FAQ – Savasi Island Resort

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19

Please see all information pertaining to reopening and travel requirements here: https://www.fiji.travel/covid-19/travelling-to-fiji and https://www.fiji.travel/faq

Is Savasi Island Resort a CareFiji accredited property?
Yes, we have officially received our accreditation under the highest standard of CareFiji Certified property. You will need our certificate to satisfy your Fit to Fly form with Fiji Airways, so please find this on our website FAQ page. The form will also require proof of CFC transport. If Savasi is your first and last destination, then all our private car transfers are covered under our CFC certification.

Are your staff vaccinated?
All the of the staff at Savasi Island are vaccinated.

What health and safety protocols are in place at Savasi Island resort?
The health and wellbeing of our team and visitors is of the utmost importance. The following practices have been implemented to ensure effective management of COVID-19 across all areas of our business:

Private meet-and-greet and private ground transfers to and from the resort
Social distancing at all meal times and in common areas, outdoor dining wherever possible
Enhanced cleaning protocols and sanitation of high traffic and communal areas
Hand sanitising stations provided at the front desk, dining room and bar
Double sterilisation of snorkelling gear – however we do encourage use of personal equipment use where possible
The option of reduced housekeeping service
The option of contactless, in-villa meal service
Discontinuation of any buffet-style and group dining experiences

Will tours or activities be affected?
We will continue to offer on-site activities as per “normal” under the enhanced cleaning protocols and procedures as recommended by the ‘Care Fiji’ guidelines. Our activities have always operated on a small-scale and private basis at Savasi, and we will continue to encourage these personalised experiences.

Keep in mind that while most of Fiji is vaccinated, there are some areas, typically small villages, that have low rates of vaccination (<60%) and should be avoided. Please keep this in mind as some of our experiences such as village visits and the Vudomo Waterfall tour may be unavailable.

Note that some of our tours and activities are provided by third party suppliers and if you wish to use their services we recommend that you contact them directly for further information regarding their CareFiji accreditation.

Should I bring my own snorkelling gear?
While in these times we are double sterilising shared snorkelling gear, we do recommend bringing your own snorkel and mask wherever possible.

Note this information is correct at the time of writing however we encourage you to refer to Tourism Fiji, Fiji Airways travel alerts and your local authorities for the latest advice.

Cancellations affected by COVID-19/travel restrictions:
All bookings come with free cancellation up to 45 days prior to check in. For cancellations received less than 45 days prior to check in, where your visit is directly impacted by border closures or travel restrictions, no cancellation or amendment fees will apply.

The resort will instead offer date change/postponement of the stay up to 12 months later than original travel dates. Alternatively, you may transfer your booking to a friend or relative to visit at a later time. Note that date changes are subject to availability, and price changes may apply.

Cancellations not affected by COVID-19 Travel Restrictions:
Our standard cancellation policy will apply for any bookings not impacted by border closure. i.e. if you choose to not travel for your own reasons or have a change of mind. In this case, the following penalties will be applicable:

‣ Cancellation 30-45 days prior to check in: FJ$1,000 cancellation penalty
‣ Cancellation 14-29 days prior to check in: 50% cancellation penalty
‣ Cancellation less than 14 days prior to check in: 100% cancellation penalty

We strongly recommend you purchase suitable travel insurance for all unforeseen circumstances that may result in cancellation or any other claim.

Booking

Booking terms (applicable for travel now through March 2023)
‣ No deposit is currently payable to confirm a reservation
‣ Upon reopening of borders, the standard Payment and Cancellation Policies below will apply to all bookings

Payment Policy
‣ Full payment is due at 45 days prior to check-in
‣ Bookings received at 45 days or less must be paid in full immediately
‣ Bookings not paid in accordance with this schedule may be subject to cancellation without notice
‣ Upon payment the guest will be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions

Cancellation Policy:

‣ Cancellation more than 45 days prior to check in: forfeiture of the deposit
‣ Cancellation 30-45 days prior to check in: 50% of booking total
‣ Cancellation less than 30 days prior to check in: 100% of booking total

For cancellations due to government-imposed border closures or travel bans, the resort will permit postponement/date change up to 12 months later than original travel dates. Date changes are subject to availability, and price changes may apply.

