Boathouse Nanuya

The people here were so kind, and the room was clean. The food was great too. They make you feel like you’re part of the family, which made this one of the most memorable resort or homestay stays I’ve had. Five stars and then some. Thank you, everyone.

We were three people staying one night at Boathouse Nanuya, the more economical part of the Nanuya Island Resort compound. I really wish I’d known what to expect before booking. Here’s why I wouldn’t return. The biggest problem was getting our meals before the ferry. Dinner on the first night took two hours to arrive, and they nearly forgot dessert. We weren’t in a rush then, so we let it go as Fiji time. The next day, though, we had a ferry to catch. We came early, with 1h40min to spare, and asked them to keep that in mind so we could eat without rushing. Other tables who arrived after us were served while ours was ignored. There were only two dishes to choose from, and we told them three times we were worried about missing the boat. Nobody listened. They kept serving other guests until the ferry was calling us, then hurried our food into takeaway boxes. We had to run, and another Boathouse Nanuya guest didn’t even get the meal they’d paid for before boarding. We ended up eating with our hands on the rocky boat because no takeaway cutlery was included. That last part was the least of it. The meal plan itself felt a bit meager, though the food tasted good. WiFi in the areas meant to have it barely worked. At best it might send a message, and I couldn’t even manage that, so keep it in mind if you’re travelling solo or need to stay connected. The reception woman who welcomed us and the man running the restaurant weren’t really friendly, and didn’t answer our questions about activities. Maybe this treatment is because we stayed at Boathouse Nanuya, but we paid the same for the meal plan and facilities as everyone else. Lewa at the spa and the person who helped us kayak, whose name I didn’t catch, were super kind and friendly. Sorry this is so long. I’d have liked to know all this beforehand. There are plenty of amazing places in beautiful Fiji with people who go above and beyond, so maybe consider somewhere else for your stay. Thank you.

The beach and landscape around the resort are peaceful, stunning, and beautifully looked after. It gave me a glimpse of what the place might be like with a better atmosphere and leadership. During my stay there were no more than 10 guests between the boathouse and main resort, so everything felt empty and low energy, which added to my discomfort. I’m disappointed to write negatively because the local staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, and this review isn’t about their hospitality. The owner’s behavior affected my experience a lot. I saw her speak to a staff member in a degrading way, which felt uncomfortable and unprofessional. There was also a fee that hadn’t been disclosed when I booked. When I brought it up, she said, “You can’t expect the staff to remember to tell you everything.” I found that dismissive. She showed no compassion and didn’t apologize. Being clear about fees seems like a basic part of dealing with customers.

The people are what made it, more than anything. I felt welcome right away, like part of the family. The beaches are beautiful, the food is amazing, and the dorms are really comfortable. I never imagined a paradise like this could exist. This resort and its people are going to stay on my mind ❤️ I have to come back. See you soon!