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Really wish I could gatekeep this, but here it goes: I just came back from the best vacation in the history of ever at Turtle Island in Fiji. (I don’t care where you’ve been, Dua Lipa, my holiday was better.) Let me walk you through it! Private island ✅, adults-only ✅, all-inclusive food and bev ✅, beach-front villa ✅, breathtaking views ✅, high romantic aura ✅✅✅. Before getting to Fiji, I’d heard really great things about Turtle Island (former honeymooners include Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson—respectively, of course), but neither I nor my boyfriend expected just how life-changing a stay there would be.
I know, sounds dramatic, sounds fake. But for a burnt-out couple seeking solace and to “touch grass” as the internet says, this place was the perfect retreat from all the *gestures broadly* of life. We relaxed on private beaches, snorkelled in the crystal-clear water, rode horses, made lifelong friendships, and more. It’s hard to package up the magic of this island into one little review, but let me try my best, below.
THE QUICK HITS: TURTLE ISLAND EDITION
- Name: Turtle Island
- Location: Turtle Island, Fiji
- Cost Per Night: Starting at $2,550
- Best For: Romantic getaways, honeymoons, wedding anniversaries, vow renewals, couples seeking intimacy and connection
- While You’re Here, Visit: Mainland Nadi, Fiji
- One-Word Vibe Check: Idyllic
- Most Iconic Photo Spot: Honeymoon Beach (one of the island's 12 private beaches)
- Don’t Leave Without: Enjoying kava night (drinking a traditional Fijian beverage) with the Turtle Island staff post-dinner
THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Because Turtle Island is, ahem, an island, guests typically arrive via private seaplane. (Don't worry, no need to charter your own, Turtle Island coordinates this transfer from the Nadi International Airport to Turtle Island as part of your stay.) Upon stepping foot on the white sand beach, we were greeted by singing staff members. Immediately, the vibes were high. Our personal concierge introduced herself to us as our "bure mama" and then hugged me and told me she loved me. (If you think that's corny, please take a 16-hour flight with no compression socks, no neck pillow, no nothing, and then try to tell me you don't want to feel the sun's rays actualized in the form of a loving mother figure with open arms. I'll wait.)
Turtle Island has an indoor/outdoor, barefoot luxury feel. There's no true lobby—the beach is the lobby. From there you can see the central gathering spot underneath a canopy of trees, the rooftops of the secluded private guest villas, and the Fijian mountains in the distance. Every now and then a wild (but friendly!) rooster will cross your path. I say that's good luck.
You'll also find that other guests will come up and introduce themselves. Turtle Island only allows a maximum of 14 couples on the island at once, which fosters a very intimate sense of community. Everyone's first question is always, "Is this your first time?" At first, we thought this was an odd question to ask. But it turns out that we were the minority. Everyone else but us had stayed at Turtle Island before. For some guests, this summer was their 11th time! (Fun fact, the hotel told us that 55 percent of guests book another stay before they leave!)
THE ROOMS
The private bures (aka villas) are stunning. We stayed in Bure #9. It had a beachfront view, a little kitchenette, separate bathrooms (clutch), and even an in-room hot tub with a view of the beach. Despite the open windows and stunning views, the bure was very private. It was set back from the beach and adorned with lush trees and shrubbery. We quickly fell into a daily routine here: Every morning we had breakfast on the beachfront and every evening we soaked our feet in the hot tub before bed.
THE AMENITIES
Turtle Island felt like an adult summer camp to us, and I mean that in the wholesomest way. Archery, horseback riding, snorkeling, a visit to the spa, you name it. We just let our bure mama know what we were feeling and she set it up for us. We were even encouraged to just approach The Activities Boys (aka the men who run all the activities) ourselves if we wanted to change course and try out clam digging or hand-fishing or what-have-you. Truly, the island was our oyster, and we loved that everything was included in the price of our room.
Sometimes, though, I just wanted to chillax on the beach or enjoy a delicious picnic for two. So imagine my delight when I found out there are 12 private beaches guests can reserve for the day.
As for wifi... Turtle Island heavily encourages guests to log off/recenter/touch grass, so in-room wifi isn't provided here. However, if you do need it, there is complimentary wifi in their boutique and business lounge.
THE FOOD AND BEV
When we first heard that all meals would be served communally, at a shared dining table, my first thought was, “Oh no.” My boyfriend’s response was, “Should we cancel?” But turns out that was our favorite part of the entire trip. Sure, we could opt out any night and choose to have a private dinner in our bure or on a pontoon, but it was during these communal meals that we fostered meaningful friendships that we'll always cherish. Not to sound so internet, but Turtle Island encourages human connection, not only through dining but also through experiences like sunset boat tours, karaoke nights, and kava ceremonies with the staff. One guest even helped us map out our five-year plan following a deep discussion over dinner. (Shoutout to "My Eiji and Kym 1", the coolest Aussies we know!)
Anyway. On top of that, The. Food. Is. Incredible. We've been to resorts with all-inclusive food and beverages before, but nothing like this. Turtle Island serves fresh farm-to-table dining, and nearly everything is from the island itself. The seafood selection changes daily and is dependent on what Turtle Island's fishermen catch that day.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Oh, we're coming back. It's already being planned. We're hitting up our new Turtle Island family and rallying up our best friends for a joint vacay. Yes, the island is breathtakingly beautiful. The food and drinks are some of the best we've ever had. And the amenities are top-notch. But it's really the hospitality and energy of Turtle Island that we'll be returning for. Plus, we'll have to check on our little tree! (Before departing, each couple is invited to decorate a cement stone with their names and plant a tree on the island in memory of their stay there.)
I'll admit, $2,550+ per night is no loose change. But if you're looking for a life-changing experience and a luxury stay, I have no recommendations except for Turtle Island.
