in Oro. The material went into a lecture series and media piece to talk about the connections between people and nature. I had the opportunity to share one of the 5 minute media pieces with two of the village chiefs, Luke and William. Their reaction to seeing themselves and family was quite emotional and you could see the pride in their faces. This is one of the best parts of being a photographer for me. Tourism is good for cultural preservation, according to Luke. The children of the village are much more engaged in their heritage than 10 years ago.
My most recent trip was spent diving, and there are many fabulous dive sites offshore with lots of schooling fish – or a critter dive right at their jetty. Wow! Mandarin fish in 5 feet of water. What a spectacle it was during their dusk mating show. These are the things that make Tufi so special. As I said, the cultural experiences are wonderful and a great learning opportunity. The villages and their inhabitants are gracious – and stunning. When you see these quaint locations with beautiful little huts, grounds that are always beautifully kept, and wonderful gardens, it will take away any apprehensions about doing an overnight village stay. I think it’s a great idea and sharing some intimate time with the people is important. Food prepared in the village is traditional, healthy and yummy. I love my kaikai!
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There are also many options to enjoy the natural surroundings. By kayaking the coastline you can take in the scenery and visit multiple villages in a short time. I have especially enjoyed canoeing the waterways using traditional outrigger canoes. The guides are wonderful and as you paddle quietly upstream, you can enjoy the variety of birds that inhabit the forests including parrots, hornbills and cockatoos.
Tufi Resort is also a wonderful place just to relax. Great food – great service. I found many of the guests enjoying the view from the deck or comfortably reading a book on the veranda of the resort. Sometimes doing nothing at all is the best way to soak in the feeling of a place.
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