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vanessalou5
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Paradise connected with it's community and environment, we didn't want to leave

Reviewed Feb 11, 2020
We stayed for one week and fell in love with Viwa Island. All the staff are wonderful. The Island is stunning and feels as remote as it is, no day trippers call in here as it's too far away. The beach is beautiful and the sea so inviting, we snorkeled directly off the beach and swam with turtles, the coral is teeming with fish. Life is 100% relaxed, we lived barefoot most of the time. We walked to the village on a trip and visited the school, the different age groups sang and the youngest boys did a very convincing yet friendly Fijian Cibi (Haka), we met the village nurse too. The Fijian's seem to have a natural gift for singing and smiling, the staff at the resort would often sing, which was always beautiful. The accommodation was perfect and the beds so comfortable. We traveled to and from Nadi via sea plane with Pacific Island Air (the staff at Viwa Island organised this for us) it was utterly amazing, every second was jaw dropping.
Thank you to everyone on Viwa Island and to Jerry the sea plane pilot you've given us memories and experiences we will for ever cherish.
Date of stay: January 2020
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PatrickW4149, General Manager at Viwa Island Resort Fiji, responded to this review
Responded Feb 11, 2020
Bula & Greetings

Vinaka Vakalevu and thank you for your kind words, post, reviewing and sharing your holiday with us on the resort. We have a great resort, remote, private and secluded, located extreme further-est west of the Fijian waters. White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters in-front of your beachfront bures, swimming among-est giant clams and turtles feeding daily on the sea bed. "Nabalebale Village", the local community partners with the resort opening up their homes, showcasing their tradition and culture, adding to the uniqueness of our destination. The seaplane is a beautiful 30 minute scenic flight over colourful turquoise blue waters and the many uninhabited strings of islands.
We, Staff again thank you for your kind words, enjoyed the company of your stay and hope we can met again renewing our friendship.

Best Wishes & Good Luck

Patrick W
]
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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      Reviews (258)
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      1 - 6 of 258 reviews
      Reviewed January 24, 2020

      We took a sea plane (Recommendable as it is a bit far from Nadi) and was a great experience, staff received us singing and was adorable, I can say the nicest staff I have meet so far! They make you feel especial.
      The island is just amazing, you can swim any time, water very clear and comfortable, great snorkeling, turtles right there swimming and eating near the beach, staff take you as well out the reef and was awesome.
      Food is a bit pricey (Probably as any resort), and some dishes are very nice! but you got to know what to order (Try seafood dishes, usually very good).
      Got a bit sick during the trip but nothing serious for like to stop me from enjoining the day :)
      Bungalows are very nice, great view, they clean it everyday and change the towels every other day. Only down is the open toilets and towels, but for me was not a deal breaker.
      I would definitely comeback that's for sure!

      Room tip: the middle bungalows to be picked
      Date of stay: January 2020
        • Rooms
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      Thank cinthyakcw
      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.
      PatrickW4149, General Manager at Viwa Island Resort Fiji, responded to this reviewResponded January 24, 2020

      Bula & Greetings

      Thank you for taking the time in reviewing your holiday with us.We the staff enjoyed the company of your stay. The seaplane is a beautiful 30 minute scenic flight west of Nadi International Airport. Viwa Island is remote, secluded island with white sandy beach and pristine crystal clear waters. Great snorkeling off the beachfront of your bures, bungalow, or go on a schedule snorkeling trip to one of our many sites. The unbelievable colours of the marine resources and many varieties of fish, large and small.
      Prices for trading at the resort are inclusive of 25% Fiji Government's taxes. Fish, lobster, crabs are fresh from the surrounding waters of Viwa Island and herbs from our organic farm compliments our daily menu that changes nightly. Viwa Island do have the services of a Medical Station on the island, manned by a resident nurse at neighboring Nabalebale Village. Linens are changed every other day, but at your request the "Linen Card" be placed on top of your pillow/bed request linen change. The bathroom/toliet are semi open into a sandy garden plot.

