“Small hidden gem, not the closest or fanciest, but a true Fijian experience.”
We went here for our honeymoon, but only because of the excellent Expedia rate, did some homework but in the end we went with our gut. Once there, it is a lengthy ride (about 2 hrs) so be forwarned, we were in awe of its natural beauty. By no means is it the fanciest place but very serene in its overall look. We did have a few issues with our beachfront bure (clogged shower head, missing patio chairs) but they were fixed in mere minutes. The room is rustic but elegant, no fancy imenities (coffee pot, A/C, etc) but the mosquito netting bed and outdoor shower were an awesome touch. The meals were good and well priced but at times not available and in some cases never available even though on the menu (never any desserts). Meal service is a timed thing as well, not available on your schedule but theirs. The service is what I will remember FOREVER .... especially two in specific. The activities director actually took home our laundry to be cleaned as well as taking us shopping on his day off, also one waitress literally gave my bride one of her own uniform shirts as a momento as we were not able to purchase one .... just amazing people all of them!! Finally the noise ... yes it can get loud in the evenings and it can go late, the overall crowd is one of young people (20's) but I am almost 40 and it was not really that bad. Going to bed at night could be an issue for some but all in all it was something we were able to live with, Not a 5 star by no means but worth every penny!!
Area recommendations
The cities are another matter all together, they look fairly rough as it is a poor country. We never wandered anywhere by ourselves as it did have us leary. The only place we travelled to to go shopping was Sigatoka, we spent our whole visit there with our activites guide so were never in a situation to be concerned. The markets however are a seedy place, once the locals get your wallet open they will not leave you alone until it is empty. Be sure to play a hard experienced traveller.
Getting there
Again, do not forget that the Mango Bay Resort is a LONG way from the international airport. We chose a shuttle bus for our arrival and return, it is the most expensive way but you get personal service, cabs can also get you there if you are packing light. Public transport is available as well and it is quite cheap. Our trip to Sigatoka was on the bus and all in all it was a good experience. Finally, if you do go don't be afraid of the ride into the resort, it is actually about a 1/2 mile (1 km) from the road and it is a long bumpy gravel trail, you almost are worried that you are going somewhere you shouldn't be, as we did (especially in the dark) but its all just part of the experience.
Outdoors or beach
It is simply amazing at the Mango bay Resort, we used the resort for our honeymoon photos taken by a local professional and they are amazing. The Mango Bay is not a superly groomed place by no means but they have it so you feel like your in a beautiful park somewhere secluded. The lagoon makes it so you can swim wherever whnever sa there are no huge waves. The beaches are not groomed though so shells and coral are always changing, we picked several. I was truely in awe of how "natural" they make it feel there.
