We were thrilled when we had the opportunity to review Yasawa Island Resort & Spa this fall. Truth be told, I had heard so many great things about the Yasawa Islands and this exclusive all-inclusive resort sits on one of the most remote and unspoiled islands of Fiji. So often, you’ll find “remote” and “pristine” but without luxury or you’ll get luxury but without the isolation that natural gems provide.
There are countless things that make the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa so unique, but the fact that it’s the only resort on the main island means that you can have a beach all to yourself.
My morning walk consisted of this view at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
The Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Arriving to the Yasawa Islands is just as magical as staying on them. The views are spectacular in all directions from above and the moment you land on the grassy airstrip in a small puddle jumper you catch from Nadi.
Whether you’re looking out to a nearly untouched beach, lounging at the pristine blue pool at the resort or snorkeling under the sea, you’ll be in heaven during your entire stay.
There are only 18 luxury bungalows, all of which are hidden among the palms. Each bungalow has its own beach with a hammock swinging between two trees and a porch facing the ocean, which are perfect for morning coffee or a glass of champagne at the end of the day.
The water is so crystal clear here that swimming off any of their private beaches is a must do. They also have paddle boarding available for guests, which is a fun activity early in the day or near dusk when the water is calm and it’s easy to see coral from several feet away.
Paddle boarding at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
The beach area in front of the Dive Shop at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
The grounds at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
One of the pathways you can take to get to the bungalows — or you can simply walk along the beach
The beaches
Each air-conditioned bure has a discreet outdoor shower; an expansive deck with daybeds, a separate living area with mini bar and iPod docking station; a hammock strung between two palm trees and your own thatched cabana with sun loungers on the edge of a pure white sandy beach.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is inclusive of all gourmet meals & snacks, all non-alcoholic beverages, and complimentary wifi in their public spaces. Note that wifi really only works in the reception area — the idea is to get away from technology so it softly forces you to minimize cell phone use, which will help to restore and balance you.
Guests have use of all standard activities (kayaks, stand up paddle boards, tennis, guided walks, catamaran, etc) plus all scheduled activities like Village Visits, trips to the Blue Lagoon Caves, guided snorkeling trips and private beach picnics.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is the only resort on an island that is 22 kilometres long, so there’s plenty of space for both R&R and exploration. The resort’s water is made through a desalination unit, which means that you have water on tap that is tested regularly and approved for drinking. Additionally, there’s a boutique on-site, which offers Fijian artifacts, toiletries, snacks, designer ware, postcards, underwater cameras and materials, among other things.
The main “Bure Levu” which is where the reception area is also has a lounge area (air-conditioned), and a library, where there are games, books and magazines for your use.
The Beach & Beach Walks
As noted earlier, there are 10-11 private beaches and they also offer half day and full day trips to even more remote islands so you can be even more off-the-grid. That said, the views and beach walks from your bungalow are not only close, but breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to relax, meditate or catch up on that novel you’ve been meaning to read.
One view of the ocean and mountains beyond.
The hammock in front of our Yasawa Island Resort & Spa bungalow
The beach in front of the dive shop.
A beach walk to the right of our bungalow — mountains and palms in the distance.
Pristine beaches at Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
The corals, rocks, shells and sea life is amazing here!
Easy to find along the beach — such raw beauty!
Rocky areas along the beach.
Such beauty in all directions
Beautiful coral, rocks and shells
Beach walks at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Beach walks
Magic along the way
In front of our bungalow on the beach.
Looking out onto the beach from the main pool.
Going on a beach walk from our bungalow
One of the boats they use to escort guests out to day outings like the Blue Lagoon Caves and snorkeling
Excursions
They offer a wide variety of excursions from the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, with specials that come out in their daily flyer they give to all guests each evening. Called The Sand Paper, here you learn about arriving guests and what’s on the daily agenda.
View from the Blue Lagoon where the cave is.
Heading out to one of the islands!
Snorkeling over at the Blue Lagoon Caves and below, the caves!
- The views are breathtaking!
View from the Blue Lagoon Caves (island)
Photos from Lover’s Point, a remove island where we took a picnic lunch and stayed for the day.
One of the boats we took to go to the nearby reef for snorkeling. Some opted to go fishing and swimming.
Heading out to the Reef
View of Lovers Point from the water!
They dropped us off on this remote island called Lover’s Point and we shared the beach and the views with no one while we had a picnic lunch shaded by a beach umbrella.
Above and below: Lover’s Point — as part of staying at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, you can choose to go to a remote beach and island for an afternoon picnic in a basket, prepared by their on-site chefs. We chose a delicious smoked chicken pasta salad and Shrimp Caesar Salad.
