Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel

Aside from its stunning views of Savusavu Harbor, the Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel doesn't have much wow factor. Guests arrive beneath a simple portico, and are then greeted by a less-than-thrilling lobby. The wide open space resembles a community rec room, with white walls, white tile floors, and willy-nilly furniture arrangements. The cheesy wood latticework around the front desk certainly doesn’t help the cause. But no matter the dire need for refurbishment, staff members greet guests with cheerful “bulas,” and there seems to be a sunny disposition about the place. Guests run the gamut, from Fijians doing business in Savusavu, to vacationing American couples, to European backpackers, to Australian families with kids. Though we wouldn’t recommend Savusavu Hot Springs for a luxurious Fijian getaway, we think it’s perfectly suitable for anyone making a quick pit stop in Savusavu.  

Savusavu Hot Spring Hotel has an excellent location within a few minutes walk of downtown Savusavu. From the hotel, guests can easily walk to all of Savusavu’s stores and restaurants, as well as the harbor. The town's hot springs are down the hill from Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel, and reached in a couple minutes on foot. 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 an hour and a half from Labasa Airport. Both airports are accessible from Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu. Savusavu is a tiny town located on Vanua Levu, 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. It’s also a popular cruise destination, thanks to its deep water harbor and cute downtown. Savusavu is also known for its small hot springs.

The term “bare bones” comes to mind when we think of the rooms at Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel. There isn’t much going on in terms of decor or amenities, but rooms are tidy, and perfectly adequate for travelers who are solely looking for a place to sleep at night. Like the lobby, rooms have white walls and white tile floors and are filled with simple, slightly dated furniture. Beds are dressed in coral-colored bedspreads that were likely all the rage in 1988, but today look worn and tired. A Fijian tapa-cloth bed runner adds a bit of local character, and matches the simple drapery hung above rooms’ sliding glass doors. In-room amenities include electric kettles and mini-fridges, but not all rooms are air-conditioned. Bathrooms have seen better days, and many have cracked mirrors or chipped tile, but the hotel is in the process of remodeling all bathrooms. Newer bathrooms have glass enclosed shower stalls instead of shower tub combos, and sleek sinks instead of ugly tiled vanities. All rooms have decently sized balconies with stunning views of Savusavu Harbor. The main choice of room type at Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel is air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned. Naturally, air-conditioned rooms are slightly more expensive. Some rooms are sold as “family rooms,” but they’re really just interconnecting rooms with kitchenettes.  

Savusavu Hot Springs’ greatest feature is surely its beautiful pool. Surrounded by a large deck, the pool overlooks the harbor, and is an awesome place to swim or relax in the sunshine. The pool deck has several lounge chairs, but there aren’t any umbrellas. The pool isn’t typically crowded, but it’s small, so even with a few people around it can feel busy. The hotel isn’t located on the beach, but there’s a long stretch of pebbly coastline about a 10-minute drive from the hotel.  Takia Restaurant, which overlooks the bay, serves homemade pizza and Fijian cuisine, including locally caught seafood. There is also an open-air bar with a pool table. Several local restaurants will make deliveries to the hotel if requested by guests. Although its name might imply otherwise, there aren’t actually any hot springs at Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel. Instead, the hotel is named after the town’s naturally occurring hot springs, which are located nearby. There is also a medical center nearby offering mineral hot spring baths (the natural springs are boiling and therefore too hot to bathe in.) Wi-Fi is free for guests, but can only be accessed in the lobby. The connection can be spotty at times, especially when lots of people are trying to use it.