Bull! I love remote islands and tropical get aways. We switched our days of stay because the hotel was undergoing renovations. We hoped that going at the tail end of the rainy season we would be ok. Unfortunately we arrived during a weeklong storm that caused the main island to flood, and flights to be cancelled. We had to spend a night by the main airport before taking a long boat ride to the island. Helicopter was another option discussed (at a $250/pp surcharge), unfortunately its departure was not guaranteed. We arrived a bit wet, but happy to have finally landed in paradise. Though I wouldn't say the rooms were 5 stars, they were nice. Staff was amazing, in particular Wati who has a "mother of the island" loving smile and makes the best latte (some other waiters are still learning the process and I'm picky). Our first encounter was with the warm smile of Wanka , we referred to as "smiling boat guy" until we got his name. Also kiddos to Jope (ops director), and Marcy (activities director) for being present and attentive to guests needs. Sami for making great drinks at the bar. The food was good, and I highly recommend reserving the large seafood platter if you love seafood, it looked incredible (my partner is allergic so it would have been a waste for us to get). However I was hoping for a more local based menu vs the curry based one they had. The Blue Lagoon is at an additional cost, what's included by the hotel is the boat ride out there. It is a beautiful ride and the lagoon is worth the trip. I would absolutely go on. at least one of the snorkel trips. We got to see dolphins, and the coral reefs are better than ones I've seen in Hawaii, Honduras, Corsica...... The lookout hike you can do on your own. It is very short and the trail is right off the road at the honeymoon sweet street. Worth the steep hike up. Shoes not flip-flops. They had coffee and a French press in the room, however due to the humidity the coffee was a bit rancid, hopefully they found some air tight containers to store the coffee packs in by the time you visit. All in all it was quite the adventure, and with all the updates and renovations, the hotel will only continue to get better, Manager Carley was very authentic in her response to our suggestions while there. She clearly loves the island, the hotel, and the workers that are there. We look forward to returning one day to see all the updates. Vinaka.

BULA VINAKA! Our family (ages 48-16; 6 of us, 3 separate bures) just returned from Yasawa Island Resort. Yasawa Island Resort exceeded our expectations on every level. From the moment we arrived we were welcomed as family, and made instant connections with the staff and guests. The resort has 18 bures, with a maximum occupancy of less than 40 guests, which made for the most authentic, intimate and most amazing experience we could’ve ever dreamed of. I am a travel agent and have been fortunate to travel to many amazing places the last 25 years. (It is worth mentioning that I was not paid, nor encouraged to write this review, and in fact I paid for our stay, it was not comped, so please don't think I am being biased on my review). Fiji, specifically Yasawa, has become my new favorite destination. What makes Fiji so special is their people and their genuine happiness. I have never met such amazingly beautiful people as I have in the islands. Yasawa Island Resort is authentic, rustic, and a true Fijian experience. They are not the Four Seasons, nor should they be, nor should other people on here be comparing them to chain resorts. If that is what you are looking for, don't stay here, you are not the right fit to experience this magical place. They are a small family run resort that employs people from the surrounding villages. Prior to Yasawa, our family stayed at a resort in the Coral Coast...it was massive, had great accommodations, yet tons of people, and felt like we were at a mega resort in a typical destination like Hawaii. Once we arrived to Yasawa it truly felt like we were in Fiji...finally! The resort is on a remote island in the middle of the south Pacific that feels like you may be the only people staying at the resort. The bures are large, clean and comfortable, and just steps away from the beach. I will suggest booking or upgrading to the deluxe beachfront bure if you can. The bure suite category was great, but the deluxe is even better and worth the splurge. The a/c in all bures works well, but you are in the tropics, and it is hot and humid so don't expect it to be something impossible to achieve. We ran the fans and also requested an additional fan, which helped. There are geckos and a spider or two in the bures...they don't bother you if you don't bother them. If these critters, or lack of a blasting a/c unit are going to ruin your trip, I suggest not going to a tropical destination. Bring mosquito spray and use it. We were there after big rain storms and the mosquitos were prevalent. Definitely didn't damper our experience, but it's worth mentioning. The staff at Yasawa are AMAZING! I could go on and on about the connections we made with each person. The meals were great, we never had a bad meal. The seafood platter was incredible. The cappuccinos at breakfast were dreamy. Manasa and his wife (I could cry) worked tirelessly to make sure our family of 6 was taken care morning to night. We have a picky eater in the family who wanted pancakes each morning and fish and chips for all other meals...I am sure it was a pain for them to oblige, but they never said "no" nor did they make a big deal about it...they just made it happen with the biggest smiles on their faces. Our friend Charles at the bar...we love you, buddy! Keep working hard and doing your thing. :) Smiga...oh, Smiga...we miss you and your funky and fun spirit...never change buddy! I saw a comment on here about the staff being forgetful...did you happen to ask again for whatever you were requesting? The staff here work their tails off to make sure everyone is taken care of. They are human, not always perfect (who is?) and they do their absolute best...stop being petty and pretentious. If you are a constant complainer or don't find the joy and appreciation in travel and new experiences, please don't stay here, you ruin it for the rest of us who think it's heaven. So many of the outlandish "complaints" had me laughing out loud at the nonsense of them. Each day there are unique excursions to participate in, or private island beach picnics to enjoy. We did a day trip to The Blue Lagoon caves (where the movie was filmed). The boat ride to the caves was absolutely breathtaking to see all of the islands along the