One Of The Most Unspoiled Islands In Fiji That Will Leave You Speechless
Fiji, located in the South Pacific, is renowned for its heavenly blue waters and ethereal landscape. Temperatures don't likely dip below the 70s, adding to Fiji's allure. Likewise, if you're in Los Angeles, San Fransisco, Honolulu, or Vancouver, you can book a direct flight to Fiji's Nadi International Airport. However, Fiji is not just one island. According to AFAR, it's about 333 islands. In other words, there are countless destinations to choose from. So where should tourists go?
If they desire an underrated and low-key location, there's the Yasawa Islands. In a word, the Yasawa Islands are dreamy. Its 20 islands are surrounded by greenery and white sand beaches. Per Britannica, European mariners first encountered the Yasawa Islands in 1789, but they did not become a tourist destination until 1987 (via Turtle Airways).
Famously, the Yasawa Islands were featured in "The Blue Lagoon," the 1980 classic film starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins. Luckily for visitors, the Yasawa Islands are easily accessible from the Nadi International Airport. For a day trip, explorers can take the Yasawa Flyer from Port Denarau Marina, which is under 30 minutes away from the airport. The boat departs at 8:45 a.m. and stops at 12 of 20 islands. A one-way economy ticket is under $200. Alternatively, visitors can charter a seaplane for a day trip via Turtle Airways for an undisclosed price. Turtle Airways' departure base is also located near Nadi International Airport. Nevertheless, the best way to experience the Yasawa Islands and Fiji is with an all-inclusive resort.
Discover Turtle Island
Turtle Island is one of the Yasawa Islands' top-rated all-inclusive resorts on Trip Advisor. In 2020, Travel & Leisure hailed it as one of the top five resorts in the South Pacific. Turtle Island is located on a stunning private island of the same name and is recognized for being the backdrop of the film "The Blue Lagoon."
Turtle Island has only 14 villas, providing an exclusive and secluded ambiance. Typical villa amenities include beach accessories, snacks, laundry service, and hammocks, amongst other things. Likewise, each villa has luxe features. For example, the Vonu Point Villa has an outdoor shower and an indoor hot tub with coastal views. Needless to say, staying at Turtle Island comes with a hefty price tag. At the time of this publication, guests have to wait for a minimum of five days and can expect to pay $9,000 and up. You can book your stay at Turtle Island online.
Note that your price includes your villa, meals, various activities at your disposal, and much more. Guests have access to 12 private beaches on Turtle Island. Moreover, they can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, and hiking, allowing them to leisurely take in Yasawas' astounding beauty. If ecotourism is part of your vacation planning process, rest assured Turtle Island is an eco-resort dedicated to its sustainability efforts. This includes growing vegetables, which are then used in the resort's meals.
Explore the Yasawa Islands with a cruise
If a luxury resort is out of your budget, travel to the Yasawa Islands on an all-inclusive Blue Lagoon Cruise. You can opt for their four-night Wanderer Cruise or their seven-night Escape to Paradise Cruise. The Wanderer Cruise departs from Port Denarau Marina every week on Monday at 12:15 p.m. and returns on Friday at 10:15 a.m. Stops include the Yasawa Islands' Yalobi Bay, Nanuya Lailai, the striking Sawa-i-Lau Caves (pictured), and Drawaqa Island. Different activities are presented along the way, including snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Prices for the Wanderer Cruise start at $1,770 per person and can be booked online.
Similarly, the Escape to Paradise Cruise has the same itinerary and activities as the Wanderer Cruise but has three additional stops, including Modriki Island, Soso Bay, and Naukacuvu Island. The latter two are in the Yasawa Islands. However, Modriki Island, also known as Monuriki Island, is in the Mamanuca Islands, where "Castaway," starring Tom Hanks, was filmed.
The Escape to Paradise Cruise departs from Port Denarau Marina every week on Friday at 3 p.m. and returns the following Friday at 10 a.m. Prices start at $2,775 per person and can be booked online. Meals, activities, entertainment, and more are included in the price of the Wanderer and Escape to Paradise Cruise, giving passengers the ultimate vacation on the Yasawa Islands. Cabins with a queen or two twin beds or a queen or twin with a day bed are offered on both cruises.