Yasawa Island Resort & Spa

Just a 35 minute light aircraft flight from Nadi, the simple pleasures of this small idyllic island are captivating. The spell of the turquoise waters, the powdery white sand palm-fringed beaches and the charm of the people and culture lure guests back year after year. Just 22kms long and less than 1km wide, Yasawa offers splendid isolation in one of the most unspoiled reaches of the Fijian archipelago. There are no other resorts on the island – just 18 thatched bures tucked away amongst the palms, with only the sounds of the waves and a gentle sea breeze to ‘disturb’ the solitude.

Understated island elegance is the focus of this romantic South Pacific hideaway where your bure is your sanctuary. Beautifully designed in a contemporary Fijian style using local timbers, traditional art and plantation shutters, each of Yasawa’s 18 bures has a thatched beach hut, a hammock strung between the palms, a pair of shaded outdoor day beds and a discreet open-air shower. All have uninterrupted ocean views and, with the exception of one, all are nestled along the pristine beachfront. The ten ‘deluxe bures’ are stand-alone, whilst the six ‘bure suites’ have an adjoining wall. Nestled in the hillside, the spacious two bedroom Drodrolagi is perfect for two couples travelling together. Supreme amongst Yasawa’s bures is Lomalagi – meaning ‘heaven’ in Fijian – a bure left to revel in overwhelming solitude. Secluded at the very far end of the beach and boasting a fabulous horizon pool, guests staying in Lomalagi can enjoy special privileges such as ‘butler service’ meals delivered to the privacy of their bure.

The new jewel in Yasawa's crown is the idyllic beachfront Baravi Spa which opened in August 2006. Relax and be pampered in the indoor or outdoor treatment rooms, hot and cold spa pools or meditation room.

Every day, the resort’s chef prepares a superb menu with an emphasis on fresh succulent seafood caught in the surrounding waters – and your host is a qualified viticulturist with arguably the best stocked wine cellar in Fiji. Dress is very casual – take off your watch and enjoy relaxed informal elegance.

The Yasawa experience is all about doing ‘as much or as little as you please’. Enjoy a picnic on one of 11 deserted beaches, sail a catamaran, snorkel, windsurf, play tennis or succumb to a soothing massage. Explore the island’s pristine coral reefs with the resort’s PADI dive instructor or set off in search of tuna on board Yasawa’s magnificent game fishing boat. You can even take a launch to the caves and coves made famous in the film ‘The Blue Lagoon’. The resort’s staff will happily arrange a visit to the local villages or just to sit back with an expertly blended cocktail and enjoy one of Yasawa’s magnificent sunsets.

Children under 12 years are not catered for, except during December, January and 16 June-15 July.

PRICES Prices for 5 nights from £1865 per person in a Bure Suite, £1940 per person in a Deluxe Bure or £3110 per person in Lomalagi based on 2 people sharing, including all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, the return flight from Nadi and all activities except game fishing, scuba diving and massage. The flight departs Nadi daily at 2pm and arrives back into Nadi at 3.15pm. International flights are additional. Fly to Fiji via Los Angeles on the award winning services of Air New Zealand from only £990 including taxes and fuel surcharges. Please ask your consultant about upgrading to spacious Pacific Premium from only £280 per sector.