A must visit if you are hopping around the Fijian islands. Although some of the other islands are more luxury and have a resort feel, this island provides the perfect Fijian experience and is a must in my opinion if you want to learn about their culture.
Recommend the school visit, swimming with reef sharks and sunrise hike as activities whilst you stay. We stayed for 2 nights but could have stayed longer! The staff, particularly Tai Lo and Matthew were extremely accomodating and welcomed us into their family. We had a lesson in the fijian language and made jewellery with the local women. The food was incredible (fijian curries and salads) and it was nice to try fijian local dishes rather than westernised cuisine.
Only negative is you have to buy water on the island and this can get quite expensive especially on a travellers budget!
Thanks Tai Lo for a lovely stay!
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Date of stay: October 2019
Value
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Discover53924148420, Guest Relations Manager at Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort
Responded Mar 14, 2020
What a nice surprise Carys...you already wrote beautiful words in our Friends Book...and we continue to hope that each day here at Waya Lailai Island Haven, we connect with our guests in a profound way, that we are home away from home and family away from family...we're working on the water bit.. may you and your travel friends have a good life...from Tai Lo
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You want to experience the real Fiji on a small island? This is it. The staff are warm and friendly; you will be welcomed by smiles and songs upon our beach arrival. The cabins (bures) are very simple, but clean. The island (Little Waya) is just a few miles around but offers much in terms of nature, culture, and relaxation. During your stay you will be dependent on the staff for pretty much everything, so bring any 'favorites' (such as snacks or beverages) with you. I would have brought more drinking water if I had known. Fortunately, cold beer is readily available at fair prices. The food is quite good even though the menu is limited to a few different seasoned meats and veggies etc. I really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Wailailai. They are wonderful people proud of their island and culture, and they wish to share it with you. My wife and I will always have warm memories of Wayalailai. It's probably more of a comfortable camp than a 'resort', but the vibes are sooooo good here you probably won't mind. Don't forget to bring your mask, fins, bug repellent, water, and a happy adventurous spirit.
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Date of stay: August 2019
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Service
Room Tip:Don't Worry, Be Happy
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Discover53924148420, Guest Relations Manager at Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort
Responded Jan 21, 2020
Bula Mike The Chemist....We are happy that after months of your family's stay, you still consider us worthy of a review. Vinaka. All observations taken on board. Happy New Year to the whole S....on family From Tai Lo - on behalf of our island community here in Fiji.
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Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort was a great Fijian experience for our travels. After a choppy transfer from the boat we landed, quickly checked in and able to get ourselves settled. Basic but comfortable accommodation was great (only powered part of the day) but great balcony area and beachfront hammocks to use to relax.
Food was basic but also good. Fully stocked bar was very handy to have access to most of the day too for a relaxing beverage or two. Activity options were good - walk to the top of the nearby mountain was difficult but great views. Reef shark snorkelling tour was worth the experience too.
Very friendly staff, good night time entertainment with lots of opportunity to relax - overall a great village/family run resort.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Discover53924148420, Guest Relations Manager at Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort
Responded Apr 20, 2020
Bula Chris..after a month of international travel closure, your review is a welcome sign that there is still life out there. Vinaka and we hope you're safe in Aus. And we look forward to having guests again on the island. Tai Lo
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Wayalailai was an amazing experience during our stay in the Yasawas. We extended our stay to 3 nights and enjoyed everything about it. It is run by a local village and the people are so welcoming and accommodating. They go the extra mile to ensure everyone enjoys their stay and feels part of the family. The food was amazing and served buffet style, even as a vegetarian, I was never left hungry or disappointed. Highly recommend the snorkel trip to see the reef sharks as well as the sunrise hike (a super cute dog named Pat joins the group every morning). There are also other activities that you can choose to partake in such as diving with bull sharks and a village visit or you can just hang out in one of the many hammocks on the beautiful beach. Will definitely return! Vinaka Wayalailai!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Discover53924148420, Guest Relations Manager at Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort
Responded Mar 3, 2020
Vinaka April..these good words are sincerely appreciated...loloma to J..from Tai Lo on behalf of staff and islanders here at Waya Lailai
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If you have the opportunity to visit Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort at some point do so, you will not regret it! We were Island hopping around some of The Fijian Islands found a lot of the Resorts and lodges to be very good in general, however at Wayalailai I felt they went the extra mile at all times to ensure we had the best stay possible. The food is exceptional, the staff are very friendly, and go above and beyond for any needs you may have. The atmosphere is relaxed yet the service is attentive. Our stay could not have been better from start to finish, and that is down to the fantastic team at Wayalailai Ecohaven. I can’t wait to go back and visit again!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Discover53924148420, Guest Relations Manager at Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort
