Vakanananu Retreat

Staying here is like living with a family, but no ordinary family. Imagine that your hosts include a first-rate chef, enthusiastic gardeners of fruits and vegetables as well as tropical vegetation, and designers of original and delightful cottages (bures) full of light and fresh air. The sort of family that takes an interest in you, offers every assistance when you need it, and discreetly withdraws when that's what you want. Sharon and Grant have summed it up splendidly with the name Retreat. There is no main road within earshot, but nothing that a visitor might want on a small Fijian island is far away. I cannot remember staying anywhere I have enjoyed so much.

Already the landing on Taveuni is spectacular, not to mention the friendly welcome, the beautiful house and the tropical garden. The view is simply unique. The hosts (Sharon and Grant) are very very friendly, they are very helpful with any request, be it rental cars, tips etc.... The delicious breakfast on the terrace is the perfect start to the day. Sharon is a wonderful cook and baker. She baked a delicious birthday cake for us. Housekeeping has always worked wonderfully after consulting with us. We would love to come back anytime and can recommend Vakanananu Retreat 100%.

We stayed at Vakanananu this August for the second time, and I cannot speak highly enough about the resort. The bure is perfect for two, with incredible ocean and jungle views, a well stocked kitchen, a very comfortable bed, and a lovely rain shower. The 2.5 acre grounds are well maintained and just beautiful, with tons of fruit trees and veggie gardens. The location is ideal for all things that Taveuni offers, including an incredible reef, beautiful hiking and waterfalls, and just being immersed in nature. But perhaps the best part about Vakanananu is the staff. Peni welcomed us with a Fijian welcome song, and brought us delicious breakfast daily, as well as daily housekeeping, all with a big happy smile and warm laugh. And the owners Sharon and Grant are incredibly welcoming and kind, with all sorts of information on this special island and top notch hospitality. During our stay I caught COVID and was lucky enough to be able to stay there where Sharon and Grant took excellent care of me while I quarantined and recuperated, including bringing me medicine and shopping for food to keep the kitchen stocked. Sharon is an excellent cook and also offers prepared meals should you want the full pampering! Moana their dog was also an excellent caretaker. This place is very special, because of the land but also the people. I highly recommend it!

I had the most amazing week staying with Sharon and Grant. They have a beautiful space which feels like your right in the jungle but has the beach just down the road and the airport is very accessible. The rooms are very nicely decorated and have everything you need, but my favourite part is the veranda - you can see the sunset over the sea through the coconut trees and there is super comfy seats making a great reading spot! There is fab snorkelling at the nearby beach and we did some day trips to some waterfalls which Sharon helped organise (shout out to Buba who was a great tour-guide)! Sharon also organised a massage for me to have in my room which was probably the best I've ever had! We had great food at the on-site restaurant, but there is also a kitchenette which is helpful if you want to make a little something yourself. All of the food was local and we got to try lots of new things! We also went to the dive which is a lovely cafe right on the beach - they were very kind and have some small dishes which is great if you're at the beach all day! Thank you so much Sharon and Grant for the best week - can't recommend enough!!

Had the most AMAZING stay at Vakanananu Retreat! Sharon & Grant were the most friendly, helpful and accomodating hosts we could have ever imagined! The house itself is beautiful and clean, with a lovely modern bathroom, well stocked kitchen and amazing views from the balcony. Such a great location as well with the beach and restaurants at the bottom of the street. We felt so spoilt staying here, Sharon & Grant went the extra mile and then some, from having homemade bread waiting for us, chai and homemade sweets every afternoon, to organising all our activities for us, giving us lifts and making packed lunches for big days and beautiful dinners on the balcony. All the staff were absolutely lovely as well! Big shoutout to Bubba who drove us around and took us out fishing, an absolute legend! I would definitely recommend staying here! And Taveuni is definitely worth the trip it is an amazing island!

We spent our 40th wedding anniversary at Vakanananu Retreat. It was the most peaceful and pleasant break we have had. Sharon, Grant, and their wonderful staff made it special. The accommodation and meals were first class. Taveuni is an island paradise if you like swimming, snorkelling, canoeing, or just relaxing. We generally don’t do the same place twice. Vakanananu is the exception. We definitely hope to return.

We spent 3 weeks there and it really was a wonderful retreat. We enjoyed every day. We got a delicious breakfast that was different every day, let Sharon surprise you! Kitchen is well equipped. It is a 15 minute walk to the beach which has excellent snorkeling. You can take the bus into town, walk to the nearest village with shops (30 min) and make a trip to the reef for diving or snorkeling. Sharon and her husband are very helpful and will take you up and down the hill if you wish.