The Oldest Most Reliable Online Guide to Fiji
Yasawa Accomodations & Dining
Yasawa Main
Yasawa Island Resort
Yasawa Island Resort is an understated
luxury lodging with 18 bures nestled along a white sand beach. All
bures have huge decks, king size beds and large bathroom. Small
touches abound. Each bure is stocked with homemade cookies and
there is a half shell clam basin to wash your feet. A number of
treks that can be taken around the island and peaks of several
hundred meters provide remarkable vistas. Mountain bikes are
available as are snorkeling gear and scuba diving. Food is one of
the best reasons to stay here. Seafood is caught locally and all
meals offer fresh fruit and liberal amounts of fresh vegetables.
Typical dishes were homemade ravioli, avocado & shrimp salad,
homemade breads and fresh lobster. Unlike some of the other resorts
where everyone dines together, here one can choose to dine with
friends or at your own table. Great food, friendly management and
staff and a gorgeous setting make YIR a winner. YIR is a 25 minute
plane ride from Nadi Airport which costs US$185. Prices start at
US$820 per couple, which includes all meals.
Nacula
Nacula Island is located in central Yasawa, 85 miles north of Nadi International Airport. The northern most island where tourist properties have been established is Nacula which has three highly recommended high end backpacker retreats. All have excellent white sand beaches, good food, lots of water activities (such as kayaking and diving) and limited electricity provided by gas or diesel powered generators. Some (but not all) have local style thatched roof bures. They also offer proximity to Fijian Villages, which many resorts in Fiji do not offer.
Oarsman's Bay Lodge Yasawa
Oarsman's Bay Lodge is on a 1200 meter
long white sandy beach—the best beach in the area—and has six
individual and two family bures. There is also a 13- bed dormitory
with shared facilities built above a dining and bar area. Oarsman
is preferable for couples—it’s not exclusively for backpackers.
You’ll notice that the price is higher than its competition, but
that’s because Oarman’s consistently lives up to its reputation.
Located next door to:
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is a brand new property that will shortly open.
Safe Landing
Another place to consider is Safe Landing, which is owned and operated by Tevita and Rocky Volavola, local Fijians who exude charm and graciousness. It’s a good place to meet local people, who hail from the nearby village of Naisisili, There are five traditional Fijian bures and 4, 6 bed dorms, all with shared facilities. Prices begin at $20.00 per person for campers up to $120.00 for the “grand” bure. Meal plans are F$40.50/person/day.
Tavewa
Tavewa is a small, high island approximately 12 km in circumference just west of Nacula.. It is entirely freehold or privately held land, owned by a number of local families. Getting from one side to the other is no more than a ten minute walk. There are no vehicles, roads or stores. It’s lush with vegetation and fruit trees include papaya and mango.
On the island are three family run resorts, two of which, David’s Place and Otto & Fanny Doughty’s are recommended. Both are located on flat grassy areas just a stone’s throw from the beach, shaded by coconut palms.
Both occupy white sand beaches that slope
gently into the sea. Food at both David’s is filling but will not
be confused with gourmet offerings. Food at Fanny’s is a cut or two
above. Henry, Fanny & Otto Doughty’s son, is a trained chef and
regularly bakes for guests. Afternoon tea is served by him and at
the other properties as well.
Otto & Fanny’s is also a cut above in quality of accommodations. They have two excellent family bures which sleep four. (Theh can also provide cribs.) Private Bures cost $190.00 including 3 meals per day per couple. They are self contained and feature amenities like fridges and private bath. There is also a dormitory with 8 single beds and shared facilities of a toilet and bathroom. Dorm Room cost is $90 including 3 meals per day per person. (Photo of Otto and Fanny courtesy of Sarah Valentine)
David’s has eight basic bures and 6 newer beach bures. There is also a 20 bed dorm with shared facilities. Prices begin at F$45pp and top out at F$150(couple) for a private bure—meals included.
A major issue with some of Tavewa’s properties is water or lack of it. Water at David’s is not potable. Otto and Fanny have plenty of spring water, which is suitable for drinking.