      Thank you again for sharing your holiday with us and we look forward on your return renewing our friendship

      Best Wishes & Good Luck

      Vinaka

      Patrick W

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed January 22, 2020

      You can either arrive by Yasawa Flyer or seaplane. Be aware the Yasawa Flyer only takes you so far, then you get picked up by the resort boat, it takes a while - extra cost and you might need seasickness pills. Arriving you are greeted by song and a hug. Wow you really feel special.
      The room is really nice, you have ac, comfy bed plus tea/coffee making facilities. The bathroom required a few steps down to enter but was just fine. Yes you might get the odd gecko but that was fine.
      Actually I was impressed that there were virtually no flies or mosquitoes here. There has been a lot of thought into the rooms and each has a bushy tree between the bures so it feels very private. You even get your very own chairs by the shore.
      One day we were sitting on our deck and a guitarist serenaded us. Such a lovely experience.
      You can do nothing, a little or a lot. There are activities but it’s entirely up to you.
      The staff were amazing, from Patrick and his lovely wife, to Sarah, Appy, Caroline, Joe etc, all were just so warm and caring.
      Now onto the not so great (pains me to do so)
      The wifi, only in reception was very poor.
      The food. Very hit / miss. Seafood was a hit. Non seafood not so good. My chicken burger was just chicken mince with a lot of stuffing/dressing. Terrible (seriously why not a small chicken fillet fried?) and filo pastry needs to be oven cooked not microwaved. It was tough and soggy.

      The sea there is so clear, warm and lovely, we found mornings the best time in the water before the wind picked up later in the day.
      Also everyone seemed to wear smarter clothes in the evening/for dinner.
      It was a shame we had to cut our visit short by a day due to the cyclone (Sarai)

      Room tip: Not the first Bure due to noise
      Date of stay: December 2019
        • Sleep Quality
        • Rooms
        • Service
      1  Thank optionalextras2
      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.
      PatrickW4149, General Manager at Viwa Island Resort Fiji, responded to this reviewResponded January 22, 2020

      Bula & Greetings

      Thank you for taking the time reviewing your stay with us with kind words of encouragement and areas we need to work on, meeting the demands of all visitors to our shores.
      Our Resort boat picks up off Yasawa Flyer, transfers from Waya Island (Octopus) which cruises 50 minutes due west to Viwa Island. Seaplane transfer takes 30 minutes from Nadi International Airport, a beautiful colourful scenic flight with views of many uninhabited islands. Viwa Island's location is remote, the last of the Fijian Islands west of Fiji Waters.
      King Beds in your choice of Deluxe Air Con Beachfront Bures (45 Sqm) or Executive Air Con Beachfront Bures (65 Sqm). Being in the tropics, our friendly gecko do make an odd appearance and the breeding areas are environmental control to minimize pests. During sunset, Bati (string band) serenades between the bures inviting all guests to drinks and cocktails at the Lounge Bar. Water activities, land & cultural activities are programmed daily for the energetic or you can just sit back at the comfort of your balcony, viewing and sound of the waters lapping on to the beach or sights of the turtles popping their heads through the oceans surface.
      Being on a remote island, the most west of Fiji Islands, located at sea level. Our WiFi services are irregular and inconsistent. We are working with our Provider in upgrading the mast so service are consistent, faster and available throughout the resort inclusive in the Bures.
      Sorry our South Pacific Cuisine was not up to expectation and have note this as "constructive" for our kitchen team to digest on. The seafood are fresh from our surrounding waters, fished by the local community. All meats are freighted in from the mainland and thank you on suggesting, the alternate of "chicken fillets" in the bugger.
      The white sandy beach and crystal clear waters in front of the resort is a marine sanctuary which houses 23 giant clams, many species of colourful fish and turtles feeding on the the ocean floor

      Thank you again for posting your review and the kind words. We, the staff enjoyed the company of your stay with Best Wishes & Good Luck into 2020

