Turtle Island

You will read many reviews and descriptions here that I cannot improve on other than to say what most are trying to describe is indescribable. Turtle Island is not just a resort, just a vacation, just a South Pacific island, it is a life experience. The sense of family will grip you and hold you in its arms and heart forever. It’s full of love and sharing. While many people return over and over, no one should be discouraged from even experiencing this once. Not everyone can afford financially or life-wise to go more than once. But do it even if just one time! We were married there many years ago when it was still relatively new. Then work, life, etc. got in the way and we didn’t return for many many years. We also kept wondering if it could possibly still hold the same magic as it did during our wedding on the beach all those years ago. It did, and more. None of the changes can alter the love and family and magic of the place. Since we’re older now we’ve returned once and planned another. We’ve traveled all over the world, you will not find anything anywhere like Turtle Island. I hope anyone would get to embrace this life experience which you will hold and cherish forever. Trust me! Vinaka vaka levu to mata vu vale.

This was our second trip to Turtle Island, we also went last year. Words do not adequately describe the experience here. The first thing I will say, is about the people here, they are the warmest, most welcoming I have ever encountered on any trip, anywhere, and it comes from their heart, it is who they are as a community. The food is truly amazing, the cooks, bakers and bartenders were on their game. Our bure mama made sure our every need and desire was carried out. There was as much or as little to do as we liked. Our bure included a hot tub which I used every day. The mini bar was stocked with all sorts of beverages which had been requested beforehand. The beach setup outside our bure, under the palm trees, was the perfect spot to view a sunset, or welcome the day at dawn with our french press coffee that I could put together in our bure prior to walking down the beach to the group breakfast table to join the other 13 couples that we spent our time with. Whether we were horse back riding along Long Beach during sunrise, or fishing in the Blue Lagoon or touring a neighboring island village, spending an idyllic afternoon on a private beach, indulging in massages, or mingling with the other guests during the evening cocktail hours, we were fully present and immersed in beauty, culture, community and relaxation. We met the most amazing people, both guests as well as staff. Turtle Island is a very special place.

We had high expectations for our stay on Turtle Island, but our experience blew us away. The natural beauty of the island, the extremely friendly and helpful staff, getting one private beach day every other day, the great food served either at the communal table or on your own at different spots on the island, plus various other activities all contributed to a fantastic stay. The Bures are also very nice with plenty of space and privacy. We also liked that there are only 15 Bures on the island so there are only few guests, and it’s easy to get to know them all around the communal table. We made several friends this week, both among the guests and the staff. We will definitely be back to this paradise and can warmly recommend it to other adventurous travelers.

We had an incredible week in Fiji on Turtle Island. The level of hospitality was unparalleled. Our bure Mama, Taru, looked after our every need and made sure we had everything that we needed! The island is beautiful, the private beaches were relaxing, and you can't beat the snorkeling even just off the beach. The bures were well kept (a little rustic, but this adds to the charm), they were cleaned twice a day, the bedding was comfortable and the towels were soft and fluffy! The food was delicious, lots of options for every meal, and everything is fresh from the their farm, garden, and fishing. The staff was the best part of the trip - we got to experience Fijian culture and learn about their traditions and were welcomed with open arms. Every staff member had a smile and a loud "bula!" each time they passed. They made our honeymoon incredibly special and we can't wait to go back!

My wife and I always wanted to see Fiji and chose our 10-year anniversary to do so and chose Turtle Island as our destination. We are so glad we made this decision! We were absolutely blow away by everything! The island itself is beautiful especially the beaches and the coral reefs. The food was amazing - every meal! The villas or Bures are charming and crafted in local woods. But what is most amazing and special in fact are the staff. We arrived and were welcomed with song and about 25 giant hugs from the staff who were there to welcome us. Their smiles and welcoming "BULA!' hellos at every turn are warm and genuine and brought smiles to our faces every day. Our Mama Laveti truly was our mom for the week! We fell in love with her and miss her dearly! There are too many staff who touched us to list but Grace, Ema, Nancy, Sue, Mere, Erami, Jerry, Bill, Dockman, my bartender brothers, Phillip, the Joinery team, the spa ladies, heck everyone here is wonderful and made us feel like family not guests. They surprised us on our anniversary after dinner and serenaded us with a beautiful anniversary sung by almost the whole staff which brought tears to our eyes. That would be the best way to describe the whole experience - just moving. Vinaka Turtle Island team for giving us a truly amazing travel experience! You may have ruined our travel experience expectations for anywhere else we go in the world.