Few details needed for the Fijis

Bula to all the community!

Thank you all for your advice, I've read a lot these days and they were all really helpful!

We are planning our honeymoon from France to the Fijis in May 2017 and here is how it is supposed to be :

• Arriving in Nadi
• Flight to Savusavu, few days on Vanua Levu
• Boat to Taveuni, few days to explore (we will stay in the Maravu Lodge)
• Flight back to Nadi
• "Real honeymoon" on a island to be determined
• 2 days on Viti Levu and then way back to France

We have some questions still to be answered though.

1) - How can we get around in Savusavu and on Taveuni? Should we hire a car? Or can we take the bus or taxis?

2) - How can we book the boat from Savusavu to Taveuni? Should we book it in advance?

3) - Where should we stay in Savusavu to be close to most activities? We like discovering people, villages, hiking...
We don't want to go to dorms but would prefer real hotel room for a minimum of comfort. We found some information about Naveria Lodge or Daku Lodge.

4) - Which island would you recommand for the end (in the Mamanucas or in the Yasawas)? We really would like to go to a nice romantic resort with an awesome beach. But we are looking for tranquillity and relaxation (no loud music, no parties...). We heard about Waya or Nacula. Would there be a few things to do anyway? Some hiking or snorkeling?

Thank you in advance!

2) You don't need to book in advance; there is a boat that goes overnight from Suva to Savusavu, it arrives in Savusavu in the morning and keeps on to Taveuni. The boat is huge, it has three floors, it carries cars, and there are plenty of places for people. Just buy the ticket the day before in the travel agency on the central square in Savusavu; or even in the same morning. The only thing I am not sure about is the possibility to buy the ticket directly on board.

3) In Savusavu there are a few expensive hotels (100 USD a night), two cheaper ones for 25-30 USD a night (you'll see them straightaway when you walk on the main road), and then there is a small house with 4-5 rooms and shared bathroom that costs 30 Fijian dollars a night.

I would personally suggest the cheapest option because it's a publicly administered hut, it's used by locals when they go to Savusavu to visit families, and you can enter in touch with local people; there is a nice shared kitchen and the place is clean. The mid range places, that are proper hotels, look a bit dirty and are not so attractive. And personally I would exclude the expensive resorts because they are out of the centre and I would rather save money for a real good resort on Taveuni.

The hut is located exactly here: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/nakama,+Savusavu,+Fiji/@-16.7803123,179.3305489,18.92z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6e1f76d01291c723:0x2cb5e81e63b3da99!8m2!3d-16.7801775!4d179.3310951

it's 100 meters from the centre of the town. When you arrive in Savusavu go to the place in the map and ask people around, they'll be able to tell you where it is.

Thanks for all these information!

So you'd advise to better stay in the center of Savusavu?
If we chose to stay in the hut, will it be possible for us to make some excursions and visits? Are there any agencies that organize hiking or village visits? I guess hotels are not the only ones to propose these kinds of activities.

The only agency I know is the one where they sell boat tickets, behind a barber shop, in a tiny road just in front of the main square where the buses depart. Probably if you ask them they'll have tours for you.

A good option for a day tour that you can do easily on your own using the public bus is the Blue Lagoon, on the south coast, approximately 15km from Savusavu.

Probably this is a nice option for a tour close to Savusavu: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/fiji/north-east-of-savusavu/attractions/waisali-rainforest-reserve/a/poi-sig/1412406/1332149

I passed in the zone of this forest when I travelled to Nabouwalu from Savusavu, and it looked really nice

we used taxi when staying on Taveuni - from my recollection there was one bus a day around the island but if you got off it you would need to get a taxi back. It is a lush garden island but not great snorkelling. As far as a beautiful beach and great snorkeling Nacula island in the yasawas is perfect. Blue Lagoon is pricey unless you do the dorm - we have stayed several times at Oarsmans Bay but it is starting to bet expensive as well. Barefoot Kuata in the Yasawas is a small but delightful island. We've been to the mamanucas many times and my favourite would be castaway island with fantastic snorkeling, food & accommodation but has recently been refurbished and the price has sky rocketed...you've got lots to pick from so do your homework and you'll have a great holiday

For the Yasawas I can recommend Octopus Resort on beautiful Waya Island. Great food, friendly atmosphere and staff, various activities (some free, some not). Beautiful and long beach, lovely sunsets, great snorkelling. Accommodation in (very good) dorms, rooms w/o ensuite (immaculate shared bathrooms) or more expensive bungalows.

I have been there three times and had a great time every time. The guests are an eclectic mix of people and it's easy to socialize, or not if that's what you want. Meals are served on communal tables, but there are private tables as well. They have a spa and there is a dive shop. It is not a party place as some of the resorts on other islands.

To get there you can take the Yasawa Flyer or use their own boat. Google them for prices and more info and check tripadvisor for reviews.

one resort n the Mamanucas I can suggest is Tropica. We were there in September. Adults only and quite small. Its probably about 4 star so not a luxury place, but certainly comfortable. Prices are good for what you get in the pacific. Easy to get to from Nadi via ferry or helicopter. Staff were excellent/first class and meals at restaurant very reasonable in price and good quality. we had a great stay there.

Octopus is a great spot, but for a honeymoon I would suggest Nanuya Li Li.

Cheers,
Peter

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