Kauwai Retreat
Ovalau Road Neighboring Wainaloka Village Fiji
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About
#1 of 1 lodge in Ovalau Island
Location
5.0
Rooms
4.7
Value
4.9
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.8
Eco-friendly Retreat 20 mins from World Heritage Site-Levuka. A home for travelers seeking to get away from the commercial side of Fiji with an authentic flavor in mind. Kauwai Retreat has a range of ocean activities as well as a calm atmosphere for complete Relaxation. Do as you please in the company of friendly staff that live in the village nearby. An Affordable, Unplugged and Alternative place to stay.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Yoga classes
Saltwater pool
Free breakfast
Boating
Canoeing
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Shallow end in pool
Hiking
Snorkeling
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Walking tours
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
First aid kit
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
Room features
Air conditioning
Private beach
Additional bathroom
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Oven
Refrigerator
Walk-in shower
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Ovalau Road Neighboring Wainaloka Village Fiji
Getting there
1 Restaurant
within 5 miles
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 36
- 4
- 0
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- 0
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Detailed Reviews
We visited Kauwai Guesthouse with another couple as a quick weekend getaway from Suva, and had a wonderful time. The food, prepared by Etta and Annie, was such a highlight - fresh, tasty, plentiful and healthy. Loved our mealtime chats, slow afternoon yoga in the open shala (what a view!!), chilling in the hammocks with cold Bu, and kayaking among the mangroves. Vinaka vakalevu to the Kauwai team for hosting us - we'll definitely be back!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cloud Patterson, General Manager at Kauwai Retreat
Responded Oct 6, 2023
Vinaka vakalevu Tara. We enjoyed having you all and are so proud of your accomplishment of crossing Ovalau Island as our first guests to do so. Adventure Hooray!!! Thank you again, your experience will help future adventurers to find us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
An absolute gem of a place I could not recommend it more! The beds were comfy, the food was to die for and the view was 10/10. It is the perfect stay for people who want to spend a slow time in nature and for families who like to get active (the kayaking and snorkeling is excellent!). We were there for a work trip and the team could not have been more accommodating.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Book in the boat to go to some extra special snorkeling spots!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our third time to come back to kauwai! The peacefulness, the beautiful scenery, the privacy and nature experience never disappoint! Being away from any business, having time off in such a cozy and homely place where you are welcomed from the heart is a unique and personal experience. Even for children, there was a lot to do! Kayaking, going fishing, snorkelling and swimming along the sandbank was an unforgettable experience for the kids. I can only recommend this little hidden paradise where you can get lost in thoughts, daydreams and be one with the Pacific and its beautiful ocean and mountain sides!!
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cloud Patterson, General Manager at Kauwai Retreat
Responded Oct 6, 2023
Thank you so much Natalie. We are so happy you enjoyed yourself and family and are more than grateful to read your beautiful review...even if this response comes with a delay. We hope you are all in good spirits and are going on adventures to discover the world.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cloud and David are wonderful hosts and our group enjoyed full Fijian hospitality. They really looked after us during our stay. Ovalau is a beautiful island getaway and Kauwai is the ideal place to enjoy everything the island has to offer and to relax and unwind. Perfect for those who want to escape the stresses and distractions of modern living and enjoy a more simple but unique experience.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There’s so much we want to write about Kauwai Homestay! We spent two whole weeks in Ovalau FOR WORK but at Kauwai it felt so much like a retreat. Being shut out from the technological world just made it so authentic. Thank you Ani and Nau Eta for being the best hostesses ever. We will definitely be back for more🥰
By far the the best-est Homestay experience yet!
TnVee_walkabout
By far the the best-est Homestay experience yet!
TnVee_walkabout
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This homestay is the ideal place to retreat and restore. The ‘basics’ of the modern world that we have all come to expect and depend on, do not exist here. There is no TV, radio or internet. Getting a mobile phone reception is also difficult. But do not fear! Eta’s food, the scenery of the place, the fantastic hospitality, the beautiful sunrise and sunsets, and, the stars will make it worth your while.
This is the place where you unplug and reboot yourself. You get to enjoy group dinners, sit and talk like family and enjoy the sea.
Accommodation ranges from private rooms to dormitories so there is something to suit every kind of traveler. I had a private room with shared bathroom. The bathroom was always kept clean. There are also outdoor showers if you want to try. There is no hot water but you can heat some in an electric jug and take a shower using a plastic jug and a bucket of water (an experience in itself). You will be ok though (I was!)...it's way too warm for hot showers there.
