Jan 7, 2025 03:36:29 PM
Summary:
Bill and his family were great hosts. We had a few hiccups with a broken water line but it was fixed quickly. We had the Honor of attending the 1yr passing celebration of their chief. The food and hospitality was fantastic. The weather wasn't on our side most of the trip
neil J.
Dec 23, 2024 11:58:22 AM
Summary:
We loved staying at our Wayasewa homestayPaula’s cooking was outstandingShe really went over and above with local culinary delightsWe had the beach accommodation to ourselves and it was very spacious We especially loved the company of little Iva our homestay’s grandaughter One week was a little too long though
melissa s.
Oct 2, 2024 03:16:10 PM
Summary:
Fijian island living with daily fresh fish and vegetables from the family's plantation, home cooked bread, and seasonal fruit. House on the beach front and lots of activities available to book. We (myself abd three children ages 11,13,16) had a wonderful time, hiking up the volcanic landscape behind the house, snorkelling on the reef, and chilling in the hammock. Visiting the limestone caves was a highlight, albeit 2-3hr boat ride north. The sand spit between the islands was a fun place to play in the surf. Bill, Paula and their children Jim and Sara were lovely hosts.
Recommend bringing insect repellent, mosquito coils, head torch if don't want to turn lights on at night in the single room; sunscreen, sunhats, first aid kit, water purifying tablets and/or water filter; water shoes for walking on the rocks at low tide; snacks if you want to eat between the delicious meals. All the usual island essentials!
WiFi inconsistent and cellphone reception only at top of hill - perfect for a technology break!
,
Ruth R.
Sep 22, 2024 12:16:47 PM
Summary:
What a wonderful experience.
Starts with a beautiful open boat ride with your host Bill and Paula from the big island to your homestay. The water is crystal clear. Keep your eyes open for fish and other marine life. Your first view of your cabin is right when the boat comes in to drop you off. Be prepared that you might get a little wet as you wade in from the boat. The cabin is very rustic but spacious and clean. There is all the bedding you need and mosquito nets over most the beds. The shower and toilet is just out the back door in seperate stalls with a light . Bill and Paula very clearly explain meal times, protocol in the 2 villages that are very walkable, what excursion are available and include you in the various village activities. They were great in answering all our questions. Meals were very generous in serving size and much of the food served was harvested from their land or the sea. You eat what they eat ,a very authentic meal experience .You take your meals up the hill to their house out on a open deck. View is beautiful. We enjoyed both the swim with mantas and night fishing.Its shallow right in front of the cabin but you can still snorkle. It is fun to walk through the village sitting out on the mats with the local people. All are so friendly and enjoyable to hear their stories. We had the priviledge of being able to attend one of their celebrations. Hospitality was great. Souvenirs are available which support locals. Hard to leave new friends.
Nancy N.
Sep 7, 2024 07:19:07 AM
Summary:
This was literally the best vacation I have ever had! Being apart of Bill and Paula's family for a week was an exceptional experience! Bill had all transportation set for us. It’s an extra fee to have him do it but well worth it! Yes the accommodations are very basic but we were very comfortable. Foam mattresses, a private toilet, sink and shower (which is a gravity fed single pipe). The showers are cold water only but it feels good with Fiji always being warm. Whatever excursions you pick, DO NOT miss snorkeling with the sharks! I’m typically very timid about those things but it’s very safe and a once in a lifetime experience! The water is SO clear, it’s truly amazing! We also really enjoyed the sunset fishing. Paula fed us very well! She is a great cook and you will not be hungry! Expect local cuisine like fish, sausages, fruit, ramen, potatoes, eggs and bread. My boys play rugby here in the states and their most favorite part was joining the village kids each night at the school to play rugby in the evenings! Donations to their local team and school are always welcome and encouraged. Please note that the women and men of the village dress modestly so it would be respectful and you will feel more comfortable if you bring shorts that go to the knees and t-shirts with sleeves. Bill and Paula really go so far out of their way to make you feel at home and comfortable. We felt so blessed to meet them and their kids. Shout out to Jim, our fellow rugby fan! Go Fiji Go! Much love!
Amie R.