way. Take Fijian dollars so you can support the local ladies and make a purchase on the beach before the caves. We experienced a private beach picnic on the most beautiful beach we have ever seen (go to the one on the website - absolutely gorgeous!). The beach had massive amounts of intact seashells to collect. We did a village visit, which included taking supplies to a small school and interacting with Fijian children and teachers. Take Fijian dollars and donate to their school fund if you can. Take school supplies and or toys and other items for the children to enjoy. Going to the school was heartwarming and so very special. The resort did a lovo dinner where local staff and villagers come to dance and sing for the guests. It was lovely and very special. Lastly, we got to experience a traditional kava ceremony. Each day was so memorable and special that it’s impossible to pick which day was our favorite. Aku, the everything Yasawa guru, was a joy to be around and made our experience fun. The entire activities staff was exceptional. They are all on Fiji time, which made it even better. The beach in front of the resort is massive. Each morning my daughter and I got up for sunrise which was beautiful; and each evening, we made sure to be by the bar around 5 p.m. to mingle with other like minded guests for happy hour and watch the out of this world sunset before dinner. There is great snorkeling near the rocks/activities desk, and fabulous mini waves and a perfect sandy bottom beach over past the spa...just keep walking, you can't miss it. In order to get to the resort, you fly from Nadi to Yasawa on a private 10 seater plane, which I will admit was a bit unnerving at first. Take meds if you are claustrophobic or have anxiety, it helps tremendously - ha ha! Herman, the pilot, made sure we were comfortable and content, and made a fun trip out of the quick 30 minute flight. The day we arrived was the first day the plane was able to fly due to massive amounts of uncharacteristic rain the last 2 months, so we were grateful for sunny days and beautiful weather during our stay at Yasawa for sure. I highly recommend having travel insurance in case you need to take the helicopter transportation (if the plane isn't able to fly due to weather). The day we were scheduled to depart, weather had other plans, and the rain came back, along with thunder and lightning, and the helicopter transport we were booked on couldn't fly for safety reasons. It was chaotic for me trying to get the logistics of rebooking flights figured out, but the staff at Yasawa (Daniel, Lindsey, Jopet, James and Erin) took care of us and went above and beyond to make us comfortable and calm. Our bonus night was a huge blessing. More family time, more time with our newfound friends and family at Yasawa, it was very special and meant to be. I could go on and on about how amazing and authentic this resort is. It stole our hearts, which was evident as we said goodbye. I cry each time I leave Maui or the Tahitian islands, simply because they are so special to me. I was bawling, not crying, leaving Yasawa…as was the rest of our family. A piece of our hearts will forever be there. To those of you who gave this resort a 1 or 3 star review (aka perpetual complainers)...do us all a favor and please never travel again, it would be best for you to stay home in your happy little bubble. You are what is wrong with the world these days. Find the beauty in life, soak it all up, and for Pete's sake appreciate each day and new experience you have been given. To those of you who gave this resort a 5 star, well deserved review...I see you and agree with your comments. I am going to be ultra picky on who I am willing to share this piece of heaven with. It will take special people to truly embrace the uniqueness and authenticity of this place. It's not for everyone, but only those that desire a true Fijian escape and experience. Yasawa is in the process of updating and rebranding the resort to make sure people know exactly who they are, who they will continue to be, and make little minor adjustments along the way. Renee, Lindsey, James and Erin, and so many others are working tirelessly to make it happen...kudos to all of you! I trust that the essence of Yasawa will remain as it is and should be forever. :) It would be my dream for every person who would embrace and appreciate the authenticity of Yasawa to be able to go. It’s imperative that you go with respect and an open heart, and be open to be immersed in the Fijian culture to experience this amazing place. It was unlike any place we’ve ever been to; our most memorable and favorite family vacation ever, and we will without a doubt go back as often as we can. My only regret is not booking our family for more time there. I will know better for next time for sure. Heaven on Earth does exist…it’s Yasawa Island Resort. Bula and Vinaka to you all at YIR and especially all of the friends we met from the US and other parts of the world. We loved connecting with each of you. Let's all plan to meet up at YIR very soon! :) With full and grateful hearts...Gretchen, Jake, Easton, Cadence, Madden and Riley

We stayed here for 3 nights on our 7 night Fiji holiday. The resort itself is set along the beach with each Bure having direct beach front access. The beach is great although you need to be selective where you swim as most areas have strong waves and rips. The location is remote but beautiful. Access is by small single or twin engine 8-10 seater planes assuming the grass airstrip is not too wet or muddy. The return plane trip was my favorite part of the stay! The room we had was large and spacious, except the tiny single toilet, clearly the designer forgot this and it went in as an afterthought. The room was clean tidy and nicely decorated. Daily cleaning and turndown service very good. Indoor and outdoor showers a nice touch. The rooms do not have internet, and 3g barely works either. For internet you need to be near the pool or restaurant. This is meant to be a selling point so you disconnect! The rooms are hot, the wind Dora’s not help there is one small air on unit in the room which is way too small to cool the massive room (70+ SQM). This meant 3 sleepless nights just sweating. The other main issue is the food. The selection is poor 2 starters and 2 deserts and 3 mains. Plus traditional long table Fiji night on a Tuesday which had the best tasting food of our stay. The limited menu is all you have as this is a full service catered resort there are no other options. Local staff are pleasant but forgetful. So the price charged is excessive and the service especially food is poor.

