On an island called Yaqeta in the northern part of Fiji’s Yasawa island chain is a little gem of a boutique resort called Navutu Stars. With just 10 Fijian style bures (private homes), it’s a true escape from the modern world, without Internet and television. Still it provides all of the things you’d want from a five-star resort such as gourmet food, beautifully designed rooms, and a meticulous attention to detail, comfort and style. My husband and I loved our vacation in Fiji so much we’ve been twice and are already planning a third visit!
Fiji is world-renowned for its hospitality and it’s easy to see why. Returning to Navutu Stars was like coming home. The staff greeted us by name, picked up conversations right where we left them (and for us that was nine months prior!), and encouraged us to come and visit their village on the other side of the island. Visiting Yaqeta village was a real treat. It was a quick 15 minute walk through the banana groves on the center of the island and once there the first place we visited was the local school. The kids were warm, friendly and eager to talk to my scientist husband about global warming and how it is going to affect their islands. He was quite a hit!
The shell market at the village is a way for vacationers to give to both the school and the village without any awkwardness, and give we did because the effects of cyclone Evan were still apparent throughout the islands. We spent some time talking to everyone about the damage – most of which has been repaired now and luckily, at least on Yaqueta, no lives were lost.
One of the things that keep us returning to Fiji is its gorgeous coral reef. They’re healthy and teeming with life and an absolute paradise for avid snorkelers. Giant manta rays play in the channels between islands and we even heard of whale shark sightings (the big, friendly type of sharks!) just to the north of us. You can island hop all day long with one of Navutu Stars’ outboard motorboats and the staff knows the best snorkeling spots around.
Returning to the resort after a day of snorkeling and sitting down to a barefoot meal of lobster tails and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc is my idea of heaven. And the best part is that it’s something you can experience every single day at this amazing little place called Navutu Stars in Fiji.
Stay
Navutu Stars
Matayalevu, Fiji
[email protected]
006-79-664-0553
Sara Burnett has lived and traveled all over the world. She is currently settled in Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband and kitten, where she is busy curating her website, Burnett’s Boards.