For food, you can either choose to prepare food yourself in the communal kitchen or pay as part of the package and enjoy the wonderful cuisine provided.
Also, you need not worry about arranging transport to get to the Homestay since the bus you would have caught to get you to the ferry will drop you to Kauwai when you get off. Levuka town is about 15-20 minutes away so if you want to go to the UNESCO Heritage town then all you need to do is simply ask. They can either arrange a local taxi or - if you are the more adventurous kind – you can hop on a carrier which will cost you a mere $2. When you have gone and seen everything, you will be happy to return once again to Eta’s food and the serenity of Kauwai.
If you need to get away from hustle and bustle, then this is place warrants a visit.
This is the place where you unplug and reboot yourself. You get to enjoy group dinners, sit and talk like family and enjoy the sea.
Accommodation ranges from private rooms to dormitories so there is something to suit every kind of traveler. I had a private room with shared bathroom. The bathroom was always kept clean. There are also outdoor showers if you want to try. There is no hot water but you can heat some in an electric jug and take a shower using a plastic jug and a bucket of water (an experience in itself). You will be ok though (I was!)...it's way too warm for hot showers there.
For food, you can either choose to prepare food yourself in the communal kitchen or pay as part of the package and enjoy the wonderful cuisine provided.
Also, you need not worry about arranging transport to get to the Homestay since the bus you would have caught to get you to the ferry will drop you to Kauwai when you get off. Levuka town is about 15-20 minutes away so if you want to go to the UNESCO Heritage town then all you need to do is simply ask. They can either arrange a local taxi or - if you are the more adventurous kind – you can hop on a carrier which will cost you a mere $2. When you have gone and seen everything, you will be happy to return once again to Eta’s food and the serenity of Kauwai.
If you need to get away from hustle and bustle, then this is place warrants a visit.
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Date of stay: September 2017Trip type: Traveled with friends
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KauwaiFiji, Manager at Kauwai Retreat
Responded Sep 11, 2017
Thank you for your kind words, it was just as much a pleasure hosting you.. Until our paths cross again, Big love from the Kauwai Homestay team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I went to Kauwai last year in April when there were still some constructions and smaller things in the process of getting done and already I absolutely loved this place. It was just me and another guest there. Our arrival was heartily. The whole staff and people helping to get the place in shape were there in the evening for sigidrigi and talanoa (drinking kava, playing the guitar, singing, telling stories). Since there was no food left due to our late arrival, David and Claudia invited us to town for a nice dinner.
The next days consisted of diving, yoga, swimming and rockclimbing in the natural pools close by, watching the rugby worldcup final in the village, reading, relaxing and eating homemade healthy Fijian food.
Whoever wants to get away from the the noisy part of Fiji in Suva/Nadi and all the tourists, can find a peaceful and very happy place here. You can either spend the whole day alone and enjoy one of the beautiful spots and nice sea views reading or meditating or you get some people together, connect with the locals and get to see a very genuine side of Fiji and the people.
The stafff and the owner are super friendly, helpful and fun to be around. I can't wait going back to Fiji and spending a couple of days or weeks at Kauwai. It feels home. Just better. Open minded and open hearted.
Keep up the amazing work you do, David and Claudi.
PS: The rooms were bright, with mosquito nets, good beds, super clean and perfect view.
The next days consisted of diving, yoga, swimming and rockclimbing in the natural pools close by, watching the rugby worldcup final in the village, reading, relaxing and eating homemade healthy Fijian food.
Whoever wants to get away from the the noisy part of Fiji in Suva/Nadi and all the tourists, can find a peaceful and very happy place here. You can either spend the whole day alone and enjoy one of the beautiful spots and nice sea views reading or meditating or you get some people together, connect with the locals and get to see a very genuine side of Fiji and the people.
The stafff and the owner are super friendly, helpful and fun to be around. I can't wait going back to Fiji and spending a couple of days or weeks at Kauwai. It feels home. Just better. Open minded and open hearted.
Keep up the amazing work you do, David and Claudi.
PS: The rooms were bright, with mosquito nets, good beds, super clean and perfect view.
