Oarsman's Bay Lodge

Its the kind of place where you kick off your shoes to enter your bure on the first day and don't bother to put them back on at all. Simple, comfortable with a team that makes you feel right at home. The bures are clean, bright and though air conditioned, also have screened windows and a fan. We preferred that option, sleeping blissfully to the sound of the waves each night in the firm and comfortable bed. We appreciated having our own hammock, loungers and porch chairs - these we had to share on occasion with the resort cat. No there's no tv or elaborate entertainment, but that would take away from the chill vibe. Enjoy the gentle Fijian background music or if you are lucky, the talented Josh will sing during dinner. His range and selection of songs is perfect. Not sure when he finds the time as he seems to be everywhere all day, ensuring things are running smoothly. The staff are so warm and nothing is too much for them. They truly care that you are enjoying your time in this magical place. The food is not fancy but is fresh, well prepared and delicious. We loved the British tea and cake tradition daily at 4 pm. The breakfast buffet offers a great selection and the lunch and dinner menus vary daily. We were really impressed with the veggies, and even more so when we learned that they have started their own garden. Snorkeling right off the beach is simply outstanding. Be sure to check out the submerged art installation just off the reef! They are growing a variety of coral types here and it is a treat to view. Ask staff for directions. Excursions are fun and the staff super flexible to add them if enough folks are keen. Overall, the relaxed vibe and desire to ensure you are enjoying your stay made it truly special. This is not a faceless big name resort and you will feel you are really experiencing Fiji. After a week's stay we actually cried as they sang the farewell song the day we left. What an amazing group of people creating a magical small resort. Thank you, and tell Josh to keep working on Tennessee Whiskey, it was sounding great!

This truly is a relaxing laid-back hotel if you're looking for a piece of paradise to stay. Though you don't get a lot of variety, the food is very very tasty. We booked a beachfront studio and were just some feet away from the beach and the incredible turquoise waters. The staff is really welcoming and always ready to help. The snorkeling just by the reefs in front of the hotel is the best I've ever done. There are also some charged trips to get to know the village and other snorkeling spots where we got to see reef sharks.

Me and my partner stayed for 3 nights in mid-June this year. We were staying in one of the beachfront apartments and the views were incredible. The staff were lovely and friendly, and we formed some deep connections to those of them that we saw and spoke to daily. They were always looking to help improve our stay and went as far as to offer changing the lunch menu for us when we were under the weather. The activities provide were fun and adventurous. We were unlucky not to have a great sunset for the island trip, but still had some good fun exploring the island to ourselves. The cave trip was amazing, and Josh was the perfect guide, telling us about all the ties to Fijian folklore and culture. The village visit was also a great experience, and again Zak went above and beyond as the guide. He explained in detail the ways and traditions of his people, and made sure we all came away feeling a strong connection to the village and its people. The bay itself is one of the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen, and the reef snorkelling is the perfect way to discover it. The food provided by the Lodge was the best we have had in Fiji. There could be a bit more choice and variety in the menu, but what was provided was cooked to perfection and tasted great. All in all, I could not recommend the Lodge more. It is the perfect place to come to relax, and there is always a bit of adventure if that’s more your style. I would suggest that it’s a great place to come as a couple, but anybody could enjoy it here. One final special mention to all of the staff, especially Josh and Zak. You all made our holiday and ensured that it was a very emotional goodbye to the Lodge. Vinaka vaka levu and sota tale. Jamie & Amber - England