Namale Resort & Spa

A long winding driveway flanked with palms leads guests to Namale’s lobby. With its tall thatched roof and open-air living space, the lobby immediately feels Fijian, but luxe wicker furniture and potted birds of paradise give the space an upscale vibe. Staff members greet guests by name and welcome them with tropical drinks and _salu salus _(intricate Fijian leis). Namale emphasizes privacy and relaxation, which makes it a popular honeymoon destination. Each of the hotel’s 19 rooms feels secluded, thanks to the property’s mature vegetation and sprawling layout. The only pitfall to the widespread space is how long it takes to walk everywhere. Many guests rely on golf carts to get around, which some people may find inconvenient. Namale is an adult-only property that’s wildly popular with honeymooners. The majority of guests are from North America, with a smattering of Australians and New Zealanders as well. Namale is actually owned by American self-help guru, Tony Robbins. Occasionally, Namale is closed for Robbins’ weeklong wellness retreats and seminars, but otherwise the resort remains free from the influence of its sometimes polarizing owner.  

Namale is located in Savusavu, a small town on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Savusavu Airport, or a 90-minute drive from Labasa Airport. In order to reach Namale, travelers must first fly to Nadi International Airport, and then take a 55-minute domestic flight to either Savusavu or Labasa. We’d recommend staying for a night or two in Nadi before flying to Vanua Levu. This helps ease jet lag and possibly alleviate frustration, as domestic flights in Fiji are often severely delayed. Namale only offers free round trip airport transportation for Savusavu, not Labasa. Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island after Viti Levu. Referred to as “up north” by Fijians living on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu looks like a place where time has stood still. Practically untouched, and much less developed than Viti Levu, Vanua Levu is an authentic Fijian paradise. Vanua Levu’s intensely hilly landscapes, towering waterfalls, and stunning coastlines almost seem otherworldly; and the island’s overwhelmingly friendly locals only add to its charm. Savusavu is one of Vanua Levu’s most populous towns and is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Savusavu is also a popular cruise destination, thanks to its deep water harbor and cute downtown. 

There are six different room types at Namale, ranging from entry-level Garden Tropical Bures to two-bedroom Luxury Grand Villas with private pools. All rooms feature upscale Fijian decor, like intricate thatched roofing, hardwood floors, and wicker furniture. To offset dark wood tones, beds are dressed in simple cream-colored quilts and topped with palm frond-print pillows. Rooms are equipped with minibars that are replenished daily, plush robes, and Namle emblazoned sulus (Fijian sarongs). TVs aren't provided, but there is free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are a touch dated thanks to green marble flooring and fluorescent bulb lighting, but are otherwise luxuriously appointed with pebbled countertops and showers. Some rooms have outdoor showers and two-person jetted tubs. Garden Tropical Bures and Ocean Tropical Bures are Namale’s entry level categories. They feature the same decor, amenities, and layouts but have different locations on the property. As their name suggests, Garden Tropical Bures are located within the property’s gardens, wedged between lush foliage and massive banyan trees. Ocean Tropical Bures are beachfront, with large private decks that overlook the ocean. Ocean Deluxe Bures are also beachfront, but are slightly larger and have luxe amenities like four-poster beds and jetted spa tubs. Additionally, Honeymoon Bures have their own private plunge pools, which overlook the ocean. The resort’s One- and Two-Bedroom Villas are perfect for travelers looking to spurge -- and spread out. These massive spaces have their own private plunge pools, separate living spaces, and huge master bedrooms with four-poster beds and killer clifftop views. This is probably where Tony Robbins sleeps when he comes to town. Nightly turndown service includes petal-strewn decorations and perfect mosquito-net arrangements. 

Though Namale’s nightly rates are expensive, the hotel offers great value and doesn't nickel-and-dime guests with hidden fees. The resort’s rates are truly all-inclusive, covering everything like excellent dining, top-shelf liquor, motorized and non-motorized water sports, golf, horseback riding, daily laundry service, Wi-Fi, and roundtrip transportation to and from Savusavu Airport. The only features not included are spa services (though guests can use the spa’s hydrotherapy room for free), and off-property excursions. 

