Turtle Island
Central Yasawas / FijiNamed for the endangered green and hawksbill sea turtles that make their nests on the shore, the idyllic Turtle Island resort not only goes to impressive lengths to protect its remarkable local wildlife, but it actively cares for its surroundings. Visitors can drift along the private beaches or take up lagoon-gazing from a quiet veranda while knowing that they’re supporting a resort that innovates in clean energy and biodiversity.
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What to love
- Highly aware of it's eco footprint, the resort works off solar power, drives conservation and bolsters local communities.
- Turtle Island is a re-wilding success with half a million trees having been planted in the area since the resort was established.
- Dinner is always an event, whether you decide on a private beachside breakfast or a jovial communal dinner with the other guests.
- The 500-acre private island is home to 12 beaches and gives astounding views of the local blue lagoon and surrounding Yasawa and Fiji Islands.
What to know
- Locals in the villages on nearby islands will happily teach you all about their family centred Fijian way of life.
- All guests will be paired up with a Bure Mama – a friendly personal concierge who will take care of all your needs.
- A range of pursuits can be organised for active types: from horseback riding to snorkelling and windsurfing to mountain biking.
- The resort is typically only for couples but opens up for families for several weeks each year.
Description
Leading the way in travel sustainability and once named ‘green hotelier of the year’, Fiji’s Turtle Island was one of the first clean energy resorts on the planet. Having reforested the surrounding land that had been overgrazed by goats, more than half a million trees have been planted in the area since the resort was established, while the 14 beautifully crafted beach villas are powered from the island’s ‘farm of light’ – a collection of solar panels situated nearby.
The beachfront villas themselves have been elegantly designed, utilising local hardwoods wherever possible, with small island flourishes and artisan crafts adding a rich personality. The villas’ vaulted ceilings, wide-open lounge areas and quiet private verandas (complete with your personal day bed) certainly help to gain the most from the sweeping vistas of the neighbouring Yasawa and Fiji islands, not to mention the gorgeous azure hues of the local lagoon.
The island’s name derives from its popularity with nesting sea turtles; local fishermen even bring endangered hawksbill and green turtles here, where they are tagged and set back into the local waters in partnership with World Wildlife Fund. This important conservation work and protection of the area means that opportunities for snorkelers and divers are bountiful, with hundreds of species of extraordinary sea life, vibrant reefs and plants to be discovered. Meanwhile, those looking for further adventures can take up the offers of horseback riding along the beach, windsurfing, kayaking and mountain biking.
No detail at Turtle Island is left unconsidered by the friendly local staff; each visiting group is even assigned a Bure Mama – a personal concierge who will ensure your villa is exactly how you desire it, and who can also arrange tours and excursions. Nowhere is commitment most noticed than at mealtimes, where guests can choose how they want to dine: be it an al-fresco beach picnic, a lantern-lit supper on a floating pontoon, or experiencing Lovo – an evening meal based upon Fiji’s traditional underground oven method of cooking. With all ingredients locally sourced or grown on the island, you know it’s going to be good.
When To Travel
Fiji is a year round destination with a warm and sunny, tropical climate that rarely drops below 20°C. The wet season runs from November to April and the dry season from May to October.
Location
Turtle Island is situated in the Central Yasawas Islands. International flights arrive at nearby Nadi. From there, you will be transferred by seaplane (30 mins) or boat to resort. Note that some international flights will arrive too late into Nadi for the onward transfer. A night in a hotel nearby may be required.
Great For
Spa-WellnessBeachFamilyHikingHorse-ridingWater-sportsScuba-divingCouplesFacilities
Wifi-InternetSpa-WellnessAdult-only-pool-beachJacuzzi-Hot-tub
Family
Although Turtle Island is typically a luxurious private island for couples only, Fijians view family and friends as the most important of life’s blessings. The resort does therefore hold 'family weeks' so that multi generations of the same families and friends can gather. These 'Family weeks' tend to be during the Christmas festive periods and June/July.
Turtle Island provide every child aged 5 and under with a Nanny. From 6 years and above, every child has their own “Bula Buddy” to be a companion and playmate. Parents can relax and enjoy themselves, safe in the knowledge that their children are constantly under the watchful eye of the dedicated, loving Turtle Island care givers. The activity program for Family Time is flexible with something fun and adventurous for every child on the Island.
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