For Thursday, July 11, my group departed to the next place on our Fijian itinerary for one night’s stay and a good amount of time in the early afternoon to explore the property. This time, we headed off to Royal Davui Island Resort, arriving to this waterside location by speedboat.

On an island called Ugaga, off the southwestern coast of Viti Levu, Royal Davui Island Resort is a private Fijian paradise whose owners maintains a healthy philosophy in providing “responsible luxury” to guests. Established as a partnership between Grahame Southwick, his wife, Margaret, and their friend, Keith Watkins, the land in which Royal Davui now stands on had been a place where the three friends often went for picnicking.

Sharing an interest in opening a resort, these friends decided to go in on developing the five and a half-acre property, which opened in 2005 after a two-long construction period.

Presently, Royal Davui’s layout consists of 15 villas (a mix of Vales and Suites) slightly varying in features but all have ocean side views of Southern Beach and Western Beach (which is said to be best for snorkeling) and even the Davui Marine Sanctuary. One villa presently serves as the temporary location for Spa Davui. A permanent home for this spa, which uses Pure Fiji products, is set for completion by the end of this year.

In keeping its eco-setting in mind, each vale and suite was constructed from timber directly coming from sustainable plantation stock . All depict South Pacific living as well. For both air ventilation and energy conservation, they contain a Vengola, a retracting set of ceiling blinds that guests can use in place of turning on AC units, or also open their patio doors. Bedding gets changed every third day to lessen the amount of detergents – biodegradable cleaners are used – that get into the waterways. Water purifiers are also found inside each villa.

In my island plunge pool vale, number 6, I had two patio choices, leading from either by bedroom or front room, for sitting out and taking in the South Pacific scenery. A stone plunge pool was adjacent to both decks. The bathroom included a Jacuzzi, dual vanity sinks, stand-up shower and closet. A flashlight is kept in the closet so guests can walk back to their suites at night along well-kept pathways.

Near reception, there is an entertainment room, a fitness room, and Banyan Restaurant & Bar. Wi-Fi is only accessible in the restaurant, which has a daily changing menu, and the reception room. However a strong mix of complimentary and charged activity options would encourage guests to step away from laptops and smartphones.

Guests can do just about any water or outdoor interest from stand up paddle boarding and snorkeling to nearby hiking and scuba diving. Dive sites are about within 15-45 minutes of the resort. The property also contains a swimming pool, and a Marine Centre, where activity bookings take place, and guides accompany guests on excursions such as Hobie Cat Sailing and an island snorkeling tour.

As an adult’s only resort, the resort’s lush and remote setting is fitting as the setting for special occasions for couples ranging from honeymoons to anniversaries. Even weddings can be held there; guests can opt to have Fijian ceremonies performed. To make a couple’s stay extra special, guests can opt to purchase time in a private dining hut nicknamed the “Love Shack” to enjoy a meal for two.

As Fijians are noted for their warm, welcoming nature, it’s present here. And in song. All visitors receive a warm melodic greeting. With each guest’s arrival and departure, the resort staff gathers in unison to welcome or bid guests adieu, as a chorus presenting traditional Fijian songs such as a farewell song called Isa Lei.

Transportation options to Royal Davui Island Resort include by seaplane, helicopter or speedboat.