Where to Stay in the Yasawa Islands
No wonder you’re feeling the allure of the lush tropical island peppering the crystal clear waters of the Yasawa Group. Situated on the northwestern side of Fiji‘s 333 islands, the Yasawa Islands is an idyllic tropical escape with a wealth of accommodations to stay in paradise. We’ll give you a great selection of abodes in this list of hotels and places to stay in the Yasawa Islands. Note that the term “hotel” is not often used to describe the accommodations in the Yasawa Islands – more commonly accommodation is referred to as resorts and lodges.
1. Naqalia Lodge
Get a real slice of Fiji at this community-owned resort on Wayalailai (Wayasewa) Island. Naqalia Lodge offers something for budget travellers with their “Gardenview Bures”, dorms and tent sites. Join in on the daily adventures of shark feeding, spearfishing and kayaking or simply kick back in the shaded hammocks. The resort even offers a honeymoon and wedding packages to celebrate that special occasion. See more hotels like this in our 10 Most Romantic Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Naqalia Lodge out:
2. Boathouse Nanuya
Not much beats sitting on the restaurant deck of the Boathouse Nanuya overlooking the ocean. As well as offering private twin/double rooms and dorm rooms, the motel is the only establishment in the Yasawas with an ATM, convenience store, sports bar and day spa. The hotel is popular with boaties, making it a great place to tie up and rewind. For more resorts like this, see our 15 Budget Accommodations in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Boathouse Nanuya out:
3. Nabua Lodge
For an intimate stay in a boutique lodge, check out Nabua Lodge on Nacula Island. The lodge has two bures with a double bed, single bed and shared facilities, as well as two dorm rooms. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and unwind, partly because the electricity generator turns off late at night. Activities at the lodge include beach volleyball, coconut husking, fish feeding, walks, kayaking and snorkelling.
Check Nabua Lodge out:
4. Safe Landing Lodge
Safe Landing Lodge is an affordable retreat for any type of traveller thanks to their selection of dorms, double rooms and family bures. See what “Fiji Time” is all about at this relaxing resort with a beach and a bar serving authentic Fijian meals. Safe Landing is located on Nacula Island at the edge of the famous Blue Lagoon, making it a great base to visit sites like the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, Fijian villages and snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon.
Check Safe Landing Lodge out:
5. Natabe Retreat
Looking for seclusion in your own piece of paradise? You might just find it at the Natabe Retreat on Tavewa Island. Get that “resort experience” but with complete tranquillity in this private home. The retreat with three guest rooms can be booked out for a secluded couples getaway or a family holiday accommodating up to six people. Your activities and dining are all organised for you on request; just sit back and enjoy Fiji time.
Check Natabe Retreat out:
6. Barefoot Kuata Island Resort
A resort with a big emphasis on conservation and adventurous tropical escapes, Barefoot Kuata Island Resort is well worth considering for nature lovers. Stay in one of the quirky “Safari Rooms” or “Beachfront Bures”. There are even dorms for the budgeting backpacker. While there are three swimming pools to make use of, the best one is out of your back door at the beach with superb snorkelling. A highlight of the resort is shark snorkelling and scuba diving.
Check Barefoot Kuata Island Resort out:
- Barefoot Kuata Island Resort on Booking.com
- Barefoot Kuata Island Resort on Trip.com
- Barefoot Kuata Island Resort on Expedia
7. Octopus Resort
We’d go as far as to say it’s impossible not to have fun at Octopus Resort. Not only are you spoiled for choice with activities, but the accommodation on offer really meets all traveller types, from comfort bunnies to budget travellers. Families can make use of the kids’ club services, while backpackers will love the lively party nights under the stars.
