It was our third time, our expectations were fulfilled as always . Things were updated
and improved. All and all very relaxing vacation. .The most important thing was the kind and caring people
on Turtle Island. And we will be back in the near future. Bula!

This review is a story in three parts.
Part One:
Looking for a luxurious, relaxing experience in the South Pacific, we found the idea of having one's own private beach, a secluded villa and exotic dining on a pontoon in the middle of a lagoon intriguing - a perfect get-away. We expected to share a few meals with other guests at the communal dining table - though that's not really our thing - and perhaps a wave to the staff and a fist bump.
Part Two:
When we landed on the island by seaplane - a gentle landing on a mirror calm lagoon - we were carried to shore through the shallow water by Fijians in traditional dress, and soon discovered that fist bumps and handshakes were out and hugs were in. Greeted by singing, drinks in hand, we were led to our "bure" where we were again serenaded in song and presented with a cake (gluten-free for our dietary restrictions) in celebration of our anniversary. We met our bure Momma Laite, who told us her sole responsibility was to make our vacation as wonderful as possible. Over the next ten days of our stay, we fell in love with this treasure of a woman...and her infectious laugh. Beyond that, everywhere we went we were greeted with a "bula, bula" and a great big smile. Although we took advantage of a private dine-out on the pontoon, a lunch at Cliff Point with our own private saltwater pool, or a few private meals at our bure, we found the communal dining an unexpected pleasure, with laughter, delicious farm-to-table food, and enchanting guests, each with their own story. Our hosts Rob and Landi were delightful, as was everyone we met. If it sounds too good to be true, you will be surprised.
Part Three:
We came to realize that the magic of this place rests with the Fijian people. It is the reason guests return, again and again. They are joyful, yet respectful of your privacy. It's what makes this the "Perfect Contradiction". If privacy is your thing, you can have it, but if you allow these people into your heart, it will transform you forever. We came as strangers and departed with new friends and a much larger family. Because even though this was our first trip here, we were greeted by the Fijians with a joyous "Welcome Home!" And they made it feel like we had come home.

All we can say is "Vinaka, vaka, levu"

P.S. The cost is not for the faint of heart, but when you factor in almost everything is included in the price, we found it well worth it

P.S.S. Learn a few words of Fijian, it will gain you an even bigger smile

My wife and I are in high stress jobs and have been going full throttle for 2.5 years. We had booked Turtle island pre pandemic, and when the island reopened we jumped at the chance to go. We flew 10.5 hours from San Francisco and landed in Nadi, getting through customs and a produce check (take this seriously, they do) was the last thing we had to think about on the vacation. Picked up by Turtle Island staff, and taken to the seaplane base (Thanks Peter) then flown over the most beautiful ocean imaginable, to Turtle Island (thanks Dane!). Landing on Turtle Island, the staff sings and holds a sign that reads “Welcome Home”, it seems a bit odd at first but then they treat you like family, every minute of your visit, and that is the secret of Turtle Island, an amazing staff that treats you amazingly well, and takes unbelievable care of you during your whole stay. (Thanks BIll, Mama Vi, Mare, Jerry Joes 1-4, Sue, and literally everybody on the island.) The setting is crazy amazing the lodging absolutely beautiful and the pace is set by you and you alone. Want to go fishing, great go fishing, want to change your mind about fishing 6 or 8 times and finally not go at all? Totally fine. The food is wonderful, and there is as much as you would like, always. If you are a non-drinker like me, island concoctions are available and everyone will remember not only what you had but how it was made and offer the next. .