Nukubati Island Resort

Nukubati Great Sea Reef is a small private-island resort off the north coast of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island. Guests fly from Nadi or Suva to Labasa Airport, where the resort’s driver meets them for the drive of about one hour to Nukubati Landing and a five-minute boat ride to the island.

The island sits beside the Great Sea Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world, and the resort gives divers and snorkelers direct access to it. Life here is simple and quiet. The resort is solar powered, has no swimming pool and no air-conditioning, and grows much of its own organic fruit and vegetables. It suits couples who want privacy, real Fijian culture and time on the reef. The whole island can also be chartered for up to 10 guests.

Guests stay in Beachfront Bures set among coconut palms, just yards from the beach, with ocean views. The bures are spacious and airy, and there are only seven on the island, so it never feels busy.

In keeping with the resort’s low-impact approach, the bures are not air-conditioned and are cooled by sea breezes instead. There are no televisions or phones in the rooms.

All meals at Nukubati are included, along with morning and afternoon teas. The kitchen cooks with fresh local seafood and organic produce, much of it grown on the island, and caters for vegan, vegetarian and non-seafood diets. There are no set meal times and no dress code for dinner.

A highlight is the Tatavu, a beach barbecue where seafood and other local dishes are laid out on a bed of banana and breadfruit leaves.

Scuba diving is the main draw. Nukubati has direct access to the Great Sea Reef, with diving for all levels and dive packages planned around the tides and currents. Snorkelers can explore the reefs at their own pace or with a local guide.

Other activities include a sandbank picnic with snorkeling and a packed lunch on a private sandbar, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves, and a guided Medicine Walk to learn about native plants and their traditional uses. The island’s community is entirely Fijian, and guests are welcome to visit the local villages and attend a church service. There is no swimming pool; guests swim in the sea.

Spa

There is no spa building, but the resort offers Bobo, a traditional Fijian full-body massage that uses firm, rhythmic strokes and locally sourced coconut oil.

Weddings

Nukubati is a quiet, private setting for a small island wedding. Ask us and we will check current ceremony options and legal requirements with the resort.

Children

Nukubati is designed for couples. Please ask us about the resort’s current policy on children before you book.

The nightly rate includes all meals plus morning and afternoon teas. Most water activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, are complimentary.

Scuba diving and fishing cost extra. The resort’s dive packages bundle all meals, two-tank dives with gear and return transfers from Labasa Airport. Flights to Labasa are not included. We will confirm drinks and transfer arrangements for your dates when we quote.