Octopus Resort out:
8. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Yes, there are luxury hotels in the Yasawa Islands too and the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is a fabulous option. All their villas boast contemporary comforts with traditional Fijian touches making a stunning place to rest for the night after days of indulging in spa treatments, scuba diving and engaging with the local culture through kava ceremonies and cooking demonstrations. See more options like this in our 5 Luxury Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Yasawa Island Resort & Spa out:
- Yasawa Island Resort & Spa on Booking.com
- Yasawa Island Resort & Spa on Trip.com
- Yasawa Island Resort & Spa on Expedia
9. Mantaray Island Resort
Swim with giant manta rays or at one of the other spectacular dive sites near the Mantaray Island Resort. The resort offers the perfect mix of doing as little or as much as you like with plenty of places to relax and soak up the sun, as well as exciting water, land and cultural activities. There is a wide range of accommodation types to choose from, from luxurious “Beachfront Villas” to the “Paradise Dorm”. This one also features in our 10 Best Backpacker Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Mantaray Island Resort out:
- Mantaray Island Resort on Booking.com
- Mantaray Island Resort on Trip.com
- Mantaray Island Resort on Expedia
10. Oarsman’s Bay Lodge
One worth stopping by on the backpacker route, Oarsman’s Bay Lodge is situated on a long-stretching beach on Naculu Island. Run by a Fijian family, the local culture is very accessible here with activities including village tours, school visits and coconut demonstrations. Accommodation options include private bures suitable for couples and families, as well as an 11-bed dorm with a large balcony.
Check Oarsman’s Bay Lodge out:
11. Paradise Cove Resort
Boasting one of the best beaches in the Yasawa Islands, Paradise Cove Resort is well worth considering for that beachside holiday! Whether you’re travelling as a family, as a couple or as a group of mates, Paradise Cove has accommodations for you in either a beachfront or tropical garden setting. Enjoy lazy days around the three swimming pools, and two bars or out on the water in one of the amazing activities available. See more resorts like this in our 10 Family Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Paradise Cove Resort out:
- Paradise Cove Resort on Booking.com
- Paradise Cove Resort on Trip.com
- Paradise Cove Resort on Expedia
12. Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Situated on the shores of turquoise waters, Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is an idyllic getaway for backpackers, mates’ escapes and families. The resort has a close connection with the local villages, meaning there’s an abundance of cultural activities, from village visits to handline or spearfishing with the locals. Stay in budget lodges, deluxe villas and backpacker dorms.
Check Blue Lagoon Beach Resort out:
- Blue Lagoon Beach Resort on Booking.com
- Blue Lagoon Beach Resort on Trip.com
- Blue Lagoon Beach Resort on Expedia
13. Coralview Island Resort
Great snorkelling and great prices are just two reasons to stay at the Coralview Island Resort on Tavewa Island. The resort has a nearby marine reserve and giant clams, making the underwater adventures unforgettable. They also run regular trips to Yasawa highlights like the Blue Lagoon and the Sawa-i-Lau Caves. Coralview has spacious dorms, “Beachfront Bures” and “Gardenview Bures”.
Check Coralview Island Resort out:
14. Viwa Island Resort
Seeking a bit of luxury? Choose the Viwa Island Resort on its own private island. Accommodations include “Deluxe Beachfront Bures” for two overlooking the Pacific Ocean with its own private balcony and the “Executive Beachfront Bure” that sleeps up to four people. When you’re not relaxing with a massage or on the beach, head out on the water with the resort’s scuba team or go fishing and kayaking. See more resorts like this in our 5 Adults-Only Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Viwa Island Resort out:
15. Barefoot Manta Island Resort
Nature-lovers, connect with the land, sea, the local people and each other at the Barefoot Manta Island Resort. Join the team for snorkelling with giant manta rays between May and October or one of their other amazing scuba diving trips. The accommodation consists of characterful “Safari Rooms” and “Beach Bures”. They also offer a fantastic dining experience on Saturday afternoons/evenings where guests can weave their own dinner plates, enjoy a Fijian cooking lesson and then indulge in a traditional lovo feast. Check out more accommodations like this in our 10 Best Accommodations in Fiji for Foodies.
