-
A Peaceful Escape When searching for a place to unwind and disconnect from the hustle of city life, look no further than Navini. From the moment you arrive, the entire staff knows your name and is there to welcome you with kindness. They picked me up from the airport and drove me to the boat house where I was then put on a short boat ride to Navini. The fact that there is no tv or radio music playing anywhere on the island makes you listen to the sounds of the ocean and nature. There are no day trippers so there is a sense of calm and peace constantly. The food is absolutely delicious and they can accommodate any dietary requests. As I was a solo traveler I was sat with other guests at meals where we all became friends. It was such a warm environment. Surrounding the island is a reef where I snorkeled every day, sometimes guided by Thomas. They provide day trips for more snorkeling and visiting nearby islands.... read moreWhen searching for a place to unwind and disconnect from the hustle of city life, look no further than Navini. From the moment you arrive, the entire staff knows your name and is there to welcome you with kindness. They picked me up from the airport and drove me to the boat house where I was then put on a short boat ride to Navini. The fact that there is no tv or radio music playing anywhere on the island makes you listen to the sounds of the ocean and nature. There are no day trippers so there is a sense of calm and peace constantly. The food is absolutely delicious and they can accommodate any dietary requests. As I was a solo traveler I was sat with other guests at meals where we all became friends. It was such a warm environment. Surrounding the island is a reef where I snorkeled every day, sometimes guided by Thomas. They provide day trips for more snorkeling and visiting nearby islands. The sun is hot, so make sure to put sunscreen on your entire body (legs included). The end of the day is like a family getting together to unwind after dinner to play games and drink Kava. The rooms are lovely and I got a romantic suite with an outdoor daybed and deck chairs overlooking the ocean. It felt extremely private. My only complaint was that I wished the sheets on my bed were softer. read less
lomo21220/02/19 -
Perfection! We just spent 5 perfect nights on Navini. Even though we were moving on to another resort (Likuliku on Malolo), we didn't want to leave! We split up our vacation up between the two resorts, thinking we might feel confined on a 6 acre island after 5 days but my wife and kids and I all would have been happy to stay another week (at least!) on Navini. Snorkeling on the north side of the island was as good as any of the other reefs we went to with plenty of corals, shells (just don't touch any live cones!), brightly colored fish, sharks (friendly), and turtles.
Bures were simple but clean and comfortable and felt very private. Very much enjoyed having a large, covered day bed outside on the sand for reading, napping, or just watching the Black-Tipped Reef sharks feeding on the small bait fish swimming a few feet off the shore. Chaise lounge chairs were also available even closer to the water... read moreWe just spent 5 perfect nights on Navini. Even though we were moving on to another resort (Likuliku on Malolo), we didn't want to leave! We split up our vacation up between the two resorts, thinking we might feel confined on a 6 acre island after 5 days but my wife and kids and I all would have been happy to stay another week (at least!) on Navini. Snorkeling on the north side of the island was as good as any of the other reefs we went to with plenty of corals, shells (just don't touch any live cones!), brightly colored fish, sharks (friendly), and turtles.
Bures were simple but clean and comfortable and felt very private. Very much enjoyed having a large, covered day bed outside on the sand for reading, napping, or just watching the Black-Tipped Reef sharks feeding on the small bait fish swimming a few feet off the shore. Chaise lounge chairs were also available even closer to the water and provided great viewing of the stars at night. Food? Plentiful and very tasty. It's not a Michelin-starred experience but instead just good home cooking. Fits perfectly with the whole vibe and experience of Navini. (You don't even have to wear shoes at meals.)
But what makes Navini so incredible are the people who work there. Vini, Nanise, Vaulina, Joka, Thomas, Dumu, Si (Sy?), Ari, Kunal, Lo, Evi, Jose... I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting. Their warmth and hospitality were unlike anything we've ever experienced. Tears were shed at departure as we felt like we were saying goodbye to family.
Given how convenient it is to get to Navini from Nadi airport (you're met at the airport, drive for 20 minutes to the dock, and then take a 30 minute boat ride to the island), it makes Navini tough to beat. We cannot wait to return! read lessZinFan70705/07/19 -
Amazing- Paradise Island and as brilliant as it sounds! We visited Navini in December 2018, having gone through a few of the reviews we had very high expectations and Navini did not disappoint. The Island itself is beautiful and kept to such a high standard, the food is outstanding and the staff really make your time here so memorable.