Both resorts are served by a dive operation called Westside Watersports, run by the affable Lance Millar. His shop is on the beach, adjacent to Otto and Fanny’s property. He provides PADI certification courses as well as the usual guided dives. He also rents snorkeling gear at a nominal price. (westside@connect.com.fj)
Nanuya Lailai
Nanuya Lailai the island where the
Brook Shields movie - 'The Blue Lagoon' was filmed is the home of
five (mostly backpacker) properties. On the northern end is Nanuya
Island Resort, which has a wonderful white sand beach and all the
amenities including diving, kayaking, fly fishing and village
visits. (It’s not a backpacker facility.) The thatched bures (four
deluxe and four traditional) are a cut or two above the rest.
Amenities for villas include, fan, queen size bed and 2 single beds
with private bathroom (hot and cold running water) and fridge. Each
unit can accommodate a maximum of 4 guests. The smaller bures have
a double/twin size bed with bath. Each bure can accommodate a
maximum of 2 people. Prices start at around US$100 per night double
occupancy not including food. No dorms here so it’s better for
couples who want privacy.
The other properties on Nanuya Lailai are strictly backpacker/dorm oriented. The best of the bunch is probably Sunrise, which has room for about 40 and (unlike the others) has access to plenty of water. (Note that often the Yasawas face chronic water shortages.)
Matacawa Levu
Matacawa Levu also located in the same
general area as Nanuya and Tavewa is home to a new boutique
property with nine bures, called Navutu Stars
Resort. The Italian owners say it is an Asian-Mediterranean-Fijian
fusion of aesthetics complete with Southeast Asian objects d’art,
wet bar, cd players, and “outdoor day beds to indulge in lazy naps
under the stars”. They proudly proclaim that there’s no television
or phone in the sumptuous bungalows. The restaurant caters only a
la carte dishes (mostly seafood) cooked expressly for guests
according to their tastes and preferences. This is definitely for
the well-heeled. Good snorkeling and swimming is available off
their white sand beach. For more info, including new age music that
appears when you long on to their website go to.
Long Beach
In addition to the upscale accommodation is Long Beach, a small family-run backpacker haunt on the southern end of the island. The good news is that it caters to a maximum of 20 guests. The management is Fijian and hence it’s a good place to learn about Fijian culture. Activities include fishing, a medicinal walk, and cooking lessons. The 8-bed dorm is a large traditional bure, located right on the white sand beach which is gorgeous. The lagoon is protected which offers good swimming.
Naviti
Naviti, which is south of the Tavewa area, is home to four backpacker retreats, three of which come highly recommended: Mantaray (most expensive-better class of accommodamtion), Korovou Resort, and Barefoot Lodge.
Mantaray Island Resort
Mantaray Island Resort (with prices ranging from $25 to $150 per night) is the most upscale on Naviti and has four varieties of accommodation-tents, dorm, tree house bures and jungle bures. All have the usual ocean excursions and activities such as kayaking, snorkel, fishing diving, etc. There are plenty of social activities to while away the moonlit nights—The Sunset 'Happy Hour’, Full Moon Parties, kava drinking and theme nights among others.
Barefoot Island
I've also had good reports about Barefoot Island (which is where Captain Cook cruises drops its clients off). It has a great beach and excellent snorkeling with coral gardens right offshore. Accommodations consist of twenty twin share traditional bures. Each has two single beds. (Linen is supplied but BYO towel). The showers and toilets are communal.
Korovou Resort
Korovou Resort (the only one with a swimming pool) is also worth checking out. They offer 2 large beach side bures, 6 private beachfront cottages with fan, island dormitory of 24 beds, one family bure and a twin or double island lodge. A campsite is also available to those who bring their own tent. Rates start at $40 for campers up to $155 for the beachfront bures. Snorkeling is excellent—be sure and check out Manta Rays Passage' to see the rays close up and personal.
Waya
Octopus Resort on Waya Island is situated
on gorgeous stretch of white sand beach on Waya Island, far off the
beaten track. Though basic and minimalist, the environs are
tastefully decorated and carefully thought out. The source of
electricity is solar panels and there is plenty of good potable
water available. Currently there is only cold water but this may
change. There is one main structure, an open air bar/dining area
shaded by a canopy. It has a sand floor and a small walkup bar that
serves very cold beer. There are 17 large, simple bures designed
for double occupancy but can house up to ten individuals if
necessary. Bure’s can accommodate, singles, couples and families.
