Experience the Real Fiji with a Fiji Village Stay
Authentic Insights from Expert Travel Writers
If you’ve come to see Fiji for more than just the sand, sun and sipping cocktails, then you might want to consider getting off the beaten track and immersing in the local culture. A great way to do so is with a village stay in Fiji! Fiji is one of those island countries where the culture is well and truly alive, which means for us travellers, the culture is extremely accessible.
Many locals living in villages open up their homes to guests, which not only allows travellers to experience village life in Fiji, but the funds for the village stay will go straight back into the community.
We’ll go through some of the top village stays around in the country in this list of the village stays in Fiji!
Table of Contents
First, A Note About Homestays in Fiji
Before we get started, it’s important to note that staying in a village is a lot different to staying in a resort. Housing is very basic, so don’t expect anything flashy, and amenities like toilets and showers (or simply barrels of water for washing) will be situated in a separate block outside, yet still private.
You will need to abide by basic Fijian customs, such as presenting a sevusevu (a gift of kava roots) to the village chief so you can be formally welcomed into the village – learn more about this in The Guide to Village Etiquette in Fiji.
You’ll also find that village stays are not widespread throughout the islands. For now, most village stays are in the Yasawa Islands, a 4-5-hour ferry ride from the mainland, Taveuni, which is accessible by domestic flight from the mainland, as well as a few additional destinations that we mention in this guide.
Check out What You Need to Know About Homestays in Fiji for more tips and to see whether this accommodation style is for you.
© FijiPocketGuide.comOur Top 10 Village Homestays in Fiji
1. Yasawa Homestays (Yasawa Islands)
Stay a minimum of two nights on Nacula Island on the beautiful island group of the Yasawas. You’ll get a real Fiji experience with a mix of mingling with the locals and enjoying your privacy in one of the Naisisili village’s beachfront bures.
Yasawa Homestays offers a three-bed bure and meals are shared with various different families in the village each night. No two experiences are the same as you are living the normal Fijian village life while you are staying on Nacula Island.
Activities available include snorkelling on the beachfront reef, hiking on the island and fishing trips with your hosts.
Jump straight to more homestays in the Yasawas, listed in the 10 Best Homestays in the Yasawa Islands.
Book Yasawa Homestays:
© Yasawa Homestay 2. Sunrise Lagoon Homestay (Yasawa Islands)
A spectacular Fijian village experience that caters to larger groups of friends or families awaits at the Sunrise Lagoon Homestay. Choose from quadruple rooms, double rooms and even a 6-bed dorm room so everyone in your party can enjoy this Fijian village stay with a local family.
Taste authentic Fijian food at a much more affordable price than what you’ll experience in any resort. What’s more, the village stay is on Nanuya Lailai Island, just a 30-minute walk away from the famous Blue Lagoon beach in the Yasawa Islands.
Book Sunrise Lagoon Homestay:
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Fiji Yanuca Island Airbnb Homestay & Spearfishing (Taveuni)
On an island just off the shores of Taveuni, Fiji’s “Garden Island”, this Airbnb homestay gets you immersed in the life of a small Fijian fishing village of around 100 people. Enjoy meals with your family hosts throughout your stay and treat yourself to something special with your hosts, such as a fishing trip or an island excursion.
There’s lots happening in the village that you can join in such as drinking kava and go snorkelling or your host can even organise camping on your own private island.
For more options nearby(ish), check out the 5 Best Homestays on Taveuni.
© Airbnb4. Jioji & Alisi’s Place (Suncoast)
On the northern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s mainland, Jioji & Alisi‘s place is an excellent place to stay awhile when on a road trip around Fiji! Situated in the village of Rakiraki along the Suncoast, Jioji & Alisi have a large family home where there’s plenty of space for larger travelling groups or you may be sharing the experience with fellow travellers.
Sample real Fijian cuisine made by Alisi or join Jioji, a diving professional, for one of their scuba diving trips at a fraction of the price of what you will find in resorts.
Check out more village stays in the area in the 5 Best Homestays on the Suncoast.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Save’s Homestay (Nadi)
One of the closest village stays in Fiji to Nadi International Airport, Save’s Homestay offers a suburban homestay in an alternative inland setting near attractions like the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and Sabeto Hot Springs.