The day trips that are offered are the perfect way to explore the surroundings but staying on the island is equally as enjoyable.
We enjoyed dining with the other guests which at first we thought would be out of our comfort zone but was a really great part of the trip.
The majority of guests on the Island had visited many times before and we can understand why.
Navini is the most magical and beautiful place we have ever visited and will have a special place in our hearts always.
We can't wait to return.JessieH122407/01/19 -
Friendly, relaxing, beautiful My partner and I spent five nights on Navini Island in September and it was wonderful. Not only is the island gorgeous, and the water surrounding it pristine, but the people who work there are super friendly and welcoming - ready to make your trip an absolute joy. Add to that the value of the free excursions (twice snorkeling, once to the native village) and the very comfortable accommodations, and you have paradise. Saw reef sharks and a turtle snorkeling right off the island too... And though it often got windy on our side of the island, we just walked to the other side and it was perfect! Thank you to Joka, Loatta, Inia, Kata, Eviesaki, Thomas, and the whole crew at Navini Island for a wonderful stay.
Willtravelforfun11/10/19 -
Vinaka Vaka Levu Navini Island Resort! Navini is small, quiet and incredibly special. No TV, phone, AC or wifi is necessary when you have the ever changing shades of blue of the ocean, the sky, and the coral reef alive with sea life. The staff are attentive and genuine, exemplifying legendary Fijian hospitality. This is low key recharging at it’s very best. A week is not enough time here and leaving was harder than I’d ever imagined it could be!
DayanaS24026/01/19 -
Paradise with an Ocean View - Bula! Did you ever dream of your own private tropical island when you were a child? This is the reality. We have enjoyed 8 nights on Navini Island with the most wonderful staff, exquisite natural surroundings, comfortable modern bures, amazing snorkeling every day, delicious freshly cooked food every meal, singing, dancing, games, smiles, laughter, new friendships, private beach walks, (watching the tiny baby reef sharks at the shoreline) quiet reading time, total peace and relaxation. I could go on and on. There was nothing more that we wanted from our beautiful holiday. Vinaka vakalevu everyone on Navini. 🙂 We will return.
Alioski09/06/19 -
Navini Island - Pacific Paradise. A week spent with our extended family - our children, their partners and our seven grandchildren - a party of 17. Despite the range of ages we were all catered for and made very welcome. Bures (little self contained units) were clean and comfortable and just a few metres walk to the clean, clear and warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Meal time was a great family time - the food was simple, beautifully prepared and presented. Staff were friendly and helpful always with a 'Bula!' welcome and always with a smile, nothing was too much trouble.
Activities were available for young and old with swimming and snorkelling (looking at coral & fish) probably the most popular with our party. More 'formal' activites were organised each day such as a boat trip to a sand cay a few kilometres away and a morning fishing trip - a great father & son time.
Navini Island resort is unlike many 'resorts' - it is NOT an overcapitalised 'ferroconcrete jungle' ... read moreA week spent with our extended family - our children, their partners and our seven grandchildren - a party of 17. Despite the range of ages we were all catered for and made very welcome. Bures (little self contained units) were clean and comfortable and just a few metres walk to the clean, clear and warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Meal time was a great family time - the food was simple, beautifully prepared and presented. Staff were friendly and helpful always with a 'Bula!' welcome and always with a smile, nothing was too much trouble.
Activities were available for young and old with swimming and snorkelling (looking at coral & fish) probably the most popular with our party. More 'formal' activites were organised each day such as a boat trip to a sand cay a few kilometres away and a morning fishing trip - a great father & son time.
Navini Island resort is unlike many 'resorts' - it is NOT an overcapitalised 'ferroconcrete jungle' without regard for the environment.
All of our party would have no hesitation in recommending Navini - (but we'd better not tell too many people or we may have trouble booking when we wish to return!) read lessROSS F.17/10/19 -
Heavenly! If you are looking for a small, extremely friendly, low-key, very relaxing, and totally beautiful island to hide away on, Navini is it! A hidden gem amidst bigger, glitzier resorts, both its staff and clientele are truly special. The bures are very comfortable (great beds) and the food very good. But perhaps the best are all of the activities with staff, from trips to great snorkeling spots, beach volleyball, every possible water sport, to evening music and dancing. No pressure to participate but plenty of activities if you want. We were not sure what to expect, but what we found was even better than we might have imagined.