Each bure has its own private bathroom featuring a commercial
grade, environmentally friendly solar powered hot water system.
There are also open roofed showers which are now ubiquitous
throughout Fiji. The restaurant offerings include spaghetti,
omlettes and very fresh seafood, chop suey, chicken dishes at
reasonable prices. Though not a backpacker property, Octopus does
provide a 13 person dormitory which they like to say is the best in
Fiji. That may be true. It’s equipped with single beds (rather than
bunks) a quality pillow, mosquito net, bedside table, reading lamp
and fan. Dorm beds are supplied with fresh clean linen, towels and
a beach towel daily. Prices range from F$30 with dorm beds to F$199
for the luxurious “lodge” rooms. Food is F$40 per day for three
meals.
Octopus has its own transfer vessel, the Amberley, a 35 ft purpose built aluminum tri-hull water taxi. The Amberley departs daily from Lautoka at 10am and takes approximately 90 minutes to reach the resort. Price of a transfer is F$70 for adults and F$35 for children (3-10 yrs) which includes round trip.
Kuata
Skipping to the southernmost island in the chain is another upmarket backpacker property called Kuata Island Resort, which is just south of Waya on the island of the same name. Kuata offers equally beautiful environs as the northern islands. Kuata Natural Resort is strategically located so that visitors can watch both the sun rise and set against the horizon from the edge of its beach. With nightly entertainment ranging from dancing competitions to open mic sessions, there is quite literally always something to do at Kuata. Possibly the most unique characteristic of Kuata Natural Resort is the open social atmosphere sparked by the congeniality of the entire staff. While staying with Kuata, the staff invited the entire hotel to cheer them on during a interregional rugby tournament. This was merely one example of the staff’s warmth. They offer bunked dorms with mosquito nets and washrooms as well as cozy bures tucked away from the rest of the guests. It has its own travel office where guests can arrange a wide range of activities from above and under water.
Booking
Most of the properties can be booked by contacting them individually. I would also consider book via Margaret Travel, a Nadi Airport-based agency that specializes in Yasawa Travel. She knows all the players and can provide very objective advice. Contact her at Margarettrvl@connect.com.fj.
Yasawa Island Resort
Yasawa Island Resort is an understated
luxury lodging with 18 bures nestled along a white sand beach. All
bures have huge decks, king size beds and large bathroom. Small
touches abound. Each bure is stocked with homemade cookies and
there is a half shell clam basin to wash your feet. A number of
treks that can be taken around the island and peaks of several
hundred meters provide remarkable vistas. Mountain bikes are
available as are snorkeling gear and scuba diving. Food is one of
the best reasons to stay here. Seafood is caught locally and all
meals offer fresh fruit and liberal amounts of fresh vegetables.
Typical dishes were homemade ravioli, avocado & shrimp salad,
homemade breads and fresh lobster. Unlike some of the other resorts
where everyone dines together, here one can choose to dine with
friends or at your own table. Great food, friendly management and
staff and a gorgeous setting make YIR a winner. YIR is a 25 minute
plane ride from Nadi Airport which costs US$185. Prices start at
US$820 per couple, which includes all meals.Nacula
Nacula Island is located in central Yasawa, 85 miles north of Nadi International Airport. The northern most island where tourist properties have been established is Nacula which has three highly recommended high end backpacker retreats. All have excellent white sand beaches, good food, lots of water activities (such as kayaking and diving) and limited electricity provided by gas or diesel powered generators. Some (but not all) have local style thatched roof bures. They also offer proximity to Fijian Villages, which many resorts in Fiji do not offer.
Oarsman's Bay Lodge Yasawa
Oarsman's Bay Lodge is on a 1200 meter
long white sandy beach—the best beach in the area—and has six
individual and two family bures. There is also a 13- bed dormitory
with shared facilities built above a dining and bar area. Oarsman
is preferable for couples—it’s not exclusively for backpackers.
You’ll notice that the price is higher than its competition, but
that’s because Oarman’s consistently lives up to its reputation.
Located next door to:Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is a brand new property that will shortly open.
