Be a Castaway on a Trip to Fiji

If you liked the movie "Cast Away" starring Tom Hanks, and if the idea of a secluded, palm fringed island in the South Pacific sounds appealing, then for a completely peaceful, off the beaten track,  Fiji vacation, the small exclusive Castaway Island is it.

Castaway Island is a private island catering to romantics and families and because of the small size of the island, there is only one resort hotel called simply Castaway Island. For over 40 years now, this privately owned 4-star resort, has managed to keep its pristine natural setting and has been an ideal location for a Fiji vacation. Located 20 kilometres/12 miles off the coast of the mainland of Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands group. It is accessible by either boat, seaplane or helicopter and the sea trip takes about 1 hour 50 minutes from Nadi. The island’s 174 acres/70 hectares are covered in rich tropical rainforest and most importantly, surrounded by wonderful white sandy beaches, coral reefs and azure coloured waters.

Accommodation at Castaway Island

The accommodation is in 66 traditional style villas known locally as bures, each with a thatched roof and high vaulted ceiling lined with beautiful hand-painted 'tapa' cloth. Interiors could be described as casual elegance, featuring natural rattan and timber furnishings. You can choose from Island bures located throughout the gardens or Ocean View bures or Beach bures located along the two stunning beach fronts.

Exquisite Dining

Everyone likes to eat well while on vacation and you will certainly do this here. The food is prepared by a team of expert chefs combining International cuisine with a distinct Fijian influence as emphasis is on the very best of fresh seasonal produce from both local Fijian growers and International suppliers. There are four restaurants from which to choose. There is the Waters Edge, the main restaurant, the Nuku-Marau Pool Bar and Grill for lighter meals by the pool, the Sundowner Bar specializing in wood-fired pizza and the Lali Sandbar Grill offering Fijian/Asian cuisine.

Activities at the Castaway Island

You can enjoy an extensive range of water sports available for all ages while on your Fiji vacation. With the complimentary use of all non motorized sports equipment, you can spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, catamaran sailing, windsurfing and play tennis on the championship court. Diving, fishing, parasailing, water skiing, dolphin safaris, surfing and island hopping excursions are also on offer. Every day, the resort displays a blackboard listing daily activities with information on free activities and classes on the island. Board games, tennis equipment and bookings for hair braiding from the boutique are also available. Naturally, you can be inactive just lying on the beach or in a hammock or treat yourself to an island-style massage. Or you can enjoy walks around or over this lush tropical island.

If this combination of solitude, nature at its best, good food and comfortable accommodation is what appeals to you, then do consider a stay on Castaway Island on your next Fiji vacation.

By Robert Glazier