      Vinaka

      Patrick W

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed January 10, 2020

      Too many lovely pics to upload. Relaxing holiday atmosphere with truely friendly and supportive staff, they are a great asset to the resort. Any fish dish was delicious, other meals great, perhaps more practice required for the eggs Benedict. Staff singing and dancing spectacular, snorkeling just off the beach fabulous if u don’t want to join an organised trip ( included) and I finally saw one of the turtles just as we were leaving. Felt safe sending our youngest off on his dive with Manni. Caroline, Sarah, Api, Palu, Andie, just too many of u to name and thank. Flew in by float plane ( gorgeous) but Captain Frank performed a spectacular boat transfer to the adjacent island to catch ferry back with the encroaching cyclone. We trust u all stayed safe

      Date of stay: December 2019
      Trip type: Travelled with family
      Thank JoShepherdAus
      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.
      PatrickW4149, General Manager at Viwa Island Resort Fiji, responded to this reviewResponded January 10, 2020

      Cola Vina Jo

      Vinaka Vakalevu for your review and sharing your holiday, experiencing our "friendly fijian hospitality". Our fish supply are fresh from the local community with meats and eggs freight in from the mainland. We have our organic herb gardens to compliment our menus and will venture into a supply of fresh eggs into 2020. Will work on getting our "Eggs Benedict" to perfection. The entertainment by the staff are exciting, lively singing, Staff Choir, Fijian & Polynesian Show, fun games and our own International Crab Race. Snorkeling can be off the beachfront from your bure with daily organised trips to many of our sites depending on tides and sea conditions. The resident turtles feed daily on the resort's beachfront seabeds on weeds and sea grapes. Dive Sites are within the surrounding waters of Viwa Island for the certified Diver and shallow sites (12m) with Dive Instructor Manny, for Discovering Scuba. The float sea plane take 30 minutes from Nadi International Airport. A scenic flight with the amazing colours of the ocean and the sight of uninhabited islands of the Yasawa Group.

      Thank you for your kind words. We, Staff enjoyed the company of your stay and hopefully we can met again renewing our friendship.

      Best Wishes & Good Luck

      Patrick W

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed January 8, 2020 via mobile

      We flew both ways by seaplane where we saw breathtaking aerial view. I recon you to book this air transfer with the resort. If you want to connect to an international flight, make sure the flight arrives in Nadi early enough to catch up seaplane as it only runs during day time.

      Good sides:
      the most special souvenir from the resort for all guests (keep this in secret)
      drinkable tap water
      friendly staff and good services;
      adult only island;
      good view and good snorkeling but not great;
      free charge for kayak, boat snorkeling, stand paddle and other scheduled activities (coconut demo, basket making)

      Downsides:
      quite costly drinks and dishes(we understood it but it was a fact);
      nice presented dishes but half of them tasted ok;
      it had to be guided to walk outside of the resort like the village visit (understandable but a bit surprising and disappointing);
      no cellphone internet connection (wifi only available at the lounge area);

      The bure was not big but provided everything that we needed. We didn’t get any trouble with insects or mosquitoes which was a surprise. As we don’t normally have big meals so we didn’t go for any meal plan. We felt breakfast, all pasta and cocktails were good but others were just ok during 7 days stay.

      The snorkeling condition in front of beach was better than boat snorkeling. Other guest saw some turtles but we didn’t see any under water during snorkeling. I had two scuba dives, the site called the zoo was good.

      The staff were friendly, especially Bati and Caroline and Sara. We experienced category 1 cyclone during the stay, which was quite windy half time. But the staff were trying very hard to organise more indoor activities. So we enjoyed the whole period stay. Appreciate all.

      I recon to book this accommodation before comparing prices. The owner changed in 2016 if you are interested.

      Date of stay: December 2019
      Trip type: Travelled as a couple
      2  Thank hannahz905
      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.
      PatrickW4149, General Manager at Viwa Island Resort Fiji, responded to this reviewResponded January 8, 2020

      Bula Hannah

      Thank you for your review and sharing your holiday with Management & staff who all enjoyed the company of your stay. We are a private, secluded couple's resort, on a remote island, the last of the islands west of Fiji. Great view from all eleven of our beachfront bures on white sandy beach and crystal clear waters. The Deluxe Beachfront Bures are 45 sqmetres and the Executive Beachfront Bures are 65 sqmetres. Fresh water source are rain water and reverse osmosis desalination processed water. dinner menus changes nightly complimented by herbs from our organic farm, contributing to our Chef's South Pacific Cuisine. All Prices that are quoted displayed on our menus etc., are inclusive of 25% Government Taxes in Fijian Dollars.

