Castaway Island Fiji

Though Castaway has a lot of acreage (174 to be exact), the resort is built up on one side of the private island with views that will not disappoint. Much of the hilly land is covered in tropical rainforest interspersed with walking trails, but it's the crystal clear lagoon and coral reef with bright turquoise water that steals the show. The main stretch of white sand is dotted with colorful kayaks and Hobie Cats that are free for guests, and some of the dining areas overlook the water. Tucked slightly away are the two pools, while brick paths lead to the standalone bungalows with traditional thatched roofs.

The resort has been in business since 1966 and long-time staff members are a big part of the experience. Expect the quintessential Fijian welcome, plus each week there's a meet-and-greet cocktail party where guests and staff get to know each other. Additionally, parents rave about the child-care options; in fact, the resort encourages a child-free environment in the evenings, and between the free kids' club that runs late to the babysitting services (for a fee), adults can easily get private time. 

The resort is located on a private island in Fiji's Mamanuca chain, which can either be reached from Port Denarau by South Seas Cruises with several daily departures, or a 15-minute seaplane ride. Since the latter can get quite expensive, most choose to make the roughly two-hour journey by ferry. Port Denarau is a 20-minutes car ride from Nadi International Airport. 

Castaway has 66 traditional Fijian-style bures either along the beachfront on the north and south sides of the island, or tucked in tropical gardens. Each freestanding unit is decorated with beautiful vaulted, hand-painted ceilings, as well as tile floors, blue and white textiles, and local wood and straw furnishings. Bures mostly have the same layout -- a main bedroom with a king-size bed and sliding door for privacy, plus a living area housing two daybeds that can be made into twin beds. Ample windows let in lots of light, and each unit has a furnished patio. 

All units also have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, bathrobes, mini-fridges, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, but they lack phones, TVs, or Wi-Fi -- a pro for those looking to unplug. Bathrooms have walk-in showers, hairdryers, and toiletries in eco-friendly clay pots. For large groups, interconnecting units that fit up to 10 guests are available. 

Castaway's private island has lush tropical vegetation, low-lying hills, and hiking paths, and guests can walk the entire circumference at low tide. Most, however, tend to stick to the main white-sand beach with plenty of space to spread out on loungers under palapas, plus its calm water is safe for swimming and snorkeling (gear available for free). Also available there are free non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and Hobie Cat sailing; Jet Skis and scuba diving lessons or excursions through the PADI dive center are available for a fee. Castaway has two pools: an adult-only pool with a hot tub and swim-up bar, and a family-friendly pool that can get quite rowdy with games and poolside dining. The two pools are close together though and noise may travel to the quieter pool.

The excellent, free kids' club has activities throughout the day, sometimes providing snorkel lessons in the pool and the final lesson in the ocean. Early dinners for kids followed by supervised activities are available for parents that want a private dinner, plus babysitting services are offered for a fee. Other activities include beach volleyball and a tennis court -- use of racquets and balls are free. Though it can be difficult to get an appointment, guests can arrange Fijian massages in the small spa, on the beach, or in the privacy of their bures. 

Wi-Fi is free in the common areas. A shop on-site sells clothes, souvenirs, and beverages.

Food at the four restaurants generally receives high marks. The main Water's Edge Restaurant has buffet spreads for all three meals using produce from the island's herb garden, and hosts special themed buffets on certain nights. It has both indoor seating and a large outdoor deck with ocean views. The poolside Nuku Marau serves Asian and Fijian cuisine such as sushi, poke, sandwiches, and wraps for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. The Sundowner Bar has a menu of Italian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas for lunch and dinner, and hosts a daily happy hour. Restaurant 1808 is a romantic beachfront eatery for dinner that serves a Fijian-Asian fusion menu. Picnics at nearby islands can also be arranged.