Turtle Island is a private island resort in Fiji and is undoubtedly one of our top places in the world to travel to. We first heard about it almost 30 years ago while looking for a special place to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. Back then, marketing was done directly with a VHS tape which they would mail to your home. We began watching and right away I was intrigued. The place looked incredible but what caught my attention was when they said ‘We only have 14 bures (villas) because we only have 14 private beaches.’ The idea of a private beach in Fiji with Kathy had me locked in.
It is not inexpensive but is similar to a cruise in that it includes everything: lodging, meals, wine with meals, all kinds of activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, mountain biking and horseback riding along the beach. Each day at breakfast you sit at a common table with 13 other couples from around the world. One of the nicest things about Turtle Island is the people you meet. We’ve made several friends there that we’ve kept up with over the years.
A Private Beach for Every Couple
For lunch they take you – by boat or golf cart – to your own private beach. Each one is surrounded by mangroves and greenery so it’s fully secluded. You place your lunch order in the morning, they pack it for you and set up chairs and tables for you. You then agree what time they should come back for you – and you enjoy 4 or 5 hours on your private beach. Alone, completely undisturbed and for as long as you want.
Dinner can be at the common table or they offer ‘dine out spots’. Which are various locations that they set up a unique dining experience; like a floating candlelit table in the middle of the lagoon, where they serve just the two of you dinner as you float.
We’ve been to Turtle Island 10 or so times and we always stay for a minimum of two weeks. I remember thinking on the first trip ‘What are we going to do for two weeks? Will I go crazy after one week?’ We know most couples typically stay for a week, but when we saw them leave that first time, Kathy and I looked at each other both glad that we had more time.
The Finest Island Hospitality
The Fijian people are some of the kindest, most hospitable people we’ve met. During your stay at Turtle Island you are assigned a bure (villa) mama who takes care of you your entire stay and handles anything you need.
The island grows almost everything it serves – they have a farm and garden on site and import very little. This is one of the many traits that makes it unique, thoughtful and simple.
This is a place we would like to take our children someday, though it’s not for grandkids – it’s only meant for couples. We’ve gone with friends before, and it worked well as you still have your private beach during the day and meet up during mealtimes to enjoy each other’s company. It really is a special place.
ACTION STEP
If you’re drawn to the idea of meaningful travel, where connection rest and beauty come together, begin to explore what that special place would look like for you and your spouse. Start dreaming, think about the kind of experience you would want to share and explore what makes a place truly memorable for you both. Begin to plan early and consider it an investment worth saving for. Sometimes it’s not about seeing more places but spending more time in the few that stay with you forever.