Check Barefoot Manta Island Resort out:
- Barefoot Manta Island Resort on Booking.com
- Barefoot Manta Island Resort on Trip.com
- Barefoot Manta Island Resort on Expedia
14. Turtle Island Fiji
For luxury beyond luxury, treat that special someone to a few nights on the all-inclusive Turtle Island Fiji. Housing only 14 couples at a time, Turtle Island Fiji is its own private island with 14 private beaches, an eco-forest sanctuary and sparkling waters to explore. Sample fine cuisine with private dinners or attend lively dinner parties in a different location on the island each night. Plus, the list of experiences seems endless, so your Fiji bucket list is bound to be mostly ticked by the time you leave the island. Needless to say, this resort is one of the 10 Best Luxury Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Turtle Island Fiji out:
15. Waya Island Resort
Waya Island Resort, the Yasawas’ newest adults-only boutique resort, offers an intimate and private experience with just 17 rooms. Nestled in quiet, pristine bays surrounded by lush forests, Waya Island is a secluded sanctuary perfect for a peaceful retreat. The resort’s unique approach to home-style cooking provides a fresh Fijian dining experience. In between, guests can relax by the pool, enjoy treatments in the open-air massage pavilion, or embark on tours exploring the beauty of the island. Adventurous activities like paddleboarding and snorkelling directly from the resort are also available. For more like this, check out the 10 Best Boutique Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Waya Island Resort out:
14. Coconut Beach Resort
Set on a former copra plantation, Coconut Beach Resort provides an exclusive escape with just 11 guest bures amidst coconut groves, offering unmatched views of the Blue Lagoon. Guests can explore the vibrant house reef and marine life just meters from the beach. Spacious and modernly appointed bures with beautiful open-air bathrooms promise comfort and luxury, while the “Coco Palm Massage Bure” offers an extraordinary escape. The resort’s meal philosophy centres on the finest local ingredients, featuring freshly caught fish and daily homemade bread and desserts.
Check Coconut Beach Resort out:
- Coconut Beach Resort on Booking.com
- Coconut Beach Resort on Trip.com
- Coconut Beach Resort on Expedia
15. Nanuya Island Resort
Nestled in the centre of the Yasawa Islands, Nanuya Island Resort is another resort offering an ideal location for swimming with manta rays during the manta ray season. The resort is a good all-rounder for all types of interests, with a spa, glass-bottom boat, guided village tours, island walks, scuba diving and much more. As for the accommodation, the resort’s standout feature is its contemporary villas, especially the “Tree Top Bure” elevated in the trees.
Check Nanuya Island Resort out:
16. Mai Sunset Island Resort
Mai Sunset Island Resort welcomes backpackers with options for mixed and female four-bed dorms, while the double room provides a tranquil ocean view experience. Nestled in lush tropical greenery, the double room features a cosy queen bed and modern furnishings accented with Fijian cultural touches, while the outdoor shower offers a unique and refreshing experience amidst nature. Guests can enjoy activities like swimming with manta rays, village tours, exploring the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, cultural activities, guided hikes, or simply relaxing.
Check Mai Sunset Island Resort out:
17. Long Beach Escape
An intimate resort owned and run by a local village on Matacawalevu Island, Long Beach Escape provides an authentic Fijian experience. Their eight-bed dorm room ensures an affordable stay along the resort’s long stretch of white sand, which runs all the way onto the restaurant floor. Enjoy village visits, kayaking, snorkelling and hiking on the island, while excursions to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves and Blue Lagoon also come at an affordable rate.
Check Long Beach Escape out:
18. Wayalailai Eco Haven
Wayalailai Eco Haven, nestled within a genuine Fijian community on Wayalailai Island, offers budget-friendly accommodation for a distinctive Yasawa experience. Guests can select from hillside or beachfront bures, traditionally thatched, suitable for couples and families, alongside lodge rooms and a vibrant dormitory with shared facilities. The accommodation boasts mostly free activities, including hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, and immersive village life, making it a great choice for those seeking an authentic and active Fijian holiday.