Viajera5103/12/18 -
Paradise Found If you need (like we did) a complete break from the hectic humdrum of modern life, then Navini is for you. If you want a bland, 5 star, expensive low quality food, no beach resort that could in fact be anywhere then it probably isn't. The quintessential Fiji experience - amazing staff, comfortable bures, beautiful island and incredible food. We will definitely be back 🙂 Vinaka!
cocopops197109/12/18 -
Still wonderful We returned to Navini after a 10 yr absence - we won’t be waiting that long for our next visit.
The biggest improvement in 10 yrs has been the revamped bar/dining area and the food itself. We took the 3-meal/day package and the wait and kitchen staff had no problem in adjusting the menu to our requests (mostly more veg in place of carb elements). The food was really delicious, lots of fresh fish and salads and loads of choices at every meal.
We had a 2-room bure which worked well for the 3 of us. Located on the NW side we got the winter sunset perfectly. Some cheap reef shoes came in useful on the rocks and with all the coral.
The other guests were delightful - good company at meals, fun on the afternoon volleyball court and over an evening game of vindi vindi. There were a few families with kids of various ages - if that’s not your thing then research the dates of Aus/NZ school holidays to avoid... read moreWe returned to Navini after a 10 yr absence - we won’t be waiting that long for our next visit.
The biggest improvement in 10 yrs has been the revamped bar/dining area and the food itself. We took the 3-meal/day package and the wait and kitchen staff had no problem in adjusting the menu to our requests (mostly more veg in place of carb elements). The food was really delicious, lots of fresh fish and salads and loads of choices at every meal.
We had a 2-room bure which worked well for the 3 of us. Located on the NW side we got the winter sunset perfectly. Some cheap reef shoes came in useful on the rocks and with all the coral.
The other guests were delightful - good company at meals, fun on the afternoon volleyball court and over an evening game of vindi vindi. There were a few families with kids of various ages - if that’s not your thing then research the dates of Aus/NZ school holidays to avoid them.
The days were filled with great snorkeling, both on the north of the island and on the morning excursions. Lengthy swims with turtles were a major highlight... Afternoons were resting, swimming, water sports until 4:30 pm volleyball game, then cocktails and prep for dinner. Our stay felt both long, as we relaxed immediately and felt we packed loads in, and short as it came to an end too soon.
Finally, the thing that hasn’t changed is the warmth and genuine hospitality of the team on Navini. I won’t attempt to call out individuals as all were unfailingly lovely, friendly and professional. Can’t recommend or thank them enough.
See you next year! read lessrichmet14/07/19 -
Navini is all you hope for and more!! Bula! Let me begin by stating that nothing I write will do this place justice. You’ll have to take my word for it and visit for yourself. I had the good luck of finding this slice of paradise by scrolling through Google maps just looking for a nice place to stay in Fiji. The more I read the more I knew (hoped, really) that this would be the vacation we needed. Little did we know that the sum of the experience at Navini is so much greater than its parts, and would far surpass our expectations. The friendly greetings, the delicious meals, and the fact that you can do as much or as little with your days as you wish made it one of the best, relaxing, island vacations that we have experienced. We stayed in a premier bure and it was more than enough for our family of three. The reef just off our beach was as beautiful as advertised and we couldn’t have been happier with the... read moreBula! Let me begin by stating that nothing I write will do this place justice. You’ll have to take my word for it and visit for yourself. I had the good luck of finding this slice of paradise by scrolling through Google maps just looking for a nice place to stay in Fiji. The more I read the more I knew (hoped, really) that this would be the vacation we needed. Little did we know that the sum of the experience at Navini is so much greater than its parts, and would far surpass our expectations. The friendly greetings, the delicious meals, and the fact that you can do as much or as little with your days as you wish made it one of the best, relaxing, island vacations that we have experienced. We stayed in a premier bure and it was more than enough for our family of three. The reef just off our beach was as beautiful as advertised and we couldn’t have been happier with the warm and attentive staff. We happened to be staying over American Thanksgiving (which coincided with Fijian night- FUN) as well as my son’s birthday. The staff went out of their way to make his day extra special and I can never thank them enough for that. I’d like to specifically mention Julie, Jhoka, Ana, Viniana, Losalini, Inia, Thomas, Si, and big thanks to everyone else who I might fail to mention but are equally deserving. Honestly, I could go on, but if you are looking to spend a few of the most relaxing days possible on Earth definitely consider Navini. Vinaka vakalevu!!! read less
ckpdmd14/12/18 -
Fabulous stay at Navini! Beautiful, peaceful, paradise, Navini was even better than we expected! We stayed in a premier deluxe Bure literally on the beach which was fabulous. Snorkeling around the Island was excellent and the daily boat trips to other reefs were also great. We had opted for the two meals a day which were always of a very high standard. Above anything else I must make mention of the staff who in my opinion will not be bettered in any 5 star hotel, customer service was incredible, every staff member knows your name and uses it for the duration of your stay. They were all genuinely kind and happy to help in anyway they could to make our stay even better. I cannot fault anything about Navini it really is perfect in every way. Thankyou to all your staff for making our trip so enjoyable. We will be back!
