Mbukama Holidays from AU$1,875

This was a great place to use as a base for exploring the southern region of Vanua Levu. My bure (hut) had a complete kitchen and a good-sized living area. The resort is on the beach, although swimming there only works at high tide (there is a separate swimming lagoon available). There is snorkeling once you get to a dropoff a ways off the beach. While the hotel doesn't have a stand-alone restaurant, they will bring local-style meals direct to your bure if ordered in advance. Gene, the genial host, has plans to expand the place, but at this point there is a very intimate feeling to the small resort.

I honestly cannot rate my stay at Papageno Resort in Kadavu highly enough. As a backpacker on a budget, staying here was a very special treat for me, and it exceeded every expectation. Every single member of the staff, without exception, was incredibly friendly, caring, and genuinely focused on making sure I had the best possible experience. Their warmth and kindness made such a difference, and I truly felt welcomed throughout my stay. I’m also a keen amateur birder and had read great things about the resort beforehand — it certainly did not disappoint. The location is absolutely perfect: peaceful, beautiful, and surrounded by stunning nature. The food was amazing every day — beautifully cooked, thoughtfully presented, and always delicious. My bure was gorgeous, spotlessly clean, comfortable, and felt very special to stay in. I’m extremely grateful to everyone there for giving me such an unforgettable experience. It’s something I will remember forever. I will be recommending Papageno to everyone I know, and I truly hope that one day I’ll be lucky enough to return. Vinaka vaka levu.

Dawn and the whole staff were fantastic. The whole island was set up for us to use at all times.

This is a really difficult review to write as you have to be there to understand what it’s like. The island is idyllic 500 metres to fully walk around it with clear blue sea and fantastic snorkelling on coral reefs from the beach. Sadly time and passage has killed off lots of coral close to the beach but swim out a short distance and there is endless opportunity. The boat trip and fish feeding were excellent but be warned you will be surrounded by zebra fish which can be overwhelming. The kayaking was good but going onto any neighbouring islands result in a landing fee of $15 per person so we turned around and came back. The staff are very kind and very helpful and there’s always someone to ask a question. The room was basic but really nice with exceptional views and the best sunsets. As vegetarians we struggled a little on a 4 day stay. The evening menu remains unchanged and we had the same starter and main course every night that was a little too repetitive. Breakfast was way too basic for us. 1 juice each morning limited choice and hot water for tea and coffee. Lunch was ok too. There seemed to be very little organisation with good service. Waiting a lot for menus etc. flies were a problem too and food had to be covered with cling film daily. For a 4 star resort I think our expectations were a little higher. There was lots of building work operating all day and late into the night that we were not aware was happening on booking. Loved our stay overall just honest about it

Clean rooms the house was absolutely perfect for our wedding group. We had some of the most amazing views and it was in a perfect location near the airport. An issues we had were dealt with immediately.