I hate even writing this review so late, but my boys keep talking about how they have to return, so I felt I needed to put down for others how special this place can be.
First let me say my ten year old feel so in love with his bure buddy that all he can think about is returning to spend his days playing with her. She was sweet and kind and willing to chat as well as run on the beach, kayak, build sand castles, play in the pool, whatever he wanted. My older son enjoyed his buddy too, and it made the trip one they will always remember. No kids club needed, which is great as its not like you have to ship your kids away all day. They can flitter back and forth between our company and that of their bure buddy.
We stayed both in the beach villa and the gorgeous penthouse villa on the hill. For a family, the location of the beach villa is more convenient to the club house, but both were beautiful and in a classic way and yet with enough Fijian flare to remind you were you are.
The manager was very friendly, and staff as is well reported were beyond kind. If you want that very professional four seasons, Mandarian Oriental type professionalism you won't find it here, but I sincerely believe that would be out of place, and less enjoyable than the warmth and kindness you get from the staff.
The food was generally fine, fresh and well prepared, and though there is a set and limited menu they really would go out of there way to make what you want. We had one of the sous chefs come to our villa and make Pizza with the boys one day.
The location is amazing and the views and pool are beautiful. I would say the only slight shortcoming is the beach. Somewhat rocky, so of a soft white sand beach you can lazily walk out to, and spend most of your time on is your desire, it would be the only reason to maybe not spend all your time here.
Lastly we did something that needed up being our most magical and powerful moment. We asked what the people, the local people need before we left and strangely enough were told that shoes are hard to come by and expensive. So we packed two big suitcases full of shoes, and had our bure buddy take us to his local village. It happened to be during a day when other chiefs were visiting so we got to also enjoy a Cava ceremony a real on. But watching the kids faces explode with joy as we opened the suitcases with shoes, like it was Christmas morning was so moving. My younger son said, dad it's kinda sad, and I said why, and he said "because I don't think I could ever be that excited about shoes" and I knew then this trip was worth every mile and dollar.
Ok, so go. If you don't spend all your time at Nanuku spend some. It's simple divine. It doesn't get better just different, and please bring shoes, and go to a local village and spread your wealth.