Responded Feb 12, 2020
Thank you for the 'fast' review David. Your contagious exuberance for life still echoes around the deck..'in this cup I see...' thank you for this ... All the best in life for you David Tai Lo
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Beautiful! The clean well kept rooms, the ocean views, sunsets, food, tranquility and most of all the amazing staff made it our most treasured memory (of 3 different resorts) in Fiji - So much to enjoy here. From collecting beautiful seashells on the long stretch of beach, snorkeling and seeing a variety of coral and fish on the beachfront, relaxing in hammocks, teatime and delicious meals, visiting the village and time with the staff that made us feel like family. Thank you Moses and family for the fantastic snorkel trip to Mouya reef, saw lots of sharks. Thank you beautiful Eleanor for guiding us on the wild hike to the top lookout of the island. Thank you for sharing the real clava experience. Most of all thanks to TaiLo - who took us in while renovating to soon fully reopen. Vinaka ❤️
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Date of stay: January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lo Ratugolea, Guest Services / Front Office at Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort
Responded Apr 1, 2023
Vinaka Krystal&Hannah for the few days of friendship..the memories still bring nostalgic smiles..wishing you well always..TaiLo
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Wayalailai Ecohaven was the last stop on our Fiji travels and it was a great place to end our trip! All the staff members were very friendly and welcoming and made us feel like family. We enjoyed all the live music and fun conversations and we were really happy to support one of the remaining local community owned resorts in the Yasawas. Food was delicious, beds/bures were comfy and clean, and they offered a nice variety of activities including a Fijian culture night. Be sure to ask for the Bula dance!! We highly recommend Wayalailai Ecohaven!
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were absolutely charmed by Wayalailai and the wonderful people who make their community and culture accessible to guests at this resort. The bures are as sweet as pie - beautifully built and decorated - while being simple and unpretentious.
The kids had a blast with Joshua and others - making banana leaf crafts and shell jewellery. Each night's meal was accompanied by a small group of musicians serenading guests with popular tunes as well as Fijian folks songs. There was heaps to do and my husband and son said the swimming with sharks experience was amazing.
Loved Wayalailai and will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:This is not a resort for those who want cocktails poolside. It is a simple and authentic...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I've been on Waya Lailai in Dezember 2018 and decided to go back in December 2919 as I missed the Christmas lovo. Lovo is my absolute favourite. It was the best decision I made. Waya Lailsi is a place to chill and relax, not overly touristic with forced activities and games in the evening. The Bula dance and some games after dinner as an ice breaker between the guests and that's it, just perfect. I was greeted warmly and nearly everyone remembered me. I stayed in one of the little bure, which was clean and spacious. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The people from the nearby village are also welcoming. I visited the church service and did some crafting with the local ladies. I even extended my stay without any hassles. The food is plenty and the variety is good. The prices at the bar are very reasonable. The beach is clean and perfect to swim and snorkel, there are hammocks and lounger in the sun and/or shade. Activities ranging from sun rise and sun set hikes over village visits, jewellery crafting and snorkeling with the reef sharks. The kava ceremony is well explained and so are the most important traditions in Fiji. Everyone is willing to answer questions and explain the village life. I will go back at the next possibility I have just to get a break.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Discover53924148420, Guest Relations Manager at Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort
Responded Feb 3, 2020
Vinaka Anke for the good words. Spending 'cyclone' time with us and still smiling after 5 days elevated your island life qualifications. Don't wait till Dec 2020 to make your third visit. Tai Lo
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For those appreciative of authentic experiences, I highly recommend Waya Lailai Ecohaven Resort. Tai Lo and her team were extremely hospitable. We were encouraged to learn more of the Fijian culture - learning essential phrases, visiting the village and attending the Sunday Church Service. (The singing was beautiful). Highlights of our visit were climbing to the top of the volcanic plug (tough but the view was worth it), snorkelling in the nearby reefs and just lazing in the hammocks. Electricity was only available for a few hours in the evening, but somehow, the kitchen staff managed to produce a variety of nutritious meals. I do hope the resort maintains its authenticity and remains Fijian owned.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:If you want authenticity, this is the right place. If you're looking for luxury and 5 star...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lo Ratugolea, Guest Services / Front Office at Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort
Responded Apr 1, 2023
Bula Meg...vinaka vakalevu and hope you're well..thank you for sharing a week of your 2023 life with us on the island..TaiLo
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There are more places to choose from in the Waya Lailai area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
wayalailai ecohaven hotel waya lailai
LOCATION
FijiYasawa IslandsWaya Lailai
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
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