Naqalia Lodge

We wanted somewhere for Xmas and fancy resorts aren't really our style. Naqalia Lodge is simple with four bures and a bunkhouse. One extended family services the visitors. The food is excellent (included in the price) but you get what is cooked for that meal. If you have dietary requirement's you might need to talk before booking. You are welcomed and soon become part of the family. There is fine snorkelling off the beach and a range of activities can be arranged. Overall an excellent small scale stay with friendly Fijian hospitality. Be aware the cost of the ferry can be a shock. It is very expensive.

This is a super special and beautiful place to stay as long as you are not expecting a 4* resort. This is a Fijian family run place where they treat you like family. It is basic and in need of some updating but is clean, we felt that adds to its uniqueness as the staff were quite simply some of the most kind, loving, content and happy people we have encountered travelling. All home cooked food - plentiful and fresh. Reef out front the best we have seen in Fiji and Asia. Diving available through the dive master in the village and this was amazing he took us to some very good reef dives where other tourist trips don’t go, he’s lived here all his life. Spear fished fish during the dive and then pulled up ona beach lit a fire, cut some coconuts and fruit from nearby trees and had lunch before further dives. He took our daughters out and one was a bit nervous and he held her hand all through the dive and gave her a personalised guide of the reef. Island is beautiful. Go to the church service. Hike the summit. They sing each night to you and then had family dance time where I have never seen so many smiles! We felt sad to leave but grateful for a warm shower. A very special holiday with two teenage girls who were absolutely captivated by the place came off their screens and relaxed with the Fijians and nature.

I booked Naqalia Lodge for a relaxing getaway, but I regret choosing this place. The lodge was nothing like what they advertised on their website or booking. The rooms were dirty, small and poorly maintained. The beds were uncomfortable and the sheets had stains. The bathroom had no hot water and the shower was broken. The food was bland, limited in variety and leftovers were served at every meal. The staff was rude, unprofessional and unhelpful. They ignored my requests and complaints, and tried to charge me extra for everything. They also lied to me about the activities they offered. They said they had kayaking, village tours and shark feeding, but when I wanted to book them, they said they were not available or too expensive. The worst part was that the lodge was located in a remote area with no other options nearby. I felt trapped and bored for the whole stay. I couldn’t enjoy the beach or the snorkeling because the water was murky and full of rubbish. I couldn’t even get a decent internet connection or phone signal. I wasted my time and money at this place. It was a nightmare. I do not recommend Naqalia Lodge to anyone who wants a pleasant holiday in Fiji.