      The resort sits on 4.85ha of Viwa Island, leased from the local community, home of the Land Owners. They open up their doors and sharing their traditions and cultures to visitors to our shores adding to the uniqueness of our destination. The resort provides an escort for all trips not within the resort's boundary, as a sign of respect to the local community's private areas. Being seclude, on a remote island at sea level, our communications and internet services are irregular a times. Our Providers are currently looking at upgrading our mast in providing an efficient standard of service and coverage throughout the island inclusive servings the local community.

      The resort's beachfront houses 23 giant clams on the farm and daily activities of turtles feeding on the seabed or surfacing the ocean surface. Daily snorkeling trips are schedule and privates snorkeling trips are organised to many of our other sites depending on tide and sea conditions. The beachfront are in front of the resort is a marine statuary, a "No Fishing Zone", in partnership with the landowning community who are the Customary Marine Resource Owners. Many Diving Sites are housed within the surrounding waters of Viwa Island and greeted by different species of sharks, dog tooth tuna,giant trevally, schools of barracuda, potato cod, Eagle Ray and colourful species of different fish, soft and hard corals.

      We had adverse weather conditions (tropical disturbance/depression), that developed into Cyclone Sarai, over the festive season that confined more indoor activities with strong winds and rough seas. Thank you again for your review and we wish you both "best Wishes & Good Luck into 2020.

      Vinaka

      Patrick W

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed December 31, 2019 via mobile

      Spent 8 days here over New Years and overall, everything was nice but there are some things to consider.

      Pros:
      - Postcard beach and very secluded
      - Every cottage had their own private sunchairs
      - Friendly and well-intended staff. However not very polished.
      - If you have dietry requirements, ask to write down your own recipies.
      - The bure was in good condition.

      Cons:
      - The food was a disaster. I am fully aware that the resort is located on an island far away but I have been to resorts even more isolated than this and had much better food. You simply do not run out of fish as we heard one day. The ingridients they put together didn’t create any dishes, they were just mixed together. They were using low quality oil to fry in and there was simply very little taste. On top of this, they charge 35$-50$ (FJD) for a main dish. Sorry, way too much considered the quality.
      - I know that they want you to be relaxed and adapt to Fiji time but I am sorry, that’s not always acceptable when you pay quite a lot of money for your stay. Sometimes you need to read your guests and sense what they expect.

      To conclude: Go here if you want to relax and enjoy a postcard experience with friendly people but come here with the right expectations. You don’t get the level of service or level of food you get in more professional resorts. These are not areas were you will get value for money.

      You simply pay for the secluded beach, crystal clear water, the sense of being far from everything, peace, and a nice cottage.

      If that’s what you want, go here and you won’t be disappointed.

      Date of stay: January 2019
      Trip type: Travelled as a couple
      3  Thank Peter V
      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.
      PatrickW4149, General Manager at Viwa Island Resort Fiji, responded to this reviewResponded January 2, 2020

      Bula Peter V

      Thank you for your review dated 31 December 2019 on your stay a years ago 26 December 2018/ 03 January 2019.
      We are sorry our food was not up to your expectation and your comments are noted by management and the kitchen team as "constructive" and assure you all comments are healthy with challenges revisiting the highest standards demanded by visitors to our shores. Our fish supply are fresh from the ocean, purchased through the local community who are the Customary Resources Owners. Sorry that the fish supply was limited as adverse weather conditions during the period of rough seas may hinter access to their fishing grounds. Oil used by the kitchen are soya bean and canola oil which are the regulars used by all chefs.

      Thank you again for your review, Best Wishes & Good Luck into 2020

      Patrick W

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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