Lover’s Point Beach after our picnic
You can also take a nature walk to Lagona, where you’ll learn about the plants of the island and their different purposes. They offer a Kava Ceremony, ocean volleyball, diving and a visit to the local village, Bukama, where you’ll learn about the history and meet some of the children who are eager to sing for you. Listen to the video below to get a taste of our experience there.
Beautiful flowers on the island
Children from Bukama Village
Children and families in Bukama Village
Above and below: children talk to us and sing for us in the Bukama Village.
Under the Sea
As we mentioned, snorkeling is included for guests, however if you want to dive, they offer various dive packages including getting certified as well as dives for one, two, three or more days. And, you can even do a night dive.
Here, you can view a variety of coral and fish, from lion fish, reef sharks, parrot fish, surgeon fish, stingrays, and soft corals to trigger fish, angle fish, giant sweetlips, rock cod, turtles, and miniature sea life. There are a number of dive sites available so if you love the water, the Yasawa Islands is a great choice.
Coral under the sea — snorkeling is great!
Snorkeling is amazing off any of the islands.
Our snorkeling guide.
There were blue starfish everywhere!
The Baravi Spa
The spa at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is heavenly. First of all, its located right on the beach and the massages are done outside, facing the sea. The relaxation area is equally serene and you are surrounded by palm trees, warm ocean breezes, essential oils and flowers.
You can have a couple’s massage while hearing the waves roll to shore.
Below is the waiting room area — serenity at its best!
One of our therapists
They offer wonderful massages and body treatments. For example, you can get a Vakecegu Massage, which is a peaceful and relaxing one, the Yasawa Energizer, which is meant to help with muscle tension using traditional Fijian techniques and sandalwood oil, the Karasa, which uses warm stones and essential oils. There’s also something they call the Baravi Rhythm, which is performed by two synchronized therapists, working in time with the sound of the waves.
Body treatments include a Sugar Glow (great for exfoliation of the skin), a Banana leaf hydrating wrap which is deeply detoxifying and a healing ritual called the Dilo Rescue. A full salon, they also do manicures and pedicures as well as waxing and tinting.
Facials include Hydra Lifting for hydration, Exfoliating to help even out skin tone and pigmentation, a Firming and anti-aging facial or a Purifying one which is great for oily and problem skin.
The on-site therapists are always so happy and giving — you will feel that they’re giving their “all” when they work on you with their magical fingers.
Pure Fiji products are available on-site for purchase.
A unique thing about this resort is that you can pay an additional fee and get massages every day of your stay. (yes, really!)
The Pool
The pool’s water is natural and overlooks the ocean and beach in front of the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa main property.
The pristine and relaxing pool at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
The pool with sweeping views of the ocean and beyond!
Warm, clear, clean and natural waters
Natural water in the pool, with hammocks and lounge chairs around it.
The views even from the pool are incredible.
Serenity all around you!
The pool at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Pure bliss!
Hanging out at the pool!
The Bungalows
The bungalows weave in the best of luxury, island authenticity and feng shui all under one roof.
They vary in size, so there are smaller bungalows, two bedroom bungalows, which are great for families and their Honeymoon Suite, which we’d love to try out at a later date.
Above and below, examples of bungalows (above layout is for two bedrooms). Inside bungalow courtesy: Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Above and below, courtesy of Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Below are some of the wonderful features so you feel in every way nurtured and taken care of, the perfect place to rest. Photo credit above and below: Yasawa Island Resort & Spa.
Above: courtesy of Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
The bed in our bungalow – above and below.
We had a wide selection of tea in our room each day, fresh flowers and cookies.
Anthony practicing his martial arts forms in front of our bungalow. Below, our bungalow at dusk.
Relaxing in our hammock in front of our bungalow.
And then there’s sunset.
Sunset, as viewed from our bungalow at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
The sunsets were exquisite each evening!
Culture & Music
Fijians love to sing and dance, so wherever you go, you’ll find performances including from the staff at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, who entertain for you on certain evenings right on the beach.
Dining at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
The food at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa was spectacular. There’s also an open air bar where you can order virgin and alcoholic beverages and cocktails.
Scrumptious mango smoothies with grapefruit garnish
Fresh smoothie drinks at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
One of the cocktails we sampled the evening they held the Flavours of Fiji Degustration Menu.
They have Grasshoppers (green creme de menthe with white creme de cacao and cream), Strawberry Daiquiris, Grapefruit Margaritas, Mojitos, Honey Mojitos, Rum Punch, a Yasawa Colada made with Fiji Coconut Vodka, White Rum Pineapple juice and coconut cream, among others.
You can get virgin mango coladas, and one of our favorites which we had every day of our stay: The Ginger and Elderflower cocktail which is made with fresh root ginger, lemon juice, Elderflower and mint with sparkling water.
