How do you describe the perfect vacation destination? Nakia Resort & Dive in Taveuni, Fiji, that's how. One of the most remarkable holidays in my life, and absolutely a must-stay if you are on the island of Taveuni.

This stunningly gorgeous resort has four bures to accommodate the size of your family or party, all incredibly well-equipped with air conditioning to beat the heat or humidity (although the temperature is almost always perfect), comfortable beds, ample room, and stunning views from each deck on the property. The resort is absolutely beautiful, immaculately maintained with native flowers everywhere, a 2-acre garden filled with fresh fruits and vegetables that are part of every meal, a huge freshwater pool at the perfect temperature, and they even have a huge selection of books to choose from if you forgot yours on the plane. The restaurant and staff are one of the best I've experienced... everything is fresh, from bread baked every day, to their signature "Fiji Red" hibiscus drink and fresh fruit smoothies, to the Fijian Food, pasta, pizza, burger, steak, curries, and incredible desserts ranging from coconut chocolate creme pie to their "Cherry Berry", every meal was a treasure and made with love.

From the resort, you can travel to the infamous Waitavala waterslide, the international dateline, and the lovely village of Somosomo for supplies and sorbet, or better yet, the resort will bring you to the other side of the island to visit the mind-blowingly beautiful Bouma Heritage Park waterfalls or the Lavena Coastal Walk, which has some of the most spectacular waterfalls I've ever seen - splurge on the boat to see more of them, then walk back to Lavena village to see grey and white herons and the mushroom rocks along the beach. Paradise!

Most importantly, if you're a diver or avid snorkeler, you MUST visit the resort's sister dive shop, Taveuni Ocean Sports (or TOS), the highest-rated dive resort on the island for a reason. Owner Julie Kelly and her team of expert divemasters (Hi Frank and Alfred!) will take you to the most spectacular spots in the Somosomo Strait, including the Great White Wall, Jerry's Jellies, and the Fish Factory, all part of the world-renowned Rainbow Reef. I've never seen so many varieties of fish and hard and soft coral + reef sharks and octopus, and their team knows how to get you there safely and guide you through some of the most beautiful aspects of the Fijian waters. We went out on the water three different days for diving and snorkeling, and every new spot was better than the last. They greet you with a song and say so long with a hug, and it makes you want to join them every day on a new adventure.

Jim, Robin, and Julie have obviously built Nakia Resort & Dive with their heart and soul on full display, and their staff share their joy and talents with guests while letting them truly enjoy their own personal moments in paradise. We felt like family and were treated like royalty, thanks to Ron, Esita, Mooney, Titi, Shubbs, Shazz, Jojo, Bina (hopefully I spelled everyone's names right!), and all the others who made our holiday so special. It is truly a one-of-a-kind, top-tier experience you will never regret, and always, always remember. Vinaka vakalevu, Nakia!

I don't often write reviews, but we were so lucky to find Nakia Resort and to have a fantastic 5 nights there recently. Jim and Robyn, the owners, arranged for us to be picked up at Taveuni airport just less that 15 mins away from the resort. We stayed in the Sunset Burre which had a beautiful view out over the ocean and we ate each day at the resort restaurant, where the local chef's cook meals to order for you and use only fresh local ingredients and fruit/salads from the Nakia's gardens. The food was one of the many highlights of our stay and felt like having your own personal chef. We had a day out with the Nakia's dive boat just guided snorkeling on Rainbow Reef, although the diving looked amazing and was very professionally run - we are long-term divers so know a good, safe dive operation when we see one. Nakia also dropped us over to the east side of the island to do the Lavena Coastal walk and waited to pick us up on return. All I can say is great hosts, a beautiful place, lovely staff and fantastic food - and all of it, I think, great value for money.
Thank you Jim and Robyn, we loved our time with you.

The ocean views, the delicious food, the kind and friendly staff, and the freshwater pool are just a few of the reasons to stray at Nakia Resort and Dive. This was my fifth trip to Fiji and second one to Taveuni. I was going solo this time to get certified for diving. I haven't traveled without my husband in about 15 years unless it was a work trip. He couldn't get away and encouraged me to go for it. So happy that I went. Fiji is a glorious place and Taveuni is lush, green and full of the kindest people we've ever met from all our travels. The owners and staff were so delightful and I really felt taken care of the entire week. My husband remarked on how stress free I sounded as I talked to him from my bure's deck while looking out to the ocean. Most days I had the windows open for the ocean breeze, but for a few hot days the air conditioning was a welcome cool off and worked so well. There's quite a lot to do on the island activity wise from waterfalls, hiking, diving, boat trips and snorkeling or just stay on the resort and relax by the pool. Again, the food was delicious and plenty of it. Fresh baked breads and they have a huge organic farm so my salad and fresh fruits came straight from the garden everyday. The place is moderately priced and I felt spoiled while there. My husband and I are already planning a return trip together.