Aug 3, 2024 04:17:43 PM
Summary:
Thanks Polla and Sarah for their warm hospitality. The house is basic but that is a life experience with local village people which is what i like. It is not a holiday resort. Bill also welcomed me to their family lunch gathering on Sunday. The location is nice and relaxed but i like walked to the sandbar for swimming where is about 15 to 20mins walk.
Mavis
Jun 21, 2024 12:18:02 AM
Summary:
Bill and Paula, their family and community welcomed my family with generosity, kindness and hard work to make our trip memorable. We felt safe and were treated with respect. Our rooms were clean and comfortable. The food was absolutely amazing! Paula and her daughter Sarah made everything from scratch each day. We dined on traditional foods either farmed from their gardens or gathered from the sea. Bill and his son Jim took us on our amazing adventures, like snorkeling the open waters with sharks and manta rays, taking us to a private island to snorkel the surrounding reef with Sarah preparing us a delicious picnic of local fruits and fish. They made every effort to make the experiences memorable for us! We were extremely fortunate to be invited to a kava ceremony with the elders and we invited to help with a traditional lovo ceremony of roasting meats underground on the beach. Bill and Paula taught us about local weaving.
Recommendations:
Go with an open mind. You will be off grid with no air conditioning, but living in a traditional home.
Bring one more box of water than you think you’ll need. We ran out the last two days and had to ask Paula to boil water for us.
Bring kava to share with the village elders as a thank you to joining their village.
Buy a little chocolate for their granddaughter. It is a rarity and she loves it.
The village is always in need of donated sheets, towels, kitchen towels, underwear (both adult and children) and kitchen cutlery.
yvonne
May 19, 2024 03:05:07 PM
Summary:
The perfect 'real Fiji' experience off the grid. Not for everyone as there's no airconditioning, running hot water or pools but that's the charm and attraction here. Bill and Paula looked after us wonderfully. Our two small boys were played with and looked after by other local children, the villages were very friendly. Paula also arranged a surprise birthday cake for my oldest son! No other tourists spotted, no-one trying to sell you things or get you to drink kava and no shops. Perfect spot. AAA+
NixonPictures
May 7, 2024 02:12:14 PM
Summary:
Thank you to Bill, Paula, Sarah and Jim for looking after us so well! We had a great 4 night stay and the whole family was attentive and responsive to our needs. My mum found the steps up to the eating area to be a bit much, and they kindly carried the table down and every meal for the rest of the stay, so we we are able to eat next to the beach and avoid the climb. Jim took us across to snorkel in the boat, and across to the other village so that we were able to see some of the rest of the island. We were also welcomed to their church and community lunch.
The set-up for the lower hut is basic but mosquito nets supplied and the beds were comfortable, and it opens almost right onto the beach so we could hear the waves. I would recommend bringing some backup water to save the family having to boil large quantities daily. Food was plentiful and a delicious opportunity to try cassava, breadfruit and taro leaves, as well as more familiar fruits and foods, including daily fresh baking for breakfast. I would definitely recommend the family's homestay for an authentic village experience!
Melanie T.
Apr 9, 2024 08:47:10 AM
Summary:
Bill and Paula are kind and caring hosts who open a room in their home or a bunk house on their property, for guest to stay in. Wayesewa Island is remote meaning your stay is with the villagers that reside there. You can expect to greeted with many 'Bula's' as you walk the beach or through the villages.
You will have basic needs met such a food and shelter and be treated to a truly Fijian homestay experience. All the beds are covered with mosquito netting and the rooms have good ventilation for island breezes to flow through. Paula is a really good cook providing 3 meals a day. For clean water, bring a filter or your own water, and bring snacks if you have certain comfort foods you enjoy. Power is limited and there is no wifi so relaxing Fijian style is what this experience is all about. There are showers and flush toilets fed by water from a nearby spring and is prudent to have shower shoes for your protection.
Due to weather, we did not get to take part in many excursions but Bill is always ready to take guests to special spots nearby and on the island. Note, traveling to the island and on excursions will entail going in an open boat on open water. If you enjoy snorkeling there is are a few great spots off various beach areas and the locals can guide you to their whereabouts.
If you want to learn to weave you just have to head to the weaving hut or ask a local who can teach you.
Make no mistake, this is an amazing village homestay and not a resort experience.
IAN B.