Luxurious Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands
Looking for exceptional ways to spend your time in Fiji? Want to celebrate a special occasion or “just because”? You won’t find much better than the breathtaking islands of the Yasawas. With secluded five-star resorts and private islands, a luxurious stay in the Yasawas isn’t too difficult to find. With that, the Yasawa’s luxury resorts provide some sensational experiences to treasure forever, striking a fine balance of island adventures and R&R.
While you’re here, take a look at our Luxury Guide to the Yasawa Islands.
1. Fly to Your Luxury Resort on a Scenic Seaplane Flight
While there are many ways to get to the Yasawa Islands from Fiji’s mainland, taking a 20-30 minute seaplane flight combines luxurious intimacy and spectacular views. Seaplane operators, like Pacific Island Air (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Turtle Airways (on Viator and Tripadvisor), depart from Nadi International Airport and Port Denarau taking you directly to your resort. See more day trips like this in The Best Day Trips from the Yasawa Islands.
2. Scuba Dive at Unspoiled Reefs
Needless to say that scuba diving among the stunning coral gardens of the Yasawas is the ultimate “spoil yourself” water activity. With water temperatures at 27°C (75°F), scuba diving in the Yasawas is a comfortable and mesmerising experience. The five-star Turtle Island Fiji includes one dive per day with their stay, equipping you with all the gear you need as well as an expert guide. At the luxury Yasawa Island Resort, guests have the opportunity to dive in unspoiled coral reefs moments away from the resort.
3. Glide Across the Waters in Windsurfing
While kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding are both fantastic ways to get out on the water and explore the secluded coves and inlets of your chosen island, luxury resorts in the Yasawas offer windsurfing to amp up the experience. Turtle Island Fiji, for instance, has windsurfing equipment for guests to catch the wind for an adrenaline rush or gently gliding across the water in the tropical breeze.
4. Swim with Giant Manta Rays
A spectacular underwater experience not to be missed in the Yasawas is swimming with giant manta rays. These agile creatures are magnificent to watch gliding in the water, swimming through the Yasawa currents between May and September. Join the staff of five-star resorts like the Navutu Stars Resort for an unforgettable experience.
5. Indulge in a Luxurious Beachfront Massage
Every luxury escape to the Yasawas deserves a bit of R&R and there’s nowhere more blissful than your luxury resort spa. While each luxury resort has its own spa to find your quiet zen, the Yasawa Island Resort‘s spa is a top choice. The award-winning spa has open-air treatment rooms overhanging the beach, giving you the most spectacular views and soothing island breeze to go with your indulgent treatment. See our 6 Best Spas in the Yasawa Islands for more spa inspiration.
6. Observe Fijian Cooking Demonstrations
Fijian culture is incredibly accessible from your luxury island. Resorts work in harmony with local villages with village chiefs giving permission for guests to visit the villages and see ancient traditions being played out in everyday life. While kava ceremonies, meke cultural dancing and lovo feasts are a staple of a holiday in the Yasawa Islands, luxury resorts offer special cultural experiences. Choose the Yasawa Island Resort for their Fijian cooking demonstrations or Navutu Stars offers guided “Medicine Walks” to discover ancient Fijian remedies.
7. Go Horse Riding Along a Private Beach
A unique land activity that you will struggle to find elsewhere in the Yasawas is horseback riding. Turtle Island Fiji has beautiful horses where guests have the opportunity to take gentle rides along the private beaches or an exciting canter along the water’s edge. A popular horse trek is to a secluded spot on the island to watch the sunrise and enjoy a Champagne breakfast.
8. Treat Her to a Private Beach Picnic
Sure, the fine dining restaurants of the Yasawa Islands’ luxury resorts are where you’re really going to treat your tastebuds, but it’s the unique dining experiences that we get the most excited about. Swap your crowded restaurant experience for a private beach picnic – available at all the luxury resorts in the Yasawas. Or how about dining on a decorated private pontoon with Turtle Island Fiji?
9. Enjoy a Day’s Fishing – Game Fishing or Island-Style
Hiring a fishing charter is another exciting way to get out on the water. Join Navutu Stars Resort on their brand new cabin 30ft powerboat to catch game fish in the Yasawa’s outer reefs. We’re talking mahimahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish and much more – just check out What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji? Alternatively, the resort offers handline fishing and spearfishing to fish like a local.
10. Attend a Dinner Party on the Mountaintops
There are some spectacular settings for some fine dining in the Yasawa Islands. Turtle Island Fiji hosts nightly dinner parties around its private island, from among the tropical gardens to the island’s mountaintops. Or choose your setting at the Navutu Stars, whether it’s a candlelit dinner under the main veranda or gazing across the ocean from their romantic sunset deck. Learn more about dining in the Yasawas in our Foodie Guide to the Yasawa Islands.
More About Luxury Activities in the Yasawa Islands and Fiji
- 10 Luxury Activities in Denarau
- 10 Luxury Activities in Nadi
- 10 Luxury Activities in the Mamanuca Islands
That’s it for the best luxury activities in the Yasawa Islands. Take a moment to look at The Complete Luxury Travel Guide to Fiji. Trust us, there’s a lot of essential tips there.
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.