Hotel Snapshot
Beyond Fiji’s natural beauty of endless ocean, chartreuse mountains, and sand as fine as baby powder is a culture of spirituality and celebration, rooted in the many traditions passed down by its abundance of diverse villages.
Savasi Island Resort embodies this ethos: an 11-key oasis nestled within the lush rainforest of Savusavu on Vanua Levu Island, where guests are greeted with warm smiles, high-energy dances, harmonizing songs, and handmade instruments by locals who arrive in droves to welcome you. This welcoming ritual sets the tone — it is so poignant, so moving that it induces tears and makes the long and often arduous journey feel completely worthwhile. (Be sure also to befriend Ma, who is a Fijian icon.)
Design & Character
Those who have dreamed of Smith Family Robinson-style accommodations may not find themselves in the actual trees. Still, the wood-constructed assortment of villas, perched on a volcanic uplift with panoramic views and secluded beaches, offers the same feeling of escapism and isolation. The natural finishes, an obviously intentional design choice, help the buildings to camouflage with their surroundings for optimal seclusion.
The Rooms
The resort comprises 11 uniquely designed villas with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and pools, each with different vantage points, sizes, and overall vibes. Stays feel more like homes away from home with the privacy, comfort, and appliances of a fully-furnished house instead of a typical hotel room. It’s an ideal spot for small families, couples, or solo travelers who want to get off the grid.
The Food & Drink Situation
Feast on locally foraged seafood and produce, presented through a robust menu with items like ceviche, curry, and lovo (food cooked in an underground oven) at Reef Dining Room: the central hub for all of the guests’ meals. Dishes change daily based on ingredient availability and guests can also opt for a memorable buffet experience that highlights even more indigenous ingredients such as cassava and coconut.
Amenities
Savasi’s charm is its no-frills approach to hospitality. While guests can enjoy little luxuries such as a full-service spa, on-site gift shop, and bathrooms fitted with Pure Fiji beauty products, the goal is to have them lean into the property’s wild surroundings with a dip in the ocean or a walk along the coastline.
Spa and Wellness Scoop
Sea Spray Spa lives up to its name with oceanside massage treatments that lull guests to sleep with the crashes of nearby waves. Facials, wraps, and exfoliation services are also available for those in need of a bit more pampering.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Savasi’s remote location is part of its primary appeal, though any guest can quickly and easily jaunt into Savusavu’s more touristy part of town for market shopping, dining, boating, and even lounging at newly developed pool clubs. That said, the resort’s long list of excursions is what makes it one of the most sought-after destinations in Fiji. Guests can enjoy a kava ceremony, paddleboarding, kayaking, and tubing, though one of the most memorable and thrilling experiences is a snorkeling or scuba diving tour through Ocean Ventures. Dynamic duo Matthew and Sara take guests to some of the most remote areas of the island to not only appreciate unspoiled reefs, but also take part in conservation efforts through coral replanting.
Fast Facts
Location: Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Vibe: An oceanside retreat surrounded by seemingly endless rainforest.
Rating: Four-star
Room Count: 11 villas
Pricing: From $349 a night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Its gregarious staff and the ability to completely disconnect from the world.
Dining: One on-site restaurant, Reef Dining Room, that anchors the resort and serves all meals.
Amenities: Restaurant, spa, concierge, airport shuttle, gift shop with locally foraged pearls
Nearby Attractions: KokoMana Cocoa Farm and Chocolate Factory; Nakawaga Waterfall; Flora Tropica Gardens; Savusavu Farmers’ Market; Vuodomo Waterfall
Airport: Savusavu Airport (SVU)
