Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Barefoot island lodge

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji

Has anybody stayed there? What is your review?
Thanks for helping out...

hi
I haven't stayed there myself but my friends did when they came to visit. they said the place was lovely - rustic and traditional, and the staff were so very friendly that they made it extra special. The warning is to look out for the cruise boat that comes in for two nights at a time and fills the place with drinking and those hideous cultural nights where people from each country sing a song or do a national act.... apparently you can hide.... and the food was much better when the boat was not in....but in between its quiet peaceful and has three beaches around a headland - so no matter where the wind comes from you can find a sheltered spot....
no electricity but kero lanterns at night.
In my experience "eco-lodge" = we don't have electricity.
My friends' only concern was how much of the money is taken by the company that does the bookings compared to how much the people who run the place get.... they weren't sure but it seemed most of the money went to the company...

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Thank you.
I just wonder if 7 nights is too long. I would like to know when the cruise ship/s come in???
Anyway, thanx

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Just got back from Fiji and spent my first 2 nights at barefoot. I'm guilty of being on one of the cruise boats (large sailboat) but had the fortune of being one of 2 people aboard so I can't relate to what the island is like when a full boat comes in. One cruise runs Mon-Wed with another Thurs-Sun leaving the island pretty quiet on Wednesday and Sunday nights as cruise guests spend the night on the island and do day trips from there. The staff and food were great though and the island can only accommodate 40 or so in private bures. There's great snorkeling off the beach on either side of the island. With all of the beautiful islands around you and 7 nights to spare, it might be worth it to look into a few islands in the area to break up the ferry ride and have a chance to experience a bit more variety...it's pretty easy to get around. Hope this helps and safe travels!

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