Lydia Payne
Google
Beautiful Place, Beautiful People!
From the moment we stepped foot onto Nanuya Island Resort, we felt completely at home. My partner and I spent five unforgettable nights at this stunning resort, and it was everything we’d hoped for of and so much more. Both the place and the people were simply authentic, beautiful, and exceptional. As soon as we stepped onto the boat, we were greeted by Friendly Pete and a heartfelt welcome song that set the tone for our entire stay.
We were fortunate to stay in the highest tree-top bure, which gave us breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding islands from our balcony. Every detail was thoughtfully considered—from the shutters that allowed a perfect cross breeze, complemented by the ceiling fan, to the fantastic shower pressure and beautiful linen. Housekeeping did an amazing job keeping our space clean and tidy each day, making our stay even more relaxing.
The walk up to the bures was just as beautiful. Zac’s incredible work maintaining the gardens was evident everywhere, with lush greenery and vibrant flowers surrounding us. Throughout the resort, you’ll find stunning garden spaces, table tennis, and plenty of sun shelters for both fun and relaxation. The beach, is located right next to the resort, which meant we could enjoy the sun without worrying about getting sand in our belongings, and the pathways made it easy to take a quick dip in the ocean. We also took full advantage of the free kayaks and paddleboards, exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, and had some great snorkeling around the pontoon.
The balance of adventure and relaxation at Nanuya Island was perfect. Every day, there was an array of activities to choose from—snorkeling, cave trips, fish feeding, mountain hikes, and school visits—so there was always something exciting to do. The "activity boys" did an amazing job organising everything, ensuring we had fun and felt safe throughout. We found that doing one activity in the morning followed by a relaxing afternoon was the ideal mix for us. Evenings were just as fun, with entertainment every night, including singing, choirs, village dancing, Fijian nights, crab races, limbo, and kava ceremonies. Immersing ourselves in Fijian culture added so much fun and joy to the experience, Friendly Pete was fantastic at bringing everyone together.
But what made our stay truly special was the people. The entire team at Nanuya Island Resort made us feel like family. Marie in the office greeted us warmly and made sure we had everything we needed to settle in comfortably. Her kindness and care were the perfect start to our stay. From there, Friendly Pete, Moses, Ure, and Nem, who ran the activities, made sure we felt included and looked after. At the restaurant, Seva, Oscar, Masi, and Tui kept us well-fed and catered to our gluten-free needs with such ease. Tui’s cocktails were fantastic, and although the menu was small, it was full of high-quality options that never overwhelmed us. Every meal came with warm smiles and hugs, making us feel like we were dining with old friends.
The spa was another highlight. Maureen and her team gave us the most intense and rejuvenating massage we’ve ever had, working out all the knots and tension in exactly the right places. It was an incredible and much-needed experience.
It’s hard to put into words just how special Nanuya Island Resort is. The five-hour boat journey to get there was more than worth it. While the resort and landscape are breathtaking, it’s the wonderful people who make this place truly exceptional. Leaving was incredibly sad—I may have shed a tear or two during the farewell song and ceremony. Our beautiful Nanuya family will always have a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to return to this extraordinary place and its amazing people.
Mā te wā!