There will be strictly no refunds for no-shows and for days unused due to late arrival or early departure. All cancellations must be received in writing and confirmed by the resort in order to be valid. Calculation of all times and dates will be based on local time in Fiji.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by wire/bank transfer, or credit card (Visa or Mastercard). All payments by credit card attract a fee of 3.5%.

Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance is purchased to cover for any unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt your stay such as inclement weather, natural disaster, airline or transportation cancellation or delays, loss of personal items or baggage, injury, illness or death.

Flights and Getting Here

Where is Savasi Island?
Savasi Island is located off Fiji’s large northern Island of Vanua Levu, near the township of Savusavu, a 1-hour domestic flight from Nadi International Airport. We are approximately 10 minutes drive from Savusavu airport, and connected to the mainland by a private bridge.

How do I get to Savusavu?
You will need flights through Fiji Airways or Island Hoppers.

Can I take a boat or ferry to Savusavu?
There are ferry services available between Suva and Savusavu but we do not recommend this form of transport. Note that the journey is approximately 12 hours overnight, and that communicating or booking with these companies in advance can be difficult. We would prefer you fly, and spend that extra time at the resort.

Is there another way to reach Savusavu?
You can also fly to Labasa airport. Labasa is a scenic 1.5 hour drive from Savasi Island, and we are happy to collect you from this location. Note this transfer attracts a cost of FJ$120.00 for up to 4 people, one way. Please enquire for larger groups.

My flight to Nadi arrives late in the afternoon. Can I still get to Savasi Island that day?
As a general guide, the last flights to Savusavu depart around 2pm with Fiji Airways or occasionally as late as 3pm with Island Hoppers. Keep in mind you will need to be check in at the domestic terminal at least 1 hour prior to departure time.

Does this mean I’ll need to overnight in Nadi?
If you can’t find a domestic connection to either Savusavu or Labasa on your arrival day – yes, you will need to stay overnight in Nadi. Fiji Gateway and Tokatoka Resort are two convenient options close to Nadi airport. The next morning you can take the first flight to Savusavu, generally available around 7am. Again – please check with flight providers and these are subject to change.

Stopovers

What do you suggest for a long stopover?
You might consider booking a dayroom at a Nadi hotel to refresh and relax. Otherwise, here are some suggestions to kick start your holiday in Fiji;

‣ Port Denarau marina: tourist hub of local shops, restaurants and bars on the waterfront

‣ Bulaccino Cafe (Namaka or Denarau locations): great food and coffee stopover

‣ Nadi town: visit local produce markets, do some souvenir shopping or stop by the local Sri Siva Subramaniya temple

Is there somewhere I can store my luggage?
There is baggage storage available in Nadi International airport. Please ask airport staff for more information.

Climate

What is the weather like?
Fiji has a year-round tropical climate, but there are two general seasons;

‣ December to April – These are the warmer months of the year with temperatures reaching about 32 degrees/89 Fahrenheit during the day. Humidity is greater. Bright sunny mornings and showers in the afternoon are common. The landscape is green and vibrant and you can see the surrounding hinterland and waterfalls in all their glory.

‣ May to November – These months are more mild in temperature with temperatures reaching a comfortable 26 degrees/78 Fahrenheit during the day. Rain is less common. Temperatures can dip to about 17 degrees/64 Fahrenheit in the evenings, so we suggest bringing a light sweater, cardigan or pullover.

What is the best time to travel?
May to November is considered the ideal time for most tourists. However this will also depend on personal preference, since some people are more accustomed to or prefer the warmer temperatures and humidity of summer. Other peoples may determine their travel dates by seasonal activities and experiences.

Practicalities

Where is the nearest town to Savasi Island?
Savusavu town is only 15 mins drive from Savasi Island. We can arrange a taxi any time you want to explore the local area. Here you will find a local market (best to visit on a Saturday), a few banks, souvenir shops, cafes and eateries, and the beautiful Savusavu Bay, one of the most popular spots in Fiji for yachts to moor.

