Castaway Island, Fiji

Castaway Island, Fiji is a private island resort in the Mamanuca Islands, set on 174-acre Qalito Island. From Port Denarau Marina near Nadi it is about 90 minutes by catamaran, or you can take a private water taxi. A helicopter from Nadi International Airport takes about 10 minutes.

The resort opened in 1966 and is now operated by OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels. Its 65 thatched bures sit among tropical gardens or along the beach, with rainforest behind and coral reef in front. It is a relaxed, barefoot island that welcomes families, and its quiet pool zone and toes-in-the-sand dining also suit couples who want an easygoing honeymoon.

Castaway Island, Fiji has 65 free-standing bures. Each has a traditional thatched roof, a vaulted ceiling lined with hand-painted tapa cloth, and air conditioning.

There are six categories: Island Bure, North Beach Bure, South Beach Bure, Ocean View South Beach Bure, Family Beach Bure and Grand Bure. Island Bures are set among the tropical gardens, and the Family Beach Bure sleeps up to 10 for larger groups. For a honeymoon, we recommend:

•  South Beach Bure – Newly renovated and south-facing, a few steps from the beach.

•  North Beach Bure – Newly renovated and north-facing, as close to the beach as the resort gets.

•  Ocean View South Beach Bure – Ocean glimpses and a private patio just off the sand.

The resort has four places to eat and drink. Water’s Edge is the main restaurant, overlooking the beach, with à la carte lunch and dinner and traditional Fijian specials on set nights each week. Restaurant 1808 serves Fijian-Asian fusion dinners on the beach, with your toes in the sand.

Nuku Marau Pool Bar and Grill offers casual poolside dining with Asian and Polynesian influences. Sundowner Bar & Grill sits above the beach and is the place for cocktails and made-to-order wood-fired pizza, which you can also take away for a picnic for two.

There are two pool areas: a Quiet Zone with a whirlpool and swim-up bar, and a family pool. Kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear are complimentary, and snorkeling lessons are given in the pool. The resort’s dive operation reaches more than 30 dive sites within about 20 minutes, and surf tours run to Cloudbreak and other well-known breaks.

On land there is a tennis court, beach volleyball, morning beach yoga, cooking classes and a walking trail to the top of the island. The weekly program includes a Fijian cultural day with a lovo feast, a meke performance and a kava ceremony, and guests can help plant coral on the reef. The guided Modriki Excursion visits the nearby island where scenes from the film Cast Away were shot.

Spa

Vale ni Veibobo, the House of Massage, is tucked into a quiet part of the gardens. Traditional Fijian and aromatherapy massages are given in two spa bures, on the beach or in your own bure. Book early in your stay, as appointments fill quickly.

Weddings

The resort hosts weddings and vow renewals, with ceremonies at Monkey Rock Beach, the Water’s Edge Jetty or the Mokimokiti Cabana. Its packages include a minister or celebrant, a warrior escort for the bride, the Castaway Island family choir and a champagne cruise around the island.

Children

Families are welcome all year. The Castaway Kids Club is free and runs supervised activities through the day and into the evening, and there is a separate program for teens, a family pool and a waterpark with a slide and obstacle course.

The nightly rate at Castaway Island, Fiji covers your bure and the following:

•  Water sports – Kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear.

•  Activities – The daily activities program, the tennis court with racquets and balls, and the Castaway Kids Club.

•  Wi-Fi – Free in the resort’s common areas. There is no resort charge.

Meals and drinks are not part of the standard rate. The resort sells meal plans, and from time to time it runs offers that include meals, so ask us what is available for your dates. Boat or helicopter transfers, scuba diving, motorized water sports, excursions and spa treatments cost extra, and Fiji government taxes are added to charges at the resort.