Safe Landing
Another place to consider is Safe Landing, which is owned and operated by Tevita and Rocky Volavola, local Fijians who exude charm and graciousness. It’s a good place to meet local people, who hail from the nearby village of Naisisili, There are five traditional Fijian bures and 4, 6 bed dorms, all with shared facilities. Prices begin at $20.00 per person for campers up to $120.00 for the “grand” bure. Meal plans are F$40.50/person/day.
Tavewa
Tavewa is a small, high island approximately 12 km in circumference just west of Nacula.. It is entirely freehold or privately held land, owned by a number of local families. Getting from one side to the other is no more than a ten minute walk. There are no vehicles, roads or stores. It’s lush with vegetation and fruit trees include papaya and mango.
On the island are three family run resorts, two of which, David’s Place and Otto & Fanny Doughty’s are recommended. Both are located on flat grassy areas just a stone’s throw from the beach, shaded by coconut palms.
Both occupy white sand beaches that slope
gently into the sea. Food at both David’s is filling but will not
be confused with gourmet offerings. Food at Fanny’s is a cut or two
above. Henry, Fanny & Otto Doughty’s son, is a trained chef and
regularly bakes for guests. Afternoon tea is served by him and at
the other properties as well.Otto & Fanny’s is also a cut above in quality of accommodations. They have two excellent family bures which sleep four. (Theh can also provide cribs.) Private Bures cost $190.00 including 3 meals per day per couple. They are self contained and feature amenities like fridges and private bath. There is also a dormitory with 8 single beds and shared facilities of a toilet and bathroom. Dorm Room cost is $90 including 3 meals per day per person. (Photo of Otto and Fanny courtesy of Sarah Valentine)
David’s has eight basic bures and 6 newer beach bures. There is also a 20 bed dorm with shared facilities. Prices begin at F$45pp and top out at F$150(couple) for a private bure—meals included.
A major issue with some of Tavewa’s properties is water or lack of it. Water at David’s is not potable. Otto and Fanny have plenty of spring water, which is suitable for drinking.
Both resorts are served by a dive operation called Westside Watersports, run by the affable Lance Millar. His shop is on the beach, adjacent to Otto and Fanny’s property. He provides PADI certification courses as well as the usual guided dives. He also rents snorkeling gear at a nominal price. (westside@connect.com.fj)
Nanuya Lailai
Nanuya Lailai the island where the
Brook Shields movie - 'The Blue Lagoon' was filmed is the home of
five (mostly backpacker) properties. On the northern end is Nanuya
Island Resort, which has a wonderful white sand beach and all the
amenities including diving, kayaking, fly fishing and village
visits. (It’s not a backpacker facility.) The thatched bures (four
deluxe and four traditional) are a cut or two above the rest.
Amenities for villas include, fan, queen size bed and 2 single beds
with private bathroom (hot and cold running water) and fridge. Each
unit can accommodate a maximum of 4 guests. The smaller bures have
a double/twin size bed with bath. Each bure can accommodate a
maximum of 2 people. Prices start at around US$100 per night double
occupancy not including food. No dorms here so it’s better for
couples who want privacy.The other properties on Nanuya Lailai are strictly backpacker/dorm oriented. The best of the bunch is probably Sunrise, which has room for about 40 and (unlike the others) has access to plenty of water. (Note that often the Yasawas face chronic water shortages.)
Matacawa Levu
Matacawa Levu also located in the same
general area as Nanuya and Tavewa is home to a new boutique
property with nine bures, called Navutu Stars
Resort. The Italian owners say it is an Asian-Mediterranean-Fijian
fusion of aesthetics complete with Southeast Asian objects d’art,
wet bar, cd players, and “outdoor day beds to indulge in lazy naps
under the stars”. They proudly proclaim that there’s no television
or phone in the sumptuous bungalows. The restaurant caters only a
la carte dishes (mostly seafood) cooked expressly for guests
according to their tastes and preferences. This is definitely for
the well-heeled. Good snorkeling and swimming is available off
their white sand beach. For more info, including new age music that
appears when you long on to their website go to.Long Beach
In addition to the upscale accommodation is Long Beach, a small family-run backpacker haunt on the southern end of the island. The good news is that it caters to a maximum of 20 guests. The management is Fijian and hence it’s a good place to learn about Fijian culture. Activities include fishing, a medicinal walk, and cooking lessons. The 8-bed dorm is a large traditional bure, located right on the white sand beach which is gorgeous. The lagoon is protected which offers good swimming.
