Review: Royal Davui Resort Fiji - A Private Island Paradise

Sunset view from Royal Davui Island Resort villas

Finding Paradise At Royal Davui, a Private Island Resort in Fiji

When you think of Fiji, you might imagine white sand beaches, turquoise water, and palm trees. But there is so much more to this South Pacific nation than just its stunning scenery. Fiji is also rich in culture, history, and biodiversity, and offers a range of activities and experiences for travelers of all tastes and budgets.

One of the best ways to explore Fiji is to stay at a private island resort, where you can enjoy the ultimate luxury and privacy, while also being close to nature and the local community. We’ve stayed at a number of private island resorts throughout the Mamanuca Islands, and Yasawa Islands but one of our favorites is Royal Davui Hotel. An exclusive, adults-only sanctuary situated on a ten-acre island in the beautiful Beqa Lagoon.

I had the opportunity to stay at the Royal Davui Hotel for a week, and it was one of the most memorable and rewarding trips of my life. Here are some of the highlights of my stay, and why I think you should visit this resort too.

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Image: Royal Davui Island in Beqa Lagoon, Courtesy of Expedia

Royal Davui Island Location

Your journey to Royal Davui Hotel will begin at Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu. From here, you can either opt for a quick domestic flight to Pacific Harbour, a helicopter flight straight to Davui Island, or take a leisurely two-hour drive through Fiji's stunning landscapes. Once in Pacific Harbour, a 30-minute boat ride awaits to transport you to Royal Davui's secluded island paradise.

The resort's compact ten-acre island may seem diminutive, but don't be fooled – it offers an intimate experience that's second to none. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage and framed by pristine shores, this small island offers exclusivity, and privacy that you don’t get with many of the larger hotels in Denarau, and the Coral Coast.

Pool and beach at Royal Davui Island Resort

Exploring the Surrounding Lagoon

The moment your feet touch Royal Davui's shores, you'll be greeted by the awe-inspiring panorama of Beqa Lagoon. With its sparkling blue water, coral reefs, and tranquil atmosphere.

As your boat pulls up the resort, you'll see a cluster of lush, emerald islands adorned with secluded sandy coves, each possessing its own unique allure. These nearby islands offer unique opportunities for exploration and adventure, ensuring that no two days at Royal Davui are ever the same.

Image: Royal Davui Restaurant and Bar, Courtesy of Expedia

The Villas

Royal Davui Hotel has 16 spacious and secluded villas, each with a private plunge pool,and a sun deck overlooking the ocean. 

The villas are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, using local materials and traditional Fijian architecture. They are also equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a mini bar.

Each bungalow is dotted around the island, offering different views and levels of privacy. I stayed in a deluxe villa, which was located on a cliff edge, giving me a panoramic view of the lagoon and the nearby islands. I loved waking up to the sound of the waves and the birds, and watching the sunrise and the sunset from my deck. It was like having my own slice of paradise.

The layout of the villa is an ode to relaxation. The bedroom is thoughtfully positioned on one side, with a generous bathroom boasting a large bathtub at the backend of the room. The room features a large king bed. Perhaps one of the most charming features of the villas is the extensive, wrap-around balcony that seamlessly connects the indoors and outdoors. With large sliding glass doors in the bedroom and lounge that can be opened up to welcome the expansive island views.

Image: Villa layout at Royal Davui Island Resort, Courtesy of Expedia 

The rooms also boast an unassuming, yet spacious lounge area that exudes barefoot island style. Offering the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploration, or relax and read a book while the sunsets.

A convenient mini-bar area is always within reach, offering easy access to refreshments and snacks whenever the mood strikes. These thoughtful touches ensure that your every desire is catered to, resulting in a true home away from home, and additional food and drinks can be delivered up to your room throughout the day, and night.

For those who enjoy dining beneath the open sky, a small outdoor dining space is available on the balcony. Whether it's an evening dinner under the stars or a leisurely breakfast in the ocean breeze, this spot sets the stage for a romantic dining experience.

Each villa features its own dip pool, inviting you to take a refreshing plunge or simply lounge on the sunbeds, lazing in the Fijian sun. 

Despite the island's small size, Royal Davui's design delivers a sense of seclusion. The island's lush palms and tropical gardens encircle each villa, creating a natural barrier that enhances the feeling of privacy. 

The Food

The food at Royal Davui Hotel is delicious, fresh, and varied. The resort has a restaurant, and a bar, where you can enjoy a daily à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day.

