-
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 -
Meravigliosa esperienza! L'isola è piccola e con pochi bungalow, dall'atmosfera tranquilla e rilassata, che ti permette di staccare completamente la spina!
L'accoglienza è calorosa e familiare e cerca di coinvolgerti nella grande famiglia Navini!
Cucina eccellente e staff pronto a soddisfare ogni tua richiesta!
Una serata a settimana è dedicata alla cucina locale e alle tradizioni: bella esperienza!
La barriera corallina da un lato dell'isola è particolarmente bella ma noi siamo stati un po' sfortunati perché per alcuni giorni è stato ventoso.teoro201105/05/19 -
Perfect for a family! Our family of 5 (three sons ages 4, 7 and 10) absolutely loved our time on Navini. The island is gorgeous and peaceful and we had our own private beach just steps from our burre. The snorkeling was the best we've experienced in Fiji. Each day Dumu took us to different spots and we saw so many amazing creatures. The food was quite delicious and they even change the kids meals everyday so the kids don't get tired of eating the same food. The fruit lollipops for dessert were a favorite of my boys! Each night, they have a kids activity during the adult communal dinner and it was one of our boys' favorite parts of the day. They took the boys to gather hermit crabs and played hide-and-seek and learned how to play Vidi Vidi and all the while, my husband and I were able to enjoy leisurely dinner. Our favorite part by far though was the staff. Jooka and... read moreOur family of 5 (three sons ages 4, 7 and 10) absolutely loved our time on Navini. The island is gorgeous and peaceful and we had our own private beach just steps from our burre. The snorkeling was the best we've experienced in Fiji. Each day Dumu took us to different spots and we saw so many amazing creatures. The food was quite delicious and they even change the kids meals everyday so the kids don't get tired of eating the same food. The fruit lollipops for dessert were a favorite of my boys! Each night, they have a kids activity during the adult communal dinner and it was one of our boys' favorite parts of the day. They took the boys to gather hermit crabs and played hide-and-seek and learned how to play Vidi Vidi and all the while, my husband and I were able to enjoy leisurely dinner. Our favorite part by far though was the staff. Jooka and Nanise and Dumu were so kind and wonderful to us and especially to our boys. They played Vidi Vidi with them at night and always knew their favorites at mealtimes. Our boys were sad to say "goodbye!". We hope to return soon! read less
Mark K.25/01/20 -
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 -
A piece of paradise! Absolutely a piece of heaven on earth! I would give it 10 stars if possible️ Our family consisted of 8 of us, the youngest being 8 and the oldest being 90 and everyone of us were made welcome from the minute we were picked up at our overnight hotel to when we were delivered back to the airport in Nadi! Comfort of the guests is obviously a top priority for the owner and her staff. We were greeted by the staff learning each of our first names and introducing themselves to us and with a refreshing glass of fruit juice. Their attention to each of us never waivered. We got to know most of them by name and had the opportunity to visit with them and learn about Fiji, their traditions and lives. After meeting Simone, the owner, the first night, it was obvious that this wonderful place is special and that she pours her heart and soul into it. ... read moreAbsolutely a piece of heaven on earth! I would give it 10 stars if possible️ Our family consisted of 8 of us, the youngest being 8 and the oldest being 90 and everyone of us were made welcome from the minute we were picked up at our overnight hotel to when we were delivered back to the airport in Nadi! Comfort of the guests is obviously a top priority for the owner and her staff. We were greeted by the staff learning each of our first names and introducing themselves to us and with a refreshing glass of fruit juice. Their attention to each of us never waivered. We got to know most of them by name and had the opportunity to visit with them and learn about Fiji, their traditions and lives. After meeting Simone, the owner, the first night, it was obvious that this wonderful place is special and that she pours her heart and soul into it. Learning the history of her family and their dedication to Navini and the local people was heartwarming. This is not just a resort, it is family!! Jhoka, Una and Joe were always available with their smiles and to chat with us or to look after something for us, Duma, teaching us to make coconut buns or give a lesson on the palm tree or entertaining the kids! Thomas looking after the divers and snorkelers in our group, Lukimie driving the... Absolutely a piece of heaven on earth! I would give it 10 stars if possible️ Our family consisted of 8 of us, the youngest being 8 and the oldest being 90 and everyone of us were made welcome from the minute we were picked up at our overnight hotel to when we were delivered back to the airport in Nadi! Comfort of the guests is obviously a top priority for the owner and