Check Wayalailai Eco Haven out:
19. Gold Coast Inn
Gold Coast Inn, located on Nanuya Lailai Island, offers a serene adults-only retreat at a family-run property nestled at the end of a stunning beach. Guests can stay in private bures or dorms set under swaying coconut palms, where the sound of the sea (and the occasional barking dog) ensures a restful night’s sleep. The budget accommodation provides homemade meals, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. We recommend Gold Coast Inn for backpackers seeking a tranquil and intimate beachfront escape, complemented by the charm of home-cooked cuisine and the soothing ambience of island life.
Check Gold Coast Inn out:
20. Sunrise Lagoon Homestay
Aside from lodges and resorts, another incredibly affordable option for budget travellers is homestays. Sunrise Lagoon Homestays provides six-bed dormitories and doubles with breakfast included and a small price per meal. You will be staying in a real Fijian village where culture is at the centre of this experience. Check out our 10 Best Homestays in the Yasawa Islands for more options.
Check Sunrise Lagoon Homestay out:
- Sunrise Lagoon Homestay on Booking.com
- Sunrise Lagoon Homestay on Trip.com
- Sunrise Lagoon Homestay on Expedia
21. Blue Lagoon Cruises
Jump on board the Fiji Princess with Blue Lagoon Cruises for a three-, four- or seven-night island-hopping adventure through the Yasawa Islands. The adults-only cruise, except for a few dates for families throughout the year, is the perfect way to see as much of the Yasawas as possible while enjoying the convenience of your accommodation, meals and activities included on the ship. Guests get free use of snorkel gear, kayaks and SUP boards, as well as optional extras, such as scuba diving, fishing, spa treatments and more. Learn more about Blue Lagoon’s cruise offering in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.
Check Blue Lagoon Cruises out:
- 3-Night Explorer Cruise on Viator
- 4-Night Wanderer Cruise on Viator
- 7-Night Escape to Paradise on Viator
22. Captain Cook Cruises
Specialising in small-ship cruises in Fiji, Captain Cook Cruises offers regular sailings of the Yasawa Islands. The all-inclusive cruises take care of the essentials for you, such as all meals through their onboard buffet and a la carte restaurant, WiFi, spa, swimming pool and gym. Then guests have the option to make the journey their own, whether it’s through the PADI 5-star scuba diving operator onboard, by indulging in an onboard massage, letting the little ones loose in the kids’ club or taking part in one of the many island tours and excursions.
Check Captain Cook Cruises out:
- 3-Night Southern Yasawa Island Cruise on Viator
- 4-Night Northern Yasawa Island Cruise on Viator
- 7-Night Mamanuca & Yasawa Island Cruise on Viator
23. Navutu Stars Resort
If you’re looking for a place where you’ll find pure peace and serenity, then definitely consider the Navutu Stars Resort. Not only does the five-star resort have only nine bures (bungalows) spread across three picturesque bays, but the resort is “adults-only” meaning that there will be no guests under the age of 16. There are three luxury bure types to choose from either on the beachfront or on the hills overlooking the ocean. See more options for an alternative way to have a peaceful resort experience in our 5 Adults-Only Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Navutu Stars Resort out:
24. Yasawa Homestays
Stay a minimum of two nights on Nacula Island in one of the many homestays organised by Yasawa Homestays. The homestays provide a good balance between local experiences and enjoying your own space in a private beachfront bure (bungalow). Choose between doubles, family and dormitory bures and enjoy meals shared with various different families in the villages each night. Activities available include snorkelling, hiking on the island and fishing trips.
Check Yasawa Homestays out:
25. Wai Makare Homestay
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.
Check Wai Makare Homestay out:
More About Hotels and Places to Stay in the Yasawa Islands
That’s it for the best hotels and places to stay in the Yasawa Islands. For more tips to help plan the perfect island escape, check out more of our insightful Yasawa guides:
- 20 Best Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands
- 20 Best Resorts in the Yasawa Islands
- The Food Guide to the Yasawa Islands: Places to Eat & Food Tours
Finally, see how the places to stay in the Yasawa Islands compare to the 10 Best Hotels in Fiji and Where to Stay in Fiji: A Guide to Destinations & Accommodations. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.