Fiji’s little circle of Paradise

Last updated 28 January 2021

To share or not to share, that is the question.

A few years ago, as I was searching through the many spectacular internet sites showcasing Fijian Island getaways, I discovered a tiny jewel in the Mamanuca group of Islands.  Following my third visit to this idyllic Fijian tropical isle, I considered NOT writing about my experience. I thought keeping my silence would mean fewer visitors to this particular Fijian Island, allowing me to re-visit whenever I wished.

But as a lover of travel and unique places, my conscience got the better of me. To not allow others to share in this special island paradise would be selfish. Besides, it seems repeat visitors and word of mouth consistently fill their bures without me writing about it.

The name of the Island responsible for luring me back for another two holidays is Navini Island, one of the smallest island resorts on the Nadi side of Vitu Levu.  Although diminutive in size – a stroll around the entire island takes 15 minutes – Navini has much to offer, including a few Awards.  In May 2011 and again in July 2012, Trip Advisor awarded a Certificate of Excellence to Navini Island Resort, for a consistently high standard of reports received by Trip Advisor guests.

From Nadi airport, a driver greets and takes Navini guests to the marina, where a private boat transfers passengers to the Island, (a trip of about 1.5 hours.)  We receive a warm Fijian welcome as we step onto the sandy shore. Settling into one of the ten private, free-standing, beach-facing bures, we feel the warm embrace of island time.  There’s no need for clocks, watches, or mobile phones here.

Fijian style drums announce meal-times, summoning guests to the communal tables, where the friendly Fijian staff takes your order. From arrival, the wait staff all greet you personally by name.  A simple, yet memorable touch. The freshly prepared menu although not extensive, changes daily and is both delicious and satisfying.  My eldest son highly recommends the breakfast pancakes!

A blackboard outside the dining room displays daily scheduled activities.  These include (Monday-Saturday) motorised boat activities*, varying from taking a boat trip to an outer reef for snorkeling or reef fishing, to visiting many of the neighbouring Islands.

During one island visit, we dropped in on the local Chieftain for ceremonial kava (local brew) and to offer respects. (Note respectful posture: sitting cross-legged around the kava bowl; then drinking its unusual tasting contents, whilst smiling profusely.)

Following the lip-numbing kava ceremony, we visit the village school, where local students grinning look up at their curious visitors. This was an eye-opening experience for my kids. In comparison to their western school environment, they noticed a lack of computer/electronic equipment. But they also recognised the happiness of the students – it was infectious.

Guests who stay on Navini can choose to stay closer to home and swim over the coral reefs within easy reach of the sandy shore. Using complimentary snorkeling gear, providing the tide is high enough, it is possible to snorkel around the entire island. An easy couple of hours pass by swimming above the vibrant coral. Parrot fish and angel fish dart in and out busy with snacking and I smile at the large pursed lips of the sweet lip fish, oblivious of the casual observation going on around them.

At precisely 5 pm (except for Sundays) the distant call of “volleyball “, summons guests to join the local staff for a  game of beach volleyball against (or with) them.  Recruiting the sporty and once-sporty-minded guests – kids and adults – are welcomed to use whatever ball skills they have to throw at these Fijian (supreme) volleyball athletes.  Watching them play is pure entertainment.  The friendly rivalry and ribbing among the staff indicate their happy spirits working on Navini.

Each evening – precisely at 7 pm the drums beckon guests to the dining area for pre-dinner cocktails, where we mingle and share our adventures and treasures discovered during the day.  Seating guests together at the one long dining table creates conversation among the international visitors. This is a very different experience from other resorts where dining is not so social (with strangers).   Traveling as a single mother, I really enjoyed this aspect of Navini – “adult-time.”

Post-dinner, a few guests bid “good-night” and wander back to their bure, while others stay to continue conversations into the evening. The staff, who gather after dinner to relax and socialise, serenade us with their harmonious singing and ukulele playing.  There is something incredibly special about the Fijians and their natural ability to sing so joyously.  Sweet, happy voices singing softly into the night is one of my most treasured memories of Navini.  Another is the after dinner (informal) sharing of kava and (attempts) to compete with the local experts in a unique game they call, vindy vindy.

Without TV or internet access, by the second night, the stresses of the Western World seem miles away. Succumbing to Navini’s gentle routine leaves you with no other choice but to relax. Your only wish will be to push back your departure date – further and further away.

Despite my initial thoughts to keep quiet about this magical place, word of Navini has spread.  During my last visit, guests included honeymooners from the UK and America and a family (with young toddlers), travelling all the way from Norway.  Aussie and Kiwi guests, many repeat offenders (like myself) relish returning to be embraced by Navini’s unique hospitality. It’s smaller size is what separates Navini from other islands.  It allows for personal treatment, where you feel more than a guest – you are part of the Navini family.

Sharing my secret gives you the chance to experience a relaxing, personalised, unforgettable holiday.

I guarantee you will want to return.

*Navini Island Resort includes all motorised boat activities in the Bure price.

Note: All transfers, flights, and accommodation were paid for by the writer.