Navutu Stars Resort

The quiet, private setting was lovely, and our room was gorgeous: spacious, with our own stretch of beach. We also enjoyed spending time together and meeting a lovely family at the resort. But after a little while, we realized we wanted more to do. Navutu Stars is very small, with one central space serving as the lobby and dining area for all meals. The menu stayed the same throughout our three nights, which felt limiting. There were about 15 guests while we were there, and only one or two organized activities a day, lasting around 1.5-2 hours each. The pool was small and didn’t feel very inviting. Outside the activities, the main option is to relax, so this may not suit people used to busier, activity-focused resorts like those in the Caribbean. Getting there takes planning. The ferry from Port Denarau takes about four hours, with just one arrival and departure time each day, so flights need to fit the schedule. The ride can be rough, and may be uncomfortable if you get motion or seasick. Fiji was extremely expensive for us, both here and in Nadi. Water isn’t complimentary with meals, and each bottle usually cost $5-$10 USD, which adds up over several days. The resort is also right in nature, so there were lots of insects, including mosquitoes, spiders, and bugs. For us, Navutu Stars is better suited to a very quiet stay focused on relaxation and privacy. If you want more activities, dining choices, or a larger pool, it may not be the right fit.

The location was a straight 10/10, and every meal was a ten out of ten. The daily excursions were great, the snorkeling was crazy good, and the views were pure paradise. Even the dogs were sweet and part of the whole vibe. My four nights on Yaqeta were some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the South Pacific, no joke. Navutu Stars is small and boutique, with beautiful, airy rooms and a next-level feel. The staff were unbelievably kind, knew our names, and made it feel like we were staying with friends. I work as a travel consultant and travel a lot for work and privately, but this was still one of the coolest stays I’ve had. I’ve tried Fijian homestays before, and Navutu Stars has a great mix of village-style authenticity and luxurious comfort. You get that Fiji vibe in a way that’s usually not possible in the villages, and it’s something you should experience while you’re in Fiji. If you’re looking for paradise, trust me, you’ll find it at Navutu Stars. Vinaka vakalevu!

The bed was very comfortable, but that was the best part for us. We found the stay disappointing, and the resort could use a refresh. We’re in our late 60s, and it felt geared toward younger people, many of whom seemed to be on honeymoons. The island is isolated and there wasn’t much to do. Activities cost a lot: a one-hour snorkel trip, for example, was over $100 per person. Without paying for activities, the choices seemed limited to snorkeling and going to the small village. There was basket weaving and coconut cutting in the afternoon, but we weren’t interested. The food was bland and boring. One night, a giant flying cockroach came into the bathroom twice. We complained, and to be fair, the room got a good cleaning the next day. We won’t be back.

The remote, beautiful location is what you pay a premium for, and for us it was worth it. The tradeoffs are fewer luxuries and facilities to choose from, plus the time it takes to get there. Our bure was spacious and had a lovely traditional style, with fans and louvres instead of air conditioning. There’s coral you can reach easily from the beach in front of the hotel, though I’d pay extra for the daily boat trips to nearby snorkeling spots. The staff are relaxed, so it’s best to sit back and go with Fiji time. There’s one dining option, which seems typical for an island resort. Breakfast was included, and we chose a la carte for lunch and dinner. Turtle airways was prohibitively expensive, costing more than our flight from Australia, so we took the Yasawa flyer ferry, about 3-4 hours. The trip out was interesting in lovely sunny, calm weather. The return was less enjoyable in worse weather.