A Super-Luxury Resort on Wakaya Island
Within sight of Levuka, Wakaya Island is an uplifted, tilted coral atoll in the Koro Sea. Beaches fringe Wakaya's north and east coasts, and cliffs fall into the sea on its western side. Relics of a Fijian fort still stand on the cliffs. Legend says a chief and all his men leapt off the cliff to their deaths from there rather than be roasted by a rival tribe; the spot is now known as Chieftain's Leap. The only way to visit Wakaya, however, is to stay at The Wakaya Club.
Other Islands Near Ovalau
Before the Yasawa Islands became Fiji's backpacker heaven early this century, young folk would visit little islets near Ovalau for some serious sun and fun. Few young travelers come this way nowadays, though.
Leleuvia Island (tel. 343 4008) is a tiny sand islet dotted with coconut trees and surrounded by a beach and good snorkeling in the lagoon. This was a hot backpacker destination in pre-Yasawa days, and expatriate management has been trying to stage a comeback. Basic accommodations range from about F$50 (US$32/£17) for a dorm bed to F$70 (US$45/£23) for a room or thatch hut, including meals. Credit cards are not accepted.
Caqalai Island Accommodation (tel. 343 0366) is on a larger island of the same name (pronounced Than-ga-lai) owned by the Methodist Church, which means BYO since no alcohol is sold here. Simple bures cost about F$55 (US$36/£18) for a double, dorm beds are about F$45 (US$29/£15) per person, and you can camp for about F$35 (US$23/£12) per person, including all meals. No credit cards are accepted.
The Royal Hotel organizes day trips to Caqalai.
Fiji's first Indian indentured workers arrived in 1879 at Yanuca Lailai Island, off Ovalau's south coast, where they were quarantined for 2 months to make sure they weren't bringing cholera and other diseases into the islands. Today, it's home to Lost Island Resort (no phone), which has three Fijian bures and an eight-bed dorm. Rates are about F$45 (US$29/£15) per person in a bure, or F$40 (US$26/£13) in the dorm, including meals (no credit cards).
The easiest way to make reservations at Leleuvia, Caqalai, and Lost Island is through Ovalau Watersports (tel. 440 611; www.owlfiji.com).
Hilly Naigani Island, about 11km (7 miles) northwest of Ovalau, is home to Naigani Island Resort (tel. 603 0613; www.naiganiresort.com). Chinese interests reportedly have purchased the resort, and it's anyone's guess as to what they plan to do with it.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
