Wow! What a wonderful trip we had on Turtle Island.

My husband and I found Turtle Island on the internet under romantic getaways. We knew this is the place we wanted to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Several days before our vacation we were informed that we would be going to the island by boat instead of by seaplane. Although we were a little disappointed, we were up for the adventure of enjoying more of lovely Fiji. We were blessed to meet 2 other couples who we would spend the next week with us on the island. One of the couples even got married on the island. The other couple was celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. Trish escorted us on our boat ride and were joined by our chef, Seva. Although the ride was a bit choppy and rough the people made the journey a bonding experience.

Arriving on the island we were greeted with song and laughter. We were brought to our bure by Richard, Sina, Tai and our bure mama, Tokasa. Talk about feeling welcomed. Walking into our bure and seeing it for the first time, we were "WOW' d". The craftsmanship of the woodwork, the honeymoon bathrooms, the huge walk-in double shower, and the feeling of the bure were perfect.

We had so many wonderful experiences on the island from snorkeling, to deep sea fishing, private picnics on a different beach every day, sunrise horseback riding, a sunset cruise, singing and dancing, and of course kava.

The food was wonderful! From the pastries in the morning to the desserts at dinner. Yum. Fish, lobster, shrimp, mongolian BBQ, curried meats, the lova (pit cooking), everything we ate was delicious. Our compliments to the chefs.

Our bure mama, Tokasa did a wonderful job taking care of us. Everyday our refrigerator was stocked with our drinks, fruit, and fresh lemonade and juice. The bure was clean and fresh flowers decorated our bure daily. Our bed was quite decked out for our anniversary with flowers and well wishes written in flowers and leaves. What a wonderful touch. We will never forget the laughter and sharing with Tokasa, (and of course the foot massage.)

This dream vacation would have been nothing without the people on the island. Laughter and smiles were always present along with music and singing. Everyone knew our name and we felt like we were part of their family. We were well taken care and oftentimes our favorite drinks were in our hands before we asked for them. Tokasa, Arthur, Erami, Atu, Holena, Lewa, and who could forget Mikah, and the whole turtle family, you will always be in our hearts. And to Tai, (the new guy) it was a joy to talk with you and enjoy your company. We can't wait to see you when we return.

As the seaplane was ready to take us home the tears were flowing. We had never experienced anything like this before.

To the whole Turtle Island family, Vinaka. You made this the perfect vacation and we will always have the fondest memories of our new family.


Jim and Donna
Tucson, Az

When we decided to go to Turtle Island for our honeymoon we had no idea what a truly enlightening experience it would be. The Burre was absolutely beautiful and the staff members were the nicest and happiest people I think I have ever met. It has truly changed the way we look at life in general. When we first arrived we discovered there was no air conditioning in the burre. This turned out to be just one more thing to keep you feeling like you were a part of the island and its lifestyle not just a tourist. The food was five star and the Kava was plentiful! Truly a place for those looking for something other than a routine resort experience!

My husband, Brandon and I had the trip of a lifetime. I've personally had a dream of going to Turtle Island for over 10 years now. He surprised me with this trip of a lifetime!! We had our wedding/honeymoon! Our Mama, Kini and her contagious laugh as well as her sweet spirit will always be remembered. She took excellent care of us while we were in her care! Lewa and Bill at the bar never let us go thirsty and always had a kind word to say! Lewa was never too busy to sit down and share with us or just listen! I thought it was amazing how Sevah the chef, which we called "Mr. V" was so into the Gaither Brothers. The Gaithers in the states are such an influential part of communicating God's word through praise and worship. Mika was definitely a character. He was always laughing and was such a big part of everything we took part of on the island. He is a "jack of all" for sure! Rami and Arthur were great leaders on the island and really taught us about the Fijian culture. Arthur definitely has a passion for it! I asked Rami to give me away at my wedding. I knew he would be the next best thing next to my father. He was incredible. He was quiet but with a strong spririt for the Lord. Pastor Wella Wella gave such kind words to Brandon and I about our strong faith in Christ and how he was so pleased to see two people dedicated to the Lord. Si' was incredible. She was always making sure we were in the best hands at all times and had everything we needed! Her sweet and gentle spirit were felt by all.

Brandon and I attended the church service and heard the children sing using their beautiful voices. We loved all the songs and how they used this as their ministry for the Lord. I saw in one of your videos where you were stating that it was the fijian people that kept you in Fiji. I couldn't agree more! It is so evident how God is working on your island and how they are being used for His purpose. I know that is very pleasing in God's sight to see people's lives changed and people being led to the Lord through your staff on Turtle. It is truly Heaven on Earth!
Turtle was much more than just a secluded romantic getaway for us! It definitely has beautiful mountains, beaches, coral, fish, and oceans. But Brandon and I believe the true beauty of Turtle Island is found in the people there! We both feel so blessed to have been able to come and be a part of such a wonderful family! We pray for God's protection over everyone there.
Thank you again for sharing your piece of heaven with us! Vinaka, Vinaka, from our hearts to yours!!
We will NEVER forget!

Brothers and Sisters in Christ~
Brandon and Shelley Seavers

Turtle Island promises that you will feel like part of the family. You just don't know how true that is until you actually experience it. We received such personal attention from the time we arrived at the airport until the moment we left. The friendliness of the Fijian people is overwhelming. You instantly start making connections with the staff and enjoying every interaction with them. It truly is what makes Turtle Island so special.
It also is a truly relaxing vacation. Everything is taken care of and becomes easy. We had no problem leaving the cares of the rest of the world behind us for 7 spectacular days. No phones, no tv's, no computers and no cares to see any of them or have any of them work.
I have never had a vacation where times seem to stand still. This one really did seem to. Everything just slows down and you relax. There are no shopping malls to get to, or show schedules to check or transportation to schedule to get into town for dinner, or worries that you don't have the right outfit or shoes. Nobody cares what you are wearing and shoes are totally not required and a waste of time.
Our meals were always wonderful, wether it was the freshest of fruits for breakfast or the most beautifully presented lobster I have ever seen. Anyone with special dietary needs had those met and every meal was enjoyed. We even enjoyed the fact that you just eat what is served that day. No stress in choosing what you want for lunch. It is put in front of you and it is wonderful. Who wouldn't enjoy every meal when served up on a beautiful beach front at a family table surrounded by other happy, relaxed guests. Enjoying one another's stories, adventures and tales from their lives also makes every meal special and typically, full of laughter.
Our bura was quiet, very comfortable and private. Every amenity you could need is provided and if there is anything you could possibly want, our Bura Mama (the most wonderful Ala) provided it for us. Plenty of room to spread out, relax, nap, soak and just rejuvenate the soul.
I would recommend Turtle Island to anyone looking to totally unplug. We were amazed by the natural beauty and fell in love with the people. I will not forget the dock full of our new friends all waving as we took off, and the warm hugs and songs we were given will keep us smiling until we return.