Taveuni Palms Resort

If there is paradise on Earth, it must be Taveuni Island, and more specifically, Taveuni Palm Resort. Lavish vegetation everywhere, fresh water springs (probably the only tropical place where you don’t need to worry about drinking water or brushing your teeth), waterfalls, flowers, butterflies, and the occasional wild pig in the jungle (I only saw two cute piglets). The underwater world is even better than above the water and probably among the best left on our planet. Many types of corals, fish in abundance, as the island is far from big ship routes and common pollutants. People live close to nature while still having some gifts of civilization, like WiFi at the villa (best in the early morning or late evening). Life feels simple and grounded, and that is why Taveuni Palm Resort is such an amazing gem. A luxury private villa with its beach, pool, terraces, and many places to relax. You wake up to a beautifully decorated table with flowers and everything freshly cooked from scratch (you tell them your preferences in advance, of course). I thought I hated coconuts my whole life, but here I tried them savory with lime and salt, crunchy and fresh, and I loved them. You learn to live on “Fiji time” – calm, relaxed, and happy. You feel embraced like part of the best family in the world. They organize tours around the island: to waterfalls, natural water slides (bring water shorts unless you want your bum scratched), villages, viewpoints, and even the date line. They can arrange boat rides, fishing, snorkeling, and diving (the dive shop they work with was excellent and safe). Rash guards and reef shoes are always useful, but here I also learned that rash pants can be handy (hello, natural water slide). Or, if you prefer, you can feel like the only person on the island, quietly staying at your villa to eat, swim, or watch the sunset. They also offer spa services, but I was so busy with everything else that I forgot to try them—something to save for next time. P.S. No mosquitoes! Maybe because it was the dry season (winter), and the resort also burns aromatic sticks, but I didn’t get bitten once, and I’m usually miserable from mosquito bites. P.P.S. The resort is only five minutes from the tiny airport, so the trip from plane to villa is almost nonexistent. They even check you in and bring your luggage while you wait in comfort. You won’t find that kind of service anywhere else.

The best most attentive service through the entire stay, truly the most delightful staff makes you feel so pampered. The location is beyond words beautiful. The weather wasn’t ideal while we were there, but because of the staff and the view we really didn’t feel like we missed a thing.

We spent an amazing week at Taveuni Palms. Everything was absolutely perfect! The excursions were outstanding, and the food was the best we’ve had on vacation. We were taken care of so well by the kind team of staff. We definitely plan to return!