462Debbie21/09/19 -
Still a Magical place after 25 years We stayed at Navini for our Honeymoon 25 years ago and returned with our three kids in December 2018. The relaxing feel and very friendly staff was as good as it was 25 years ago. The island is truly a paradise with its great beaches, bures, activities and most importantly friendly caring staff. The five night there really gave our family a chance to reconnect and relax after a busy year. It will not be 25 years before we are back.
Wayne H.08/01/19 -
Paradise - the best place you will ever go! If you've ever wondered what heaven might be like, then just go to Navini! We stayed here for 6 nights and it was the most wonderful place I've ever been, from the beautiful bure apartments you stay in, to the most stunning surroundings and sea always just a mere few metres away, to the incredible food which was made taking every dietary requirement into account (me and my mum are both veggie and dairy free and they went to such efforts, resulting in a week of some of the best food and cakes I've eaten!).
The staff here make the place even more special - so friendly, attentive, warm hearted.. nothing is too small (special shout out to Choka for being generally wonderful). After dinner they gather to play Fijian board games and drink kava with the guests (if you want to!) and it just gives you that insight into the culture as well which I really loved. The water around the island is a sanctuary, so the sea... read moreIf you've ever wondered what heaven might be like, then just go to Navini! We stayed here for 6 nights and it was the most wonderful place I've ever been, from the beautiful bure apartments you stay in, to the most stunning surroundings and sea always just a mere few metres away, to the incredible food which was made taking every dietary requirement into account (me and my mum are both veggie and dairy free and they went to such efforts, resulting in a week of some of the best food and cakes I've eaten!).
The staff here make the place even more special - so friendly, attentive, warm hearted.. nothing is too small (special shout out to Choka for being generally wonderful). After dinner they gather to play Fijian board games and drink kava with the guests (if you want to!) and it just gives you that insight into the culture as well which I really loved. The water around the island is a sanctuary, so the sea life is incredible. We swam with black tip reef sharks, turtles galore, eagle rays etc right off the beach! You can take paddle boards, kayaks and hobie cats etc out as well from the island which is really fun (big thanks to Inia for taking us out in the hobie cat and all his help with the boards and kayaks!)
Can't wait to return one day, thanks for everything! read lessLydiaroselaws21/11/18 -
Best Vacation Ever Wow, it is hard to know where to start! Our family, traveling together on this 10-day vacation, all agreed it was the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation we have ever experienced.
We were struck most by the positive spirit and hospitality of the staff, followed by the beauty and compactness of the island. By day two, the entire staff called you by your first name. They were personable and caring and could almost read your mind as to wants and desires. The accommodation, we stayed in, the family Villa, was modern, clean, and in a top state of repair. We had daily service that included a complete cleaning and new sheets and towels. Our family of five adults and one grandchild fit comfortably into this Bure. Each Bure has an outdoor hammock and a covered seating area on or adjacent to the beach. We were on the north side of the island and were treated to the most beautiful sunsets.
The dining area was a central hub of... read moreWow, it is hard to know where to start! Our family, traveling together on this 10-day vacation, all agreed it was the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation we have ever experienced.
We were struck most by the positive spirit and hospitality of the staff, followed by the beauty and compactness of the island. By day two, the entire staff called you by your first name. They were personable and caring and could almost read your mind as to wants and desires. The accommodation, we stayed in, the family Villa, was modern, clean, and in a top state of repair. We had daily service that included a complete cleaning and new sheets and towels. Our family of five adults and one grandchild fit comfortably into this Bure. Each Bure has an outdoor hammock and a covered seating area on or adjacent to the beach. We were on the north side of the island and were treated to the most beautiful sunsets.
