Ratu Kini Backpackers & Dive Resort

The water and scenery were stunning, and the snorkelling was amazing. The kids spent the whole day playing with children from the village. Everyone was so lovely and friendly. We'll keep coming back.

The setting was lovely, and the view was beautiful. We walked over to the other side of the island, which was so pretty, and the staff were very nice. When we checked out a day early, one staff member even waived the meal charges, which was the best part of the stay. Our early check-in for Dec 1 didn't happen. We had booked two rooms but had to share one because the other wasn't available. There was only one meal choice each time, which hadn't been advertised, and every meal cost $35 FD. One meal was a canned tuna sandwich because more food hadn't arrived by boat. There was no beer or activities available. We couldn't get snorkelling equipment, and scuba diving was cancelled because the compressor was broken and the boat motor had no gas. We had paid for a return boat trip on Dec 3, but left the resort early and paid for another ferry back on Dec 2. We had paid through Dec 3 but couldn't stay without enough food. It wasn't worth losing a day.

The people were so kind, the island is small and beautiful, and the peaceful atmosphere made us feel at home. Locals were around the hostel, which sits within a village, and it felt authentic. The food was SO GOOD, and we didn't want to leave. We flew into Nadi and took the ferry to Mana island without expecting much. We'd booked a group hostel room, but they upgraded us for free to a waterside bungalow with aircon. There were plenty of excursions. We went diving, fishing, island hopping, and to Cloud9, which I'd highly recommend. If you don't stay here, you're missing out!

The location is 10/10. Our balcony was just steps from a beautiful beach with lovely swimming water, and there were lots of other beaches to explore on foot. You can also walk to the resort next door. We took the full day island hopping tour and the fishing trip through the resort. Both were great value, a staff member joined each one, and they booked our spots at nearby resorts ahead of time, so everything ran smoothly. We had the best time, and it was perfect with our baby. The resort was quiet when we visited, with no cultural activities on, though the dining area blackboard suggested they run some months. The chef, cleaning lady, and staff member who took us on our booked activities were lovely. Sorry, I forgot some of your names. The receptionist wasn't the nicest, but the others made up for it. Thanks Ratu Kini. We came in November with our 6 month old for five nights and had a blast for what we paid. Of the three beachfront cottages, we liked the middle one best. It had a huge bathroom, a separate bedroom that worked well for the baby, and a fridge that worked well. The aircon ran all day except from 3-5pm, and the view was unreal. Don't expect a 5 star resort, but our room was cleaned daily and suited our needs perfectly. At $100nzd a night for a beachfront room, it was great. We hardly spent time in the room because there was so much to do. Bring drinking water, snacks, and some lunch or dinner food for certain days, like tuna and rice thins. We didn't feel good drinking the island rainwater, so we were glad to have our own, especially for the baby. Breakfast was included: toast, cereal, fruit, coffee, and sometimes eggs, porridge, or pancakes. Lunch and dinner each had one choice for $25FJD, served 12-2pm and 7-9pm. Every meal Chef David made was outstanding, including Mongolian beef, chicken stir fry, and fish curry. Some nights he helped entertain our baby while we ate. Such a lovely guy! A few other things: bring a small paddling pool to put in the shade on the balcony for kids, and bring your own snorkelling gear because there didn't seem to be any available. The resort doesn't seem to offer diving now, but reception can put you in touch with Tukai from the village. Don't leave things on the balcony. Our friends' dive mask went missing. I don't think the resort took it; maybe someone from the local village or another guest, but we don't know. We preferred the transfer from the main ferry because it was on time. The resort transfer was late both ways. Bring cash for excursions. The island itself is spectacular. Be prepared, switch off, and enjoy the island life.