Stay with Locals on Taveuni
Offering unbeatable value and a real insight into Fijian village life, homestays on Taveuni should be experienced at least once during your stay on Fiji’s “Garden Island”. A few locals living on Taveuni and its off-shore islands have opened up their spare rooms to visitors to show them true Fijian hospitality. You need to set your expectations right, though, as accommodation is incredibly basic, electricity is only available at certain times, and cold showers are a given. However, the enriching experience more than makes up for it. Check out some of our top recommended homestays in the list below. And don’t forget your village etiquette – see Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Taveuni and 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture.
And for staying in a village, be sure to bring a sevusevu (gift) and follow village protocol using the advice in Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village. Also, note that most Fijian homestays are not for everyone, so be sure to read What You Need to Know About Homestays in Fiji before booking your stay.
1. Garden Island Homestay
Enjoy real Fijian hospitality at Garden Island Homestay. Boasting glorious reviews on Airbnb and a price that’s crazy cheap, this homestay provides simple accommodation but memorable experiences. Based in Naqara town, the homestay makes an excellent base for visiting Taveuni’s west coast attractions (find out more in our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Taveuni), but do take the family up on their offer to take you out to Qamea Island. Breakfast is included in the stay, while affordable lunches and dinners can also be prepared. What’s more, Amo runs a little coffee shop off her front porch should you want some extra treats. We could go on, but it’s just best to go see it for yourself. The homestay sleeps up to three people in one bedroom.
© Airbnb 2. Yanuca Island Homestay & Spearfishing
On Yanuca Island, just off the shores of Taveuni, this Airbnb homestay gets you immersed in the life of a small Fijian fishing village of around 100 people. Enjoy meals with your hosts throughout your stay and treat yourself to something special with the family, such as a fishing trip or an island excursion (at an extra cost). There are lots happening in the village that you can join in with such as drinking kava, snorkelling or a private island camping experience organised by your host. While you won’t be staying in the same home as your host family, you’ll get your own private home with one bedroom sleeping up to two people and a bathroom.
© Airbnb3. Bibi’s Hideaway
While Bibi’s Hideaway might be well-known for its affordable “Honeymoon Bure” and “Family Bure”, there’s also the option to do a homestay with the family who runs the accommodation. Located along the coastal road near Matei, Bibi’s Hideaway homestay has you staying with Paulina Bibi on 5 acres (2 ha) of tropical gardens. You’re free to help yourself to the array of fruit growing across the grounds, as well as pop into town to pick up supplies to cook in the kitchen. The homestay sleeps up to two people in one bedroom (there is a single occupancy rate too). See more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Taveuni.
Check Bibi’s Homestay out:
© Bibi's Hideaway4. Waitabu Marine Park
Another homestay or village stay option lies at the Waitabu Marine Park. Located in the northern reaches of the Bouma National Heritage Park, Waitabu Marine Park is a protected area for marine life. While Waitabu Visitor Centre’s snorkelling and cultural tours are highly publicised, their campground and homestay options are lesser-known. Either stay in the campground in a tent site or hire a tent, where you will interact with the village but have your own space, or opt for a homestay with one of the villagers. Both options need to be booked in advance, so inquire with the visitor centre on 6798201999.
© Waitabu Marine Park5. [CLOSED] Beverly’s Campground
Another cheap and cheerful option in Matei is Beverly’s Campground. Run by eco-friendly locals (recycling and taking part in their coral planting program is encouraged), Beverly’s Campground, ironically, doesn’t offer tent sites but private beds in their homestay. The homestay is only 15 minutes walk away from local shops and services, while your host offers an affordable home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner. The campground is located next to the Taveuni Ocean Sports Dive Shop, while farm visits and horse riding are also available.
© Beverly's CampgroundMore About Homestays in Taveuni and Fiji
That’s it for the best homestays on Taveuni. For more accommodation options and tips, take a look at the following:
- 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay on Taveuni
- 20 Best Resorts on Taveuni
- 25 Best Things to Do on Taveuni
Finally, you might also want to check out the 10 Best Homestays in Fiji. Plus, don’t forget to bookmark The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Fiji. Trust us, there’s a lot of useful tips in there!
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