3-star mediocre hotel that falsely advertise themselves as 5-star resort. Quite disappointing. Unfortunately, this has been my worst experience in the past 15 years of traveling. This review will be useful to those accustomed to 5-star resorts who expect a certain standards to be met. Majority of guests are either retires who tend to like everything in a hotel, or young people who are overly satisfied with their parents' provided trip. Let's start with the pros: the hotel does serve tasty food that meets expectations, albeit with an extremely limited selection of only 2 starters, 2-3 main courses, and 2 desserts. Now, onto the cons, which are the most significant and completely unacceptable: Lack of functioning air conditioning: Although the hotel claims to have air conditioning, it does nothing to cool the Bures. These rooms are poorly constructed with flimsy boards and cracks that allow the outside temperature to permeate inside. In fact, the temperature inside is equivalent to the temperature outside. There are no glass windows, only window openings covered with mosquito nets and flimsy blinds that fail to block out daylight properly. I found myself constantly suffering from the high temperatures and sought refuge in the library, the only room on the island with air conditioning. Given its small size of 16 square meters, it often becomes crowded with up to eight guests attempting to cool down and access the internet simultaneously. Unreliable transportation: The promised plane from Nadi to Yasava is merely a matter of luck. I was fortunate only one way. Unfortunately, the plane does not fly even with minimal rainfall due to the slippery dirt landing field. As an alternative, they offer a nearly five-hour ferry ride followed by an additional 30-minute journey from the ferry to Yasawa Resort on a speed boat. In my case, the speed boat was shared by eight people even though it could comfortably accommodate only four. Seating arrangements were inadequate, and we endured 30 minutes of being tossed around on the waves, sitting on an uncomfortable iron storage box. To make matters worse, the boat had no roof, leaving us fully exposed and susceptible to getting completely drenched in rainy weather. The flimsy plastic covers provided were useless against the wind and constant shaking, making it impossible to hold them steady. Passengers ended up with bruises from the constant jostling. Lack of Wi-Fi in rooms: Surprisingly, the hotel intentionally does not provide Wi-Fi in the rooms, despite charging premium prices. As an IT specialist myself, I can confidently say that installing Wi-Fi in the 14-16 Bure rooms would require a mere 3-4 days and cost around $5000-$6000 USD. Considering I paid $1000 USD per day for my Bure, it is disappointing that the hotel manager does not see the value in providing internet access. We bought SIM card in the airport. It did not work in the room either. If you need to stay connected due to work obligations this hotel is definitely not for you. Now, onto the smaller-scale disadvantages: The Bures are cheaply built structures that resemble barns. The white washbasin in my Bure number 14 was broken and poorly repaired with yellow glue, reminiscent of a public toilet. Bures are infested with an abundance of beetles, ants, flies, and spiders. I even encountered what appeared to be rat droppings. The pool, which is shared by all guests, is disappointingly small. Furthermore, it is filled with salt water containing micro algae particles. Astonishingly, there is no shower available near the pool, leaving guests with no means of rinsing off the saltwater without returning to their rooms. Even a simple provision like a jug and cup to wash off the sand is absent. It is hard to fathom how this oversight is possible in a 3-star hotel, let alone a 5-star one. The service at the hotel varies greatly. Female staff attitude suggests that they are doing you a favour. It is truly bewildering why we were charged $960 USD per night for such abysmal conditions.

Luxurious resort . Amazing location. Warm waters wonderful snorkeling and water sports. Bure accommodation you couldn’t fault. Food and staff tremendous. A treasure highly recommend. We went at monsoon time but still found that we could do most things but I’m sure it would be even better during the high season.