Hotel Snapshot

Tucked away on a 500-acre oasis in the pristine Yasawa archipelago, Turtle Island Fiji offers one of the South Pacific’s most romantic retreats. The private island is home to just 14 beachfront bures, creating an intimate atmosphere with no more than 28 guests on-property at a time. It is a famed honeymoon destination that has hosted celebrities like Britney Spears and Pamela Anderson, and though you’ll enjoy plenty of one-on-one time with your partner, the resort also encourages community amongst guests and staff. Each day is filled with a customizable itinerary that ranges from slow mornings with breakfast in your villa to snorkeling and group excursions at neighboring island villages. An all-inclusive dining program ensures that you can eat and drink at your leisure without ever having to sign a bill, contributing to the hotel's stress-free ethos. Whether you’re honeymooning or celebrating a milestone anniversary, it’s hard to imagine a more enchanting couple's getaway. 

Design & Character 

Turtle Island Fiji coins itself as a barefoot luxury resort, maintaining the same level of comfort, indulgence, and dedicated service that you’d get at a traditional five-star hotel, but without the pretentiousness. When you arrive at the island, whether that be by ferry or private plane, you’re greeted by nearly all of the staff members, who gather in song and embrace you in a hug one by one. It can seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll soon realize there’s no point in rejecting the Fijian affection, and you’ll likely learn to welcome it. While this is a tough pill to swallow for some, a majority of the property is Wifi-free, so while you’ll probably have decent cell reception, the lack of internet is intentional. Both the staff and the surrounding nature beckon guests to remain present and connect, foregoing the distraction of technology that we all face regularly. 

A majority of the common areas are open-air, giving you a true private island experience that keeps you constantly in touch with the outdoor elements. Don’t bother with fancy shoes, as your toes will be in the sand about 95% of the time. Most notably, each couple is assigned their own dedicated Mama or Papa, which is essentially a next-level butler that takes care of your every need. Don’t be surprised if you cry when it’s time to say goodbye—they’re basically like family by day three. 

The Rooms

All 14 of the island’s spacious bures are situated thoughtfully across from the white sand shoreline, apart from the cliffside villa that is slightly elevated on top of a rocky bluff just above the ocean. Most suites boast indoor hot tubs that are built into the floor, but other than that, expect more traditional Fijian architecture such as vaulted timber ceilings, king-sized beds draped in billowing linens, and handcrafted furnishings that are made on-site at the island’s own carpentry center. An airy living room sits on one side opposite the bedroom, but there are no doors or closed walls that separate the two, yielding an entirely open floor plan that seamlessly leads from one part of the bure to the other. The curated mini fridge is restocked by your Mama or Papa daily, and you can choose between full bottles of wine, local beers, or fresh-squeezed juices (I highly recommend the soursop juice; you’ll find yourself craving it even months later). There is a small deck out front with a plush daybed and shower for washing off sandy feet, but each villa also has its own designated beachfront area complete with lounge chairs and a hammock for leisurely lounging. 

The Food & Drink

Turtle Island’s all-inclusive food and drink program is a major highlight of your stay. Unlike many all-inclusives, the food is actually top-notch, and though most meal times are on a somewhat strict schedule, you can always order a mid-afternoon snack should you get hungry. Breakfast kicks off in your bure or on the main beach with the other guests. This is the only menu that stays the same every day, allowing you to explore a variety of dishes like grilled fish and crispy potatoes, or more classic omelets and fruit platters. During lunch, expect rotating favorites like crispy fish wraps, seafood pastas, and burgers, except on Fijian Day (which is typically Wednesdays), when you’ll be treated to a traditional seafood buffet-style feast. 

Dinner is the most diverse meal of all, as you’ll likely enjoy a mix of communal and private dining throughout the trip. From Mongolian BBQ night to a classic Lovo dinner under the stars, the group dining experiences are more than memorable. When it comes to the private dinners, think candlelit tables on a floating pontoon in the middle of water, or a romantic setup with your toes in the sand on the beach outside your bure. Every night before dinner, all of the guests gather with the staff for a happy hour sunset, where you’re presented with an array of bites, cocktails, and wine as you review the itinerary for the next day, and say goodbye to any travelers who are departing the next morning. Turtle Island is constantly using seafood and shellfish caught by local fishermen, but the resort also grows an abundant array of veggies and fruits at an on-site garden, creating a tropical farm-to-table program in the middle of the Pacific. 

The Amenities

Apart from its innate beauty, the amenities are a main draw to Turtle Island. Your Mamas and Papas literally wait on you hand and foot, fulfilling every need imaginable (including daily laundry service) as you explore this magical isle. There is a guided snorkel that takes off most mornings, but you can also swim and snorkel on your own schedule just off the main beach in front of your bure. That’s what I did daily, and in addition to thousands of vibrant fish, I saw sea snakes, octopus, sea horses, and the most breathtaking bright blue starfish. You can also rent paddleboards or kayaks before heading to the spa for your complimentary 30-minute massage.

In the evenings, the staff hosts a nightly kava ceremony that guests are encouraged to take part in. It’s rare that a luxury hotel gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with its employees, and this was undoubtedly a highlight of my trip. Just be prepared for dancing and karaoke, and don’t even think about being shy—they will force you out of your comfort zone one way or another. 

Turtle Island’s most talked-about amenity is undoubtedly its most special. Every other day, each couple is given a designated time slot at one of the island’s 12 private beaches. Your Mama or Papa will pack up lunch for you (along with a bottle of wine, should you choose), and take you to the remote beach that you are assigned. You’re dropped off with nothing more than your food, drinks, and a walkie-talkie, which you use to contact the staff when you’re ready to return. This rare opportunity to be completely alone on some of the most pristine beaches in the world is the definition of romantic, and it’s what put Turtle Island on the map as a leading honeymoon destination. 

Location & Neighborhood Recs

As a private island that is only accessible by boat or seaplane, don’t expect to be exploring off-property on your own. There are plenty of excursions you’ll get to enjoy during your stay, including visiting nearby villages on neighboring islands. Other than that, kick back, relax, and enjoy a multitude of land and water activities offered on the 500-acre island.  

Fast Facts

Location: Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Rating: 5-star

Room Count: 14 beachfront bures

Pricing: Prices start around $2,000 per night

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The private beaches and world-class snorkelling. 

Dining: All-inclusive, chef-driven dining program. 

Amenities: Designated butler service, customizable mini fridges, private beaches, curated itineraries, all-inclusive dining and drinking, spa, private dinner experiences, water sports, daily laundry service, authentic Fijian cultural experiences, hiking trails.

Nearby Attractions: Other villages in the Yasawa Islands.

Airport: Nadi International Airport.