Naveria Heights Lodge

If you do not have an SUV in Fiji and/or are unaccustomed with driving on steep, winding roads, it’s best to organize your arrival with Sharon, the owner of Naveria Heights Lodge. The hotel is situated on top of a massive hill, and its driveway is unpaved and riddled with potholes. Sharon or a member of her staff will happily meet arriving guests at the airport or ferry dock and drive them up the hill to the hotel. Once inside, the bumpy ride is easily forgettable when the astounding scenery comes into view. Thanks to its hilltop location, Naveria Heights Lodge has breathtaking views of Savusavu Harbor and its surroundings. The bright blue waters of the harbor are framed by Vanua Levu’s lush terrain, and Sharon’s meticulously kept tropical gardens add vibrant hues of pink and orange. A simple check-in process takes place in the hotel’s communal living area, where guests are welcomed with freshly prepared tropical drinks. The room is open and airy, with tented bamboo ceilings and shiny hardwood floors. It features upscale Fijian decor with lots of tapa prints, woven-mat area rugs, and locally made wall art. Nearly all guests at Naveria Heights Lodge are adults, including couples and solo travelers. We wouldn’t recommend the lodge for families with children, since the outdoor decks don’t have safety railings. The atmosphere is also a bit quiet for families with little ones. Nearby Daku Resort is definitely a better option for families. 

Naveria Heights Lodge is located in Savusavu, a tiny town on the island of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest 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. It’s also a popular cruise destination, thanks to its deep water harbor and cute downtown. Naveria Heights Lodge is just outside of downtown Savusavu — about a five-minute drive. Downtown Savusavu has a few stores and several nice restaurants. Though there aren’t any sandy beaches within walking distance, there’s a long stretch of accessible pebbly coastline within a 10-minute drive. The hotel is approximately 10 minutes from Savusavu Airport, and about 90 minutes from Labasa Airport. Both airports are accessible from Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu — but beware domestic flights between the islands are often severely delayed. 

There are four rooms at Naveria Heights Lodge, and each is individually decorated with simple island-inspired decor. You won’t find over-the-top luxury here, but rooms have a charming homey feel to them. Beds are dressed in tropical prints, tapa cloths hang from the walls, and potted birds of paradise and hibiscus bring vitality to the rooms. Rooms are equipped with mini-fridges, electric kettles, French presses, and air-conditioning units. Some bathrooms are open to the bedrooms and lack privacy because they don’t have doors. Some are equipped with simple shower stalls and a vanity, while others have large soaking tubs. All rooms have large, private outdoor balconies with astounding views of the harbor. 

There isn’t much to do at Naveria Heights Lodge, but Sharon is happy to arrange excursions and activities for guests. Sharon is heavily involved with the local community and knows the best ways to see the island. She can arrange snorkeling trips, kayak tours, local hikes, and bike rides. She even offers all-inclusive packages that are centered around themes like “wellness” or “adventure,” and include all meals at the lodge. Around the lodge, guests can take a dip in the tiny plunge pool, relax on the outdoor deck, or hang out in the communal living room — the only place on property with a TV. Free Wi-Fi is available for all guests, and works well across the property.  Breakfast is a decadent affair at Naveria Heights lodge, but the hotel’s healthy offerings make it easy to indulge. Every morning Sharon or one of her staff members bakes a loaf of bread, which is served warm with local jams and preserves. Breakfast also includes yogurt, muesli, an array to tropical drinks and smoothies, and fresh fruit. The morning meal receives rave reviews from guests, and we concur — breakfast here is worth waking up for.