Bounty Island Resort

After arriving to a typical Fijian welcome, guests can meander the resort's 48-acre natural and beautiful grounds -- it takes just 40 minutes to walk around the entire island and provides a look at Fiji's less developed areas. Across a wide beach is the main hub, which holds the open-air, sand-floored restaurant, an all-day coffee and tea station, and a small front desk. Other shared facilities are limited to an activities hut, and a bar and game area. There's a steady rotation of budget-minded guests, who tend to mingle during meal times since tables are communal.

A small team of staff live and work on the island and are thus part of the hotel's experience. They'll often talk about the history of the island with guests -- for instance, the story of the unmarked graves from U.S. Naval officers, or how the island was used for the filming of reality show Celebrity Love Island. Many guests partake in their regular activities such as feeding the turtles, gardening, art projects, and Sunday church services. While the resort is charming and offers lots of space for guests, travelers may get restless after a few days here.

Bounty Island is located off the western coast of Fiji's Viti Levu -- where the biggest airport in the country is located. It takes less than 30 minutes to arrive to Bounty via ferry transfer from Port Denarau Marina, which is about 20 minutes driving distance from Nadi International Airport. Transfers can be booked directly with Bounty or online with the ferry company, though the resort needs to coordinate their side of it (the ferry connects with the resort's smaller boat, which then takes guests to shore). Staff on both boats assist guests with transfers and luggage, and guests should prepare to get feet wet when jumping off the boat. Note that this rugged island is probably not suitable for travelers with mobility issues.

Once at the property, expect to have little in the way of supplies other than food and drink from the restaurant and bar, so it's worth stocking up on snacks, drinks, and toiletries in Port Denarau before getting on the ferry.  

The Bounty Island Resort has 18 stand-alone units with beach or garden views. The top-tier Beachfront Bures are lacking in style, outfitted in plain wood and wicker furnishings and neutral-tone linens, though some do have Fijian bed runners for a touch of local flavor. The rooms are showing wear and tear, but they include air-conditioning, mosquito nets, mini-fridges, and instant coffee and tea. There are no TVs, phones, or Wi-Fi in the rooms. Private bathrooms have walk-in showers and Frangipani-brand toiletries. Front porches lead to a natural beachfront with turquoise ocean views. Each unit has its own hammock and two cushioned loungers, which admittedly may be missing a cushion due to wind. Three units with more modern decor were completed in late 2015, so it may be worth asking for an upgrade. 

A slight step down in price are the Island Bures, set next to each other behind the bar with garden views. Unlike the beachfront units, these do not have air-conditioning, rather just a ceiling fan. Air-conditioned dormitories are available for a low price and include sheets and pillows. These units have shared bathroom facilities and guests have to rent bath towels.

Perhaps the most unique part of staying here is the ability to walk around the entire island without running into another person. It takes about 40 minutes to circumnavigate, and there are mixed widths that feel more spacious in parts and more narrow in others (be careful during high tide). Walking trails through the middle also offer guests the opportunity to explore rare tropical vegetation. Of course, the crowning feature is the island's white-sand beaches with stunning views, though guests should be aware of the occasional sharp bits of coral. There are loungers set underneath shaded beach huts. Adjacent to the ocean is a small freshwater swimming pool on a raised deck. For water sports, guests can rent snorkel gear and request a snorkeling tutorial and map, as there are colorful reefs in a few spots close to shore. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other equipment are also available for rent, plus staff can arrange motorized water sports and PADI-certified dive excursions.

Land activities include table tennis, billiards, turtle feeding, volleyball games, and cultural lessons from the staff. They also involve guests in their weekly rituals such as singing and church services. There's a daily blackboard listing both restaurant menus and entertainment. Wi-Fi is available around the dining room for a daily fee.

Everyone staying at the resort pays a fee for the meal plan which includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, and an a la carte dinner. Additional items from an all-day menu are available for an extra charge. The resort has its own organic garden, which supplies much of the restaurant's fruits and vegetables. Drinking water, instant coffee, and tea are always available at no charge. For alcoholic beverages, happy hour specials take place both before and after dinner. The bar has the island's only TV for sporting events.