her staff. We were greeted by the staff learning each of our first names and introducing themselves to us and with a refreshing glass of fruit juice. Their attention to each of us never waivered. We got to know most of them by name and had the opportunity to visit with them and learn about Fiji, their traditions and lives. After meeting Simone, the owner, the first night, it was obvious that this wonderful place is special and that she pours her heart and soul into it. Learning the history of her family and their dedication to Navini and the local people was heartwarming. This is not just a resort, it is family!! Jhoka, Una and Joe were always available with their smiles and to chat with us or to look after something for us, Duma, teaching us to make coconut buns or give a lesson on the palm tree or entertaining the kids! Thomas looking after the divers and snorkelers in our group, Lukimie driving the boat, Kara and Evie looking after our buries everyday, the kitchen staff cooking our fantastic meals, all were so appreciated! This is a very special place filled by very special people with hearts of gold! The Sunday evening was a treat for us to get to listen to and sing along with the staff as they celebrated the day. Our last night there was luvo night, the traditional meal cooked by the hot rocks and what a feast it was! Then to end the evening with Fijian style dancing with the staff was an extreme highlight. They had us all joining them, even my 90 year old mother in law, and she was delighted to be a part of it all.
All this to say, Navini is a memory that will live on in our family forever and hopefully we will be able to return!! It is worth every effort to get there! More read lessGlendaleona26/03/20 -
Perfect!!! The most perfect holiday we’ve ever had! Island is beautiful, resort is well planned and the staff..staff members are the heart of Navini! They were amazing and everyone felt like friends to us. There were couple who have been coming back for 25 years! That should tell you all something. We have travelled a lot and never have I ever been this upset when I have to leave some place! When we left from Navini I almost cried 😀 Definitely coming back.
Best regards from Elisa and Niko 😍383elisay03/10/18 -
Another excellent Navini experience We just made our third trip to Navini and it just keeps on delivering. Somehow, they to be able to improve on perfection.
I didn’t think it was possible but the food has only gotten better. Ana and the kitchen staff have from creating delicious meals to creating super-dooper delicious meals! Kids activities away from the dining area during the adults’ dinner is an added bonus.
One of the best things about Navini is that you get treated like a family member rather than a stranger. For return visitors, being greeted with a hug rather than an introduction is just one of many reasons that we will keep coming back.
Whether it’s new staff or ‘old hands’, everybody goes out of their way to make your holiday unforgettable.
Hot tip: one of my favourite activities happens after dinner when the staff come back to the dining area to drink kava and play vindi vindi. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get to know the people, learn about Fijian culture and day-to-day life, enjoy... read moreWe just made our third trip to Navini and it just keeps on delivering. Somehow, they to be able to improve on perfection.
I didn’t think it was possible but the food has only gotten better. Ana and the kitchen staff have from creating delicious meals to creating super-dooper delicious meals! Kids activities away from the dining area during the adults’ dinner is an added bonus.
One of the best things about Navini is that you get treated like a family member rather than a stranger. For return visitors, being greeted with a hug rather than an introduction is just one of many reasons that we will keep coming back.
Whether it’s new staff or ‘old hands’, everybody goes out of their way to make your holiday unforgettable.
Hot tip: one of my favourite activities happens after dinner when the staff come back to the dining area to drink kava and play vindi vindi. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get to know the people, learn about Fijian culture and day-to-day life, enjoy some banter, and do so in a natural and personal way.
Vinaka vaka levu to our Navini family.
We hope to see you again soon! read lessAndyjam211018/10/19 -
Perfect! Navini is a small, intimate island very appropriate for couples, although it may be excellent for older children, too. It's tranquil, and the bungalows open on your private beach. The cuisine is an exquisite European, Asian, Fijian fusion. We had 21 meals while on the island, and we didn't have the same dish twice. The outdoor activities include snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and sailing. The most important event is the morning trip (included in your package) that will be to a hidden snorkelling spot or a sand cay or a traditional village. Speaking of classic, the most crucial time of the day is after dinner when the staff entertain you with live music, local drinks (kava) and a local board game called Vindi Vindi (inspired by Carrom).