The dining area was a central hub of activity. We opted for three meals a day and with all the activity offered, we were glad that we did. Breakfast was a fixed menu with a daily special – who would argue with waffles with ice cream and chocolate sauce? Lunch was ordered after breakfast and dinner after lunch. The meals were varied and included vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options. The food was delicious! There were lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, a good variety of dishes, and homemade ice cream every day. The children ate at 1830 and the adults at 1930. As the children ate, the adults enjoyed “Happy Hour” and some activity – the Navini Band, Kava Ceremonies, a history lesson, Sulu tying instruction, or just fellowship with new friends. The children were often offered structured activities after their meal. Families could eat together at either time. The Lovo meal (cooked in the ground) on Fiji night was the trip’s food highlight, as was the band and dancing.
Activities were abundant. Each morning, as the loli called us to breakfast, and Loata, would post the daily activities. Snorkeling trips to nearby reefs were almost daily except for the addition of a trip to visit Solevu Village on another island, and a visit to a larger resort. Dumu showed us how to deconstruct a coconut and explained the local use of all parts of the tree and fruit, and showed us how to make a basket from coconut palm fronds. Scuba, surfing, and fishing could also be arranged. There was a daily volleyball game on the beach. The afternoon that it rained and drove us indoors to play a board game was viewed as a nice rest. There were plenty of games and books in the library. We never wanted for activity and even managed to work in some reading time in the hammock!
One of the reasons we chose Navini was that you could participate in all of the island’s water activities off the beach from mid-tide through high-tide to the next mid-tide. At low tide, excursions to other reefs were available. Many of Fiji’s resorts offer ocean water activity, including just swimming, only at high tide.
I started this review with a discussion about our wonderful interaction with the staff. I need to add how enjoyable it was to get to know the other guests on the island as well. With up to 30 guests on a 6 acre island, you are going to get to know each other. There were always multigenerational families present as well as couples, young and old. We met people from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the USA.
Things to ponder and/or plan for:
- Your feet, and probably your pants, will get wet getting on and off the boats transferring to the island.
- The coffee service is all espresso based. If you’re a coffee snob, like our five adults, you may have to improvise. We took a couple pounds of ground coffee and filters making pour overs into the French Press and a hydro flask – worked for us. There is an electric kettle, French Press, and a daily supply of ground espresso to make two small cups of coffee. If you want more, simply ask.
- The Navini family asks that you use “reef friendly” sunscreens.
BOTTOM LINE, THIS WAS THE BEST VACATION MY WIFE AND I OR OUR FAMILY TOGETHER HAVE EVER HAD! read lessjdfarris13/08/19 -
Teeny, tiny paradise I read about Navini when researching great places to snorkel in Fiji, and it did not disappoint! There is a reef surrounding the island which you can access from the beach and see many fish and the ocassional reef shark and turtle. There were tiny black tip reef shark pups in the shallows almost constantly (to my unwavering delight!) The views were consistently stunning.
Almost every day we were taken on a snorkeling trip to another reef. Each trip was varied, but always awesome: The colours and shapes of the coral, the variety and density of the fish, the visibility! Consistently the best snorkelling I have pexperienced. I was so glad to see our guides never fed the fish (which some were clearly used to from other operators).
“Sea lice” were very prevalent while we were there (I didn’t research the best time of year to visit, so this may vary)! If you react badly to these, make sure you cover up. The upside: where there were sea lice, there... read moreI read about Navini when researching great places to snorkel in Fiji, and it did not disappoint! There is a reef surrounding the island which you can access from the beach and see many fish and the ocassional reef shark and turtle. There were tiny black tip reef shark pups in the shallows almost constantly (to my unwavering delight!) The views were consistently stunning.
Almost every day we were taken on a snorkeling trip to another reef. Each trip was varied, but always awesome: The colours and shapes of the coral, the variety and density of the fish, the visibility! Consistently the best snorkelling I have pexperienced. I was so glad to see our guides never fed the fish (which some were clearly used to from other operators).
“Sea lice” were very prevalent while we were there (I didn’t research the best time of year to visit, so this may vary)! If you react badly to these, make sure you cover up. The upside: where there were sea lice, there were often turtles!
It was fabulous to have access to kayaks, SUP boards and other water equipment at any time.
The only potential down-side to Navini is only experiencing a tiny slice of Fiji. But, by chatting to the friendly staff members and joining in the evening game, I did feel I learned a little about the country and culture.
