Hey adventurers! Welcome to our article on the Yasawa Islands – 20 or so beautiful islands in the Western Division of Fiji. We are a husband and wife duo (Ashley and Michael) who created a couple’s travel blog to capture our adventures around the world while being able to inspire others.
Ashley is originally from Santa Clarita, California while Michael is from Colorado Springs, Colorado. We met in college at a mutual friend’s house in the summer of 2010. While Michael’s friends told him they were going to a house party, it ended up being an all girl’s night slumber party.
Ashley was also unaware that anyone else was coming over, as she was in a ponytail, pyjamas and no makeup. The comical night turned into an instant connection and we became best friends which later blossomed into love.
Our inspiration came from our love for travel with each other and the bond we created building memories that would last a lifetime. Although we were living in Los Angeles, commuting to our full-time corporate jobs and living the cultural idea of “success” – we were living somebody else’s dream.
We wanted to pursue our own passions in finding a way to earn a living by doing what we love. We found that with AdventurPro – a couple’s travel blog focusing on luxury travel and adventure – and our IG @AdventurPro.
Four Beautiful Days in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji
Fiji has always been at the top of our bucket list because we are both active scuba divers. In 2019, we were invited to visit the Yasawa Islands by a PR partner of ours that we had previously worked with on a scuba diving campaign. Fiji was definitely on our bucket list no matter how we arrived!
Our PR team coordinated a four day stay in the Yasawa Islands. During our stay, we experienced true Fijian culture, music and cuisine. Our activities during the week included scuba diving, snorkeling, a cave tour, a private island for the day, spa massages and a traditional kava ceremony.
Favorite Places: Private Island & Sawa-i-Lau Caves
The private island experience that we enjoyed for a day and the Sawa-i-Lau Caves are a split tie for our favorite place in the Yasawa Islands! Michael really enjoyed the private island and everything our resort provided to us.
Just imagine having your own island to yourself for the day complete with a comfortable bed, generous lunch, snorkeling gear and miles of turquoise blue water. It was like Cast Away in Paradise in relaxation mode!
The Sawa-i-Lau Caves, on the other hand, were an adventurous experience for us. At one point during your activities at the caves you get to hold your breath and swim into a darkened cave with nothing but a small flashlight.
The main swimming area inside the caves is open to the sky and surrounded by detailed limestone rock formations. All in all we both had the best time at both of these places and it’s impossible to pick a winner!
Best Things To Do at the Yasawa Islands
Our first recommendation for things to do in the Yasawa Islands is to check out the Sawa-i-Lau Caves. This is a great activity especially if you are looking for an adventure! The second thing on our list would be to scuba dive House Reef for a thrilling introduction to their diverse marine life.
Our third recommendation is to rent a private island for a day to explore more of the islands. This gives you the ultimate chance for relaxation! Then we suggest a cultural experience like a traditional kava ceremony. We loved meeting the tribe and chief of the island at our kava ceremony.
Last but not least on our list of things to do in the Yasawa Islands is to reserve and book a private lobster dinner on the beach. If you want to have a magical and romantic evening with your partner then this is your chance.
Where to Stay in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji
During our trip to the Yasawa Islands, we were invited to stay at Yasawa Island Resort and Spa (website here) which is located on Yasawa Island. We highly recommend staying at this gorgeous and all-inclusive property.
The room accommodations were incredible, the staff were amazing and friendly, the cuisine was delicious and we enjoyed immersing ourselves in the Fijian culture. We didn’t get the chance to stay at or review any other resorts in Yasawa. But this resort truly is all you could ever ask for and more.
One reason is because when you book with Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, they include your very own private island for the day! This includes a private picnic on the beach, a preset hut complete with a bed, snorkel gear, an umbrella and miles and miles of pristine ocean and beach views.
The private island we chose was called Yawini Island. It’s a private sandbar that connects two islands and (depending on the tides) you can walk across. If there is one excursion you don’t want to miss, it’s this activity!
Need to Know Before you Go
We had a round-trip flight from LA to Nadi which was eight and a half hours. We also had a separate flight from Nadi to the Yasawa Islands which was one hour. There are catamaran trips available from Nadi to the Yasawa Islands which take six hours. The sea plane is quick and the views are epic.
We recommend booking a flight instead of a ferry from Nadi to the Yasawa Islands due to the fact it only takes an hour and the view is beautiful. You want to spend all your time relaxing and not traveling by boat.
Due to the COVID situation, a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior is required (for now) to board the plane to Fiji. Passengers are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days, like many other countries.
When coming to the Yasawa Islands, and if possible, book a red eye flight from wherever you are traveling from because the earlier you get to Nadi the better. There will be more flight options to reach the Yasawa Islands.
Check the forecast before you go. Weather can play a huge part in your vacation. Although Fiji has warm weather all year round, the rainy (wet) season is between the months of November and April. That being said, our visit was during November and we rarely witnessed any rain.
Participate in their kava ceremonies with the tribe and chief of the island. The numbing sensation felt from the drink they make mixed in with the traditional music played is quite the experience. Trust us, try it once!
Finally, don’t be afraid of being open minded to trying new activities. Yasawa Island Resort is safe as all employees on the property are from the tribes on the island. They are some of the friendliest people around and if you allow it, you will have a chance to embrace the true Fijian culture.
Thanks for reading everyone. Be sure to follow us @AdventurPro on all our social channels and website. Always remember, your adventure awaits!