All in all, you get to experience the real Fiji like you wouldn't be able to do in any other resort. We felt like members of their family rather than guests. We cried when we left, and that should tell you a lot!dannym96102/01/20 -
Truly Paradise!! Before deciding on a holiday on Navini, I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews. I was looking for a small one-resort island with beautiful beaches and a fantastic house reef for snorkeling. Oh, and the meals had to be wonderful too! Well, I got it all and more...the food was simply delicious, dessert was served with lunch and dinner! Each morning there is an activity such as a snorkel trip to visit different reefs, line fishing or a visit to a nearby "working" island where you can visit a school and later have an opportunity to purchase little trinkets. After lunch, there is time for the beach, a snorkel around the house reef or a drink with new found friends. Simone and all the wonderful people who run the show will cater to all your needs from the moment you step foot on their island. Everyone knows your name whether they work in the office, the restaurant, run the boats or pick you up... read moreBefore deciding on a holiday on Navini, I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews. I was looking for a small one-resort island with beautiful beaches and a fantastic house reef for snorkeling. Oh, and the meals had to be wonderful too! Well, I got it all and more...the food was simply delicious, dessert was served with lunch and dinner! Each morning there is an activity such as a snorkel trip to visit different reefs, line fishing or a visit to a nearby "working" island where you can visit a school and later have an opportunity to purchase little trinkets. After lunch, there is time for the beach, a snorkel around the house reef or a drink with new found friends. Simone and all the wonderful people who run the show will cater to all your needs from the moment you step foot on their island. Everyone knows your name whether they work in the office, the restaurant, run the boats or pick you up at the airport. All the other guests make a point of getting to know you too. We all made good use of the "happy hour" before dinner. We made some wonderful new friends in the 5 nights we stayed there...many, we are still in touch with. When you have to leave the island to travel home, there is always a conga line of sorts formed to send you off. Lots of laughing and exchanging of email addresses and yet a sadness to be leaving such an amazing place. read less
Irene J.25/02/19 -
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 -
Absolutely amazing We had one of our best holiday on Navini with the whole family. We had absolute bliss. We loved the morning trips to different places, snorkelling was so beautiful. The staff looked after us and were fantastic with kids. They have tried to fulfil any request we had. And food was soooooo good. It was very sad to leave this paradise, but we will definitely try to come back again.
DanielaV185904/03/19 -
Perfect! Navini is a small, intimate island very appropriate for couples, although it may be excellent for older children, too. It's tranquil, and the bungalows open on your private beach. The cuisine is an exquisite European, Asian, Fijian fusion. We had 21 meals while on the island, and we didn't have the same dish twice. The outdoor activities include snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and sailing. The most important event is the morning trip (included in your package) that will be to a hidden snorkelling spot or a sand cay or a traditional village. Speaking of classic, the most crucial time of the day is after dinner when the staff entertain you with live music, local drinks (kava) and a local board game called Vindi Vindi (inspired by Carrom).
All in all, you get to experience the real Fiji like you wouldn't be able to do in any other resort. We felt like members of their family rather than guests. We cried when we left, and that should tell you a lot!dannym96102/01/20 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Take me back.... We had been thinking about coming to Navini for several years after reading about it on trip advisor and finally made our much awaited trip in October this year. We stayed for 10 nights and loved every minute.
We have always been impressed by the friendliness of the people in Fiji but from the moment we meet Henry at the airport we were greeted by name by all the staff which was a much appreciated first. The size of the resort and number of people suited us perfectly. Just big enough to enjoy a walk around easily and have a chance to meet all the other guests during meals. The communal dining was one of the highlights and we found everyone mixed easily and it worked really well.The meals were of very good quality and varied. I think we only just came round to repeating the menu after 10 days and there was still a choice for every meal. The kitchen and wait staff were very efficient and... read moreWe had been thinking about coming to Navini for several years after reading about it on trip advisor and finally made our much awaited trip in October this year. We stayed for 10 nights and loved every minute.