The menu changes regularly depending on the availability of the ingredients, which are mostly grown or farmed locally, or brought in by boat.

The food is a fusion of Fijian and international cuisines, with dishes such as kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice) and curry (chicken, lamb, or vegetable). The portions are generous, and the ingredients are fresh. The staff are also happy to accommodate any dietary preferences or allergies.

One of the best things about the food at Royal Davui Hotel is that you can choose where and when you want to eat. You can dine at the restaurant, which has a cozy and elegant atmosphere, or at the bar, which has a casual and lively vibe. You can also order room service, or arrange a private dining experience, such as a picnic on the beach, or a candlelit dinner on the jetty.

Royal Davui Island From Above

The Spa

The spa at Royal Davui Island Resort is a small and simple facility, but it offers a range of treatments and therapies that will relax and rejuvenate you.

The spa uses natural products, such as coconut oil, sea salt, and sugar, to nourish your skin and hair. You can opt to book a spa package with your booking, which allows you a daily 45 minute treatment for a very reasonable price. 

The spa offers massages, facials, body wraps, and scrubs. I alternated between massages, facials, and wraps during my time on the island, which used local ingredients to soothe sun drenched skin like dilo, coconut, and vanilla products. It was a very relaxing way to start each day after my workout at the gym, and I felt so refreshed afterwards.

Black tip reef shark in Beqa Lagoon

The Activities

The activities at Royal Davui Island Resort are diverse and fun, catering to different interests and levels of adventure. The resort has a pool, a fitness center, a library, and a game room, where you can relax and enjoy yourself.

The resort also has a dive center, a water sports center, and a cultural center, where you can explore and learn more about the island and its surroundings.

The resort offers a variety of activities, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and cultural tours.

You can also book some extra activities, such as surfing, fishing, hiking, or private boat tours. The staff are friendly and helpful, and will assist you with any bookings or arrangements.

Some of my favorite activities were hiking the peak, and meeting the people at a nearby traditional island village, diving, and kava drinking. 

The kava drinking was such a great vibe, offering a chance to connect with staff, and the other guests staying on the island. Kava is a traditional Fijian drink made from the root of a plant, and it has a calming and numbing effect. The resort hosts a crab race and kava night every week, where you can drink kava, play games, and listen to music. It was an interesting way to learn more about the Fijian culture and customs, and to make some new friends.

Soft coral in Beqa Lagoon

Diving in the Beqa Lagoon: A World of Wonder

If you're a diving enthusiast, the Beqa Lagoon is an unspoilt underwater paradise worth exploring. Its coral reefs are a kaleidoscope of colors, and a bustling haven for marine life, including exotic fish, nudibranch, crayfish, turtles, and sharks. At Royal Davui Island Resort, you gain easy access to this underwater wonderland, with a thriving reef circling the entire island, and a dive shop on site.

For those who like adrenaline-fueled encounters, the Beqa Lagoon serves up thrilling shark diving experiences. The heart-pounding excitement of a shark dive in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon is a must-try experience, and one of the most renowned locations for tiger shark diving.

The quality of snorkeling, and diving at Royal Davui Island blew me away, with an array of soft coral just offshore from the hotel. I saw so many colorful and fascinating creatures, and I even enjoyed a night dive around the reef which was a surreal experience.

Traditional Fijian kava ceremony

The People

The people at Royal Davui Island Resort are the best part of the stay, and the reason why I would go back there in a heartbeat. The staff are warm, friendly, and professional, and they go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and comfortable.

They greet you with a smile, remember your name and your preferences, and they anticipate your needs and wishes. They are also knowledgeable and passionate about their work and their island, and they are happy to share their stories and tips with you.

The guests we met were also wonderful, and added to the charm and the atmosphere of our stay at the resort. As the resort is small and intimate, you get to know the other guests, and you can have some meaningful and interesting conversations with them. 

We met a lovely couple who had flown all the way from Detroit to Royal Davui, a tiny island in the middle of nowhere, and they couldn’t swim. I convinced them that they had to try snorkeling here, and I helped them swim around the stunning reef that surrounds the outside of the island. It was a beautiful day, and a memorable experience.

Final Verdict

Royal Davui Island resort is more than just a hotel, it is a remote getaway where you’ll get back to nature, connect people, and escape from the rest of the world. It is a place where you can find paradise, and embark on some truly unique experiences, on a small little spot of sand in the South Pacific.

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