The staff members were so thoughtful, friendly, welcoming and accomodating. We requested a bure change when we arrived on the island (as we decided we’d like more space) and this was accomodated easily, without fuss. We were also allowed use of the day room while the new bure was serviced for us. I had a birthday while on island and was made to feel very special, with our breakfast brought to the bure so we could drink our champagne, and a cake made for me with the evening meal. The meals were super tasty, and special diets were easily managed (one vegan and a few allergies amongst the three of us).
The bures were comfortable and airy, but not airconditioned. The breeze was usually enough to cool down.
Navini is a small island, and meals are mostly a shared experience. So you do spend a fair amount of time with other guests. Some people were happy to spend a lot of time getting to know each other, while others kept more to themselves.
I loved my time on Navini. If I return to Fiji I know I’ll be torn between returning to the island vs exploring more of the country. Within two weeks of getting back to work, a colleague had booked her honeymoon on Navini; a clear indication that I must have raved about my stay! read lessZeeJaySea22/12/18 -
Home away from Home - Truely Spectacular My husband and I enjoyed a Beautiful stay at the resort - truly spectacular. We only stayed for 2 nights and 3 days and it superseeds eveyrthing. The staffs get to learn your name and treat you like their own. We were greeted by Losalini who was there for us from begining to end. Thomas the islands Aquaman - his your snorkelling guide, super caring making sure that you are ok throughout the excursion. The dining staff Vini, Joka and others are on hand and meals are more then what you expect and super yummy. Volleyball in the afternoons with the staff is lots of fun, you don't have to be a pro to play volleyball. Last but not least you end the night with the traditional Kava drink with a game of Vividi. Truly spectacular staff who are amazing and super caring, with the beach right outside your bures and you have your own path to the beach from your own private bures what more can you... read moreMy husband and I enjoyed a Beautiful stay at the resort - truly spectacular. We only stayed for 2 nights and 3 days and it superseeds eveyrthing. The staffs get to learn your name and treat you like their own. We were greeted by Losalini who was there for us from begining to end. Thomas the islands Aquaman - his your snorkelling guide, super caring making sure that you are ok throughout the excursion. The dining staff Vini, Joka and others are on hand and meals are more then what you expect and super yummy. Volleyball in the afternoons with the staff is lots of fun, you don't have to be a pro to play volleyball. Last but not least you end the night with the traditional Kava drink with a game of Vividi. Truly spectacular staff who are amazing and super caring, with the beach right outside your bures and you have your own path to the beach from your own private bures what more can you ask for 🙂
Thank you Navini for the amazing memories we will surely be back for our second trip 🙂
Vinaka Vakalevu 🙂 read lessKvtwahine28/04/19 -
I'd give 6 stars if I could This is the perfect resort for casual relaxation.From the moment we arrived we felt part of the Navini family. The hardest decision of my day was whether to relax on the extremely comfortable double daybed, hammock or sunloungers. Replies to emails before arrival were prompt. Arrival times are flexible.Henry, based on Vitu Levu, can pick up anytime to transport you on the half hour journey by road to the Vuda Marina to rendezvous with the boat.There is no jetty so it was shoes off to paddle ashore.There was quite a swell when we arrived and we had to transfer into a smaller boat which would have been quite a challenge for the less nimble.The bures are all beachfront and privately screened by greenery.Not only was there a welcome fruit cocktail there was a welcome fruit basket in the fridge and a complimentary alcoholic beverage was brought to the bure to help us settle in . The bed was comfortable and the ocean was visible .There is no air conditioning... read moreThis is the perfect resort for casual relaxation.From the moment we arrived we felt part of the Navini family. The hardest decision of my day was whether to relax on the extremely comfortable double daybed, hammock or sunloungers. Replies to emails before arrival were prompt. Arrival times are flexible.Henry, based on Vitu Levu, can pick up anytime to transport you on the half hour journey by road to the Vuda Marina to rendezvous with the boat.There is no jetty so it was shoes off to paddle ashore.There was quite a swell when we arrived and we had to transfer into a smaller boat which would have been quite a challenge for the less nimble.The bures are all beachfront and privately screened by greenery.Not only was there a welcome fruit cocktail there was a welcome fruit basket in the fridge and a complimentary alcoholic beverage was brought to the bure to help us settle in . The bed was comfortable and the ocean was visible .There is no air conditioning but there is a ceiling fan , plug in fan and wall vents which let the ocean breeze through.There is a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities with a cafetiere.The bathroom is a beautiful spacious wetroom with double sinks .there is also an outdoor