We have always been impressed by the friendliness of the people in Fiji but from the moment we meet Henry at the airport we were greeted by name by all the staff which was a much appreciated first. The size of the resort and number of people suited us perfectly. Just big enough to enjoy a walk around easily and have a chance to meet all the other guests during meals. The communal dining was one of the highlights and we found everyone mixed easily and it worked really well.The meals were of very good quality and varied. I think we only just came round to repeating the menu after 10 days and there was still a choice for every meal. The kitchen and wait staff were very efficient and we never had to wait long for our meals.
The water sports shed provide a excellent variety of options and we tried paddle boards and the paddle bike as well as my favourite, sailing which I was able to do every day. Great views sailing round the island.
We saw a turtle sailing the first day and though I didn't snorkel as much as normal due to having a cold on arrival, I saw the usual great variety of tropical fish as well as the biggest crayfish I ever seen cruising along the top of the reef before disappearing down a crevasse.
While there is a conveniently timed trip each day we only took advantage of this 3 times when it suited as we found plenty to do on Navini or just wanted to unwind on the beach.
We stayed in Bure 9 on the north beach near the Water sports shed which suited us perfectly and found the room a good size with chairs inside and on the balcony, a hammock in the courtyard and loungers on the beach. Roomy and a great shower which makes a big difference.
On top of all that I got to meet Harry the dog the owners super friendly lab on some of my early morning walks while he was doing the rounds.
Finally I have to mention we were lucky enough to be present for the 48th anniversary on independant and the staff put on a great celebration that all the guest were invited to which after brief speeches , singing the national anthem and flag raising involved staff and kids having a fun competition involving apple eating, sack races, basket weaving, coconut husking and tug of war. Really was a great occasion with everyone really enjoying themselves.
As others have mentioned the staff really are fantastic and it would be unfair to pick anyone out and miss someone else, but there efforts and general sense of fun were really appreciated.
All in all it's no wonder Navini gets such great reviews and we hope to be back sooner rather than later. read lessTony M.24/10/18 -
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 -
Simply heaven. So beautiful, so luxurious yet so simple, such lovely people (the wonderful staff and the 4 other lovely guests with whom we are still friends across the world). Our priority was snorkelling, which is top notch, not only a gorgeous reef outside your bure with a drop-off to see reef sharks and eagle rays and turtles, but personally arranged, included boat trips each day to other lovely reefs. But on top of this were the gorgeous modern, luxury bures each with its own little beach and incredible views, the smallness of the island yet the privacy of it, the comfort level on all counts... the food is amazing, and they went to great trouble to accommodate our dietary needs. The fresh hot bread rolls... Helen's Lumberjack cake... breakfast pancakes... omg. It's magical there as everything arrives by boat and you have to be carefully poled over the reef for the last bit. How they do such fab catering with those constraints I can't imagine. The ethos of the place... read moreSo beautiful, so luxurious yet so simple, such lovely people (the wonderful staff and the 4 other lovely guests with whom we are still friends across the world). Our priority was snorkelling, which is top notch, not only a gorgeous reef outside your bure with a drop-off to see reef sharks and eagle rays and turtles, but personally arranged, included boat trips each day to other lovely reefs. But on top of this were the gorgeous modern, luxury bures each with its own little beach and incredible views, the smallness of the island yet the privacy of it, the comfort level on all counts... the food is amazing, and they went to great trouble to accommodate our dietary needs. The fresh hot bread rolls... Helen's Lumberjack cake... breakfast pancakes... omg. It's magical there as everything arrives by boat and you have to be carefully poled over the reef for the last bit. How they do such fab catering with those constraints I can't imagine. The ethos of the place is something really special - the couple who planted the lush trees and flowers there, and decided to share it with others, yet retaining the rights of the locals who own the island and who work there to make your stay special. I can't really say enough about it apart from it hurts to think it's so far away (for the two of us who live in the UK; the other two live in Australia, If I did I'd be there all the time!), and I cried as the boat carried us away and we saw it receding while our new friends waved from the beach... it is simply paradise on earth, or better still, on the ocean, where it is forever 'kava time'. read less
ValerieWrites20/02/19