March 2023: As part of a larger Pacific Island trip and a ‘babymoon’, my wife and I chose to end our journey by relaxing in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji at the rustic yet tranquil Barefoot Manta beach bungalow resort. It was the perfect way to conclude our trip in paradise, and we spent four unforgettable nights in Fiji.
Abouth the Yasawa Islands
Island where our beach bungalow was located
Someone once told me that an older Hawaiian traveler who had visited Fiji remarked that Fiji was like what Hawaii was 50 years ago. He said this because Fiji remains largely undeveloped, with many of its traditions still intact, and the people continue to extend a genuine kindness to visitors. Having visited Fiji twice before—first in 1997 on a month-long backpacking trip across the islands, and again 10 years later in the Mamanuca Islands—I can confidently say I agree with that statement. This time, I returned to the Yasawa Islands, and once again, the kindness of the Fijian people remained as evident as ever. Despite Fiji being one of the most visited destinations in the Pacific, the warmth and hospitality I encountered, whether from hotel workers, taxi drivers, or service staff, remained unchanged. At times, I wondered if it was too good to be true, but I always came back to the realization that the kindness was genuine. The Fijian people are simply happy and kind, and I’m grateful that this has remained a constant over the years.
Paula and I chose the Yasawa Islands for their beauty and remoteness, while still being easily accessible via a convenient island-hopping speed ferry service from the Denarau Wharf on mainland Fiji. The ferry drops off and picks up passengers at various islands with villages or hotels throughout the Yasawas. The boat ride itself is comfortable and picturesque, running on a reliable schedule. Upon arrival, small motorboats from each hotel meet the ferry and transfer guests to their accommodations.
I selected Barefoot Manta Resort because it’s more a collection of affordable, rustic beach bungalows than a full-scale resort. Aside from the bungalows and dining area located on one side of the island, the rest of the island is untouched, with jungle and deserted beaches. The island is also part of a marine reserve, and the surrounding coral is protected, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling. During certain months, manta rays are known to visit the area. Unfortunately, we arrived just at the start of the manta season and missed them.
Yasawa island as seen from ferry
Paula and I stayed in our own cozy, private beach bungalow facing the ocean. There was no A/C, just a ceiling fan and the natural ocean breeze, which was absolutely perfect for the tropical climate. My favorite feature of the bungalow was the open-air shower, tucked in the lush walled garden at the back. It offered such a serene and refreshing experience. We truly loved our little room and the comfortable bed. Unfortunately, Paula wasn’t able to fully enjoy the stay as much as I did, as she wasn’t feeling well during our time there. Despite that, the peaceful atmosphere of the bungalow and the beauty of the island made for a special and memorable experience.
Beach bungalow
Beach at Barefoot Manta
Hiking trail to viewpoint in middle of the island
In addition to the incredible coral reefs and scuba diving, the island offered beautiful nature, including hiking trails, deserted beaches, and dense jungle. I made sure to take full advantage of this by doing some exploring. During one of my hikes, I had a special encounter with the island’s parrot, a native and endangered rescue parrot that roams wild on the island. She paid me a visit along the hiking trail, and then, later on, I was delighted when she showed up at my bungalow. We were kindly asked not to feed her, but when she landed on my shoulder while I was eating a few crackers, I confess I couldn’t resist sharing a few with her. It was a magical moment, connecting with the wildlife in such a beautiful setting.
View from top of island in morning
The island parrot
The parrot visiting me at my bungalow
Paula walking the beach at sunset
Paula did her best to enjoy our stay despite feeling unwell, and thankfully, we were still able to have a good time. It was nearly impossible to dislike Barefoot Manta with its relaxing vibes and low-key beach bungalow atmosphere. The resort offered such a serene and peaceful setting that naturally encouraged relaxation and enjoyment even in the face of illness. After our time at Barefoot Manta, we took the ferry back to the mainland and spent our last night at the charming boutique hotel, First Landing, which is believed to be the site where the first Fijians arrived thousands of years ago from other parts of Melanesia. The next day, we flew home on Fijian Airways, carrying with us wonderful memories from our time in Fiji.