Yasawa Island Resort

When we decided to go to Fiji, we had a specific experience in mind: we did not want the sterile, crowded, large resort that might as well have been in Mexico or someplace else. While we did want comfort and luxury, we also wanted value, beauty, authenticity, and a distinctive character. We did extensive research and It all pointed to Yasawa Island Resort. We were not disappointed with what we found during our stay. Our bure was large and comfortable and right on the beach. It was well-maintained and very clean. Housekeeping came every day and even left fresh flowers. We had turn down service every night. Sure, there was the occasional lizard and a few ants but they were never a bother. YIR is a beautiful, unspoiled, place—the resort has purposely disturbed the environs to the smallest amount possible to accommodate the bures and other facilities. This means that you are surrounded by lush plants and flowers. If a lizard or a few ants are the result of that, it’s a trade that I’m willing to make. The staff are unbelievably attentive, kind, and dedicated to your happiness while on their island. They treat you like honored guests or family and you quickly develop one-on-one relationships with each of them. The staff learn your names and remember facts about you. They are proud to share their home and their culture with you. Each staff member exudes joy and it is infectious. It rained frequently during our visit (we knew it would be the rainy season when we booked), which made some of the planned activities difficult, but Pedro, Smiga, Dan and all of the staff worked hard and still made sure that we got to do the things that we wanted to do. It was a significant logistical challenge but they did it and remained unfailingly cheerful throughout it all. The food was delicious and abundant and the restaurant seevice, friendly and attentive. The massages and other spa treatments were excellent and having the services done overlooking the ocean was magical and relaxing. Get the Ultimate Spa package for a spa service every day—it is very much worth it. On Christmas Eve, the children from the local villages came and shared Christmas with us by singing carols. They had been practicing for weeks. Afterward, each of them shook the hand of each guest—a touching show of friendliness and respect. The children also came caroling on Christmas morning and stopped at each bure to share a song just for us. These children included many children of staff members and you could see their pride as they watched and took pictures and videos of their children like any proud parent. To have been able to share in their Christmas—to have them share their Christmas with us, total strangers—was so special and hospitable and unforgettable. Before heading to Yasawa Island, we spent a couple of days at another resort on the main island of Viti Levu. More than once, when we told the Fijian staff at that resort or at various places in and around Nadi that our next stop was Yasawa

We have visited Fiji 6 times and have in the past stayed at various 5 star hotels and resorts. This time we chose to stay at Yasawa Island Resort for a week and this is by far our stand out favourite of all the places we have enjoyed over the years in Fiji. The resort is the only one on the island and has only 18 bures making it a peaceful, pristine, and perfect place to escape our busy lives and immerse ourselves in this tropical paradise. The bures are spacious, well appointed with fans and A/C and are designed to enjoy the balmy breezes as you relax in your lounge area or on the verandah and watch the sparkling sea while listening to the gentle waves ocean and the birdsong from the palm trees. We also had our own designated hammock and two comfortable banana chairs under a thatched beach hut, so no scrambling for chairs or lounges on Yasawa, they are your for your exclusive use over your entire stay. Priceless. The food is definitely restaurant quality. We thoroughly enjoyed our activities including snorkeling tours, visiting the Blue Lagoon Limestone Caves and swimming in the magnificent cathedral like cave lagoon, and a private champagne island picnic on stunning Yowini beach where we were dropped off by boat at a remote breathtaking location. There were also island walks, village visits, the Village church choir, a traditional Fijian Meke and Lovo feast, and traditional Fijian kava ceremony with story telling. Another gem is the Baravi Spa where you can organise a package and have a treatment of your choice every day of your stay. I adored my daily pampering, absolutely amazing; a must do when you stay. The most beautiful and special aspect is the Fijian people and the staff at Yasawa who went above and beyond to make our stay truly memorable. They are genuinely caring and dedicated people. If you are looking for a holiday destination to totally relax, renew, disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself, Yasawa Island Resort is where you will find it. We’re definitely coming back!

This resort is very remote so quiet and beautiful. The friendly staff are absolutely wonderful and will do anything to make your stay great. The bure's are large and all have direct access to the beach. As there are only 18 of them, the number of people on the island is limited, which is great. There are activities available every day or just lay by the lovely pool or in your own private sunshade on the beach. There is plenty of food available as there are 3 course lunches and dinners every day and a large choice of breakfast options. We especially liked sitting in bed every morning with a cup of tea and watching the waves on our own beach. The beds and pillows are beautiful to sleep on. If you want to stay on an island that is not crowded and has unspoilt nature and still has a primitive feel then this is the place for you. In addition to the island costs you will have to add in the cost of the chartered flights to and from, but this was a lovely experience of flying over the coral beaches. Lovely relaxing stay.