Naviti
Naviti, which is south of the Tavewa area, is home to four backpacker retreats, three of which come highly recommended: Mantaray (most expensive-better class of accommodamtion), Korovou Resort, and Barefoot Lodge.
Mantaray Island Resort
Mantaray Island Resort (with prices ranging from $25 to $150 per night) is the most upscale on Naviti and has four varieties of accommodation-tents, dorm, tree house bures and jungle bures. All have the usual ocean excursions and activities such as kayaking, snorkel, fishing diving, etc. There are plenty of social activities to while away the moonlit nights—The Sunset 'Happy Hour’, Full Moon Parties, kava drinking and theme nights among others.
Barefoot Island
I've also had good reports about Barefoot Island (which is where Captain Cook cruises drops its clients off). It has a great beach and excellent snorkeling with coral gardens right offshore. Accommodations consist of twenty twin share traditional bures. Each has two single beds. (Linen is supplied but BYO towel). The showers and toilets are communal.
Korovou Resort
Korovou Resort (the only one with a swimming pool) is also worth checking out. They offer 2 large beach side bures, 6 private beachfront cottages with fan, island dormitory of 24 beds, one family bure and a twin or double island lodge. A campsite is also available to those who bring their own tent. Rates start at $40 for campers up to $155 for the beachfront bures. Snorkeling is excellent—be sure and check out Manta Rays Passage' to see the rays close up and personal.
Waya
Octopus Resort on Waya Island is situated
on gorgeous stretch of white sand beach on Waya Island, far off the
beaten track. Though basic and minimalist, the environs are
tastefully decorated and carefully thought out. The source of
electricity is solar panels and there is plenty of good potable
water available. Currently there is only cold water but this may
change. There is one main structure, an open air bar/dining area
shaded by a canopy. It has a sand floor and a small walkup bar that
serves very cold beer. There are 17 large, simple bures designed
for double occupancy but can house up to ten individuals if
necessary. Bure’s can accommodate, singles, couples and families.
Each bure has its own private bathroom featuring a commercial
grade, environmentally friendly solar powered hot water system.
There are also open roofed showers which are now ubiquitous
throughout Fiji. The restaurant offerings include spaghetti,
omlettes and very fresh seafood, chop suey, chicken dishes at
reasonable prices. Though not a backpacker property, Octopus does
provide a 13 person dormitory which they like to say is the best in
Fiji. That may be true. It’s equipped with single beds (rather than
bunks) a quality pillow, mosquito net, bedside table, reading lamp
and fan. Dorm beds are supplied with fresh clean linen, towels and
a beach towel daily. Prices range from F$30 with dorm beds to F$199
for the luxurious “lodge” rooms. Food is F$40 per day for three
meals.Octopus has its own transfer vessel, the Amberley, a 35 ft purpose built aluminum tri-hull water taxi. The Amberley departs daily from Lautoka at 10am and takes approximately 90 minutes to reach the resort. Price of a transfer is F$70 for adults and F$35 for children (3-10 yrs) which includes round trip.
Kuata
Skipping to the southernmost island in the chain is another upmarket backpacker property called Kuata Island Resort, which is just south of Waya on the island of the same name. Kuata offers equally beautiful environs as the northern islands. Kuata Natural Resort is strategically located so that visitors can watch both the sun rise and set against the horizon from the edge of its beach. With nightly entertainment ranging from dancing competitions to open mic sessions, there is quite literally always something to do at Kuata. Possibly the most unique characteristic of Kuata Natural Resort is the open social atmosphere sparked by the congeniality of the entire staff. While staying with Kuata, the staff invited the entire hotel to cheer them on during a interregional rugby tournament. This was merely one example of the staff’s warmth. They offer bunked dorms with mosquito nets and washrooms as well as cozy bures tucked away from the rest of the guests. It has its own travel office where guests can arrange a wide range of activities from above and under water.
Booking
Most of the properties can be booked by contacting them individually. I would also consider book via Margaret Travel, a Nadi Airport-based agency that specializes in Yasawa Travel. She knows all the players and can provide very objective advice. Contact her at Margarettrvl@connect.com.fj.
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