Fiji's Viwa Island Resort makes you feel at home from the moment you step off the seaplane

Viwa Island, a secluded, tropical boutique resort with 11 traditional Fijian beach front bures, will extend the warmest of welcomes in picture perfect surroundings
1/11
Amira Hashish22 November 2017

The heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is blessed with 333 tropical islands so deciding which one to visit can prove tricky. If a fabulous beach and wonderfully warm welcome in a sociable environment sounds appealing, pay a visit to Viwa Island Resort...

Where is it? Viwa is in the remote Yasawa Island Group which makes up Fiji’s western border. The resort is the centre piece of this island and a vital part of the local community.

What's the story? This boutique escape is an adults only environment with 11 bures (think dreamy beach bungalows) and one of the best beaches in the Yasawas. A few years ago business partners Roy Halliday and Sheung Dawson left behind high profile jobs in Hong Kong to buy and run this slice of Fiji paradise. The result is a super welcoming and comfortable environment which draws on the skills and enthusiasm of the locals to create a very special holiday destination. Roy and his partner Louise take it in turn with Sheung to oversee Viwa and they live and breathe the resort.

We were greeted by a traditional welcome song from the staff and that set the tone for a super friendly experience. Despite this being such a secluded place you will never be short of activities with an itinerary that ranges from snorkelling and scuba diving to basket weaving, a visit to the local village and nightly entertainment.

A real highlight was the Pacific Night, a variety show which the staff put on to demonstrate their singing and dancing skills. It ended with each guest saying where they came from and what their trip to Fiji had taught them. The service here is second to none, with a genuinely happy team.

What can I expect from the accommodation? Crafted in traditional Fijian style with thatched roofs, all bures have high ceilings and louvre shutters designed to allow the refreshing ocean breeze to flow through. They come with modern furnishings and amenities, including air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a mini refrigerator, hair dryer and a room safe.

Each private bure overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean with a spacious balcony and outdoor seating. There is also a lounge area with sofas and a coffee table inside. The semi al fresco en-suite is designed to allow natural light in.

On the menu: a FJD $183 (£67) meal plan comprises a two-course lunch and three-course dinner per day. Alternatively, the FJD 113 (£41) option offers a one-course lunch and two-course dinner. Tea and cake is served in the afternoon as well. Remember that once you travel to Fijian islands you will be far away from amenities such as supermarkets so stock up on your favourite snacks or must have dietary requirements beforehand.

Anything else I should know? there are lots of complimentary activities to keep you occupied. However, for the more adventurous, diving and fishing trips can be booked for an extra fee.

How do I book? visit viwaislandresort.com to book direct on the website. A deluxe beachfront bure starts from FJD $1,038 (£382) per night while an executive beachfront bure costs FJD $1,155 (£425).

How do I get there? search and find cheap flights to Fiji's Nadi airport on Momondo. The site is super easy to navigate and helped us find the most reasonably priced flights available. It also suggests popular international routes so if you are tying this in as part of a wider trip you can assess the best options for your budget. Visit momondo.co.uk;for the latest offers.

Once you reach Nadi, the best way to get to Viwa Island is by seaplane. Turtle Airways will send a driver to meet you at the airport and then take you to the seaplane HQ which is a short drive away. A magnificent half an hour seaplane journey will offer breathtaking views and a James Bond style arrival. Prices start from FJD $380 (£140) one way and can be booked on turtleairways.com.

Why now? Passionate about creating a sustainable environment , Fiji is making waves as this year's President of the the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Visitors are made to feel very welcome but eco-tourism is at the heart of many of the islands. This offers a wonderful opportunity to experience unspoilt nature and contribute to a climate-safe endeavour.

25 of the best beaches in the world - in pictures

1/25

Top tip: visit Tourism Fiji at fiji.travel for comprehensive travel information, details on local customs and suggestions for routes or transfers.