Eco Village or homestay or ???

Greetings. Three of us are heading to Fiji in early November for two weeks. We will stay on Denaru for the first week, as someone has a time share for us to use. The second week we would like to venture out to another island. We've been doing a lot of reading here and on Trip Advisor, as well as in the guide books, and would really like to find a place to stay that is not so touristy but has access to nice beaches. OK, if the touristy part is difficult, how about this...a place that is not so incredibly expensive? Are there any eco villages or homestays that anyone can recommend? Or just nice places that have good food and good beach access and where we could mingle with the locals? We want to snorkel and dive (some of us) and hike and lay on the beach with a good book. We're not 20 somethings...we're more in the 50 something range, though young at heart and mind, and very experienced international travelers who are used to less than 5 star accomodations. Would love some ideas and suggestions!

Thanks,
Judi

I would suggest Octopus Resort on Waya Island. It has a nice beach, a dive operation, snorkeling off the beach, a chance to visit a Fijian Village, great food and an eclectic mix of patrons(from backpackers to older types like us in our mid 60's) It is not a party place. They are very popular and often booked out so early booking is the best option. I would also suggest getting there on the Flyer as opposed to the resort boat. Hope this helps!

Look eastward-away from the madding crowds....

I'd second Octopus - post an email address here or send me a PM if you'd like photos to look at. The Eastern side of Fiji is certainly less touristy but in November would be much more humid & liable to have heavy rain.

Waya island is good for some hiking, and Octopus is the best resort on the island. I believe that Wayasewa island, the next island south of Waya (you can walk across a sandbar from one island to the other at low tide), has some sort of eco-resort at the south end.

Have stayed in Fijian Villages through fijibure.com many times... fantastic experience - especially for my son.

Strongly recommend it - they have a great website and a large variety of villages to visit.

See their website at fijibure.com

Whilst Octopus is a great option, remember that it is very poular and also small. Thus, you should book (and pay) asap. If not available, then Id suggest Oarsmans Bay (also in the Yasawas)

"nice places that have good food and good beach access and where we could mingle with the locals? We want to snorkel and dive (some of us) and hike and lay on the beach with a good book. " - Octopus and Oarsmans both are ideal for this.

An alternative to the Yasawas: (Yes, look to the East)

Bobo's Farm on Ovalau: You will have to walk 10 minutes to the nearest beach, but everything else what you are looking for can be offered. Very reasonable priced., max 6 guests, fantastic meals ( mostly local food with a bit of an european influence - vegies mostly fresh from their garden), most beautifully set on a hill in a lush tropical garden, with a creek almost next to the guest cottage,hiking, fishing and village access. Spectacular view over Rukuruku Bay. Bobo takes as much care for you as you want or you have as much privacy as you want. And if you really miss lazing on the beach, then you can go from there to either Leleuvia or Caqalai island.

Caqalai - gets the vote every time for me! The showers are basic but the bures are right on the beach its a tiny coral island owned by the methodist church and run by people that are mostly from a very nearby island (Motoriki). You can go to church enjoy watching the lovo be prepared, chill with a book on the beach walk to snake island, snorkel off the beach, dive off the beach or from a dive boat. You'll need to take your own alcohol if you want to drink but cava is served most evenings as is music sung by a beautiful team of people. You can eat and drink coconuts freshly picked every day.................I really should be their saleswoman shouldn't I??!!!!

When you visit send love from Mandi and Zebie xxx

P.S it only takes 10 minutes to walk around the island, or an hour if you stop to explore the rock pools / vistas and plant life!

Bula..yes there is also Mana Island where Ratu Kini Backpackers & Dive Resort is. Their private is $153.00FJD inclusive of meals (Double occupancy) Dormitory is $65.00 per person per nite inclusive of meals (B/L/D) and can accomodate 6 people.

There is beautiful beaches on this island and you can also do snorkelling/diving/kayaking/ Island hopping can be arranged with reception...You can have an enjoyable time there..near the village.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. We leave in one month! Still haven't settled on a place for our second week, but all your responses have helped. I am learning about Octopus, but am also thinking about Caqalai.

Wish I had an eternity to explore the rest of these Pacific Islands.
Judi