Do I need local Fiji Dollar cash/currency?
All the pricing at the resort is in Fiji Dollars. We accept cash or any major credit card for payment. Please note a 3.5% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

Most expenses at Savasi (including beverages, activities, transport and spa treatments) will be billed to your room, and are settled upon check out, at the end of your stay.

There are ATM’s located in town (15 mins from the resort) if you do wish to withdraw cash during your stay. This may come in handy for smaller souvenir purchases, donation to a village, or transport unaffiliated with Savasi Island Resort.

What about tipping?
Tipping is not expected in Fiji, but you may provide gratuities based on your experience at the resort at the end of your stay. All tips go toward a communal staff fund, and are distributed amongst staff members at the end of the year. We ask that you do not tip staff individually as we want to ensure that all team members are rewarded for making Savasi what it is, not just those who are front-of-house or most visible to our guests.

All currencies are accepted for tipping purposes.

What sort of adapter is used in Fiji?
The plugs in Fiji are 3-prong, as used in Australia and New Zealand. In case of power failure, torches and candles are well stocked. We have a few spare international adapters, but suggest bringing your own if you live outside of Australia/New Zealand.

Packing

Do I need to bring snorkelling gear / reef shoes?
We supply masks, snorkels and fins, both for adults and children. We suggest bringing your own reef shoes/water shoes.

Do you provide shampoo/soap/towels?
We provide beach towels, bath towels, bath robes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, a hairdryer/blowdryer, and insect spray in all rooms.

What should I pack?
Casual, loose-fitting, and natural fibre clothing is best. Flip flops, sandals or other wet shoes are best for everyday wear, and sneakers will be needed if you plan to be more active. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, waterproof sunscreen (preferably reef safe), and suitable power adapter, if you are not from Australia/New Zealand. Bring a sweater, cardigan or pullover if you are visiting in the coolest months (June-August) as temperatures can drop in the evening.

If you plan to visit a local village or church, please bring some longer clothing to cover your legs and/or shoulders, as modesty is important to Fijian villagers. You may choose to bring some small tokens for local children at your discretion; colouring pencils, stickers, stationary and school supplies like text books, rulers, calculators or pencil cases, are all good examples. Other valued items are hats, sunglasses and prescription/reading glasses.

Is there a dress code?
Savasi embodies a relaxed atmosphere of ‘barefoot luxury’. We do not enforce any specific dress requirements. With that said, we suggest light comfortable clothing and avoiding wearing swimwear when dining in the restaurant and bar. Shoes are optional.

Accommodation

How many villas are there?
We have 11 villas, accommodating a maximum of 32 guests at any time. With the addition of our nautical accommodation, Serenity, the total resort capacity is 42 guests.

How far away are the villas from one another?
Please see our map to orientate yourself with the resort. All of the accommodations are within 2 or 3 minutes walk from the central facility (restaurant and bar)

How private are the villas?
While the accommodations are situated in the same general vicinity on the island, the tropical landscaping and foliage is plentiful to keep you from hearing or seeing your neighbours. Guest privacy is a key feature of our resort.

Do the rooms have air-conditioning?
The following villas have air conditioning – Blue Lagoon Bure One, Blue Lagoon Bure Three, Blue Lagoon Bure Two (one bedroom), Waterfall Villa (both bedrooms), Sea Breeze Villa (both bedrooms), Clifftop Villas One, Two & Three, and all rooms on board Serenity.

Do the villas have televisions?
No.

What is the difference between Blue Lagoon Bure One & Bure Three?

‣ Bure One has a more direct ocean view. Bure Three is also very close to the ocean, but has more vegetation surrounding the deck/outdoor area, resulting in a slightly more private and jungle-like setting

‣ Bure Three has a walk in robe/dressing room, Bure One does not

Serenity

Does it sail?
No, the boat is permanently moored just ashore from our marina.

Can we use the main restaurant/bar?
Yes. Serenity guests have full access to the rest of the island and resort.

