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Rob’s Favorite Accommodations on the North Coast

Wananavu is perched on a hillside overlooking the sea and Nananu-i-ra,a private resort island. It’s located on the northeast corner of Viti Levu island in the heart of sugar cane country. There are 15 bures, more akin to cottages, spread out over large expanse of land planted with coconut palms, hibiscus and other vegetation. There are also three, two bedroom villas. All the units are large and sport lacquered natural pine interiors and “Vesi” hardwood floors. They can accommodate up to four people. There is a comfortable, King-sized bed and a modern, large, extremely clean tiled bathroom. Several hundred feet below the cabins is a swimming beach. There are benches, shade trees and a fine view of the island offshore. There is some snorkeling directly offshore but the owners assured me the fish and coral viewing was much better on Nananu-i-ra. Day trips to the island are arranged on a regular basis. Food is good and specials such as fresh seafood or steak are available on a daily basis. The wine selection is quite good with a fine array of New Zealand and Australian wines. The dining and bar area overlooks the sea and there is adeck if you prefer to dine outdoors. Activities are mostly water-oriented. Given its relative isolation, the attraction is the magnificent countryside and seascapes. Note that Wananavu is located two hours by car from Nadi. One can either rent a car or hire cab from the Nadi Airport. Room prices start at US$151 (double) for the Gardenview Bure and range up to US$350 for the Honeymoon Bure. Self contained units are available for US$293 (double).

Diving Notes: This area was made famous by one of Fiji’s premier liveaboards, the Nai’a, and used to be the exclusive playground of liveaboards. While most of the land-based dive operations only do local diving, Kai Viti (lated at Wananavu) offers three tank dives out to the Vatu-I-Ra Channel which has some of Fiji’s most stellar sites. These include Black Magic Mountain, E-6, Sunset Ridge and Hi-8 which feature pinnacles, reefs and bommies, and both macro as well as pelagic activity.

The Rakiraki Hotel bills itself as the northernmost hotel on Viti Levu basking in the driest and ‘deliciously hottest’ climate on the island. The hotel has 46-rooms which clearly reflect the history and aesthetics of the colonial era and more “modern” times. There are two clapboard roadside buildings originally constructed as guesthouses during the WWII era (when American soldiers were stationed in the area). One now has a charming bar and dining room that harkens back to the colonial era. (The large lunches and dinners are well worth the moderate cost of F$8 to F$12). The other has 10 rooms separated by a hallway. Two have aircon (the others have ceiling fans) and all have private baths. Two of the rooms have four beds serving as dorm units. The rest of the hotel is a rather tacky looking but utilitarian two-tiered structure with 36 air-con rooms. Amenities include a pool, nine-hole golf course (nearby), local entertainment, tennis court, lawn bowling, bar and restaurant. Prices range from F$83-F$105. For eating on the cheap there are also a few decent curry houses close by in Vaileka. (Photo courtesy of FVB).