Although there’s only one on-site restaurant, Namale’s dining options are varied and plentiful. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is housed in the resort’s main _bure _(loosely translates to straw and wood hut) -- just a few feet from the lobby. The open-air restaurant has a relaxed, elegant feel. Guests are asked to take their shoes off before entering, but the room’s plush fabrics and dark hardwood floors still give it an elegant feel. Outside, multi-tiered decks overlook the Koro Sea and Vanua Levu’s stunning natural scenery. All meals are served a la carte, and much of the restaurant’s produce is grown in the hotel’s organic garden. Breakfast includes options like muesli and yogurt, omelets and eggs Benedict, and french toast and flapjacks served with tropical fruits. Lunch is a three-course affair with options like chicken tikka masala, Vietnamese spring rolls, and Fijian _kokoda _(like ceviche). The daily-changing dinner menu features international specialities like New Zealand rack of lamb, blue stone crab, and local lobster. Top-shelf liquor and an extensive selection of beer, wine, and Champagne are all included in room rates. Namale caters to guests with specific dietary needs, so guests who are vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free/dairy-free/kosher/etc., should let the hotel know about their needs prior to arrival. In addition to dining in the main bure, guests can choose to have their meals at several “dine out” locations across the property. Having breakfast next to a waterfall, or lunch on a private oceanfront deck, or dinner inside of a cave are a few of the options guests can choose from. Dine outs are included in the resort’s all-inclusive rates, but are subject to availability. Guests who’d like to take advantage of these different dining locations should enquire about them at the beginning of their stays.  

Activities abound at Namale, and many are included in the hotel’s all-inclusive rates. Kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding are free activities that guests can take part in off the shores of Namale. Unfortunately the property’s main beach is entirely too rocky for swimming or even walking along the shore. However, the resort does have several beach lounge chairs set up, and hammocks strung between the palms. Additionally, Namale’s all-inclusive rates include motorized water sports. Guests can go boating, take banana boat rides, and even learn to kneeboard or wakeboard. For something with a slower pace, guests can take guided reef walks along Namale’s coastal tide pools. Namale is located on a 525 acre property -- the majority of which is untouched rain forest. The hotel has two hiking trails, which wind through the rain forest and past fresh water pools and waterfalls. Guests can venture out on their own, or schedule guided hiking tours. Sports enthusiasts have plenty of options to choose from, like basketball, golf, and bowling. Namale’s nine-hole golf course isn’t Jack Nicklaus caliber, but greens are nicely maintained and free for guests to use. Don’t worry about hauling your clubs to Fiji either, the hotel has free equipment to borrow. The Kava Bowl is the hotel’s indoor sports complex, which has its own indoor basketball court and two-lane bowling alley. The Kava Bowl also has a 3D golf simulator, pool and ping-pong tables, and air hockey. Another excellent all-inclusive perk at Namale is horseback riding. The hotel has stables on-site where they raise and care for six horses. Guests can opt for horseback riding on the beach or along the resort’s gorgeous grounds. No prior riding experience is necessary. 

Namale has two gorgeous outdoor pools, both with stunning ocean views. The Lasalasa Pool is situated on a cliff that overlooks the Koro Sea. The freeform pool is surrounded by shady trees and a gorgeous sun deck, and even has its own hot tub. Namale’s other pool is situated in front of its water sports beach and tends to be quieter than the Lasalasa Pool. Neither pool ever seems to be crowded, since many guests make use of their private plunge pools or the hotel’s secluded, romantic hot tubs that are scattered throughout the grounds (look for the heart-shaped whirlpool.) Pools are spotlessly kept, but do show signs of age, like worn cement lining.  

The spa at Namale is a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront retreat with gorgeous open-air treatment rooms and a jaw-dropping hydrotherapy center. Though spa treatments are not part of the hotel’s all-inclusive package, they’re quite popular, so it’s wise to make reservations in advance. The spa has a long list of treatment options including traditional Fijian Bobo massages, Thai yoga massages, facials, body scrubs, and couples treatments. The stunning open-air treatment rooms feel uniquely Fijian, with thatch-work ceilings, carved-wood paneled walls, and large outdoor decks. The spa’s hydrotherapy room is a real highlight, and is free for all guests to use. The hydrotherapy room’s wall of windows overlooks both the Koro Sea and Namale’s stunning cliffs. We recommend heading over in the evening, relaxing in the hydrotherapy pools, and watching the sunset.