Fiji's Royal Davui: Pure Beauty and Off-Course Relaxation

The Fijian name for the island is Ugaga (ung-nga-nga). Located southwest of Naceva Bay on Beqa Island, Ugaga has a rich and compelling history, and was gifted to the Vunivalu (tribal leader) of Serua around 1830, as payment for defending Naceva Village against attacks from neighboring Rukua Village.

In 2004, the island was opened to guests as the stunning world-class Royal Davui Island Resort, an adults-only property ideal for honeymoons, destination weddings and other dream getaways.
With just 16 exquisitely appointed Vales (vah-le is Fijian for home) nestled around 10 acres of exotic landscape, every guest enjoys the attentive service and warmth of a gracious local staff, as well as the privacy and carefree ambiance of a spectacular oasis.

Lining the cliffs, the expansive, secluded Vales range from 905 to nearly 1,200 square feet and offer sweeping views of the reef and Beqa Lagoon. Handsomely outfitted in an elegant motif, the Vales are all recently refurbished and feature a spacious sleeping pavilion, mahogany floors, thatched roofs, sea grass ceilings, oversized bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, original native artwork, and an open layout with extensive use of glass and bi-folding doors to fully capture the panoramic South Pacific views. Each Vale has two spacious outdoor decks, which incorporate sun lounges, a dining area and an infinity-edge private plunge pool overlooking the lagoon. Rounding out the amenity mix are in-room spa treatments, a fully stocked mini bar, a desk with telephone and data port facilities, iPod dock/CD player and ceiling fans.

Pathways wind around the foliage and pass white sand beaches throughout the property, which also includes a library, 60-foot pool, bar and restaurant. Guests may dine in their rooms, or under a magnificent banyan tree at Banyan Restaurant & Bar. Whether indulging in an intimate dinner for two or a casual picnic on the beach, a team of talented chefs creates the finest Pacific fusion cuisine utilizing only local ingredients. Menus at Royal Davui are designed daily using only the freshest, seasonal fare. Seafood plays an integral role in the Fijian diet, so menus focus on the best catches of the day.

While there is plenty of time to lounge in luxury, the island offers a complete line-up of activities. In fact, Beqa Lagoon is famed for offering divers some of the world’s top scuba dive sites and vibrant marine life – all within minutes of the resort. Other onsite activities include catamarans, paddle boards, kayaks, swimming, sailing, water skiing, hiking, snorkeling and more. Royal Davui is also in close proximity to Pacific Harbour – Fiji’s soft-adventure capital – offering white water rafting, fishing, eco tours and zip lining.

In addition to outdoor recreation, Royal Davui has many cultural diversions. The Fijian culture is steeped in tradition, and the resort shares that rich heritage with guests through experiences such as village visits, a village church service, local string band performances, cooking and coconut demonstrations, a kava ceremony and shopping at a handicraft market.

A Royal Davui “must-do” for romance is a picnic at the Sand Quay, a tidal islet that is a just short boat ride from the island. Resort boats transport guests to this remote getaway, which is reserved for only one couple at a time. A sunshade is provided, as well as picnic mats and a hearty lunch spread.

Royal Davui also houses a recently refurbished and upgraded spa, offering unique treatments for couples and singles, including facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. With a keen focus on utilizing local, sustainable products, materials and produce, the resort uses only the Pure Fiji line in the spa and Vales.

While it is remote, Royal Davui is also remarkably easy to reach. Fiji is one of – if not the – most accessible South Pacific destinations, with daily flights from Australia and frequent flights from North America, New Zealand and Asia. The most popular way to reach the island is via twice-daily plane/launch transfers that involve a 20-minute flight from Nadi International Airport, followed by a 30-minute launch ride across the lagoon. The resort will arrange all transfers from Nadi to the island and back. 

For more information, visit royaldavui.com.