Ginger & Elderflower cocktail
Many of the dishes we sampled were truly unique and the chefs bring in natural ingredients from the island too, Fiji style.
Coconut, Ginger and Pumpkin Soup with Rourou Cream – oh so delish!
Here, they are smoking fish right on the beach in front of the resort — later, they used the same smoked fish for our Degustation Menu under the stars.
This delicious creation is called Ika Tavu “Danive” or Smoked Fish, which they serve with Lumi (seaweed) and tomato chutney.
Delicious appetizers
Yaqara Beef Lovo with carrots, charcoal onions, Cassava and smoked jus!
They use coconut in nearly every dish!!
Basket of fruit in the main area where they have a breakfast buffet each morning.
One of the many smoothies I tried while we were there!
Outside dining right on the beach with a candle and a torch – oh so romantic!
A fresh coconut we received upon arrival at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Champagne and a fresh fruit platter in our bungalow. Note how the Fijians use flowers in everything.
Fresh fruit and a toast anyone? What a perfect way to wind down your day!
Other tasty dishes included Sweet Corn, Bacon & Leek Soup, Confit Chicken, Crispy Salmon, Mushroom and Brie Penne, Tempura Prawns, Pulled Pork Rib Pizza, Sesame, Soy and Ginger Snapper, Beetroot, Haloumi and Pesto sliders, Cauliflower & Parmesan Soup, Honey Glazed Pork, Pan Fried Walu, Cassava Croquettes, and for desserts, white chocolate panna cotta and orange marmalade pudding to name a few.
Their Crab Salad, which they serve with Pink Grapefruit (YUM!!), Pickled Fennel, Raddish and Sour Dough!
For something a little lighter on the menu, they had a Cheeseboard with dried nuts and poached apples.
Chef’s Cheeseboard
There were also a variety of fish dishes, and oh so fresh, since you’re surrounded by water on all sides. They offered a Walu, Crispy Salmon (with pecan nuts in case you’re wondering — below), and a crispy Snapper among others.
Their Confit Chicken with Broccolini, Baby Potatoes and Almonds.
One of the happiest foodie moments for us was their Seafood Night — you can opt for a seafood platter during your stay. We opted to do this on our last day for lunch instead, paired with either a Chardonnay or Margarita of course. It was absolutely perfect! Imagine fresh lobster and seafood with breathtaking views of the ocean and beyond….
The Fresh Seafood Platter — enough for two!
We happened to be there for Anthony’s birthday so of course we had to celebrate and part of that celebration included homemade chocolate cake and a group of Fijians standing around our table singing with bright smiles and passion in their voices.
Celebrating Anthony’s birthday on the beach by candlelight at the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Oh yeah, and you are given a flowery necklace of sorts to wear for the rest of the evening. It was oh so festive!
Some of the other exquisite dishes included Kokoda which is classic in Fiji (coconut, tomato & lime salsa, white fish and octopus), fresh salads and wraps (Thai Beef Wrap with Asian slaw), red curries, and our lunch on Lover’s Point was a Smoked Chicken Pasta Salad, which had us at hello. The smokiness combined with the sundried tomato pesto sauce, cucumbers, black olives, feta and basil was out of this world.
The outdoor table prepared for our 5 course dinner on our second night.
Breakfast was also amazing every day. There was a buffet room where you could get rolls, toast, bagels, croissants and yoghurt. There was also fruit, water, tea, coffee and juice. Off the menu, you could order egg specialties, omelettes and more.
Fresh croissants and yoghurt every morning for breakfast. We also ordered fresh juices and smoothies during our stay.
Classic poached eggs on toast, tomatoes, bacon and hash browns.
Getting There
The easiest way to travel to Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is through their daily charter service — you can opt to travel via helicopter if you wish but it is more expensive to do so obviously.
They typically use the Island Hopper airplane service and the trip is a short 25-35 minute flight from Nadi International Airport. Once you land on the grassy airstrip on the main island, they’ll pick you up in a van and then it’s a short ten minute drive to the resort.
The flight is incredibly scenic and takes you along the coast of Viti Levu, and over the turquoise reefs and spectacular islands of the Yasawa Islands group.
Spectacular views on the way over to the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Landing on the main island: Yasawa Island
The airstrip coming into the Yasawa Islands, then it’s a short drive to the Yasawa Resort & Spa
Below, our arrival in Nadi upon our return!
Arriving back at the Nadi International Airport from Yasawa Islands. Two thumbs up!
Would we return? You betcha and we can’t wait!
We had swimming and beach walks all to ourselves.
For more details and how to book your stay here, be sure to visit their ever so heavenly website.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
