| Savusavu is a town in the Fijian Province of Cakaudrove on the island of Vanua Levu, with a population of 4,962 at the 1996 census, the last held. It has been called "The Hidden Paradise" of Fiji.
Savusavu is famous for its hot springs, located mostly opposite the Hot Springs Hotel. Another natural landmark is Nawi Island, just offshore from Savusavu.
The old Copra Shed Marina, build in the Nineteenth Century, is a major landmark in Savusavu. Renovated in recent years by geologist and Savusavu resident Geoff Taylor, it now houses the Savusavu Yacht Club, a café (Captain's Cafe), a restaurant run by the former chef of the J.M. Cousteau Resort (Surf and Turf) ,Fiji Air offices, Pacific Sun reservations (Formerly Sun Air) offices, a chandlery shop, a geologist's office, a gift shop, travel agency and two rental apartments. There are also moorings for yachts, along with shower and toilet facilities.
Another significant landmark is the Savarekareka Mission, 10 kilometers north of Savusavu. The chapel, the first Roman Catholic mission on Vanua Levu, was built around 1870 and is still functioning.
Savusavu was originally established as a trading center for sandalwood, beche-de-mer and copra, and is the site of a major copra mill. Tourism is growing in importance, owing to its diving and yachting facilities. Geothermal energy is resource waiting to be tapped. A geological survey has found that Savusavu's hot springs could generate enough electricity to power the entire island of Vanua Levu.
|