Taveuni Palms Resort

If there is paradise on Earth, it must be Taveuni Island, and more specifically, Taveuni Palm Resort. Lavish vegetation everywhere, fresh water springs (probably the only tropical place where you don’t need to worry about drinking water or brushing your teeth), waterfalls, flowers, butterflies, and the occasional wild pig in the jungle (I only saw two cute piglets). The underwater world is even better than above the water and probably among the best left on our planet. Many types of corals, fish in abundance, as the island is far from big ship routes and common pollutants. People live close to nature while still having some gifts of civilization, like WiFi at the villa (best in the early morning or late evening). Life feels simple and grounded, and that is why Taveuni Palm Resort is such an amazing gem. A luxury private villa with its beach, pool, terraces, and many places to relax. You wake up to a beautifully decorated table with flowers and everything freshly cooked from scratch (you tell them your preferences in advance, of course). I thought I hated coconuts my whole life, but here I tried them savory with lime and salt, crunchy and fresh, and I loved them. You learn to live on “Fiji time” – calm, relaxed, and happy. You feel embraced like part of the best family in the world. They organize tours around the island: to waterfalls, natural water slides (bring water shorts unless you want your bum scratched), villages, viewpoints, and even the date line. They can arrange boat rides, fishing, snorkeling, and diving (the dive shop they work with was excellent and safe). Rash guards and reef shoes are always useful, but here I also learned that rash pants can be handy (hello, natural water slide). Or, if you prefer, you can feel like the only person on the island, quietly staying at your villa to eat, swim, or watch the sunset. They also offer spa services, but I was so busy with everything else that I forgot to try them—something to save for next time. P.S. No mosquitoes! Maybe because it was the dry season (winter), and the resort also burns aromatic sticks, but I didn’t get bitten once, and I’m usually miserable from mosquito bites. P.P.S. The resort is only five minutes from the tiny airport, so the trip from plane to villa is almost nonexistent. They even check you in and bring your luggage while you wait in comfort. You won’t find that kind of service anywhere else.

What can I say to describe Taveuni Palms? Even pictures can't really do it justice. The owners Colleen & Barry are from NewZealand. We asked them where they go on vacation & Colleen said, "Where could we go? We already live in paradise." We have to agree. Veronika & Manoa are like genies except instead of rubbing a lamp, you pick up the "magic phone", tell them what you want, & it's there. Lisa, Sia, & her daughter Jima are true artists with anything floral, the likes of which are not lacking on Taveuni the Garden Island. They have a flower arrangement for any occasion. We stayed there 12 nights & our group occupied both houses & I can honestly say that every arrangement, every table scape, & every night the flowers on the bed were different. Bua, Ishi, & Kiran are the fantastic chefs. They can make you anything you want, but my advice is just let them do their thing & just sit back & enjoy dinner, which is always made from whatever is freshest that day! If you want/need to go anywhere off the compound, Duncan is your man. I'm sorry I don't now the names of all his helpers or of all the other people behind the scenes that make one's stay so "Wananavu" (awesome) but all I can say is that we are trying to work it out so we can get back there as soon as possible. Bobbi P Scottsdale, AZ

Taveuni Palms defies adequate descriptions for breathtaking scenery, outstanding hospitality, gourmet dining, first class diving, and personal thoughtfulness. Though we have traveled extensively, this was our first trip to Fiji: beyond comparison in every way. We highly recommend this tropical paradise.

The best most attentive service through the entire stay, truly the most delightful staff makes you feel so pampered. The location is beyond words beautiful. The weather wasn’t ideal while we were there, but because of the staff and the view we really didn’t feel like we missed a thing.

A friend of mine said that if you want a once in a lifetime dream vacation, go to Taveuni Palms Resort. in Fiji. My wife and I just got back from 10 days in the Beach Villa at the Resort. Needless to say, my expectations were very high. This Resort exceeded our expectations. The photos on the website are beautiful, but they don't capture the beauty of the property. Colleen and Barry, the owners, bent over backwards to make sure our every need was fulfilled. The staff, all hand picked, are exceptionally loving and caring. From the first greeting, to the final hugs good by, my wife and I felt "held" in their warmth and nurturing. This resort is very unique and one of a kind. Each meal was prepared and presented by what you would expect from an. upscale restaurant. Colleen arranged all of our excursions, which included lunch, towels water and an expert guide. My wife and I had never been scuba diving, Colleen connected us up with Taveuni Ocean Sports, and we got certified in 3 days with a remarkable dive instructor. Julie at the Dive shop is another gem to experience. So, if you are planning on going to the South Pacific, I would highly recommend Taveuni Palms Resort in Fiji.

We spent an amazing week at Taveuni Palms. Everything was absolutely perfect! The excursions were outstanding, and the food was the best we’ve had on vacation. We were taken care of so well by the kind team of staff. We definitely plan to return!