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Date of stay: April 2016Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Talk to David about your wishes and he will arrange the best for you. All rooms were perfect for...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KauwaiFiji, Manager at Kauwai Retreat
Responded Mar 1, 2017
Bula and Vinaka vakalevu Chris. Kauwai is your home now too and we are happy to have you back one day. Until then many more adventure are about to come...like our new series of 'Yoga Treat' Weekends. Stay save in Germany and much love to your family and friends.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were a group of 9 staying at Kauwai for a yoga retreat. The setting of the guesthouse was fabulous with a yoga shala overlooking the beautiful nature. We received outstanding and amazing hospitality from the host David and Cloud. We had different kind of activities everyday - visiting the town, going out to the sandbank plus snorkelling etc and David even managed to invite some of the village ppl for a small blessing ceremony for us!
Other than that, FOOD was amazing! better than any of the 6 stars hotel in Fiji (We stayed at Novotel Nadi and food was bad, sorry!). Every meal was a feast of local produce with local fruits, greens from the mountain and fish caught wildly from the sea. All of us came home with food baby!
Thank you David and the team for creating this space for us from the concrete jungle. I will definitely be back to my Fijian family again.
Lots of love,
Yen
Other than that, FOOD was amazing! better than any of the 6 stars hotel in Fiji (We stayed at Novotel Nadi and food was bad, sorry!). Every meal was a feast of local produce with local fruits, greens from the mountain and fish caught wildly from the sea. All of us came home with food baby!
Thank you David and the team for creating this space for us from the concrete jungle. I will definitely be back to my Fijian family again.
Lots of love,
Yen
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Date of stay: June 2018Trip type: Traveled with family
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KauwaiFiji, Manager at Kauwai Retreat
Responded Jun 21, 2018
Vinaka Yen and to aII the beautifuI souIs that came with you! It's been a wonderfuI experience for us too! Thank you for the taIks, Iaughter and sharing! Your fijian famiIy is waiting for your return in anticipation !!! Iove
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We came to Kauwai as a volunteer group of 13 people. The ambience and hospitality of the owners and staff are outstanding. From our first recon visit to our final day each and every need of our group was taken care of with a smile, even accommodating a Birthday at short notice. The food is delicious and nutritious. The setting is relaxing and allowed us to convey important information to our group, as well as experience first hand Fijian skills. Highly recommend this gem of a place to stay for a weekend destress or a small group conference. Vinaka vaka levu and sota tale.
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KauwaiFiji, Manager at Kauwai Retreat
Responded Feb 11, 2018
VINAKA. Thank you for your kind words. We enjoyed hosting this beautiful, colourful, young and curious group of volunteers. All the best to their journey in Fiji. Lolomas
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A beautiful homestay on Ovalau Island .. I travelled with my family including a young baby.. we were fortunate as we stayed in the main house with plenty of space full kitchen & 2 bathrooms for 3 beds.. the property also has basic Bure style but as we didn’t use them cannot comment.
We were late due to hold up with the ferry, on arrival a beautiful spread was ready for us on the deck looking across the water.. prepared by the wonderful ETA our cook for the next 3 days.. every meal was a feast local produce beautiful fruits & fresh fish which Eta caught herself from a kayak!! The only thing we prepared was cups of tea!!
The propert also does yoga retreats it is I imagine a perfect location for that.
There are kayaks easy access to the water which we did.
The historical Levuka ( unesco listed)is a must about 40 mins on a truck or bus from the gate .. we spent several hours there very interesting worth a visit go to the little museum & the Royal Hotel which is a museum in itself!,
We were late due to hold up with the ferry, on arrival a beautiful spread was ready for us on the deck looking across the water.. prepared by the wonderful ETA our cook for the next 3 days.. every meal was a feast local produce beautiful fruits & fresh fish which Eta caught herself from a kayak!! The only thing we prepared was cups of tea!!
The propert also does yoga retreats it is I imagine a perfect location for that.
There are kayaks easy access to the water which we did.
The historical Levuka ( unesco listed)is a must about 40 mins on a truck or bus from the gate .. we spent several hours there very interesting worth a visit go to the little museum & the Royal Hotel which is a museum in itself!,
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Date of stay: November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KauwaiFiji, Manager at Kauwai Retreat
Responded Feb 5, 2018
Dear Heather, thank you so much for your review. We hope to have you and your family back one day. Until then. Your Kauwai Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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LOCATION
FijiLomaiviti IslandsOvalau Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kauwai Retreat
What are some of the property amenities at Kauwai Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, free parking, and kids activities.
Which room amenities are available at Kauwai Retreat?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Kauwai Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Kauwai Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a saltwater pool and yoga classes during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Kauwai Retreat?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Kauwai Retreat?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.