© Vatuvara Private Islands
© Vatuvara Private Islands

5 Best Accommodation in the Lau Islands

© Vatuvara Private Islands

Where to Stay in the Lau Islands

Rarely any tourists make it as far as the Lau Islands, scattered far and wide in the eastern reaches of Fiji. However, with an open mind and a sense of adventure, staying on the remote Lau Islands can be a very rewarding experience by seeing a virtually untouched side of Fiji. Needless to say, with the lack of tourists, the accommodation choice in the Lau Islands is very slim, but at least it’s existent! We’ll go through your options for where to stay in the Lau Group with this list of accommodation in the Lau Islands.

While you’re here, don’t miss The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands.

1. Moana’s Guesthouse

Located on one of the easiest islands in the Lau Islands to get to, Vanua Balavu, which has a scheduled weekly flight from Suva, Moana’s Guesthouse makes a great base on the island. The stay at Moana’s Guesthouse includes authentic Fijian meals of fish and vegetables, while snacks can usually be purchased at the nearby (small) stores in Lomolomo Village about 15 minutes walk away. The accommodation features two simple beachfront bures (bungalows) equipped with mosquito nets and with shared cold-water bathroom facilities. The accommodation can also organise a few activities for you, including village visits, guided hikes and short boat trips to the Bay of Islands and Raviravi Lagoon. Be sure to take your own snorkelling gear.

accommodation-in-the-lau-islands-Credit-Moana's-Guesthouse© Moana's Guesthouse

 

2. Vatuvara Private Islands

This exclusive private island resort reserved for guests aged 16 and over is your only resort-style accommodation in the Lau Islands. Choose from three villas at Vatuvara Private Islands, each wrapped in luxury with elevated views, a private pool, a personal massage/yoga/spa bure and expansive decking. The villas have one bedroom with an extra-large king bed, lounge and indoor and outdoor showers. The kitchen is stocked with a selection of drinks, there’s WiFi and satellite TV. The stay is all-inclusive, from the return flights from Nadi to all guided tours and activities. The resort has a private golf course, two restaurants, a PADI dive centre and a myriad of walking trails. Find out more about this accommodation in The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands.

Check Vatuvara Private Islands out:
best-accommodation-in-the-lau-islands-Credit-Vatuvara-Private-Islands© Vatuvara Private Islands

 

3. Lakeba Guest House

Also known as Jeke Qica’s Guesthouse, Lakeba Guest House is your only formal accommodation option on Lakeba Island – another island in the Lau Group with a weekly flight. The guesthouse is located in the island’s main village, Tubou, and has one bure/unit and three private rooms with bathrooms. Stays at the guesthouse, which sits among an attractive coconut plantation, includes authentic Fijian meals and friendly Fijian hospitality.

accommodation lau islands Credit Lakeba Guest House© Lakeba Guest House

 

4. Village Homestays

As we have now exhausted the options for more “official” accommodations in the Lau Islands, an alternative way to stay in the island group is through homestays. Homestays are with Fijian family homes where accommodation is simple, likely with a bed and a mosquito net in your own room and a shared bathroom. Bathroom facilities are shared, consisting of a barrel of water and a bucket. Meals are prepared by your homestay hosts and you’ll either be eating with the family or the family will let you eat first while fanning your plates and wait until you are finished before they start eating – this is customary when Fijians have guests. Homestays can cost anywhere between FJ$30-$70 per night and include board and meals. Homestays in the Lau Islands are best organised with the Lau Provincial Council Office in Suva. Make sure you come prepared with yaqona roots to present as a sevusevu to the village chief. Find out more about this custom in Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village.

accommodation-lau-islands-Credit-fijipocketguide.com© FijiPocketGuide.com

 

5. Cruise Ship and Yacht Accommodation

Finally, accommodation will be provided on cruise ships and yachts when cruising around the Lau Islands. For travellers, one of your best options is the 11-Night Lau & Kadavu Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises which departs from Port Denarau. Cabins on Captain Cook Cruises include suites, family staterooms, twin cabins, double cabins, bunk triple and bunk quad cabins. Cruises are all-inclusive, with meals and a range of activities provided. find out more about Captain Cook Cruises on Viator or Tripadvisor.

Alternatively, the charter yacht with Sailing Fiji departs from Taveuni sailing around the Lau Islands for private sailing tours. The yacht has four queen staterooms and luggage storage rooms. The experience includes meals and use of non-motorised watersports equipment like snorkelling gear and paddleboards. Cargo boats departing from Suva also have four-bunk cabins onboard shared with other passengers, but most sleep on the deck under the stars. Find out more about sailing to the Lau Islands in 5 Ways to Get to the Lau Islands.

accommodation-lau islands-Credit-Captain-Cook-Cruises© Captain Cook Cruises

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.

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