shower .This is outside the bure and completely open so I wore swimwear .There is a covered deck outside the bure with a washing line across the front.The view is idyllic. Wifi is available around the dining room for an additional small charge and is adequate for keeping in touch with the outside world if you have to.Meals are at fixed time and lunch and dinner meals are ordered at breakfast..There was a breakfast special every day.The best meal by far was on the once a week special lovo night where the food was cooked in an underground oven and served with a glorious buffet and accompanied by a traditional kava ceremony , singing and dancing .All the guests were encouraged to wear sulus and participate.The reef around the island has a sandy bottom with a lot of sea grass which encouraged a baby reef shark nursery.I counted 9 in one go. Otherwise the reef is quite poor compared to other coral reefs in the vicinity and some guests were troubled by sea lice .To make up for this there are daily complimentary boat trips to excellent snorkelling sites nearby with wonderful colourful coral and good visibility .We also visited the Cloudbreak surf spot and a local village . One day we visited Monuriki the site of the Tom Hanks movie Castaway.This was an additional private trip arranged with a group of the other guests. Watersports equipment is available .Daily activities are listed on a board at reception where there is also a small shop of souvenirs , beach gear and snacks.The resort caters for couples and families.Guests tend to dine together but this is entirely optional . What makes a good resort great is an indefinable extra quality and Navini has this.Partly it is the mix of like minded guests and the personal interaction with the staff. In the evenings the staff join with guests to play vidi vidi and sing.Many of the guests are return guests and now I know why.It's a relaxed and comfortable tropical paradise . read less
traveldoc6517/02/19 -
The best ever Arrived at the island at night and was already amazed by the island and the staff, the food on the first night was wonderful aswell as every other night after that. I would like to give a shout out to jozava and viniana who were the highlight of the trip keeping us happy and always smiling all day and all night, at night these two amazing people would play with my family and entertain everyone around them. The activities this island has to offer are absolutely awesome from island tours to snorkeling tours, they cater for any age no matter what, truly the best holiday ever. Thanks Nivini
And losilini and inia and THOMASHolidayfellow11/05/19 -
What more can I say..Still beautiful one day perfect the next. Travelled with family for Christmas staying in the spacious family villa. Worked perfectly for 7 of us.
Nice to see the renovations to the bar/dining completed, it looks amazing.
Christmas day started with the pre dawn carol singing by staff outside the bures, Church Service after breakfast then a relaxing day until Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.
Catching up with many other Christmas returnees is always nice.
Perfect weather too.
The family left and we moved to our favourite south side bure for the rest of our stay .
New Year was excellent. Starting with a lovo dinner then moving outside to the new area outside the bar overlooking the beach for the evenings entertainment. The staff excelled. Commencing with a traditional kava ceremony followed by traditional singing and dancing, timed perfectly to end with the countdown to midnight, when fireworks stareted with a bang. All around on the surrounding islands and mainland the sky lit up. Wow!
Tropical cyclone Mona was hovering to the north east and eventually... read moreTravelled with family for Christmas staying in the spacious family villa. Worked perfectly for 7 of us.
Nice to see the renovations to the bar/dining completed, it looks amazing.
Christmas day started with the pre dawn carol singing by staff outside the bures, Church Service after breakfast then a relaxing day until Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.
Catching up with many other Christmas returnees is always nice.
Perfect weather too.
The family left and we moved to our favourite south side bure for the rest of our stay .
New Year was excellent. Starting with a lovo dinner then moving outside to the new area outside the bar overlooking the beach for the evenings entertainment. The staff excelled. Commencing with a traditional kava ceremony followed by traditional singing and dancing, timed perfectly to end with the countdown to midnight, when fireworks stareted with a bang. All around on the surrounding islands and mainland the sky lit up. Wow!
Tropical cyclone Mona was hovering to the north east and eventually we got word to be prepared, unfortunately guests due to leave in the next few days were evacuated and the resort boats returned to Vuda marina to be secured. Four of us guests were left.
Apart from the wind picking up and the seas getting very rough nothing happened. No rain.
There was damage and flooding in areas to the east. We watched it pouring with rain on the main island.
Nights sitting outside listening to staff singing Fijian songs so special.
When it came time for our departure, the seas were calm.
Thank you so much Simone and Tueta for your hospitality and to your wonderful staff for taking care of us. Till next time, Vinaka.
🌴🌴🌴 read lessHOOKEDONFIJI10/01/19