The Remote Resort

I would have rated this hotel 4-5 stars had they not advertised themselves as luxury. If our experiences at the hotel were not wonderful, I would have rated this hotel as a 1-2 since they advertised they are a luxury, boutique resort. Our first impression of the hotel was being picked up at the airport in a regular sedan (4 people in our party, so we were squished together) with a broken windshield. Now I realize we are on Taveuni, and replacing a windshield might take a bit of time, but I have the impression it is rather just not a concern. When we arrive at the wharf to board the boat, there is no easy way to get down to the boat. We had to precariously drop about 4 feet into a boat that happened to be secured to the dock and then transfer into our boat. This boat is a quite utilitarian boat and looks nothing like the boat on the website. On the way to the resort, the motor nearly failed multiple times due to a leaking fuel line. One of the hotel employees had to hold the line together during the trip. As we drove past the dock of the hotel, I hoped that we were passing a neighboring hotel as I looked at the pier that was in disrepair and did not look like it would last another season, but that was not to be the case. When we arrived at our villa, we noticed the decorative deck covering in front of the pool was detaching from the deck, the cables on the railing were no longer tight, there were weeds (not small, new weeds) growing in our shower area. As we left the villa for dinner, the door handle fell off. After dinner, we got to experience the lack of hot water. We had some lukewarm water which did not stay that warm long enough for 4 people to have brief showers. The wooden pathways around the resort were in need of maintenance. While we were encouraged to take the trail to the lookout, a good portion of the trail had not had the grass cut in a long time and the seating at the top was covered in algae/mildew. The second day of our stay, the pool started to look cloudy and green. The pump was not working. There were two boats used for transfers and tours. Both could use some maintenance. The one which did not pick us up the first day is going to lose its windows soon if it continues to lose nuts and bolts. The other issue with the use of boats in a luxury stay is that boats should only be used to transport guests when guests are on board. They should not also be transporting supplies for the hotel and appliances that need repairs. These are all management issues. The staff is lovely and truly wants to make your stay amazing. They are friendly and hospitable; however, many of them are from villages which do not even have electricity. They have no concept of the Western expectation of luxury. This is not their fault in any way. The manager should be setting expectations and supervising. I have no doubt this was once a beautiful luxury resort, but those days are long gone. If you are not looking for luxury and do not care to have a few d

The Remote Resort Review The magic began as out boat transfer neared the dock of the Remote Resort. There to greet us were six to eight Fijian staff happily singing a welcome song accompanied by stringed instruments. It was a vacation in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. We soon fell in love with the caring, hardworking and gracious workers who were determined to give us an unforgettable vacation week. They were definitely successful! We were introduced to a ‘Wonder of the World’ as we snorkeled at the ‘Garden of Eden’ area of the Rainbow Reef, a boat ride away. There a kaleidoscope of thousands of diverse and colorful schools of tropical fish entertained us as they swam amongst each other. Snorkeling off the Remote Resort dock was also rewarding with sightings of numerous exotic fish. Our comfortable accommodation was called the Remote Retreat and was surrounded by lush vegetation and coconut trees. It was a peaceful, secluded haven with scenic views of the ocean, a refreshing plunge pool and a private outdoor shower. A highlight was the exquisite cuisine we enjoyed each day. We consider their delectable meals the tastiest we have had between six different Fijian 5-star resorts we have vacationed at. We highly recommend the Remote Resort for adventure seekers who like comfort in a beautiful setting away from crowds.

You're wondering, can all these positive reviews be for real? My answer: YES! The villas are beautiful and comfortable, the snorkeling is out of this world, and the food is delicious. But at the end of the day it will be the little touches that we remember: The staff member who met us at the jetty bearing hot chocolate...the snorkel guide who grabbed a hunk of sea sponge to clean my mask because he noticed it was a smidgen foggy...the gentle teasing from restaurant staff as we identified our favorite dishes and fell into a comfy routine. We are so grateful to Faye, Paulo, PK, Vilisi, Ili, PK, Zoe, and Wilson for those special moments (along with ALL the staff whose names we couldn't squeeze into this brief review).

The Remote Resort is a small but WONDERFUL resort. It seems to attract couples as a romantic place, but for my wife and I, it was our luxury base to go scuba diving on the incredible and famous “Rainbow Reef”. Having 30 years of diving experience around the Caribbean and the tropical Pacific, we can attest to the reef’s beauty and condition. We rank it near the best! Remote Resort runs small dive boats so you’re never on the crowded cattle dive boats that other resorts have. Our Divemaster, Wilson, was phenomenal in knowing the reef’s dive locations, current, and finding the reef critters that we would never be able to spot!!! He was simply the best Divemaster we have ever had always paying careful attention to the divers above and under water. Regarding the resort, our room was beautiful and comfortable. Each days meal options were excellent! The food was gourmet! The service was OUTSTANDING. Each evening when we reported to the main building for dinner, we were taken to our own private waterfront table where they would bring us each course as we dined next to our own fire. And each evening, our dinner table was in a different spot, with our last dinner on the end of their wharf. For non-scuba divers, snorkeling on their “house reef” is amazing. Only in Papua New Guinea have we ever experienced such a pristine and beautiful house reef. This is a major plus for non-divers as you can get a real glimpse of what the Rainbow Reef offers. Many guest took advantage of their snorkeling tours out to the Rainbow Reef itself. Absolutely breathtaking! Bring your underwater camera! Travel to the resort was simple enough. They provided clear instructions and got us from and back to the and to the Taveuni airport without issue. You will not be disappointed with this “boutique” resort. My wife and I highly recommend it and all of our future resort trips will be judged against The Remote Resort.

Another return trip to The Remote Resort is in the books. Everything about the trip and stay was fantastic - food, cleanliness, relaxation, weather, and most importantly and definitively the hospitality and warmth of the staff - simply superb. Also, the new Fiji Airways flight direct from Dallas to Nadi is a game changer.

Excellent time at the remote resort. Weather was rainy in Fiji this time of year but we had a lovely private house with a plunge pool that overlooked the ocean, cold a/c in the room, quality Fiji bath products, delicious food the entire time, and a staff that made the trip even better than the location (even despite the rain - it is the rainy season in Fiji after all!). Phenomenal scuba diving on the Rainbow Reef (20min away from resort) and a beautiful hotel reef for snorkeling. But what made the trip was the staff - no ask is too much for them and they are very kind. Many special thanks to Maria and Sunny in hospitality and the dive staff of Zoe, Helen, PK, and Kim who were all experts at what they do. Hoping the bigger 2 hull boat gets outfitted for diving when we return. You come for the view/location and we’ll definitely return because of the staff. Vinaka Remote Resort!