With both double and family rooms available, and breakfast included, guests can enjoy a comfortable stay while engaging with new people and benefiting from the host’s local tour and travel expertise. We recommend Save’s Homestay for those looking for a genuine, friendly and culturally rich visit to Fiji.
For more stays in Nadi, check out the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Nadi.
Book Save’s Homestay:
© Save's Homestay6. Bulou’s Eco-Lodge (Suncoast)
Run by a retired Fijian couple and their son, Bulou’s Eco-Lodge provides an authentic Fijian experience on the edge of the famous Navala Village. Although a lodge, rather than a traditional homestay, you’ll stay in either a traditional bure in the garden or the 10-bed dormitory where facilities include cold showers and flush toilets but no electricity.
Authentic Fijian meals and kava are included in the nightly rate, with activities available for an additional fee. Go horse riding, explore Navala Village and experience bilibili rafting on the Ba River.
When arriving in Navala, again, be prepared with a sevusevu (gift).
© Bulou's Eco-Lodge7. Wai Makare Homestay (Yasawa Islands)
Wai Makare Homestay, nestled on the stunning Naviti Island, offers an authentic Fijian experience with its private beach and a world-class coral reef just 20 metres offshore. Guests can indulge in hiking or visit the nearby village.
The homestay offers a range of activities like snorkelling, fishing, and cultural experiences for a small fee. We appreciate the inclusive breakfast and the option for additional meals, showcasing daily prepared local dishes.
Whether staying in a private double room or a six-bed dorm, Wai Makare Homestay promises a welcoming and immersive experience, perfect for those looking to connect with nature and Fijian culture.
Book Wai Makare Homestay:
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Yawekata Eco Still Bluewater Resort (Yasawa Islands)
Despite its misleading name, the Yawekata Eco Still Bluewater Resort is actually a charming homestay on Naviti Island in the Yasawas. This is your chance for a real Fiji experience! You’ll be surrounded by a seaside farm with free-roaming animals, while your room is just a coconut’s throw from the beach.
Choose from double or twin rooms with children staying free. Fancy a bit of adventure? Borrow a free kayak to explore the outer coral or go fishing (with permission, of course).
Book Yawekata Eco Still Bluewater Resort:
© Yawekata Eco Still Bluewater Resort9. Garden Island Homestay (Taveuni)
Escape to the “Garden Island” of Fiji, Taveuni, and enjoy an affordable homestay in Naqara town with Amo and Tabua.
While the homestay provides a good base for exploring Taveuni’s western attractions, we recommend taking the family up on their offer to take you out to Qamea Island for the day.
Breakfast is included in the stay, while affordable lunches and dinners can also be purchased.
What’s more, Amo runs a little coffee shop off her front porch for some added snacks and drinks. The homestay sleeps up to three people in one bedroom. Again, find this one on Airbnb.
© Garden Island Homestay10. Snorkeling with Sharks Homestay (Yasawa Islands)
Snorkeling with Sharks Homestay provides an immersive Fijian community experience on Wayasewa Island. Ideal for those looking to dive deep into traditional culture, local cuisine and stunning eco surroundings, this homestay promises an adventurous stay.
Embracing the relaxed pace of ‘Fiji Time’, guests often find themselves never wanting to leave. Accessible only by boat, the homestay offers arranged pickups from Nadi or nearby islands.
The home has two guest rooms with two bathrooms, accommodating up to eight guests.
Book Snorkeling with Sharks Homestay:
© PocketGuide.com11. Voyager Retreat Homestay (Nanuya Lailai)
Discover an affordable slice of paradise at the Voyager Retreat Homestay on Nanuya Lailai island.
This budget-friendly accommodation offers even better value when booking for two, though meals are an additional cost. Wake up to a delicious breakfast of donuts, fruit and more, while lunch might feature fried or smoked fish with salad.
Guests stay in colourful shared units sleeping two to three people, with separate outdoor bathroom facilities. The owner’s organic ice cream shop is a sweet treat not to be missed.
Explore the well-formed hiking trails of Nanuya Sewa Island or pop over to Lo’s Tea House along the beach for lunch and dinner.
Book Voyager Retreat Homestay:
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About Village Stays in Fiji
That’s it for the best village stays in Fiji. For similar but different accommodations, take a look at the following:
- 15 Best Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) in Fiji
- 15 Best Homestays in Fiji
- What You Need to Know About Homestays in Fiji
Finally, see how these homestays in Fiji compare to The Top 50 Resorts in Fiji. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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