Sun beds, hot tub, bar area – are these for public use?
The areas outside the privacy of your stateroom, such as sun beds, jacuzzi and bar area are public to other guests of Serenity.

Unless Serenity is booked on a private charter basis, guests of the villa accommodations may use the common areas/facilities on-board, by request. This includes the Main Deck and Lower Deck, and excludes Bridge Deck and Sun Deck (uppermost levels).

Food & Beverage

Can you cater to vegan/vegetarian/raw/gluten free diets?
We endeavour to accommodate all personal dietary requirements. Please let us know about any restrictions or allergies the time of booking.

What sort of food can I expect?
Click to see samples of our menu. We offer a fusion of international and Fijian cuisines. Keep in mind that our menu is flexible and rotates daily – we are happy to customise the dishes to your tastes and preferences if you don’t see something that suits you.

How many restaurants are there?
We have one central restaurant, with the menu rotating daily, offering unique meal choices at each lunch and dinner sitting. Dining locations also vary – with meals being served on the main overwater deck, to a private beach, or at your private villa by the pool. There is no charge for special dining or in-villa/room service.

Are rates available without meals?
No. We do not offer rates without meals.

Can we bring our own wine to the restaurant?
Yes, but please note a FJ$25.00 corkage fee will apply per bottle.

Pools

Do all villas have a pool?
All accommodations have a private pool.

Are the pools heated?
No.

Beaches/Swimming

Do you have a beach?
We have a number of secluded beaches around the island. Rather than long white peninsulas, you can expect private sandy coves, tucked between the stunning volcanic terrain.

Can I swim/snorkel?
At high tide the beaches are swimmable. At low tide you will find inviting rock pools and lagoons large enough to swim and snorkel in. In both cases, we recommend wearing reef shoes. If you are not a confident swimmer, we also have a large protected inlet/marina, ideal for water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.

Our activities staff can take you on a guided excursion in the water any time you like.

Children

Do you accept children?
We do accept children, but do ask parents to keep in mind the suitability of our resort where children must be supervised especially around pools, stairs and water. We believe Savasi Island is best suited to children aged over 10 years.

For the privacy and comfort of couples, we utilise a range of secluded dining locations, to ensure all guest have a ‘private island’ experience, regardless of the number of guests at the resort.

Which villas are best for children?
This is dependent on the family and the children’s ages. Please check the details and photos of each villa to make the right choice for you or contact our reservations team for a reccomendation.

How about nannying?
We are happy to arrange a nanny, or buddy for older children. The cost is FJ$20 per hour.

Do you have a kids club?
While we don’t have a formal kids club, Savasi is a huge tropical playground. We have dedicated nannies available, as well as our regular activity staff, who will spend time with the kids on guided snorkelling trips, hand-line fishing on the reef, exploring rock pools, kayaking, spotting the resident bats, hunting hermit crabs, foraging for papayas and coconuts, making a tropical flower crown or lei, or learning traditional weaving methods to craft a skirt from dried grass, or a basket from palm leaves.

Activities

Should I bring my own snorkelling gear?
While in these times we are double sterilising shared snorkelling gear, we do recommend bringing your own snorkel and mask where possible.

Do I need to pre-book activities?
Many, if not all, of our activities can be booked once you are at the resort. This is inclusive of; snorkelling, fishing, waterfall hikes, cooking classes, coconut demonstrations, village visits, pearl farm tours, moonlight snorkelling and Salt Lake kayaking. If there is something that is especially important to you, please let us know in advance. Please check our experiences page for more information and pricing.

Can I pre-book diving?
Please note that diving cannot be pre booked. Please direct any further queries to korosundive@connect.com.fj

Do you have life jackets?
Yes – we have a stock of life jackets for both adults and children.

Can I surf at Savasi?
Savusavu is not considered a surfing area, so we would recommend you explore a different region of Fiji, if this is your primary interest. We have an excellent location for snorkelling, diving and hiking.

Do you have quad bikes/zip lining/parasailing/jet skis?
No – all of our currently available activities can be found on the Experiences page. We offer a range of marine, cultural and hinterland tours and excursions.

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Did we miss something? Email info@savasiisland.com to let us know.